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 black metal released this past year, from Israel and Japan to Russia.
Be sure to vote in our ‘Best Metal Release of 2023‘ poll and enjoy our hand-picked favorite black metal albums for 2023 below.
Black Metal Album of the Year (Gold Tier)
Winterhorde
Neptunian
Released via Noble Demon
Israel
Carrying on the tradition of prog-infused black metal, Winterhorde delivers a profound pilgrimage of dissonant, heavy bliss. Dedicated to “those who’ve achieved the impossible,” Neptunian emits a triumphant undertone throughout the blackened atmosphere, whether it be a jazz outro on the opener or the croons of Davidavi Dolev (Subterranean Masquerade, Seventh Station) on “A Harvester of Stars.” All in all, this Maestro follow-up is cinematic tour de force; Neptunian is undeniably the perfect balance of beauty and scum within black metal.
Neptunian by Winterhorde is awarded Best Black Album of the Year (Gold Tier) for 2023
Favorite Songs: “Angels in Disguise” ft. Kobi Farhi, “Amphibia,” “Alone in the Ocean”
FFO: Ne Obliviscaris, Carach Angren, Imperial Triumphant
Black Metal Album of the Year (Silver Tier)
Seek
Kokyou De Shinu Otoko
Released via Silent Pendulum Records
Japan
Like the bitter, metallic, and addictive taste of blood in your mouth, Kokyou De Shinu Otoko is primal thrill. There’s a threatening adrenaline that one endures through the listening experience of blackened hardcore. Although highly abrasive, there is comfort found between the vocal acidic anger and pessimistically heavy instrumentals; we applaud Seek for creating this fully unheard space.
Kokyou De Shinu Otoko by Seek is awarded Best Black Metal Album of the Year (Silver Tier) for 2023
Favorite Songs: “Kuroi Ame,” “Shinkai,” “Yotsuyu Ni Utsuru”
FFO: Envy, Cult Leader, Wolf King
Black Metal Album of the Year (Bronze Tier)
Arkona
Kob’
Released via Napalm Records
Russia
Moscow-based pagan quartet are clocking in at their second decade of atmospheric / folk black metal. On Kob’, French drummer Kévin Paradis (Benighted, ex-Svart Crown) elevates the group’s gloomy skies throughout the hour-long dynamic journey. In its most alluring moments, the album boasts acoustic folk interludes, where at its heaviest, Arkona reaches extreme levels of grim. An unnerving experience thoroughly, I highly recommend this work for any black metal dweller.
Kob’ by Arkona is awarded Best Black Metal Album of the Year (Bronze Tier) for 2023
Favorite Songs: “Ydi,” “Ugasaya,” “Mor“
FFO: Moonsorrow, Varmia, Immortal
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