There is so much heavy, extreme, and beautiful metal music being conjured all around the world that it can be overwhelming. Fortunately, Metal Has No Borders has curated the best thrash metal released this past year, from Israel and India to Pakistan.
Be sure to vote in our ‘Best Metal Release of 2023‘ poll and enjoy our hand-picked favorite thrash metal albums for 2023 below.
Thrash Metal Album of the Year (Gold Tier)
Shredhead
I Saw You Burn
Self-Released
Israel
“The end is coming. The tides are turning; a broken jaw whispers a name.” Through an obscene amount of groove-infused thrash, Shredhead beckons the apocalypse, with nine tracks as their weapon arsenal to survive. Aluminum bat riffs, sledgehammer grooves, and a barbed wire-modified chainsaw capable of mowing down zombies, fascists, internal demons, or any naysayers you deem fit of decapitation are presented. I Saw You Burn dispenses heaviness in broad, obtuse strokes. Propelled by Randy Blythe-Jens Kidman hybrid vocals and a titanic rhythm section, this record is true devastation.
I Saw You Burn by Shredhead is awarded Best Thrash Metal Album of the Year (Gold Tier) for 2023
Favorite Songs: “I Saw You Burn,” “Breaking Through Concrete,” “44“
FFO: Lamb of God, Meshuggah, Gojira
Thrash Metal Album of the Year (Silver Tier)
Kill the King
Kill the King
Self-Released
India
No frills, no fucking around. Kill the King is as cut-throat aggressive and anti-authoritarian as their name implies. Sweaty fingers grip the executioner’s axe hovering above socio-political flaws such as class disparity or government corruption, through pure thrash. Boasting growls by Pritam Goswami Adhikary (Aarlon, The Second Forvea) and riffs from Aditya Swaminathan (Demonic Resurrection), this debut self-titled record is a must-listen for the old and new headbangers.
Kill the King by Kill the King is awarded Best Thrash Metal Album of the Year (Silver Tier) for 2023
Favorite Songs: “Abuse,” “Money Talks, “No Country for Women”
FFO: Warbringer, Mordred, Vektor
Thrash Metal Album of the Year (Bronze Tier)
Tabahi
Thrash for Justice
Released via CDN Records
Pakistan
Hailing from Karachi, once referred to as the “world’s most dangerous megacity,” holds the modern thrash conglomerate of former black-doom project Khorne members. Faiq Ahmed and Daniyal Buksh Soomro bare their teeth with Venom-soaked heaviness, occasionally conquering with a blackened or death metal offensive. Most noteworthy on Thrash for Justice is Tabahi’s raw political edge, using distorted riffs and yelps to threaten today’s corruption.
Thrash for Justice by Tabahi is awarded Best Thrash Metal Album of the Year (Bronze Tier) for 2023
Favorite Songs: “Politricks,” “Run For Your Life,” “Lal Shahbaz Qalandar”
FFO: Megadeth, Power Trip, Havok