Being as I’m lucky enough to fraternise on the internet with an estimably mucky peerage, each individual cultist possessing esoteric tastes and obscure interests, I thought I would ask a few of these heads and freaks to cast their eyes and ears back across 2023 and list their favourite releases. No rules or caveats were applied.
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TOM – TxOxTxHxFxIxCxI / I CRAWLED / NERVE CREMATION
Tolerances Of The Human Face In Crash Impacts
My favourite album this year by a mile was the new Khanate, but I thought instead I’d talk about some lesser known releases and hopefully give them some deserved attention!
Psych War – Demo 2023
Combining d-beat ferocity with early stenchcore heft, these guys have almost reached crust perfection on their first demo! Track 3 Is an actual masterpiece and sounds like Sacrelige playing Jag Panzer
psych-war.bandcamp.com/album/demo-23
Eremit – Wearer of Innumerable Forms
Otherworldly heaviness on the 3rd album from this underrated “mythological” sludge/drone trio. The low end on this thing is unreal, despite their lack of a bassist! The album’s 2 hour runtime (made up by just 3 tracks) might be daunting for some but I could listen to this all day.
fuckingkillrecords.bandcamp.com/album/eremit-w
Pale World – Unrequited
Blistering harsh noise from one of the best ones doing it in my local scene. Not a whole lot more to say other than to turn this one up and make sure to catch him live If you get the chance
paleworld.bandcamp.com/album/unrequit
Gom Jabbar – Demo
Stumbled on this nasty piece of work on RYM one day – Raw Death/Doom with an industrial edge that sounds like it was recorded in a cave full of malfunctioning mining equipment
gomjabbardeath.bandcamp.com/album/demo
Spastic Tumor – Autopsy Exploitation
Is it even grind anymore If the songs are up to 8 minutes long and consist entirely of mid-paced d-beat caveman stomping? I’m not sure I care if it sounds this good!
grandvomitproductions.bandcamp.com/album/autopsy-
Gotthammer – Godslaying Sonic Barbarism
It’s war metal. You love it or you hate it, as always.
gotthammer.bandcamp.com/album/godslayi
Distraxi – Bars Made of Skin
Another up and coming UK noise/power electronics artist I was lucky enough to catch live this year; Distraxi has released a number of albums this year of which is Bars… is the nastiest sounding so is obviously my favourite! Powerful stuff!
distraxi.bandcamp.com/album/bars-mad
not only 2023 releases, but I listened them a lot in this year.
Konflict – Subjugation I & II (CD)
– Blacken Grind Terrorist from Sri Lanka. Best brend of Grindcore / Black Metal / Harsh Noise.
Dread / Xtreme Obsession – split (LP)
– Reissue of early 90’s Underground Metal demo from Singapore. Harsh Black Metal KILLS!!
V.A. – Spews Rot and Destroys Civility : A Finnish Noisecore Compendium (LP)
– Finland = Noisecore, Yes, Finland is nirvana of noisecore. compiled by Great Noisecore zine Garbage Fountain, you can know recently Finland noisecore scene w/this.
Craniorachischisis – s/t (CD)
-Gore Noise from Estonia,solo project of drummer guy from infamous war black metal Goat Smegma. Totally disgusting noise storm,GREAT!!
Sadoghoul / Negación – Negative Black Noise (cass)
-Both Goatvulva / Beherit worshipping Deathcore Metal teaming up!! Full of Negative Black Noise as title says!
ENDON – Boy Meets Girl (CD)
-God Gave Rock’n’Roll,new masterpiece of 21st century. After releasing, I listened this title repeatedly!!
Epiploenterocele Pusliquid Wormchunk – Copremetophiliac Obsession With Cesspool Eruption
-Thailand Gore Noise master, Cystgurgle. this project is their leader Gore Dick’s another project. This band kills fake asshole who call himself Gore Noise.
ゆれつずける(Yuretsuzukeru) – 雑音将軍 (General Noise) (cass)
-this tape released about 10 years ago, maybe only few people have this title,but really GREAT noisecore stuff!!
W.B.I. – Storm From The Baltic Sea~Early Massacres 1987-1991 (LP+CD)
-No Comment Needed!!
AVA – AAAVAVAVAAA (8cmCD)
-my band,total stupid!! I continue this style.
MICHAEL VAN GORE – ANATOMY OF THE HEADS
The Best Albums of the Year 2023
According to Michael van Gore (Glorious Leader of Anatomy of the Heads)
Attention shoppers,
in the vast expanse of my music-saturated existence, 2023 emerged as a rather uneventful blip on my auditory radar. Naturally, amidst my divine pursuits, I perused a smidgen of music—mostly snippets that dribbled through the chatter of social media ‘mutuals,’ and of course, the unpolished gems of Bandcamp and YouTube, disdainfully avoiding cesspools mainstream outlets. So, behold, the meager compilation of my ‘Albums of the Year,’ curated with the precision of a bored deity unimpressed by this year’s musical offerings.
No 1:
Nigel – Exotica Vol. 4
https://nigelfrantz.bandcamp.com/album/exotica-vol-4
This album, titled as a nod to its prestigious predecessors, endeavors to be a torchbearer of the awe-inspiring exotica trilogy that made waves in 1950s America, establishing the very foundations of the Exotica musical genre. What sets this record apart is its daring attempt to deconstruct the exotica sound to its core elements, presenting a raw and unembellished sonic landscape that still manages to evoke the enigmatic and haunting essence synonymous with this style of music.
Within its succinct yet powerful delivery, this album encapsulates the very spirit that courses through the veins of numerous exotica classics. It’s a concise masterpiece, a fleeting glimpse into a world teeming with mystique and adventure. It beckons you to explore the uncharted territories of your imagination, perhaps prompting you to embark on a mental escapade, raiding lost temples and conjuring ancient mysteries within the confines of your daydreams. For me, amidst the humdrum of musical releases this year, this album stands tall as a personal zenith—a tantalizing invitation to immerse oneself in the evocative allure of exotica’s hidden realms.
No.2
Athena Ignoramus – Antipathy
https://athena-ignoramus.bandcamp.com/album/antipathy
This album is all about noisy, bass-driven goth slow jams that you would find playing in a dingy 80s underground lair. What sets this record apart from the countless attempts at invoking this music? Firstly, its brevity; it knows precisely when to bid adieu, sparing the listener from a tedious marathon. The haunting, nursery rhyme-like vocals, buried deep within the sonic layers, beckon exploration and whisper of occult imagery akin to ancient incantations, reminiscent of dark passages found in any black metal opus. And finally, there is the allure of its raw production—a charming, homely quality that evokes memories of a charming demo that captured lightning in a bottle somewhere in the backstreets of your hometown. It proudly wears its darkness, brooding like a tempestuous sky, reminiscent of Japan’s Gallhammer but without the distortion and black metal pretense.
No. 3
Night Feeder – Within the Heart of the Deceased
https://owlripperrecordings.bandcamp.com/album/on055-the-withering-heart-of-the-deceased
Remember Abruptum, the ’90s black metal-inspired noise ensemble with an evil nameless dwarf? Enter Night Feeder, proudly carrying the torch of that abstract black metal noise weirdness into the contemporary scene. But, hold the nostalgia—this isn’t a mere throwback. This album transcends the trappings of a time capsule. Despite the discordant nature of the music, there is an attempt at a structured symphony in the chaos, where the cacophony seems to hint at actual musical compositions. Unpredictable yet strangely familiar, it’s a sonic journey adorned with intermittent riffs and sporadic drum patterns that miraculously knit the whole piece together.
In every crescendo and discordant harmony, Night Feeder nails the vibe, channeling an atmospheric prowess that lures you into its haunting embrace. It’s not just a mood piece; it’s a masterpiece—a standout gem in the realm of 2023’s sonic landscapes, outshining the myriad clones attempting to emulate the essence of Abruptum. This album, in its twisted elegance, masters the art of invoking moods better than most, proving to be a dark symphony you simply can’t ignore.
No. 4
Sugaar Pan – Hug A Tree And Burn the Forest
https://sugaarpan.bandcamp.com/album/hug-a-tree-and-burn-the-forest-lp
Hear me out on this one! This record is basically the krautrock opera that accompanies the whimsical spectacle of garden gnomes frolicking in your very own backyard. As such, this album struts along a tightrope, gracefully balancing between the sleek, Italian Cinema-esque mondo vibes and the trippy, psychedelic reverberations of post-rock hippie jams. It’s a delicate equilibrium, masterfully maintained without swaying too far into either realm. The magic lies in its ability to harmonize these contrasting moods seamlessly, creating a unique auditory experience that transcends genre trappings. At the heart of this feat lies the sprawling and detailed instrumentation. This isn’t just about tunes; it’s a musical odyssey where every instrument plays a vital role through building up timbres and textures, supporting the intricate tapestry of sounds that define this record. It’s the glue that holds together this kaleidoscopic fusion and makes it worth listening to.
No. 5
Mike Cooper – Black Flamingo
https://room40.bandcamp.com/album/black-flamingo
This record catered to my avant-garde cravings in ways that had me utterly delighted. Picture free jazz improvisations that pulsate with a unique essence, revolving around the mesmerizing echoes of a telecaster, as though plucked from the heart of a surf rock epic. It’s akin to experiencing an exotica-infused island rendition of a Dereck Bailey album. The allure here lies in the fusion of styles—a medley of improvised free jazz imbued with the reverberating tones that find a comfortable home on any late-night tiki luau. It’s an eclectic concoction that treads the line between familiarity and uncharted territory, offering a delightful twist to often dry and self-important avant-garde soundscapes. Sure, the record might teeter on the brink of being a tad lengthy for easy consumption, demanding a bit more dedication from the listener. However, for those willing to invest the time, the rewards are nothing short of fittingly gratifying.
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DAWID – PURGIST / HARSHNOISE.ORG
My 2023 top list is:
1. Appropriate Savagery – Only Autumn Returns
2. Tim Hecker – No Highs
3. Apologist – Everything Feels Brighter
4. Matriarchy Roots – The Merge
5. Vasculae – Spectrum Art
6. Ybalferran – Karadi
And that’s it.
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TYLER HAMMER – HALLUCINATION REALIZED / LEAKING HEAD / KINGS OF PUNK PODCAST
Here are ten releases I really enjoyed, spanning a few different genres and vibes. 2023 had a lot of incredible music, and I could have easily 30 more, but I need to limit myself in order to get something done.
Sea of Shit – S/T
Sea of Shit defined an era of underground music for me when I was younger, encapsulating the bleak reality of the 21st century within the frameworks of “punk music” unlike any of their peers. The familiar elements of their previous releases are here but honed to their ultimate form. The guitars and bass coagulate with the drums into a dense mass of sound, overlain with anguished wails and frigid synthesizers to create a miserable din impenetrable only to a select few. Dirges that drag like claws in your back are coupled with volatile blasts that are over faster than a slit throat. As the world seems to crumble around us, this album is the realization that the four walls that keep us safe aren’t as sturdy as we once thought.
Favorite Songs: Dormancy, Thirst for Power, Half-Life
Prurient/Genocide Organ – Carte Blanche
Carte Blanche is a disparate look at the world, where death lurks in every corner, and flesh is common currency. I wouldn’t expect anything less coming from a collaboration between two veterans of the noise scene. Throughout the 8 tracks presented there is a bit of everything I love about the extreme industrial genres. Cold synths buzz and hum, creating an air of anxiety throughout the album. Harsher textures are featured but are used in a way to enhance the dreadful atmosphere rather than blanket over it. Most intriguing to me are the vocals, ranging from commanding shouts to hyper effected mutterings, changing from track to track to embody the feel of each song. There is no solace in this album, just a reminder of how wicked this world is.
Favorite songs: True Son, Pro-Serial Killer
Pulsatile Tinnitus – The Finer Art of Heartwork
Everyone has their creature comforts that they use to escape from the neverending buzz of society. For me in 2023 it took on the form of ambient music, and The Finer Art of Heartwork became my go to whenever I needed to clear my head. And while ambient is an apt descriptor for this album, the forms it takes offers something deeper than your typical Spotify playlist. There is a gradient in the progression of the album, moving from ethereal to coarse, with a few detours along the way. A song like figure in ceramics might be a bit rough around the edges at first but you quickly become submerged in the experience. Guitars, fielding recordings, and even drums pop in from song to song, never letting the listener become too comfortable. This is an album you can turn on in the background but also one you can hone in on and that depth keeps me listening over and over.
Favorite Songs: fragment of a seaweed, itch, figure in ceramic
Illiterates – No Experts
Proclaiming themselves the “dumbest band in hardcore”, Illiterates have a lot of competition for that title. However they might be geniuses when it comes to the art of hardcore, because No Experts is near perfect in its execution. The songs are fast and aggressive but still manage to be catchy. But where Illiterates stands above their peers is vocalist Lawson, whose prose about shithead coworkers, dusty oldheads, and living for the moment is flowing with charm and character. These boys are taking aim, let’s just hope you don’t end up in their sights.
Favorite Songs: Chip Away, Weather Capital, Tricks of the Trade
Thantifaxath – Hive Mind Narcrosis
Thantifaxath do not seem interested in offering any sort of traditional satisfaction to their audience, instead doing their best to deprive and harm them. Melodies unravel and shift in ways that seem alien. Tempos will rise and fall at times, like walking on uneven floors in pitch black. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by a sense of dread listening to this record even after multiple listens. The fact Thantifaxath are able to accomplish this without resorting to ‘wall of noise’ production is a testament to their intent as a band. While I’d prefer not to wait another 9 years for a new full length, if it’s what it takes to ferment ill gladly wait.
Favorite songs: Surgical Utopian Love, Sub Lilith Tunnels, Mind of the Sun
Poison Ruin – Harvest
The last few years has me feeling more attuned to medieaval peasentry than someone living in the golden era of American exceptionalism. Dodging plagues, embroiled in political turmoil, and doing my best to scrape by has me thinking the end times are nigh. Harvest by Poison Ruin feels like a light at the end of the tunnel, a hope in the grim times we live in. This album continues the formula of post-punk, oi, dungeon synth and garage punk and crafted some of their best songs. The production is more lo-fi than previously, an interesting choice considering the label that put this out. Put the dense and foglike production combined with the morose synth interludes adds heavily to the atmosphere the band is crafting. This is the soundtrack we need in these dire times.
Nithing – Agonal Hymns
Living up to its name, Agonal Hymns is a painful listen. As if brutal death metal wasn’t already unapproachable, Nithing takes it to a new level that is unlike anything I’ve heard from the genre. You have the standards of inhuman drumming and vocals paired with chaotic riffs, but threaded throughout are psychotic leads and various effects that could only be described as alien. These flourishes elevates the album to a new realm of insanity taking on an almost psychedelic effect. It’s impressive how much Matt Kilner, the sole member of the project, is willing to subjugate the listeners to. The final track might be my favorite, ending the album on one final note of psychopaths.
Favorite Songs: Lustral Cognitive Erosion, Of Those Immortal, Longing for Decease
Wet Specimens – Over Pale Bodies
It’s a shame horror punk refers to a genre of middle aged men doing their best undead Elvis impression, because Wet Specimens live up to the name. Equal parts hardcore punk, death rock, and post punk, Over Pale Bodies explores a wide berth of influences, none ever being more overpowering than another. Pained howls, saturated guitars, and a driving rhythm section send the listener on a frightening journey. The production is the secret ingredient here, as it’s dark atmosphere envelops the listener while still maintaining a level of clarity. This album feels underappreciated now but it’s ability to fit into so many different pegs gives me hope that the punk scene will raise it up to the pedestal it belongs on.
Favorite Songs: Bed of Nails, Cursed Ethic, Phobias
Narcan – Six Track Demo
I have a near Pavlovian response to reading that a band sounds like Crossed Out. It’s a formula that never seems to get old for me. With 6 songs Narcan delivers that classic sound straight into my veins with no filler. Angry strained vocals belted over blasts and breakdowns with raw as fuck production. The solo on Shell is a nice touch, something I can’t recall hearing much before when it comes to this style of power violence. Bands like this always seem to have the lifespans of a butterfly, so let’s hope they drop a couple more songs before they expire.
Favorite Songs: All of them, it’s like 4 minutes long.
Bogside Sniper Squadron – Demo 2023
The first playthrough of this demo hit me like a car bomb, firing off every neuron in my brain. Here we have death metal that embraces a Pro-IRA stance and uses melodic scales that often appear in Irish music, creating a unique mix that I’ve never heard in the underground extreme before.
Boisterous riffs play over frantic drums with some of the best guitar leads and harmonies I’ve heard in the last 5 years. The demo quality production works great for this, it feels like a tape you could have found in 1994. Every song on hear feels like a rallying cry, and the British should be lucky this wasn’t passed out during The Troubles.
Favorite Songs: Corporal Executions, M82
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Thank you one and all for your contributions, I love you all. Please excuse my terrible formatting and linking, I’ve only been doing this for 10 fucking years.
I’m hoping to announce a few new contributors to GonzoK soon, fingers crossed.
Here’s to 2024! / Jordan F.T.
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