2023 Best Albums (#20-#11)

 2023 Top Twenty Stoner Rock Albums (#20-11)

The first half of my top 20 heavy rock albums list for 2023. One song from each album, beginning with album #20 and finishing with album #11. I understand I'm sure to be missing some great albums that came out this year, but am just sharing my favorite purchases of the year. Artist/Album/Track info is displayed for the first 10 seconds of each tune.

#20: "Wave Cannon" by The Machine

This trio from the Netherlands never disappoints

#19: "Mask Off!" by Gorilla Pulp

Italy's Gorilla Pulp consistently delivers hard rock with some of the best guitar riffs around

#18: "Remedy" by Gozu

Boston's Gozu delivers another great album, with as heavy a guitar sound as you'll find

#17: "Drifting In The Endless Void" by Dozer

Swedish stoner rock heavyweights Dozer have been at it for nearly a quarter-century, and show no signs of slowing down

#16: "Return Of The Asteroid" by Wolfnaut

Norway's Wolfnaut used to be called Wolfgang.  They've been around for a while, and are getting better with time

#15: "Boogie To Baja" by Stöner

If Brant Bjork and Nick Oliveri are involved, you know it's worth your while.  Also, this is probably the album cover of the year

#14: "Land Of Sleeper" by Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs

This British band with the ridiculous name really knows how to rock.  Heavy and very unique songwriting throughout this album

#13: "Never Turn Your Back On A Friend" by Various Artists

This reimagining of Budgie's 1973 classic album also features 3 additional bonus Budgie cover tunes.  Every artist featured shows true love for the track they chose to cover.  One of the best tribute albums ever done, but if you're not familiar with the original songs, prepare for a truly different kind of experience.

#12: "Chaos And The Art Of Motorcycle Madness" by The Death Wheelers

This instrumental band from Vancouver has really turned a corner in terms of their songwriting.  I've been a huge fan of all their albums, but this one is their best yet.

#11: "Divination" by Formula 400

This second album from San Diego's Formula 400 is simple, dirty, kick-ass hard rock that's great for getting you all fired up.  Meant to be played loud when you've got some open highway in front of you

Stay tuned tomorrow for my top ten albums of 2023

CORNUCOPIA OF 2016

Here's a butt-load of cool stuff that came out this year, that if you haven't already, you need to hear:

(that at least rhymed in my head)

YOUNGBLOOD SUPERCULT: High Plains

"Heavy Mellow" is a good descriptor for this album.  It impressively manages to be legit heavy while having a soothing quality.  Strong cover to cover, with excellent "replayability". Check out "Before The Dawn":  Youngblood Supercult are from Topeka, Kansas.

BLACK LUNG: See The Enemy

I would call Black Lung an old-school rock band with a soft spot for heavy sounds.  Another high quality album, start to finish.  Here is "Priestess."  Black Lung are from Baltimore, Maryland.

SONORA RITUAL: Dust Monument
Germany's Sonora Ritual are truly talented musicians and songwriters.  I have played this album lots of times, and still find it interesting.  Here is "Departure:" (the name of one of my favorite Journey albums, back in the day)

GORILLA PULP: Peyote Queen

Viterbo, Italy's Gorilla Pulp deserves at very least a "best use of the talk box" award for the tune "Electric Woman".  Note that none of these recommendations are albums with just a couple of good tunes.  Here again, lots to appreciate here, including the awesome cover art.

NATIVE DAUGHTERS: Master Manipulator

Finishing up with Denver, Colorado's band Native Daughters.  Dual drum players gives this band a really distinctive quality.  Equally likely to be claimed by heavy metal and stoner rock crowds, Master Manipulator is as worthy as instrumental heavy music gets.  Check out one of my favorites, "Two Princes":  If you stick around and listen to the follow-up, "The UninVAlted", you will not be disappointed.

There's more.  I may continue this cornucopia post, because there's so much more music and so little time left in the calendar year.  But for now, although it can't be on the same level as my family and friends, I count Bandcamp as one of the things I am thankful for, as it brought all this great music to me this year.  Enjoy your deserved downtime.     -ULTRA