Why has this taken me so long this year? Well, working long hours and using your free weekend time to build an office had me running well behind, but here we are, we got there in the end. A list of my top albums for 2023. Some you would expect me to put in, others that have come from out of the smoke as it were. Enjoy.
SORCERER – ‘Reign Of The Reaper’
Taking it up a notch from the last album, SORCERER bludgeon their way through the gates of Hell and into top position here. Epic doom, about as epic as Doom can get. Beautifully crafted songs delivered masterfully, topped off with epic soaring vocals.
FFO – Tony Martin era Black Sabbath
FIRES IN THE DISTANCE – ‘Air Not Meant For Us’
This album blew me away. A friend recommended this in his usual fashion, without saying too much, so I checked it out. The label says ‘Melodic Death Metal’ but they have their own spin on it. They give off a Finnish vibe for me, (even though they’re from Connecticut) but with piano which gives it a different feel. Check them out.
KAMELOT – The Awakening’
Having been a KAMELOT fan for a quarter of a century, and having been a bit let down by the previous album (maybe expectations too high) and also not being that enamoured by the first single off this one, when I heard the whole album on it’s release I breathed a sigh of relief. This was a welcome return for the band in my eyes. It’s KAMELOT, doing what they do, and let’s face it, they do it well.
LOVEBITES – ‘Judgement Day’
While I was still reeling over the departure of Rosanna Miho (one of the founders of the band) they found a replacement and toiled away on a new album and you know, it sounds great. Five Japanese ladies expert at their craft, sneaking up and stealing your lunch.
SLIGHTLY OUT OF ZONE
BUCKCHERRY – ‘Vol. 10’
BUCKCHERRY are one of those bands that just have the ‘Fuck it, this is what we do, come and join the party’ type of attitudes which I respect. They have their lane, they stay in it, but you’d better stay out of their way. This album is a collection of great songs. Give it a whirl.