Heavy Metal in 2023

By Lara Thain

Spotify-wrapped just got released. Not only does it show who and what they were listening to in 2023, but it also is a reflection of what people were not listening to. Heavy metal still has many devoted fans, but heavy metal bands have not been receiving the commercial success that they had in the past. Bands like Black Sabbath and Metallica are household names, but no metal bands in 2023 have such recognition. So, who are the modern metal bands you should be listening to? 

Life Is But a Dream... -Avenged Sevenfold  

Released in June of this year, Avenged Sevenfold released their first album since 2016. Inspired by philosopher, Albert Camus, the album should be listened to in order of the eleven tracks. However, if you don’t of the time to listen to the entirety of the album, standout tracks include “Nobody” and “Mattel”. Both tracks also have equally dramatic music videos to match the energy of the lyrics.  

3737 -Robots of the Ancient World  

A shorter album at just 38 minutes over 6 songs, 3737 is the new album of Portland based band. The discography of “Robots of the Ancient World” is smaller than some other metal bands, however, they have been able to accomplish over three albums and they do not disappoint in their new album. For me, the principal track of the album, “Hindu Kush”, particularly grabs the attention of the listener and makes you want to play it on repeat.  

Stone- Baroness  

The sixth album by “Baroness” was released in September of this year and was several years in the making. The album includes sixteen tracks with some shorter songs too, which is somewhat less common in heavy metal. However, these tracks are still able to effectively convey the emotional intensity one hopes to find in heavy metal. Standout songs include, “Embers”, “Beneath the Rose” and “Anodyne”.  

Take Me Back To Eden- Sleep Token 

Released in May of this year, Take Me Back To Eden is the third album released by Sleep Token. Sleep Token is unique in their approach to performing, choosing to remain completely anonymous and wearing masks on stage. The album is ambitious in its approach and the tracks towards the beginning of the album are particurlarly impressive such as “Chokehold” and “Granite”.  

Rivers of Heresy- Empire State Bastard 

Unlike the name suggests, the band is formed of Scots who met while playing in the band “Biffy Clyro”.  Rivers of Heresy is their debut album, and it certainly starts with a bang. The album grabs your attention for its full 35 minutes and is perfect to add to your workout playlist.  For me, the tracks that you would want to play on repeat are “Harvest” and “Moi?”.