2023 was a fantastic year for rock and metal listeners alike. From singles, to EPs, to full length albums, narrowing down 12 months’ worth of new content proved to be difficult. In no particular order, I’ve picked out 10 of my favorite new releases from this past year. This range varies on a scale of Fall Out Boy to ATTILA.
“Cellar Door” – Spiritbox
To kick things off, on October 13th, Spiritbox released the heaviest song they’ve produced since “Holy Roller” back in July of 2020. ”Cellar Door” is only one part of a six track EP “The Fear of Fear,” which combined, tells a lyrically impressive storyline. As always, the vocalist Courtney LaPlante unleashes her talent into a killer song with a brutal breakdown. Love the song, but I’m not sure how I feel about the ethereal fade out at the end of it.
“DArkSide” – Bring Me The Horizon
One of the many singles released this year from British metalcore band Bring Me The Horizon was “DArkSide.” This incredible track was gifted to the world on October 13th and came with a perfect mix of heavy verses and a catchy chorus. The band’s vocalist Oliver Sykes continues to impress, and with the new album “Post Human: NeX Gen” coming in early 2024, they’ve already set the bar high.
“What’s Killing You” – Beartooth
Beartooth’s new album “The Surface” came with countless incredible songs, but track number 7 “What’s Killing You” is on repeat for me. The meaningful message screamed at a high-octane power was released on October 13th and makes me want to jump around every time I hear the 0 to 100 introduction. It fits in perfectly with the rest of this new positivity Beartooth is bringing to the band’s music.
“Forgotten” – The Plot in You
I was lucky enough to hear American metalcore band The Plot in You debut their new unreleased single “Forgotten” at Hamden’s own Toads Place back in April earlier this year. It’s not often you know the lyrics to a song the first time you hear it, but before the song ended, I was singing along to the chorus. This is the type of song that has to be listened to multiple times in a row to fully capture its essence. I was left in suspense until August 10th when “Forgotten” was officially released via Fearless Records. The angry tone and gut-wrenching bridge are just as moving during the first listen and the hundredth listen.
“Bite Your Tongue” – ATTILA
One of three singles released this year by American metalcore band ATTILA, “Bite Your Tongue,” stuck out to me for its wicked combination of their hardcore old-school sound and a modern clean spin sprinkled throughout. This groundbreaking song is the first time the band has included any kind of clean vocals in their music. The vocalist Chris “Fronz” Fronzak undoubtedly pulled it off and the world was happy to receive it on April 27th.
“AmEN!” – Bring Me The Horizon (feat. Lil Uzi Vert and Daryl Palumbo of Glassjaw)
Taking another spot in my top ten songs recap is yet another Bring Me The Horizon song. “AmEN!” was released on June 1st and featured rapper Lil Ui Vert and Daryl Palumbo of Glassjaw. I was skeptical of this collaboration at first but was hooked after hearing the instantly heavy-hitting ripper of a song. I can confidently say this was a brilliant creation involving multiple insanely talented artists, especially after I got to hear Bring Me The Horizon start their set with this song when they opened for Fall Out Boy this summer on their So Much For (Tour) Dust tour. They brought the heat and visualized it every time they performed “AmEN!” live with wild pyrotechnics, flashing screens, and red strobe lights.
“Hold Me Like a Grudge” – Fall Out Boy
It was a great year for Fall Out Boy and the release of their album “So Much (For) Stardust” on March 24th and their headlining tour that followed it. The masters of metaphors return with “Hold Me Like a Grudge,” a foot-tapping and air-drumming- nducing song. It’s catchy and quick-paced, with comedic and meaningful lyrics as it tells a story through song. After hearing this song in concert over the summer on their headlining tour, I can confidently say all its perfections are only amplified live, and sitting still is not an option.
“Vampyre” – New Years Day
The California rock band New Years Day released their most recent single “Vampyre” on November 21st with gorgeously gory cover art of vocalist Ash Costello. “Vampyre” has a perfect combination of eerie sound and irresistible confidence. The bridge takes the song to another level for a brief moment and as a whole, displays Ash Costello’s impressive range as an artist.
“Lost” – Linkin Park
When Linkin Park releases a new song in 2023, you stop everything you’re doing and listen to it. Ever since the passing of vocalist Chester Bennington in 2017, it was unclear what the future of Linkin Park would hold, especially the chance of entirely new music. On February 10th, “Lost” was officially released as part of the 20-year reissue of “Meteora” after being originally recorded for that album back in 2003. The lyrics are heartbreaking and emotional, all while taking you back to that year. It fits in perfectly with its initial album and makes me wonder why it was held back. The icing on the cake was the animated music video released with it, that included all the band members.
“Take Shape” – Code Orange (feat. Billy Corgan)
Last but certainly not least, a wicked collaboration between Code Orange and Smashing Pumpkin’s Billy Corgan produced “Take Shape” and released it via Blue Group Music on July 29th. This song includes the only feature on their new album “The Above.” Its creepy ambiance builds an unsettling atmosphere and is a creative homerun in my book. Its weird undertones make me think the bands know something we don’t.
Overall, 2023 was a thrilling year for music and the countless incredible new content continues to amaze me. Listing only 10 of my favorite songs was no easy feat. From openers to headliners, the talent is obvious and only makes me more excited for what’s to come in 2024. It’s safe to say that rock and metal are in good hands.
