Best Trash Metal Albums of 2023

A thrash metal top without mentioning Metallica would be like a sky without stars. However, when added as a “bonus,” it may not signal something positive. Metallica, an iconic band in the thrash metal world, has undergone an evolution over the years. While their presence in the genre is undeniable, some critics point to a decrease in originality and freshness, particularly noticed since the release of the “Black Album.”

This album marked a turning point in Metallica’s career, moving away from the raw and aggressive sound of their early thrash metal years. Despite the album’s commercial success, some critical voices argue that this transition led to a loss of identity, with the band exploring more accessible but less memorable musical territory in terms of the essence of thrash metal.

The lack of originality and the perception of a certain loss of freshness can create divided opinions among die-hard thrash metal fans. Despite this, Metallica remains an influential force in the metal scene, and although some of their recent works may not be considered as memorable, their impact on the evolution of metal is undeniable.

Cavalera Conspiracy is one of those unique projects: the Cavalera brothers alongside one of the Duplantier brothers, Joe. I wasn’t a big fan of Sepultura, but I believe they had that something that Cavalera Conspiracy has lacked in Morbid Visions. I sense a lot of power and unbridled rage in every move. Regarding the vocals, it’s where I’m least comfortable with the album: too “unrefined”.

Necropanther’s recent album perfectly captures my ongoing struggle with thrash metal: I love the intricate instrumentals and frenetic rhythms, but the vocals, often likened to a “gremlin,” wear on me. Reflecting the band’s unique journey in the metal scene, this album showcases their talent for blending thrash with elements of death metal, pushing genre boundaries. Despite the vocal challenge, Necropanther’s ability to provide an experience beyond typical thrash leaves me curious about their future and how they’ll continue influencing the metal scene.

Holy Moses, with Invisible Queen, brings us an album that, just by listening to it, we know follows a very old-school style, but not for that reason is it outdated. The frenetic rhythms are abundant. As for the production, it falters quite a bit; it doesn’t sound entirely clean. And that is important in thrash, as we know there will be a lot of noise, and we want it to sound as good as possible. The vocals are also good, and it’s appreciated that the gremlin-like voice, as in most of its kind, is not used excessively.

Sadus, a veteran force in thrash and death metal since the ’80s, with The Shadow Inside, unveils a new album seamlessly blending old-school vibes with death metal nuances. Drawing parallels to Holy Moses, Sadus showcases a refined adaptation of the old-school style marked by subtlety and enhanced production. With a rich history of innovation, their latest release is a compelling addition to their storied discography.

Enforced is an unconventional thrash metal band, drawing influences from genres like black metal. Known for their distinctive style, the band has carved a unique path in the metal scene. Their latest album, War Remains, combines headbanging moments and catchy riffs, though some critics note a touch of repetition. Nevertheless, Enforced has gained recognition for merging different styles and stands out in the contemporary metal scene. “Ultra Violence” is a standout track, showcasing their diverse musical skill.

The album Necrophony by Exmortus has been tremendously interesting to me due to its fusion of thrash metal with neoclassical elements. Certain nuances of black metal are also appreciated. There are standout moments that shine due to the musicians’ virtuosity, as seen in “Storm of Strings,” but at other times, that spark doesn’t endure, and a certain monotony begins to be perceived throughout the album, as evident in “Oathbreaker” and “Mask Of Red Death.” The vocals also don’t quite measure up to the rest. Nevertheless, the album manages to bring together various appealing aspects.

This Spanish group is more than established in the world of thrash metal. On this occasion, I believe they haven’t quite matched their previous works, but still, they are worthy of the third position. Trying to match Hidden Evolution… will be very, very challenging. Returning to the subject, Aftermath is a very entertaining and easy-to-listen-to album. The contribution of various guest artists, such as Jamie Jasta from Hatebreed, manages to spark curiosity to see them in action with another band. The alternation of fast songs, others slower and heavier, and the occasional ballads such us “To Whom It May Concern” make Aftermath a very complete album.

Xoth has truly captured hearts in the thrash metal community, bringing a fresh and unique touch to the genre with their latest album, “Exogalactic.” This release not only showcases technical skill but also a diverse and dynamic sound that’s a breath of fresh air in thrash metal. Their ability to blend elements from different genres adds layers of richness to their music, providing a unique and engaging listening experience. In a musical landscape that values authenticity, Xoth stays true to their thrash metal roots while exploring exciting new directions. This hints at a promising journey ahead for the band in the ever-evolving world of metal.

One of the many albums produced by the Australians. King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, with PetroDragonic Apocalypse; or, Dawn of Eternal Night: An Annihilation of Planet Earth and the Beginning of Merciless Damnation (what a joke) I consider their interpretation of thrash worthy of being hailed as the best thrash metal album of 2023—super catchy and incredibly enjoyable to listen to, just as lengthy as the album’s own name. I believe it’s a perfect album for any kind of audience. I love listening to it because it provides me with the necessary energy when I urgently need it. I highlight the fact that they have created such a good album from simple structures and a concept that doesn’t offer much for elaborating intricate lyrics. “Gila Monster” and “Supercell” are my favorite songs. You can check here another post where we talked about this album.