Best hard rock/metal albums of 2023

It's time again for my album of the year picks.  I rank song quality and album consistency heavily, so if there's only a couple of good tracks, the rating suffers.  This year my list is not as stylistically diverse as last year's, but I always surprise myself with who makes the top 10 and in what order.  Once again I listened to a lot of music to make my final decisions, so I encourage you to check out my top picks as well as those from the list below if you need holiday gifts or to catch up on rock from 2023.

1. Mammoth WVH - Mammoth II

Wolfgang Van Halen (son of guitar god Eddie Van Halen) wanted to avoid the sophomore slump with his second solo release, and in my opinion he did a lot better than that.  Mammoth II bests his debut with better versatility and improved musicianship drawing on a variety of influences from classic rock to alternative metal (Tool) and even djent/modern progressive metal (Intervals; Meshuggah).  Wolfie even coined the term Meshuggah-Beatles to describe some of his new music like album closer "Better Than You."  "Waiting" is the lyrically-themed sequel to "Distance" about his father from the first album.

Best tracks: Another Celebration at the End of the World, Optimist, Waiting

Image taken by me @Starland Ballroom 11/17/23

2. Metallica - 72 Seasons

Metallica's 11th studio album is the first since 2016's Hardwired... and while I liked that one a lot, this one is even better.  Although it is not quite thrash, there are more driving rock songs than their more melodic opuses and ballads.  Critics have also noticed a deeper meaning to James' lyrics on songs like "Screaming Suicide" and "Room of Mirrors."  James says the concept of 72 seasons is about a person's growth and maturity over 18 years of life.  18 x 4 = 72, so the math adds up!

Best tracks: Lux Eterna; Room of Mirrors; 72 Seasons 

3. Filter - The Algorithm

Filter's first studio album in seven years started to form in 2018 when lead singer Richard Patrick rekindled with original guitarist Brian Liesegang.  A few songs got released in 2020 that we thought were going to be on the record that then became standalone singles.  Honestly the project that was billed as the "official follow-up to Short Bus" took so long to come to fruition it had fallen off my radar.  However, the Algorithm sounds like a true return to form with industrial roots and modern rock influences.  As one fan commented, "this album is pure time travel." Patrick has rarely been at a loss of things to write about, and he can still sing his ass off.  The album is leaning heavy with some of the lighter ballads they have also become known for.  Even if you haven't listened to Filter since the turn of the century, give this one a spin (hey, vinyl is back, this still makes sense).

Best tracks: Obliteration; Summer Child; Up Against the Wall

4. Beartooth - The Surface

Thematically this album is the antithesis of their last album, Below.  In some ways it is their most poppy.  There's even a song called "Might Love Myself" about self love and empowerment.  However, there are also some bangers, screams, and sick breakdowns as well.  While some metal fans say they've gotten too soft, other fans are embracing the positive mental health journey of lead singer Caleb Shomo and his uplifting songs.  I own other Beartooth albums and this is the first one I can play all the way through so take that for what it's worth.

Best tracks: The Surface; Riptide; What's Killing You

5. Staind - Confessions of the Fallen

First release since 2011.  I've already written about it here.  Aaron's voice is still strong and Mike Mushok keeps them rocking hard.

Best tracks: Lowest in Me; Here and Now; Cycle of Hurting

6. Blink 182 - One More Time

Another comeback album as it is their first since 2019 and their first with Tom DeLonge since 2011.  Tom's voice and songwriting are certainly welcomed, but these are not the same people as they used to be.  There are still some humorous moments, but largely the writing is mature and reflective.  I've listened to this album a lot since its release and I interpret it as Mark and Tom's love note to each other.  For example, the nostalgic "When We Were Young" has them trade off on verses about early years, rather than the usual formula of having one or the other be the lead singer.  Then there are lyrics from the title track that obviously refer to their relationship with each other.  "I wish they told us, it shouldn't take a sickness, Or airplanes falling out the sky" clearly are referencing illnesses such as Mark's recent battle with cancer and Travis's 2008 plane crash.  The chorus of "One More Time" I believe is about them regretting not speaking for several years during their two hiatus periods.  This album is more emo than punk rock, but still a fun return overall.

Best tracks: Dance With Me; Anthem Part 3; One More Time

7. Godsmack - Lighting Up the Sky

In what might be the last Godsmack album, they put together a fantastic eighth studio album showcasing their signature sound from power rockers to more emotional ballads.  It's only 10 tracks, but songs are a little bit longer than typical radio songs bringing the total time to almost 50 minutes.  55 year old Sully Erna says "Man I'm Growing Old" in the next to last song.  He says the band isn't breaking up and they will continue to tour, but right now he doesn't see them making another album.

Best tracks: Soul On Fire; Hell's Not Dead; Surrender

8. Dirty Honey - Can’t Find the Breaks
This band formed in 2017 in Los Angeles and attempted to follow the success of Guns N' Roses, even opening for Slash in 2018 and 2019 and the mighty GNR in 2022.  This is their second album and it has a fun mix of blues, country, and rock and roll.  They also sound a bit like the Black Crowes at times, and guess what, they opened for them too!  I also hear similarities with Greta Van Fleet, Red Sun Rising, and Crobot which means they are very good.  They have made some moves on the Mainstream Rock charts, but are largely still under the radar.  If you like your rock and roll with some swagger and swing, check these guys out.

Best tracks: Won't Take Me Alive; Can't Find the Breaks; Ride On

9. Drain - Living Proof

This is hardcore.  Literally.  If you're feeling angry, put this on and mosh or jam out.  Influenced by Suicidal Tendencies, and covering the Descendants, this is an interesting listen from a band that I think has huge potential.  Give them a listen.  Vocalist Sammy Ciaramataro says my favorite track "Watch You Burn" was written about a bad person.  "It's the meanest song I ever wrote, but I tried to make it into something good."

10. Sevendust - Truth Killer 

This is Sevendust's 14th album and they have been consistently good.  They are a band that is in the rare territory these days of being better live in person than on record.  That being said, this is one of their strongest, most consistent albums.  This year they've toured with Alter Bridge and Mammoth WVH.  They are currently touring with Static-X and Dope and will be through the winter into 2024.  If you get the chance, definitely watch a live performance.  There's dates in NJ, PA, and Long Island NY.  I've already got my tickets for Starland and might try to see them in Harrisburg as well.

Best track: Love and Hate

With streaming becoming the way most people consume music, some people think albums are becoming a thing of the past.  I still like a good album.  One way some bands are coping with the need to be productive and faster than an album cycle is putting out more EPs, or short collections of songs.

Here are my picks for best EPs (alphabetical order):

Ghost - Phantomime EP

Nonpoint - Heartless EP

Sleep Theory - Paper Hearts EP

Spiritbox - The Fear Of Fear EP

Other 2023 albums of note worth listening to:

Asking Alexandria - Where Do We Go From Here

Atreyu - The Beautiful Dark of Life

Avatar - Dance Devil Dance

Avenged Sevenfold - Life is But a Dream …

Babymetal - The Other One

Corey Taylor - CMF2

Creeper - Sanguivore (like a gothic Meat Loaf)

Danko Jones - Electric Sounds

Dethklok - Dethalbum IV

Dolly Parton - Rockstar (30 Songs)

Enter Shakiri - A Kiss For the Whole World

Fallout Boy - So Much (For) Stardust

Foo Fighters - But Here We Are

Greta Van Fleet - Starcatcher

(Hed)P.E. - Detox

Ice Nine Kills - Welcome to Horrorwood: Under Fire

Lacey Sturm - Kenotic Metanoia

Last in Line - Jericho

Joe Perry - Sweetzerland Manifesto MKII

Nita Strauss - The Call of the Void

Of Mice & Men - Tether

Overkill - Scorched

Paramore - This Is Why

Periphery - Periphery V: Djent is Not a Genre

Plain White T’s - Plain White T’s

Rival Sons - Darkfighter (8 Songs)

Royal Thunder - Rebuilding the Mountain

Sleep Token - Take Me Back to Eden

Queens of the Stone Age - In Times New Roman…

Taproot - SC\SSRS

Till Lindemann - Zunge

Winery Dogs - III

Within Temptation - Bleed Out

Coming early next year (2024)

Green Day - Saviors (Jan 19)

Metalite - Expedition One (Jan 19)

Neck Deep - Neck Deep (Jan 19)

Saxon - Hell, Fire, and Damnation (Jan 19)

Alkaline Trio - Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs (Jan 26)

Static X - Project Regeneration Vol. 2 (Jan 26)


Infected Rain - Time (Feb 9)

Darkest Hour - Perpetual Terminal (Feb 23)

Mick Mars - The Other Side of Mars (Feb 23)


Firewind - Stand United (Mar 1)

Ministry - HOPIUMFORTHEMASSES (Mar 1)

Judas Priest - Invincible Shield (Mar 8)

New Rock Releases Oct 2023

After a slight departure from my usual subject matter, I am back with some headbangers.  Veteran bands that are 20-30 years old are keeping rock alive and well these days.  Blink-182, Staind, and Taproot have all reunited and put out new music.  Creed is rumored to reunite and tour in 2024, and their greatest hits album is currently #1 on iTunes rock albums chart for some reason.  I take my blog posts seriously.  I take the time to listen to the music before, and while, I write.  I try to be descriptive without being repetitive or colloquial, within my limitations knowing that I don't have true music theory under my belt.  That being said, I could go on describing several tracks from each album listed below.  However, some friends and readers said to keep it short, so that's what I'll try to do for these new rock releases.  If you want me to elaborate, I'd probably be thrilled to talk to you about it so please comment, text, FB, etc.  Most importantly, listen for yourself!  Don't forget to peep the other notable albums at the end of the post.  Thanks for reading.

Danko Jones - Electric Sounds

From opening track "Guess Who's Back" Danko and company pump out the jams with bravado, attitude, and frankly fun like few bands can.  This is their 11th studio album although they are under the radar to many people in the USA.  They've been incredibly consistent, but I think this is their best work since 2012's Rock and Roll is Black and Blue.  It is certainly more cohesive and riff-tastic than their last few albums.  The one criticism I will give is that the lyrics are simple and the themes are kind of basic.  On the other hand, they are only "here to fuck shit up and have a good time" and who can argue with that?

Sleep Theory - Paper Hearts EP

I have been listening to these guys on SiriusXM's Octane channel for a while so when their EP dropped I knew I had to get it.  It is dynamic genre blending hard rock that certainly has a nu-metal influence in the best possible way.  I just learned that they have a black lead singer, a Filipino bass player, and pair of brothers (the white variety) on guitar and drums.  I like all six tracks, but "Numb" is definitely the standout song.  Sleep Theory have been opening for Shinedown on tour and blowing up on TicTok and satellite radio.  If you haven't heard them yet, don't sleep on them!

Staind - Confessions of the Fallen

It's their first release since 2011 and yet it seems it hasn't been that long since Aaron (vocals) went country and Mike (guitar) spent time in Newsted before forming Saint Asonia with former Three Days Grace singer, Adam Gontier.  At 10 songs and 36 minutes this album is easily digestible.  In fact, I've played it almost every day since it came out.  Fans of the band should notice a sound familiar to 2001's 5x Platinum Break the Cycle.  There are rockers like the lead single "Lowest in Me," penultimate track "Hate Me Too," and the heavy "Cycle of Hurting" where Aaron delivers some of his best growls!  There are some optimistic songs where Aaron's lyrics really shine through on "The Fray" and "Better Days."  Then there is the second single, and standout ballad track, "Here and Now."  Upon first listen I didn't think it was anything special compared to "Outside" or "It's Been a While."  However, there's a couple things that have changed my mind.  First, the video is about a man and his father that has Alzheimer's disease.  This adds a total new dimension to the lyrics that otherwise might be interpreted as being a typical breakup song.  The video has gotten a ton of great responses, and I challenge you to not tear up if you have someone in your family with Alzheimers, or even have lost a loved one recently.  Secondly, is the talent of Aaron as a singer and songwriter.  I went from being iffy on the song to hearing it replay in my head and belting it out in the shower.  I have always loved Aaron's voice and story telling ability.  I think he's one of the best and most underrated vocalists of our time.  He hasn't lost much talent either.  I just saw him this summer and he can still sing with all the emotion and range like he could 20 years ago.

Taproot - SC\SSRS

Another band with its first release in over a decade is Taproot.  This is a band that was popular in the nu-metal era, but they always had their own style and sound.  A lot of that can be attributed to the unique singing style of Stephen Richards.  It is at times melodic rapping, smooth crooning, or growly screams.  He is quite impressive.  The other musical dynamics are regular rhythm changes and frequent breakdowns that keep the listener interested throughout.  SC\SSRS offers 10 songs, plus a bonus track which at the same time sounds like old Taproot and fresh and new equally.  They still have their original bass player, and this album marks the return of original drummer, Jarrod Montague, who sounds terrific and has been promoting his return on Facebook for quite some time.  It's hard for me to pick a favorite song because I like them all.  The bonus track "Hey" has a very catchy chorus between driving rhythm sections in the verses.  The aptly titled "Favourite Song" might take the cake.  It is the most unique song.  It features a poppy chorus complete with "hey-yo's" and "la la la's."  Just when you think you've accidentally skipped playlists, here comes Elias Soriano from Nonpoint to deliver a rapping part and then it finishes with some heavy riffing.  Fans should love this album and I also hope it brings a lot of new followers.  If you can, catch them live as they put on great performances.

Other new albums of interest :


Out now

Beartooth - The Surface

Black Stone Cherry - Screamin' At the Sky

Of Mice & Men - Tether

Red - Rated R

October 20, 2023

Blink-182 - One More Time...

Rival Sons - Lightbringer

October 27, 2023

The Gaslight Anthem - History Books

Mark Tremonti - Christmas Classics New & Old

Taking Back Sunday - 152

November 3, 2023

Atreyu - A Torch In The Dark EP

Dirty Honey - Can't Find The Brakes

Spiritbox - The Fear Of Fear EP

Static-X - Project Regeneration: Vol. 2