BEST OF 2023 – Sparky (Writer) 
You can find the Collective List as well as all our Best of 2023 content including contributors’ individual lists, podcasts and radio DJ shows here: CGCM’s Best of 2023 (Year in Review)
Another year has gone by in the blink of an eye and now is the time the decide whether it’s been a good year or a shit one.
While it came perilously close to shit on several occasions, comparing it to the previous 2 or 3 it comes down on the positive side.
As for rock and metal, at the beginning of the year, we all wonder where the new music is coming from and if it can match what has already been. The answer, unfailingly every year, is a resounding YES.
So here we go, some you may have heard of, some you may not know, and a big surprise in the top spot.
Keep rockin’ and have a very heavy 2024.
#10 🇸🇪
SVARTANNAT – Last Days on Earth
These Swedish rockers give a masterclass in heavy retro rock. Such a cool groove with dreamy guitar work, this album is a pleasure from start to finish. There’s more than a hint of The Hellacopters in there but that’s no bad thing at all. Ones to look out for are “Mad Stranger” and “Where I Belong”
#9 🇩🇪
SAVAGE – Glory Riders
This is Savage’s first full-length effort, and what a way to explode onto the scene. This is heavy metal from the glory days of the 1980s. The album cover is also a classic of its genre. Check out “Make My Day” and “Glory Riders”
#8 🇺🇲
HIGH SPIRITS – Safe on the Other Side
Chris Black is at it again, with his heady mix of intense powerful riffs and big vocals. Black does everything on his albums apart from mixing, so it is clear his talent is as big as his sound. This is proper melodic metal that will leave you smiling, if not a little exhausted from the musical assault. Top tunes are “Lonely Nights” and “(There Will Be) Magic Tonight”.
#7 🇨🇦
CROWN LANDS – Fearless
Reminiscent of compatriots Rush this album has a definite prog feel, albeit up-to-date and modern. Kicking off with an 18 min 23 sec epic this tells you all you need to know. Drifting between heavy riffing, long solos and dreamy keyboards this album has something for everybody. Look no further than “Fearless PtII” for your proggy hit.
#6 🇺🇲
TRIP THE WIRE – Trip The Wire
Just because you come from Seattle doesn’t mean you have to be a grunge band. That’s fortunate as Trip the Wire are far better than that. Again reminiscent of Rush, especially in the vocals, they dish up fast-paced catchy rock. It’s quality toe-tapping stuff that gets into your head and refuses to budge. “In the Crossfire” and “Never Enough” are the ones to check out.
#5 🇺🇲
BLOOD STAR – First Sighting
The only entry for a band with a female lead singer, and a great entry it is too. Madeline Smith’s vocals are so pure and powerful and with such a special resonance. Blood Star are similar to Lucifer, in pace and riff work, but with less talk of satan. My favourites include “Fearless Priest” and “Wait to Die”
#4 🇺🇲
LEGENDRY – Time Immortal Wept
Epic metal with a touch of a prog feel powers this album into fourth spot. This trio delivers on so many levels; power, rhythm, melody and lots of excellent guitaring. There is even some keyboard action but don’t let put you off. Top tracks include “Warrior of Space and Time” and “Sigil Strider”
#3 🇲🇽
FREEROAD – Do What You Feel
Classic rock with a 70’s and 80s vibe this album swaggers its way into the top 3. You can feel that the guys are just loving what they’re doing and living their best life. From the first riff to the last note this is a special album. Difficult to pick top tracks are “Do What You Feel!” and “Pray for the King”
#2 🇦🇺
BIG RED FIRE TRUCK – Trouble in Paradise
I was convinced that this EP had cemented its place at the top of the tree, only to be usurped at the last minute. This debut effort is a truly superb audio treat. It is an EP full of clean, straight-up hard rock. They are all catchy tunes that get into your brain and refuse to move. If this is a taste of what is to come then I can’t wait! Favourite tracks are “Miami Skies” and “Hot Summer Nights”
#1 🇬🇧
MCFLY – Power to Play
Back in 2003, McFly hit the pop scene as the true loves of many a pre-pubescent teen in the UK. True rock fans understandably tended to ignore them. However, 7 albums later and the band has gone and produced the best rock album of the year in my opinion. This is proper melodic hard rock with a certain edge. Sometimes its easy to succumb to preconceived views and ignore what’s in front of you. I’m glad I gave this a shot, I recommend you do too.
Favourite tracks? ALL OF THEM!
Keep on rockin’ everybody, and as Freeroad wisely said, Do What You Feel!
Check out my other articles and reviews here. Sparky.
