2023 has been a fantastic year for rock and metal albums, mainly because we have got to listen to bands playing the various sounds the genres can bring. Want a bit of groove with your thrash? You can find that.
There are still plenty of bands that bring a punk ethos to their work, too. One of those bands follows. But punk and metal fused? Yeah, one of those is below as well.
Heck, just Google best metal albums of 2023 and you will find so many you don't have time to listen to them all. Maybe ask for some for Christmas or Hanukkah? They will be the gifts that keep giving back.
Four fantastic rock and metal albums from 2023
Code Orange - The Above
Evolving from punk into more hardcore metal over the last few records, Code Orange seem at their best when they just let go and let the volume pulse. But while their new record is a mix of sounds, per usual from the band, the best track might be something a bit more off-kilter for them. "Mirror" sounds like someone mashed Depeche Mode and Alanis Morissette together and it is wondrous.
King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard - PetroDragonic Apocalypse; or, Dawn of Eternal Night: An Annihilation of Planet Earth and the Beginning of Merciless Damnation
King Gizzard, of course, has one of the odder and more distinct names in the history of music, but do not let that detract you from appreciating what a great band they are. This record is their second foray into true metal and it is spectacular. Massive riffs and brilliantly written songs make the band sound like naturals for metal, though the band does a bit of anything it wants on other albums.
Sleep Token - Take Me Back to Eden
Not exactly Ghost, but masked and borrowing from different subgenres all the same, Sleep Token are nothing if not unique. There is more than metal on this album and sometimes sounds bordering on pop. But there is enough volume to feed your rage and push it over into calm.
Gel - Only Constant
Only Constant might be a perfect name for this album. This is non-stop energy from the New Jersey band, even during times they go midtempo. You want something fun to listen to? This the record for you with "Attainable" possibly being the best of the bunch with its groovy middle.