Albums Of The Year 2023 – Editors Picks
2023 has been a monumental year of music with albums dropping from all corners of the alternative world so we decided to put together our editors picks of the best of the year, plus some honourable mentions!
Sleep Token – Take Me Back To Eden
It’s hard to think of an alternative band in recent times that have blown up quite as much as Sleep Token have this past year. Since dropping the first singles off their third full length album “Take Me Back To Eden” at the start of the year, the band have catapulted from cult following to worldwide domination. The virality of songs like ‘The Summoning’ saw their streaming numbers explode and open up a whole new world of fans to not only their new music but their equally impressive back catalogue. Their ability to flow between genres on this record has captivated audiences from all over the music spectrum as they effortlessly glide through rock, metal, RnB, pop, electronica, hip hop and even jazz influences. While this blend of styles might sound like it could be disjointed, every song is a deliberate and calculated sonic journey full of authenticity, emotion and musical prowess that plain and simply just works.
Vocalist and main songwriter Vessel delivers an impeccable performance, conveying raw emotion with every syllable as he bares it all to the world lyrically and thematically. Songs such as ‘Vore’, ‘The Summoning’, ‘Chokehold’ and title track ‘Take Me Back To Eden’ bring the classic Sleep Token mix of heavy and light as delicate and haunting vocal melodies are contrasted with huge detuned riffs and pummelling intricate drums, while ‘Aqua Regia’, ‘Granite’ and ‘DYWTYLM’ showcase the bands pop sensibilities with beautiful vocal hooks, atmospheric electronics and jazz fuelled instrumentals. It’s a record that is not afraid to take chances either with 8-minute epics such as the title track and ‘Ascensionism’ that take you through a whole range of styles and emotions while remaining captivating throughout. The album concludes with the cathartic sounds of ‘Euclid’ which brings the Sleep Token three album arc to an end; reprising the lyrics and melodies from the opening track “The Night Does Not Belong To God” off their first album ‘Sundowning’ in a beautifully poignant full circle moment.”Take Me Back To Eden” has already become a classic for Sleep Token fans and will no doubt go down as the album that cemented their place as one of the most important bands of their time.
(Released 19 May via Spinefarm Records)
Words by Ollie Route
Enter Shikari – A Kiss For The Whole World
Following hot off the tails of two stand-alone singles (“The Void Stares Back” with WARGASM and “Bull” ft. Cody Frost) we knew that the raw and wild machine of Enter Shikari was on fine form. But what we got with ‘A Kiss For The Whole World’ was a bright collection of thoughtful, dynamic, signature-Shikari sounds. To tease us into the project ahead of release we were treated to the uplifting bop of the title track, the (to quote frontman Rou Reynolds) a “projectile vomit of emotional energy” with “(Pls) Set Me On Fire”. But dig deeper beyond the singles to the string-lead, emotional “Dead Wood” the swagger-fuelled beat of “goldfĭsh” or the genre-bombed “feed yøur søul” the band continue to be the most creative, lyrically adept band in the world.
Whether you’re in need of an adrenaline supercharge, a soundtrack to dream or a singing / screaming catharsis, Enter Shikari’s 7th studio album has your moment. And it seems like the UK-public agreed. Achieving their first #1 UK album position in their career and going on to complete a full UK tour (with arena shows in 2024) it’s sign that a new era of Enter Shikari has arrived.
(Released 21st April via SO Recordings)
Words by Elise Cobain
Beartooth – The Surface
It’s been a hell of a year for Beartooth, not only have they completed their biggest and most successful UK & European headline tour, which included headlining Wembley Arena, a 2-month US Co-Headline tour with Trivium and some massive festival slots along the way, they have also released their fifth studio album “The Surface”. It’s no secret that singer and main songwriter Caleb Shomo has battled demons in the past as he has laid it out for all of us to see through his lyrics, however “The Surface” represents a shift in perspective for Shomo and he is intent on putting out more positive energy through his music. A lot of the songs on the record are lyrically centred around self-love and focussing on the positive rather than the negative in life as Caleb explained: “This album is the story of my beginnings in the new world I’ve created for myself. One focused on health, self love, positivity, understanding, hard work, and most of all second chances.”
If anyone was worried that this change in perspective would detract from the music however, they would be hugely mistaken as the record delivers all the best bits of Beartooth and more. Caleb and co have taken elements they do so well and ramped them up to 11; the vocal hooks are huge, the emotion is still on full display and of course there’s plenty of tasty riffs to sink your teeth into. Songs like ‘The Surface’, ‘Doubt Me’, ‘Sunshine’ and ‘My New Reality’ deliver that great mix of light and heavy while ‘The Better Me’, ‘Might Love Myself’ and ‘I Was Alive’ are packed full of big sing-a-long moments.
If you have followed Caleb’s journey through his career in music, it’s a beautiful thing to see him finally reach a stage where he seems genuinely happier and he is rewarding fans with music that not only represents who he is but is putting out messages that are sure to help a lot of people through tough times.
(Released 13th October via Red Bull Records)
Words by Ollie Route
Holding Absence – The Noble Art Of Self Destruction
A quick follow up from record number two for Holding Absence but it was a move that’s paid dividends for the band in so many ways. “The Noble Art Of Self Destruction” comes positioned as the final entry in a trilogy, capping off the band’s first era and unequivocally casting in stone the notion of them being among modern rock’s giants. Even though they’ve walked the walk and talked the talk for a good while now, Holding Absence’s stature and might has never felt so unmistakable as it is right now.
The record highlights the beauty in being honest with yourself and genuinely embracing your flaws. The feel of the opening tracks amplifies the overall messages of the album, that vulnerability and showing people your true self, no matter how hard it may be, is important for self growth – highlighting the band’s true authenticity.
This album is a serious standout from 2023 and for me is the bands best work showcasing a different side to Holding Absence and demonstrates growth both musically and personally.
(Released 25th August via Sharptone Records)
Words by Craig McInnes
blink-182 – One More Time
Everyone’s favourite cheeky pop punk band returned in 2023. After a series of internal tiffs, personal development (with each of the band members going off and working on their own musical ventures at points), cancer survival stories and the general challenges of making it through life as an adult. Fans around the world mobilised to celebrate the return of 3 Californian guys who bonded over their love of music, performing and hanging out with each other. We’re speaking of the Mark Tom & Travis show – blink-182. The sagas, the dramas, the brilliance.
‘One More Time’ has it’s tongue-in-cheek moments sure – try the opener of “Dance With Me for size – but there’s much deeper, thoughtful moments. “More Than You Know” addresses emotional struggles we can all relate to with a raw vocal delivery from Tom (Delonge – guitarist). But the real gems here are two polar opposite sounds: “One More Time” is a powerful look at the relationship between the three ‘brothers’, (get the tissues ready) and “Anthem Part 3”, which is a raw punk outburst, building on the previous fan favourites of part 1 and 2 over the years.
There’s a reason this band achieved global arena tour sales, headlined festivals around the world throughout their 20+ year career and charted around the world. Going back in time will give you a more playful overview of the bands discography, but listening in 2023 and beyond, the trio are proving time and time again they can write music for the generation of today.
(Released 20th October via Columbia Records)
Words by Elise Cobain
Creeper – Sanguivore
“Sanguivore” just screams Creeper, from the 9 minute rock opera in the making opening of ‘Further Than Forever’ to the emotional closing of ‘More Than Death’. It’s a record that just epitomises what this band are all about and this new chapter shows the growth of the band.
The album continues to inch Creeper’s boundaries further outwards, from the very first listen the album sucked me in and dug it’s hooks in right away. One thing that Creeper have always had in spades is incredible, soaring choruses and the songs on “Sanguivore” are no exception to that, almost every song in one way or another has an absolute earworm of a chorus that will be stuck in your head for days.
They have embodied all characteristics of the Creeper sound into one album that will have fans coming back to again and again. This is a truly special album from an incredible band that deserve more recognition.
(Released 13th October via Spinefarm Records)
Words by Craig McInnes
Trophy Eyes – Suicide and Sunshine
Australia has been the breeding ground for some of the best new alternative bands over the past two decades and alt punk rockers Trophy Eyes have been at the forefront of this wave for some time now. This June saw the New South Wales’ group release their fourth studio album “Suicide and Sunshine”, which just like the title suggests is an album all about contrast.
At the heart of the record is the raw honesty of vocalist John Floreani as he tackles the human experience from personal struggles to existential thoughts both light and dark. This is represented in the music with often upbeat music being the vehicle for some heavy subject matters. Songs like ‘Life In Motion’, ‘My Inheritance’, ‘Blue Eyed Boy’ and ‘What Hurts The Most’ pull on the heartstrings whilst being simultaneously uplifting while ‘Sydney’, ‘People Like You’ and ‘OMW’ bring back flashes of their melodic hardcore roots. Some other stand outs are the heart wrenching ‘Sean’ that hits you like a punch in the gut with Floreani’s emotionally charged performance and the anthemic ‘Runaway, Come Home’ which utilises atmospheric synths and vocal effects brilliantly. It’s a greatly balanced record that takes elements from their back catalogue into a new era to create a beautifully diverse body of work.
(Released 23rd June via Hopeless Records)
Words by Ollie Route
Hot Milk – A Call To the Void
Hot Milk have been building to this moment for a long time and as far as debut albums go, “A Call To The Void” is up there with the special ones. The record is very much rock orientated however the personal touches and musical experimentation to the tracks make it that extra bit special. In particular ‘Breathing Under Water’ and “Forget Me Not”, songs that hit hard and deliver so much emotion from vocalists Han Mee and Jim Shaw.
There’s an unmistakable readiness about this album that feels intrinsic to Hot Milk at this stage. Everything they’ve done up to now leads to “A Call To The Void”, which is not only comfortably their strongest full body of work, but is also one that has the most to offer. Hot Milk have evolved and augmented themselves way past their pop-rock roots; more than ever, they feel like a towering rock colossus ready to take whatever leaps and plunges they want.
(Released 25th August via Music For Nations)
Words by Craig McInnes
PVRIS – EVERGREEN
PVRIS have never cared for the ‘genre’ card. Singer Lynn Gunnulfsen has always made music that speaks to her and her fans, blending modern genres together effortlessly. Rock, alternative sure. But splash in some dance, R&B, pop and even hip-hop sensibilities and Lynn has written a real stand out collection. Self-producing on the whole but at times working with prolific producers Y2K and Mike Shinoda it’s bold, stimulating and refreshing in the mix of releases this year.
Coming out the gates with single “ANIMALS” we get a great bass and distorted vocal combo that began this journey of evolution of development on their 4th album. For those who want to hear some hip-hop influencer try “TAKE MY NIRVANA” (produced by Shinoda); for R&B fans “LOVE IS A….” is a great place to get started. For me personally the stand out track is “EVERGREEN”. Alongside being a devout heavy music fan, I also dabble in a lot of pop and future bass. The title track is a gorgeous fusion of the two; dreamy, raw and at points hypnotic. To see this played live brings goosebumps and allows for a rare moment of euphoria in a world which is (a glorious thing) focused on adrenaline rushes and riffs.
(Released 14th July via Hopeless Records)
Words by Elise Cobain
Spiritbox – The Fear Of Fear
Spiritbox are a gift from the heavy music gods in our time. Each member of this band is, in their own right, a force of nature, turning heads around the world and achieving multiple end of year lists and Grammy nominations for their world thus far. Following on from their debut album release ‘Eternal Blue’ in 2021 we’re treated to new EP which is sensational. The opening track “Cellar Door” has one of the filthiest breakdowns I’ve heard this band share and Courtney’s savage delivery throughout crushes any questions about credibility of this band. Yes she sings like an angel but my gosh, she can destroy with her screams.
As you listen through to this 6-track release you can hear the themes of “mental prisons, body horror, visual illusions, and disillusionment” (vocalist Courtney LaPlante) but the strength here is that they are taking the concept of ‘metal’ as a genre and putting their own finishing touches on it. And as alluded to above, this EP includes a Grammy -nominated performance which is huge nod to their artistry and performance.
(Released 3rd November via Rise Records)
Words by Elise Cobain
Hot Mulligan – Why Would I Watch
If you’re in the market for some top tier Midwestern Emo with some of the most imaginative song titles around then Hot Mulligan’s “Why Would I Watch” is definitely for you. While the song names may be humorous the musical content is anything but. Each song is spearheaded by Tades Sanville’s powerful vocal performances as he squeezes all the honesty and anguish of the lyrics into every breath.
It very much feels like the record of a band that have discovered what they do best and are fully leaning into it, from the vocals hooks to the instrumentation, each song is written with the intent to stick in your head. Some stand outs for me are ‘Shouldn’t Have A Leg Hole But I Do’, ‘It’s A Family Movie She Hates Her Dad’, ‘Cock Party 2 (Better Than The First)’, ‘Shhhh! Golf Is On’ and ‘John “The Rock” Cena, Can You Smell What The Undertaker’ which are not only excellently named but they tick all the right boxes. “Why Would I Watch” is fun, emotional, dynamic, intricate and full of passion and truly cements Hot Mulligan as one of the leaders of the genre.
(Released 12th May via Wax Bodega)
Words by Ollie Route
Pierce the Veil – The Jaws of Life
Pierce The Veil fans are very accustomed to prolonged waits but they’re always worth the time and “Jaws of Life” is no different. Back for their 5th studio album snapping at the heels of “Missadventures” to being the bands best and this time around they’re braver, blunter, more mature and by doing that, they’ve future-proofed themselves.
They’ve fully captured the sonic influences of their hometown Seattle in this record. A distinct ‘90s grunge streak powers through lead single ‘Pass The Nirvana’, with distorted guitars pushed to the forefront of their sound. Widening their sonic palette whilst remaining centred on the emotional vulnerability that captivated their early fans, each turn is calculated carefully without PTV losing sight of their identity.
Flipping from post-hardcore infused alt. rock anthems to slower-paced alternative ballads, “The Jaws Of Life” offers dazzling moments of mellow introspection before letting the reigns loose again and again.
(Released 10th February via Fearless Records)
Words by Craig McInnes
Polaris – Fatalism
Modern Metalcore is tricky landscape to navigate as an artist, with so many bands emerging every year all seemingly following the same formula, it’s become a challenge to stick out from the crowd. So, when those special artists do present themselves, it feels like a breath of fresh air and Polaris are the perfect example of this. The Australian group have been carving their own lane in the genre for the past decade and their latest album ‘Fatalism’ may be one of their best yet.
The album delivers 11 tracks of modern metalcore at it’s finest as they glide through a range of sonically dynamic songs. There’s huge heart-felt melodies, crushing riffs, visceral vocals and raw energy flowing through the production at every step while lyrically dealing with social and emotional issues they have faced over the past few years. The album also serves as a tribute to the playing and song writing ability of late guitarist Ryan Siew who tragically passed away year this year. The record never dips in quality with songs like ‘Nightmare’, ‘Overflow’, ‘Inhumane’, ‘With Regards’, ‘Crossfire’ and ‘All In Vain’ showcasing their technical prowess and ability to write huge sing-a-long melodies. It’s an important record and one that is sure to reinforce Polaris as one of the pivotal bands in the scene.
(Released 1st September via Resist Records / SharpTone Records)
Words by Ollie Route
Silent Planet – SUPERBLOOM
Sometimes music can be more than just a creative outlet for an artist, it can also be a form of catharsis, a way of putting your thoughts and feelings into a sonic vessel to release into the world. That is what Silent Planet have done on their latest album “SUPERBLOOM” which came out on the 3rd November – a significant date for the band as it is the anniversary of the horrific van accident they went through which delayed the writing and recording process of what was to become the new album. Vocalist Garret Russel remembers the accident and it’s relationship to the record: “The majority of us were awake when we felt the van start to slide,” he says. “We had some time to come to grips with the fact we were about to go down and have a close brush with death. Afterwards, we talked about what to do with the band. We went back into the record with an increased willingness to take risks. It bolstered our confidence to try new things. When the accident happened, it did something to my head, and it fed into the album.”
The first single ‘Antimatter’ set the tone for the new era of the band incorporating industrial metal influences and pulsating synths in between crushing riffs as Russell delivers a powerful performance. This single blew up and saw them garner a ton of new eyes and ears eager for what was to come next – and what came next definitely didn’t disappoint. The album see’s Silent Planet experimenting sonically and drawing in influences from all over the metal spectrum whilst still keeping that raw heaviness. Stand out tracks for me are ‘Offworlder’, ‘Collider’, ‘Euphoria’, ‘Dreamwalker’, ‘Antimatter’, ‘Annunaki’ and the title track. “SUPERBLOOM” is the sound of a band that are truly coming into their own and crafting songs that will feel right at home on the big stages.
(Released 3rd November via Solid State Records)
Words by Ollie Route
Fit For An Autopsy, Malevolence, Thy Art is Murder – The Aggression Sessions
Back in 2016 The Depression Sessions was released. Fit For An Autopsy, The Acacia Strain and Thy Art Is Murder back-to-back. Pretty big deal. Fast-forward to 2023 and we’re treated to a new breed: The Aggression Sessions where Malevolence switch in instead. Australia’s heaviest royalty, New Jersey’s deathcore finest and British (Yorkshire) future superstars Malevolence are a gift in singular measures. To bring them together on one release is birthday and Christmas in one for many of us.
One original song and one cover from each including Malevolence covering Anastasia (maybe this is the one the mums can’t finally get into). It’s both brilliant and intriguing before you judge! In terms of flexing the muscles of the current metal scene, this is a glorious combination of artists and tracks. A sign of the connection and community within the metal scene, but an avenue to introduce others into the global sphere of what metal + core has to offer. It’s loud af and we love it.
(Released 7th April via Nuclear Blast)
Words by Elise Cobain
As December Falls – Join the Club
Record number three for As December Falls and their heaviest work yet. The band are proving that flying solo and producing things off their own back is paying off and it shows in this record giving fans more attitude & passion than ever before.
Throughout the album, “Join The Club” reveals itself to be a spectacularly personal record as themes of deep adoration and subsequent heartbreak, anxiety and ultimate perseverance are explored even deeper than they have done before. As December Falls dispel the idea of the burden of friendship on ‘Honey’ and ‘I Can’t Sleep’ gives insight into singer Bethany Hunter’s own now-conquered challenges.
From the outside looking in they seem to be in the best place that the band has ever been and this record shows that – the record reaching number one in three of the UK album charts speaks volumes and is massively deserving after the work that went into it.
(Released 21st July via InGrooves)
Words by Craig McInnes
Chelsea Grin – Suffer in Heaven
Chelsea Grin have certainly outdone themselves here, creating what I think is their strongest release to date. Given the changes the band have faced, I feel they’re now in a position to take things higher than ever and this record is a testament to that.
What truly sets “Suffer in Heaven” apart is its use of sobering atmospheres and multifaceted intersecting vocals. Combined, these elements elevate the record into what’s surely one of 2023’s most ambitious and artful deathcore statements. The record brings a whole variety to the setup and expands upon those intricacies in compelling ways, for example the second song “Forever Bloom,” featuring The Black Dahlia Murder’s late vocalist Trevor Strnad and second track “Orc March” features Dustin Mitchell of Filth, who both complements vocalist Tom Barber well.
From start to finish it shows just what the band are capable of and throughout it has its levels of fun and engagingly ferocious hits. With 16 forward-thinking tracks between the two releases from Suffer in Hell & Heaven, Chelsea Grin have proved that they are still one of the leaders of the genre. The Suffer duology is deathcore triumph.
Words by Craig McInnes
Honourable Mentions
Wargasm – Venom
A powerhouse debut album from the UK’s genre crossing duo Wargasm with plenty of nu-metal riffs, electronic flourishes and rock n roll attitude to help cement their place at the forefront of the new wave of alternative acts.
The Menzingers – Some Of It Was True
Pennsylvanian punk rock natives The Menzingers‘ seventh studio album “Some Of It Was True” is packed full of sing-a-long moments with lyrics that pull on the heartstrings and reflect the trials and tribulations of the ever changing world around us. (Released 13th October via Epitaph Records)
HUNNY – new planet heaven
LA’s HUNNY bring the vibes on their latest record “new planet heaven” from new-wave sounds to shoegaze, mid western emo and some 90s style garage rock thrown in for good measure. (Released 6th October via Epitaph Records)
Movements – RUCKUS!
Movements have firmly cemented themselves as one of the most prominent post hardcore bands of our time with the release of their latest album ‘RUCKUS!’ (Released 18th August via Fearless)
