As we bid farewell to 2023, Metal Sphere brings you our picks for the 10 best metal albums, as ranked by our team. These aren't just chart-toppers or industry game-changers; they're the personal favorites that resonated with our team. While some may have dominated the charts, others quietly carved their niche, each leaving a unique imprint. From intense and genre-defying works to powerful statements and thrilling comebacks, these albums showcase the dynamism and diversity that define the metal genre.
Join us as we reflect on the highlights that made 2023 a remarkable year for metal. Metalheads, get ready for a journey through the year's standout moments.
1. Tomb Mold - The Enduring Spirit
20 Buck Spin
Canadian death metal juggernauts Tomb Mold continue to redefine the genre with their fifth studio release, The Enduring Spirit. As pioneers of the New Wave of Old School Death Metal (NWOSDM), the Toronto trio delivers a sonic masterpiece that transcends death metal conventions. The album opens with a brutal onslaught, showcasing Tomb Mold's OSDM roots, but takes an unexpected turn with the jazzy and clean territories of "Will of Whispers." Throughout the record, the boundaries between death metal and other genres blur, featuring influences from '70s prog, jazz fusion, and dream-pop. The lyrical landscape undergoes a profound shift towards introspection and philosophy, notably in "Flesh as Armour." The production, by Sean Pearson and Arthur Rizk, ensures clarity in every element. The album's epic closing track, "The Enduring Spirit of Calamity," marks the culmination of Tomb Mold's musical evolution, making this release a groundbreaking proclamation of creativity and sonic exploration in death metal.
Read the full review of Tomb Mold's The Enduring Spirit here.
2. Obituary - Dying of Everything
Relapse Records
Obituary, the iconic death metal titans from Tampa, have solidified their legendary status with Dying of Everything, a relentless opus that adds another pinnacle to their enduring legacy. Following a triumphant return in 2014 with Inked In Blood and a self-titled release in 2017, Obituary proves they are not just maintaining excellence but unleashing it. The album's opening track, "Barely Alive," sets the tone with unbridled ferocity, emphasizing the band's unwavering energy. The drummer's percussive wizardry drives the album forward, showcasing intricate patterns and relentless intensity. John Tardy's distinctive growls remain a formidable force, navigating the listener through the labyrinthine corridors of Obituary's sonic vision. Guitarists Trevor Peres and Ken Andrews Jr. craft intricate riffs, while Terry Butler's bass work adds a pulsating undercurrent. Dying of Everything seamlessly integrates with Obituary's storied legacy, paying homage to their foundational sound while fearlessly exploring new territories, affirming their enduring impact on the metal genre.
Read the full review of Obituary's Dying of Everything here.
3. Frozen Soul - Glacial Domination
Century Media Records
Dallas-based Frozen Soul delivers a bone-chilling assault on death metal with Glacial Domination, their latest offering following the 2021 Century Media debut, Crypt of Ice. Fronted by Chad Green and co-produced by Trivium's Matthew K. Heafy, the album combines brutal accessibility with Frozen Soul's trademark bleakness and ferocity. Tracks like "Invisible Tormentor," "Morbid Effigy," and the title track showcase untamed intensity and upgraded elements from their previous work. Inspired by John Carpenter's movie The Thing, the two-song cycle adds a storytelling layer, while retro-synth and macabre effects create an old-school spirit. With guest appearances from notable figures, the album reaffirms Frozen Soul's place in the death metal scene, solidifying its status as a future classic. From the crushing title track to the furious "Arctic Stranglehold" and the refined "Best Served Cold," the band's ice-age has left an indelible mark on the metal landscape. Glacial Domination is a devastating victory and a testament to Frozen Soul's unwavering commitment to the genre. Winter is here, and the album stands as a formidable force, securing its place in the death metal pantheon.
Read the full review of Frozen Soul's Glacial Domination here.
4. Exmortus - Necrophony
Nuclear Blast Records
Exmortus, the Los Angeles-based masters of neo-classical extreme metal, return triumphantly with their sixth album, Necrophony. This release, four years in the making, symbolizes a savage rebirth and fierce renewal for the band. Following the impactful "Legions of the Undead" EP in 2019, this album showcases Exmortus' newfound strength, speed, and intensity after overcoming pandemic challenges. Now signed with Nuclear Blast, a global metal powerhouse, Exmortus unleashes a passionate and furious experience in "Necrophony." The lead single, "Oathbreaker," offers just a glimpse into the profound darkness embedded in the album, solidifying their position as maestros of the genre.
Read the full review of Exmortus' Necrophony here.
5. Hellripper - Warlocks Grim & Withered Hags
Peaceville Records
Hellripper's third album, Warlocks Grim & Withered Hags, showcases James McBain's relentless fusion of thrash and black metal, bridging generations with untamed intensity. As a one-man force from Scotland, McBain's sonic journey delves into Scottish folklore, epitomized by the title track's bagpipe-adorned lunacy. McBain's diverse influences, from crossover to '80s speed metal, establish Hellripper as a singular force. The album progresses their sound while maintaining vitality, evident in McBain's improved drumming and guitar skills. Meticulously crafted tracks, enriched by arcane legends, offer a blend of tempos and lush guitars, showcasing McBain's prowess. The closer, "Mester Stoor Worm," exhibits Hellripper's musical dexterity with orchestral overtones and hardcore influences. Warlocks Grim & Withered Hags is a thunderous triumph, solidifying Hellripper's brilliance and making it a must-have for metal enthusiasts, a high-flying, six-stringed dynast in the metal landscape.
Read the full review of Hellripper's Warlocks Grim & Withered Hags here.
6. Terrifier - Trample The Weak, Devour The Dead
Empire Records
Terrifier's return with Trample The Weak, Devour The Dead is a triumphant resurgence in Canadian thrash metal. After a period of quietude since 2017's Weapons Of Thrash Destruction, the band delivers a resounding comeback. From the opening seconds of "Trial By Combat," the album establishes its identity with a relentless pace, declaring Terrifier's commitment to chaos. "Perpetual Onslaught" seamlessly blends melody with thrash aggression, while "Bones Of The Slain" echoes Slayer influences with nostalgic intensity. "Depths Of The Storm Scepter" showcases versatility with a moody atmosphere, and "Grinding The Blade" highlights technical prowess. The latter half, including "Death And Decay" and standout "Dawn Of The Slaughter," maintains an unwavering pace. Closing with "Awaiting Desecration," drummer Kyle Shepperd's groovy rhythm section propels the thrash train to its screeching halt. Trample The Weak, Devour The Dead pays homage to thrash roots while pushing genre boundaries, crafting meticulously constructed, intense tracks that define modern thrash metal.
Read the full review of Terrifier's Trample The Weak, Devour The Dead here.
7. Enforced - War Remains
Century Media Records
Enforced's War Remains, the follow-up to their acclaimed 2021 album, Kill Grid, is a relentless 30-minute onslaught of crossover thrash released in April via Century Media Records. Fronted by Knox Colby and driven by guitarists Will Wagstaff and Zach Monahan, the band explores a scathing critique of the modern world's violent nature. Producer Ricky Olson and mixer Arthur Rizk capture the album's intensity with precision. From the furious opener "Aggressive Menace" to the standout title track, War Remains is an unapologetically intense record, meticulously crafted for maximum impact. The production strikes a perfect balance between raw grit and terrifying precision. Enforced excels at delivering face-melting thrash without a moment of filler, solidifying their position as crossover thrash torchbearers. In a landscape cluttered with mediocrity, War Remains stands tall as a testament to Enforced's unbridled ferocity.
Read the full review of Enforced's War Remains here.
8. Overkill - Scorched
Nuclear Blast Records
Overkill, the thrash metal veterans hailing from New Jersey, return with their twentieth album, Scorched, marking a four-year hiatus since their last release, The Wings of War in 2019. The band maintains their signature rough thrash style, offering a familiar yet invigorating sound. The title track sets the tone with a blend of finger-tapping melodies and crashing chords. While some tracks, like "Goin' Home," explore infectious choruses but delve into familiar territory, others, such as "The Surgeon" and "Harder They Fall," inject energy with bouncy thrash vibes. Scorched pays homage to Overkill's roots, echoing punk influences in tracks like "Won't Be Coming Back." Produced by Colin Richardson, the album captures the raw intensity of Overkill's live performances, featuring razor-sharp riffs and Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth's ageless vocals. Scorched stands as a testament to Overkill's enduring spirit, showcasing their ability to evolve while staying true to their thrash metal roots. Whether embracing nostalgia or appreciating a more mature sound, the album delivers a passionate and energetic thrash metal experience after 38 years in the scene.
Read the full review of Overkill's Scorched here.
9. Cannibal Corpse - Chaos Horrific
Metal Blade Records
Cannibal Corpse's sixteenth studio album, Chaos Horrific, released on September 22, 2023, through Metal Blade Records, solidifies their legacy in death metal. Building on 2021's Violence Unimagined, the album, as noted by bassist Alex Webster, feels like a natural continuation. Guitarist Rob Barrett adds depth, allowing each track to carve its distinct path, whether straightforward or technically complex. The absence of a predetermined technical agenda results in a natural heaviness, reflecting the band's 35-year evolution. Thematic exploration delves into dark realms, addressing subjects from battling zombies on the title track to the grim themes of dismemberment and sacrifice. The first single, "Blood Blind," explores mass mutilations and a genocide embraced by the masses. Producer Erik Rutan and drummer Paul Mazurkiewicz collaborate to infuse the album with dark, aggressive depth. With chaotic artwork by Vince Locke, Chaos Horrific offers an immersive experience, showcasing Cannibal Corpse's dominance in the death metal arena, seamlessly blending technical prowess with relentless heaviness and evolving their sound while preserving their brutal essence.
Read the full review of Cannibal Corpse's Chaos Horrific here.
10. Creeping Death - Boundless Domain
MNRK Heavy
Creeping Death's sophomore album, Boundless Domain, produced by Killswitch Engage's Adam Dutkiewicz, is a relentless celebration of death metal that pays homage to the genre's past, present, and future. From the menacing sonic assault of the title track to the maelstrom of "Intestinal Wrap" featuring George "Corpsegrinder" Fisher, the album showcases the Texan group's proficiency in blending old-school bludgeon with modern hardcore influences. The collaboration with Dutkiewicz and Fisher solidifies their connection to both old and contemporary metal. While not groundbreaking, the album's ferocity, commitment to their signature sound, and willingness to explore different sonic territories make it a reliable testament to the power of unapologetic, riff-heavy death metal. Creeping Death may not reinvent the wheel, but Boundless Domain is an enjoyable addition to the new vanguard of death metal, offering an infectious, headbanging groove that resonates with genre fans.
Read the full review of Creeping Death's Boundless Domain here.
What are your thoughts, highlights, and favorites of the year? Share your top picks with us in the comments below.
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