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 doom metal released this past year, from India and Ukraine to Belarus.
Be sure to vote in our ‘Best Metal Release of 2023‘ poll and enjoy our hand-picked favorite doom metal albums for 2023 below.
Doom Metal Album of the Year (Gold Tier)
Dirge
Dirge
Self-Released
India
While most modern post metal acts explore the depths of nuanced soundscapes, Dirge‘s plan of attack is more cutthroat with an Isis-like impact. The Mumbai five-piece summons dynamic doom and sludge on their self-titled release, a conceptual four-track visually depicted in the artwork as “rings of crises.” Through long passages, the listener is forced through a cathartic understanding of anger, guilt, sorrow, and fear.
Dirge by Dirge is awarded Best Doom Metal Album of the Year (Gold Tier) for 2023
Favorite Songs: “Condemned,” “Grief,” “Malignant”
FFO: Neurosis, Yob, The Ocean
Doom Metal Album of the Year (Silver Tier)
Stoned Jesus
Father Light
Released via Season of Mist
Ukraine
Where most stoner-doom acts hover on psychedelic babble, Stoned Jesus‘ Father Light digs deeper. Themes of occultism and socio-politics shine brightly in the down-tuned variety, ranging from acoustic or subdued moments to smoky classic rock revival. The Ukrainians still keep the grooves heavier than paranoia, shown through slow, methodical, and earthy grooves. All in all, this album conveys a genuine sound and is guaranteed a splendid listen, whether you’re blazed out of your mind or sober.
Father Light by Stoned Jesus is awarded Best Doom Metal Album of the Year (Silver Tier) for 2023
Favorite Songs: “Season of the Witch,” “Get What You Deserve,” “Thoughts and Prayers“
FFO: Monster Magnet, Led Zeppelin, Kyuss
Doom Metal Album of the Year (Bronze Tier)
Woe Unto Me
Along the Meandering Ordeals, Reshape the Pivot of Harmony
Released via M-Theory Audio
Belarus
Somber, colossal atmospheres are painted in broad strokes on the Belarusian progressive death-doomers’ third full-length. The duality between vocalists Igor Kovalev and Artem Serdyuk presents the depths of depression, while accommodated by hypnotic funeral dirges. Along the Meandering Ordeals, Reshape the Pivot of Harmony is a wholly dark record, yet there are moments where a lead guitar or clean vocal melody breaks through the graveyard fog to cast a light of optimism.
Along the Meandering Ordeals, Reshape the Pivot of Harmony by Woe Unto Me is awarded Best Doom Metal Album of the Year (Bronze Tier) for 2023
Favorite Songs: “Spiral-Shaped Hopewreck,” “Cast Down in the Innermost Thicket,” “Deep Beneath the Burden“
FFO: Ahab, Katatonia, Bell Witch