Stereogum's 10 Best Metal Albums of 2023
Huzzah, the listpocalypse is upon us. Behold, the Black Market is here to confuse and annoy you with the annual list of our favorite metal albums. Column writers, past and present, once again voted for their most-loved releases of 2023. This top 10 is the result. Is your most-loved album here? It is not. Did we list any albums that normal people listen to? Again, probably not. Is this a list so frustratingly niche and packed with impenetrable metal that it asks why we’re even allowed to do this? Yes, of course. In fact, this might be one of our most infuriating countdowns, so much so that the metal powers that be have taken notice. As soon as I sent this list to the Stereogum mothership, I was indicted on 666 counts of poser fraud and must surrender myself to Metal Law authorities immediately. This is what we get for not listening to Tomb Mold.
Published: December 14, 2023 15:51
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Physical edition available here – Imperium Dekadenz: shop.imperium-dekadenz.de/collections/vinyl/products/new-into-sorrow-evermore-exclusive-limited-silver-edition Digisleeve-CD + Shirt: shop.imperium-dekadenz.de/collections/specials-and-exclusive-offers/products/exclusive-bundle-preorder-digisleeve-cd-into-sorrow-evermore-plus-7 Digisleeve-CD + Hoodie-Zipper: shop.imperium-dekadenz.de/collections/specials-and-exclusive-offers/products/exclusive-bundle-preorder-digisleeve-cd-into-sorrow-evermore-plus Zipped-Hoodie + shop exclusive and limited silver vinyl “Into Sorrow Evermore”: shop.imperium-dekadenz.de/collections/specials-and-exclusive-offers/products/exclusive-bundle-preorder-lp-into-sorrow-evermore-plus-zipped Shirt + shop exclusive and limited silver vinyl “Into Sorrow Evermore”: shop.imperium-dekadenz.de/collections/specials-and-exclusive-offers/products/exclusive-bundle-preorder-lp-into-sorrow-evermore-plus-t-shirt Physical editions available here – Napalm Records: lnk.to/ID-IntoSorrowEvermore/napalmrecords IMPERIUM DEKADENZ delivers profound darkness from the heart of the Black Forest! Lords of black metal IMPERIUM DEKADENZ raise darkness from the depths of southwestern Germany’s Black Forest once more with their new album, Into Sorrow Evermore, to be unleashed in 2023 via Napalm Records. Inspired by Norwegian black metal traditions, the band incorporates the raw, visceral style of these masters and surpasses with their own dark, atmospheric compositions. Immersed in the void, they approach themes of depression, death and desperation, luring the listener into their sorrowful reality of existence. True to the beginnings of the genre, IMPERIUM DEKADENZ stick to their roots and leave their own haunting mark on the genre, claiming their rightful place in the upper echelons of black metal. On their new album, IMPERIUM DEKADENZ continue their unique journey with dark, ambient sounds, luring the listener into suffocating spheres of black metal. Opener and title track “Into Sorrow Evermore” starts off with classic tremolo-picked black metal guitars and hard-hitting drums, building a gloomy atmosphere with the thrilling sound of vocalist Horaz spurring the album’s immersion. “Truth under Stars” lures with pummeling blast beats accompanied by tragic guitar melodies as deep growls complement them to envelop the signature grim mood of the band. “Aurora” showcases melancholic pianos, accompanied by trudging drums as icy guitars swoon with a distorted but lush melody, building up to a serene guitar solo that cries its sorrows to the sky. The influence of various metal genres can be witnessed in songs like “Elysian Fields” and “Awakened beyond Dreams”, while in between, “Forest in Gale” ensures characteristic style devices in mid-tempo speed, inducing a shift before delivering drama and dynamics. “November Monument” is a gloomy, slow doom inspired piece with steady drums that march on and guitars delicately plucking chords heavy with emotion, capturing the feeling of the approaching winter when November arrives. IMPERIUM DEKADENZ closes the album with “Memories… a Raging River”, rightly encompassing all vicious vibes of the album into one final song. The album’s flow mimics life itself, beginning with high energy that slowly fades into melancholy as it lives on. Into Sorrow Evermore is an intense album that combines the best of various genres while staying faithful to the eternal sound of black metal. IMPERIUM DEKADENZ prove their place in the realm of darkness and gloom with their very own atmospheric style, ascending with technical skill and grim atmospheres inducing sorrow, evermore!
