Looking back on the year so far, one can be equally delighted and grateful on the quality, quantity and diversity of NWOTHM albums to pop-up during the past 12 months. Clearly the genre is on the rise, emerging stronger than ever from the pandemic freeze, partly redefined to the new environment, still thriving on a solid foundation of passionate fanbase worldwide. Most members of our diverse community love end-of-the year recaps and scorecards, especially when it comes to albums, live shows, festivals – all classic categories to metric achievements and distribute accolades. Being no exception of this rule, my perspective, as subjective as it is, has the pure intention of bringing to your attention my personal “crème de la crème”, paying respect to those bands that stood out the most in 2023.

In the ranking to follow we have a bit of everything – bold, long-awaited debuts, amazing sophomore creations, solidifying the status of their authors, plus the next chapter in the musical journey of well-established names in the scene, most of which defending their iconic status. Either way, hope you find something new and interesting to give a try to and lets all raise the horns high, trusting the forthcoming 2024 will be even more lavish in terms of metal album releases.

#10: Sintage – “Paralyzing Chains”

In a way considered the underdogs of the German trad scene, the band quickly surfaced with their massively impressive EP “The Sign”, jumping on dozens of stages to make their name on the road. It was just a matter of time all the talent and experience to crystalize in a debut album, putting SINTAGE on the forefront of young generation of bands to carry on the torch of genuine creativity.

Bandcamp:  https://sintage.bandcamp.com/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089607068295
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/sintage.rock/

#9: Gatekeeper – “From Western Shores”

Since forever Canada has been a premium brand when it comes to traditional metal and GATEKEEPER totally stands for this statement. Their second album seems to take opposite direction, as far the title goes (the debut was named “East of the Sun”), yet musically is a movement of ascendence, conquering new heights, demonstrating undisputed maturity in every aspect one can imagine. And all of these do not come at the expense of the epic ethos of the band – a precious asset to be preserved in the future in their signature style.  

Bandcamp: https://gatekeeper.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GatekeeperBand/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gatekeeper_metal/

#8: Roadwolf – “Midnight Lightning”

The next in line with sophomore record to confirm the direction of their breakthrough debut, ROADWOLF didn’t let us down and confirmed their position as defenders of the classical sound and feel of heavy metal. Showing signs of new flavors, bringing fresh creative perspective in mix with the well-known vibes, being even experimental in certain moments, the band now firmly stands next to VENATOR to form the dynamic duo that leads the headbanging pack in Austria.

Bandcamp:  https://roadwolf.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roadwolfmusic
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/roadwolfmusic/

#7: Haunt – “Golden Arm”

The notorious productivity and unmatched creativity of Trevor William Church and his trusted companions are beyond belief and if there Is a year without a new HAUNT album (or two), It can be easily considered a year lost in the chronicles of NWOTHM. The ease and smoothness typical for the band’s style and artistic interpretation find their next embodiment delivered by the golden touch of this metal genius from Fresno, California.

Bandcamp:  https://hauntthenation.bandcamp.com/
Facebook:  http://facebook.com/hauntthenation
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/hauntthenation/

#6: Blood Star – “First Sighting”

Our beloved ladies of metal are represented in this year’s ranking by the enchanting Madeline Smith and her talented crew of bandmates. Without depreciating the performance of any other female-led formation, in 2023 BLOOD STAR are the reigning queen of the genre, putting out such unique debut, which focuses almost everything we adore in classic metal and what’s even more reputable – pushing a massive effort on the road, being present on numerous stages, dozens of festivals and venues, always keeping high standard of performance and stage presence. Had the chance to watch them three times during the past months and can assure you those guys are а true benchmark for concert experience.

Bandcamp: https://bloodstarslc.bandcamp.com/music
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bloodstarslc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blood.star.slc/

#5: Screamer – “Kingmaker”

There is no secret that SCREAMER have my deepest sympathies and I consider them the fastest evolving band from the Swedish chapter of NWOTHM. With great anticipation been waiting for the “Kingmaker” to come and the guys delivered highly sophisticated, well produced and structured album, to take the next step, following the massive success of the pivotal “Highway of Heroes”. Kudos and respect to them for not turning into a cliché and having the guts to take some of the tracks sideways in a creative pursuit and exploration of new musical fields, enriching the discography with such a distinctive record.

Bandcamp:  https://wearescreamer.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wearescreamer
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/wearescreamer/

#4: Tailgunner – “Guns for Hire”

Been following closely the British boys since their very early public appearance in the internet space, eagerly watching how their career evolves in the best old-school traditions of their homeland. TAILGUNNER turned to be that fresh breath of air, to revive long forgotten devotion and dedication to heavy music, something unseen probably from the late 80-ties. Their passion is contagious and the message they spread around is pure gold, skyrocketing in popularity and after the bomb they dropped with the EP release early on, there was zero doubt that the long-playing record will have a huge impact on the scene in 2023 and in the years to follow. In my humble opinion, “Guns for Hire” is one of the couple top contenders for Debut Of The Year title, which actually gives me a good idea to work upon in the next 12 months.

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/tailgunnerhq/
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/tailgunnerhq

#3: Enforcer – “Nostalgia”

Entering the prestigious Top 3 in the countdown, naturally we find there one of the forefathers and pillars of NWOTHM. When an ENFORCER title comes out there is always tons of things to say, find, analyze and redefine. And each time it comes short, giving more space for exploration and generic discovery. “Nostalgia” is a kaleidoscope combining all of the vibrant attributes that brought its authors the dominating place in traditional metal habitat of today, authenticating the charge of “Zenith”, while paying tribute to the legacy of band’s primordial times.

Bandcamp: https://enforcer.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/enforcerofficial
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enforcerofficial/

#2: Thriller – “Street Metal”

A very late find that almost went unnoticed, coming to life in the last quarter of the year, to send a shockwave across the four corners of the metal space, heralding a new force is rising from the german underground. I believe that one day “Street Metal” will get the proper recognition it deserves as a milestone in the development of the metal movement as a whole, since it seems to have all the needed ingredients for the perfect heavy album recipe. Back in the early days of NWOBHM critics and music magazines loved to make parallels between German and British scenes and in attempt to reanimate this historical convention, would state that THRILLER are the teutonic ¨response¨ of TAILGUNNER, rivaling them for the debut of the year award.

Bandcamp: https://thrillermetal.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thrillermetal
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrillermetal/

#1: Air Raid – “Fatal Encounter”

A comeback with a bang! This is what AIR RAID did early in the year, discharging their mind-blowing fourth creation. While I still miss the rawness and spontaneity of the first one – “Night of the Axe” I am fully conscious about the long trajectory the band has travelled during the past decade and all the transformation happening along the way. From the bombastic opener “Thunderblood” (this track stormed my soul with no remorse) till the final tunes of the exotic cover “Pegasus Fantasy”, what the guys call a “Fatal Encounter”, results to be a pure and distilled doze of metal bliss, shot directly into the brain, leaving you dizzy with dismay, causing colossal euphoria and perpetual indulgence.

Bandcamp: https://airraidofficial.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AirRaidOfficial
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/air_raid_official/