ROB’S TOP 10 NWOTHM RELEASES OF 2023

This year has been an exciting year for new releases in the Nwothm world and it is without question that there has been some absolutely amazing records and EP’s unleashed! So what a better way to end the year with a recap of some of the best releases of 2023! I asked each of the Nwothm team to put together their top 10 Nwothm releases for 2023! These will be published throughout December so keep your eyes peeled! For now here is my top 10 to get started!

10: Blood Star – “First Sighting“

In the early months of 2023, noteworthy music releases emerged, including an solid debut from the promising up-and-coming band Blood Star hailing from Utah, USA. Titled “First Sighting,” their new album left a lasting impression on me with its exceptional quality. Led by the commanding vocals of Madeline Michelle, Blood Star brings a powerful and electrifying metal experience that sets the sky ablaze with bolts of lightning!

9. Tailgunner – “Guns For Hire“

Tailgunner have been around for only a very short period of time and in that period they have been extremely busy. From countless shows to releasing singles and their debut album, the band have very quickly made themselves stand out in the Nwothm circuit. Tailgunner are made of quite young members but their music shows maturity and depth. Almost if they have been in the music game for years. They promise to put Heavy metal back on the radar and they are showing this with their debut “Guns for Hire.” Tailgunner have not left out anything here and they go in full guns blazing. Their future is very promising and they are one of our bands to watch for 2024!

8. Roadwolf – “Midnight Lightning”

This year has been a big year for me discovering bands and one of those was the Austrian heavyweights Roadwolf. Unlike some of the bands I have chosen for my top 10, these guys tip more towards the vibes of 80’s hardrock/heavy metal infused with more modern undertones. They are great at creating catchy hard hitting anthems and they certainly know how to create feel good music!

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: ROADWOLF

7. Blazon rite – “Wild Rites & Ancient Songs“

All the way back in March I had this slab of glorious metal drop into my inbox and I remember spending ages going over the tracks for the review. Purely because I was taken back by the amazing content of this album. Blazon Rite are a band that that know how to write interesting and well structured songs full to the brim with tantalising guitar riffs and melodies. If you are looking for an album that will take you on an epic journey then give this a go!

INTERVIEW: BLAZON RITE (USA)

6.Night Demon – Outsider

I remember seeing the teaser video for this album and it was enough to get any Night Demon fan excited. This 3 piece truly know how to set the tone and when “Outsider” was unleashed, It was instantly a step up for me from what they had put out before. The album which sits just under 40 minutes is full of bangers and shows how the band have matured as artists in so many ways. The music is thought provoking and well written and these are qualities that make “Outsider” a fantastic album. I can not wait till I get to see the band live in the future!

5. Hitten – While Passion Lasts

Hitten make a grand return with their glorious new record ” While Passion Lasts.” This made my top 10 purely for the fact that it has so many feel good tracks that are dripping in 80’s nostalgia. I can see these tracks being performed on the big stages capturing the hearts of thousands. The music has everything you can want from smoking guitar licks to catchy choruses that will get listeners singing a lot! This is an album that you will want to go back to over and over!

REVIEW: HITTEN “WHILE PASSION LASTS”

4. Smoulder – Violent Creed of Vengeance

Having sporadically enjoyed Smoulder’s tracks in the past, I eagerly anticipated the release of their latest album. The wait was undoubtedly worthwhile! “Violent Creed Of Vengeance” surpasses their previous releases, boasting formidable instrumentation and resonant vocal echoes. This album is a powerhouse that showcases a significant evolution in their sound. Intrigued by the impact of their music, I couldn’t resist experiencing it live on stage. The hypnotic energy of their performance perfectly aligns with the exceptional quality of their studio recordings leaving me thirsty for more!

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: SMOULDER (FINDLAND/USA/CANADA)

3. Air Raid – Fatal Encounter

2.The Night Eternal – “Fatale“

1. Enforcer – “Nostalgia“