For 2023’s best metal albums, expect gut-churning doom, hip-hop-influenced industrial metal, avant-garde black metal, and thrash for the ages, among others. Traditional headbanging takes a backseat as Metallica and Godflesh expand their signature heavy riffage in unexpected ways, while daring bands like Khanate and Agriculture push the boundaries of metal. The shared desire of these records is to question what “heavy” means, and to push beyond listeners’ expectations. Here are 11 of the year’s most unique offerings:
Khanate – ‘To Be Cruel’
Khanate’s first album in 14 years is a gloomy, avant-garde masterpiece that pushes the boundaries of traditional metal, with long, vibrating drones and disturbing vocals.
Dethklok – ‘Dethalbum IV’
More than a decade in the making, the latest Dethklok album showcases the band’s twisted sense of humor on punishing tracks that stand majestically on their own terms.
Code Orange – ‘The Above’
Code Orange’s latest album blends hardcore riffs and intricate melodies in an unpredictable and great way.
Wayfarer – ‘American Gothic’
Wayfarer’s fifth album is a spellbinding blend of atmospheric black metal and gothic Americana, painting a sinister portrait of the forgotten West.
Avenged Sevenfold – ‘Life Is but a Dream …’
A7X’s first studio album in seven years is a mind-melting rollercoaster that touches on various musical realms, from jazz fusion to ambient soundscapes.
Agriculture – ‘Agriculture’
The self-titled debut album from Agriculture is an emotional manifesto, blending black metal and post-black metal in new and oddly joyful ways.
Cannibal Corpse – ‘Chaos Horrific’
The Florida death-metal institution’s 16th album is a nonstop sensory assault with relentless tracks that firmly establish their presence in the genre.
Jesus Piece – ‘… So Unknown’
With a balance of hardcore tropes and surprisingly tender moments, Jesus Piece’s latest album showcases their range and depth.
Ragana – ‘Desolation’s Flower’
On their fourth LP, Ragana showcases their powerful pathos and layered, atmospheric approach to black metal, doom, shoegaze, and crust punk.
Godflesh – ‘Purge’
Godflesh’s album showcases the industrial-metal champs’ perfected formula of moody guitar riffs and opaque lyrics, creating a gorgeously brittle whole.
Metallica – ’72 Seasons’
Metallica’s 12th album expands their sound while retaining their identity, with experimental tracks that showcase their prowess in the metal scene.