As we look back at 2023 in music, the world of progressive metal and rock continues to shine with creativity. This year, we’ve witnessed a wave of albums that push the boundaries and bring fresh, innovative sounds to the genre. In this list, we’re highlighting the 50 best albums of the year, celebrating the artists who’ve made a mark with their progressive prowess. Join us as we explore the standout releases that define the vibrant landscape of progressive music in 2023.
Haken – Fauna
HAKEN, the progressive metal powerhouse, once again captivated audiences with their recently released album, “Fauna.” Known for their intricate musical compositions and innovative soundscapes, HAKEN showcased their mastery in blending complex rhythms, melodic richness, and thought-provoking lyrics in their latest release. (LT)
Riverside – ID.Entity
RIVERSIDE, the Polish progressive rock outfit, have unveiled their latest musical opus, “ID.entity,” reaffirming their status as innovators in the genre. With this album, RIVERSIDE take listeners on an immersive sonic journey, seamlessly intertwining atmospheric textures, intricate melodies, and emotionally charged lyrics. (LT)
Earthside – Let the Truth Speak
EARTHSIDE, decided to enrich our lives with yet another absolutely banging prog album before the year is done. The band’s latest album, “Let the Truth Speak,” is a powerful testament to the New England-based instrumental progressive metal band’s ability to transcend genre boundaries and create a truly cinematic sonic experience. (LT)
Periphery – Periphery V: Djent is not a Genre
PERIPHERY, the trailblazers of the djent movement, have once again pushed the boundaries with their latest album, “Periphery V: Djent is not a Genre.” True to its title, the album demonstrates the band’s refusal to be confined by genre expectations, showcasing their ability to seamlessly blend progressive metal, djent, and diverse influences. (LT)
TesseracT – War of Being
TESSERACT‘s newest album, “War Of Being,” showcases their skill in creating intricate and atmospheric music. The band dropped an album that offers yet another 360-degree view into the quantum realm of progressive metal and, after a few spins, it becomes increasingly clear that this is by far their most immersive and haunting effort to date. With a mix of complex rhythms and captivating melodies, the band proves their mastery in the progressive metal genre. (LT)
Unprocessed – … And Everything in Between
UNPROCESSED rocks with their new album “… And Everything In Between,” blending heavy riffs and catchy tunes, and its title rather accurately describes what it sounds like. The music hits hard and keeps you hooked from start to finish. A must-listen for fans of energetic metal sounds! (LT)
Asymmetric Universe – The Sun Would Disappear As I Imagined All the Stars
ASYMMETRIC UNIVERSE‘s latest offering, “The Sun Would Disappear As I Imagined All the Stars,” is a mesmerizing dive into the realms of experimental instrumental soundscapes. With a fusion of avant-garde elements and imaginative compositions, the album demonstrates ASYMMETRIC UNIVERSE‘s prowess in pushing the boundaries of musical exploration. (LT)
Pressure Points
Pressure Points impresses with “The Island,” offering a powerful blend of progressive metal. There’s an interesting conflict of extreme metal aesthetics and more plaintive, atmospheric prog conduct throughout the album – and that’s exactly what makes this endeavor so bloody excellent! (JL)
Soen
Swedish progressive metal unit SOEN just keep getting better and better with each new album they put out. After the gorgeous “Imperial” (2021) and the superb live album “Atlantis” (2022), the band around founding members Martin Lopez and Joel Ekelöf have crafted yet another top-tier album, simply titled “Memorial.” This heavier yet equally magnetic new offering was set for a September 1st, 2023, release via Silver Lining Music. (AC)
Yes – Mirror to the Sky
In the 20-something years I’ve had the pleasure of listening to British progressive rock juggernauts YES, they’ve had a habit of creating some pretty great albums, then going off-and-on into hibernation mode. However, after the release of 2021’s “The Quest,” the band – driven by the lack of live shows during the pandemic – kept on writing. The end result was “Mirror to the Sky,” a return to the prog epic format, spurred by label boss Thomas Waber. This outing was slated for release on May 19th, 2023 via InsideOut Music. (LT)
Trevor Rabin – Rio
Trevor Rabin‘s “Rio” is a musical gem, showcasing his signature guitar skills and melodic touch. The album is a delightful collection of tracks that effortlessly blend rock and contemporary elements. A must-listen for fans of Rabin‘s distinctive style and a great addition to any music playlist. (LT)
Mankind – Last of Us
MANKIND delivers a fresh sound with their upcoming progressive metal album, “Last of Us.” The music combines intricate compositions with a modern edge, creating an engaging listening experience. A promising release for fans of progressive metal looking for something new and exciting. (LT)
Voyager – Fearless in Love
When I received the promotional copy of Australian progressive rock/metal act VOYAGER‘s new record, “Fearless in Love,” a few quotes by the band were included, among which vocalist Danny Estrin mentioned, “When you listen to ‘Fearless In Love,’ I’d love for you to say, ‘I’ve never heard anything like this before’,” he leaves off. “Secondly, I hope you’re uplifted, intrigued, and emotional. We try take you on a journey through struggle, positivity, negativity, and a society that doesn’t always make sense. Maybe, listening to the record will make you feel better about dealing with this crazy modern world we’re living in.” Indeed, the world may not make any sense at the moment, but the one thing we can always rely on is on these Aussies to deliver solid tracks. “Fearless in Love” was released via Season of Mist on July 14th, 2023. (LT)
The Flower Kings – Look At You Now
THE FLOWER KINGS bloom anew with “Look At You Now,” presenting a vibrant blend of progressive rock. The album features lush arrangements and the band’s signature intricate musical craftsmanship. A delightful choice for those seeking a harmonious journey through the world of progressive music. (LT)
Katatonia – Sky Void of Stars
In a way, their previous outing, “City Burials,” (2020), what with all of its subtle new nuances of darkness, foreshadowed that the band’s signature sound was once again evolving towards something new. While the new album showcases all of the band’s vintage hallmarks of atmospheric gloom, these eleven new songs pack a punch so prominent that I think it has been a while since the last time a KATATONIA effort has kicked ass this hard. In their own words, “Sky Void of Stars” is a dynamic journey through vibrant darkness and – damn! – these words have more than a good ounce of truth about them! (JL)
The Anchoret – It All Began With Loneliness
THE ANCHORET enchants with “It All Began With Loneliness,” an album that weaves a captivating narrative through its music. With a unique blend of emotive lyrics and atmospheric melodies, it’s a must-listen for those craving a contemplative yet engaging experience. (LT)
Ne Obliviscaris – Exul
NE OBLIVISCARIS‘ new album, “Exul,” is a powerful blend of progressive and extreme metal. With intricate melodies and intense instrumentation, the band creates a compelling sonic journey that pushes the boundaries of conventional metal. “Exul” is a standout release, showcasing NE OBLIVISCARIS‘ prowess and leaving a lasting impact on listeners. (LT)
Sleep Token – Take Me Back to Eden
SLEEP TOKEN‘s “Take Me Back to Eden” is a captivating journey into their unique musical realm. The album effortlessly weaves haunting melodies with powerful rhythms, showcasing the band’s signature sound. A must-listen for fans seeking a mesmerizing blend of emotive vocals and atmospheric instrumentation. (LT)
Monika Roscher Bigband – Witchy Activities and the Maple Death
Monika Roscher Bigband‘s “Witchy Activities and the Maple Death” is a spellbinding experience that combines jazz and experimental elements. The album unfolds with a dynamic mix of enchanting melodies and intricate musical arrangements, showcasing Roscher‘s unique vision. A delightful pick for those seeking a fusion of innovative jazz and experimental sounds. (LT)
The Ocean – Holocene
THE OCEAN‘s “Holocene” is a sonic masterpiece that dives deep into progressive and atmospheric realms. The album is a mesmerizing journey, featuring intricate compositions and a captivating interplay of heavy and ambient elements. A compelling choice for fans of progressive metal seeking an immersive and dynamic listening experience. (LT)
Gezan – Anochi
GEZAN‘s album “Anochi” is a sonic adventure that pushes the boundaries of experimental music. The album offers a unique blend of avant-garde sounds, showcasing the band’s innovative approach to composition. A captivating choice for those exploring the experimental music landscape, “Anochi” promises an intriguing and immersive listening experience. (LT)
HMLTD – The Worm
HMLTD‘s “The Worm” is a bold and eclectic musical journey, blending genres with fearless creativity. The album features a diverse range of sounds, from infectious pop hooks to experimental and avant-garde elements. A standout choice for those seeking an unpredictable and dynamic listening experience. (LT)
Omnerod – The Amensal Rise
Belgium’s OMNEROD‘s “The Amensal Rise” is a powerful exploration of extreme metal, delivering relentless and atmospheric compositions. The album showcases a seamless blend of aggression and melody, creating a gripping sonic landscape. A compelling choice for fans of intense and evocative metal, “The Amensal Rise” promises a visceral and immersive listening experience. (LT)
Everwave – Another Lifetime
The prog aesthetic of EVERWAVE is world-class in every aspect – songwriting, production, and execution. This young bunch obviously aren’t fooling around with their craft. They say that money can’t buy happiness – but it sure can buy you new music, which is practically the same thing. So, there’s still plenty of time to make edits to Santa’s wish list and I’m strongly suggesting you put “Another Lifetime” on it – you’ll thank me later. (JL)
Bruce Soord – Luminescence
Apparently, human bioluminescence in visible light does exist but it’s just too dim for our eyes to pick up on. By contrast, Bruce Soord‘s latest solo offering, “Luminiscence,” literally glimmers with an inner glow that is so bright that you can see the music even without the aid of any dubious psychedelics. Befittingly, this is perfect music for the twilight hours of the night, or the dusk of autumn, so the luminescent quality of the music comes in pretty handy specifically at this time of year. (JL)
Steven Wilson – The Harmony Codex
Steven Wilson, a trailblazer in progressive music, delights fans with his latest album, “The Harmony Codex.” The record showcases Wilson‘s signature blend of rock and electronic sounds, coupled with his introspective lyrics. A testament to his evolving artistry, “The Harmony Codex” is a must-listen for those craving innovative and boundary-pushing progressive music. (LT)
Temic – Terror Management Theory
TEMIC, a rising force in the progressive music scene, delivers a compelling experience with their latest album, “Terror Management Theory.” The band seamlessly weaves together intricate musical arrangements and thought-provoking lyrics, creating a dynamic fusion of progressive elements. A testament to Temic’s evolving sound and artistic depth, “Terror Management Theory” stands out as a captivating journey for fans seeking innovative and genre-defying progressive music. (LT)
Oblivion Protocol – The Fall of the Shires
OBLIVION PROTOCOL, a unique musical force, dropped their impressive album “The Fall of the Shires” through Atomic Fire Records. The record, known for its atmospheric vibes and intricate tunes, has earned praise for its genre-defying sound. With this release, OBLIVION PROTOCOL have solidified their position as innovators in the realm of dark and cinematic music. (LT)
Obsidian Tide – The Grand Crescendo (29)
OBSIDIAN TIDE‘s latest release, “The Grand Crescendo,” is a masterpiece of progressive metal. The album seamlessly weaves intricate instrumentals and profound lyrics, highlighting the band’s musical prowess. A captivating journey through diverse soundscapes, it marks a significant milestone in OBSIDIAN TIDE‘s evolution. (LT)
Subsignal – The Poetry of Rain
SUBSIGNAL‘s recent release, “The Poetry of Rain,” is a poignant masterpiece within the progressive rock realm. The album beautifully intertwines soul-stirring melodies with reflective lyrics, showcasing SUBSIGNAL‘s mastery in crafting emotionally resonant music. “The Poetry of Rain” stands as a testament to the band’s artistic depth, inviting listeners on a contemplative and atmospheric musical journey. (LT)
Nospūn – Opus
NOSPŪN emerge as a captivating presence in the progressive music landscape with their latest album, “Opus.” The band skillfully navigate complex musical landscapes, intertwining rich compositions with introspective themes. “Opus” showcases NOSPŪN‘s artistic evolution, offering listeners a beautiful sonic journey. (LT)
Sermon – Of Golden Verse
SERMON‘s new album, “Of Golden Verse,” is a standout in the progressive music scene. Mixing catchy melodies with meaningful lyrics, the band creates a unique sound that reflects their creativity. This album is a clear sign of SERMON‘s growth and cements their place as leaders in progressive music. (LT)
The Cryptex – Nimbus
THE CRYPTEX takes a bold step in the world of progressive music with their fresh album, “Nimbus.” Blending captivating melodies and introspective lyrics, the band creates a unique sonic experience that resonates with listeners. (LT)
AVKRVST – The Approbation
AVKRVST makes a distinctive mark in progressive music with their latest release, “The Approbation.” Infusing engaging melodies with meaningful lyrics, the band constructs a sonic atmosphere that captures attention. (LT)
Head with Wings – Without Intervention
HEAD WITH WINGS presents a standout in progressive music with their latest album, “Without Intervention.” With a blend of engaging melodies, the band delivers a unique sonic experience that sets them apart. This release marks a significant step in HEAD WITH WINGS‘ musical journey, establishing them as a noteworthy presence in the progressive music landscape. (LT)
SANGUINE GLACIALIS – Maladaptive Daydreaming
SANGUINE GLACIALIS invites listeners into a captivating dreamscape with “Maladaptive Daydreaming,” where intricate compositions and emotive storytelling intertwine. The album explores the delicate balance between reality and the realms of imagination. (LT)
BLIND MAN’S DAUGHTER – Sundressed
“Sundressed” by BLIND MAN’S DAUGHTER immerses audiences in a sonic journey that gracefully traverses light and shadow. With a compelling blend of atmospheric textures and melodic intricacies, the album unfolds like a vivid narrative, revealing layers of emotion and musical craftsmanship. (LT)
AVIATIONS – Luminaria
AVIATIONS paint a celestial soundscape with “Luminaria,” a progressive rock/metal odyssey that ventures into cosmic realms. The album’s dynamic compositions and ethereal melodies create a celestial atmosphere, offering a transcendental experience for those eager to explore the vastness of musical expression. (LT)
LALU – The Fish Who Wanted to Be King
LALU‘s “The Fish Who Wanted to Be King” dives into a progressive ocean of sonic exploration, where inventive arrangements and bold instrumentation reign. With a lineup that now is stronger and more cohesive than ever, including singer Damian Wilson (ex-THRESHOLD and regular collaborator of Arjen Lucassen‘s AYREON), Joop Wolters on guitar and bass, Jelly Cardarelli on drums, and sharing keyboard duties with Matt Daniel, Vivien Lalu managed to create a fabulous final product. The album boasts over fifty minutes of exceptional, massive cinematic, and atmospheric progressive music. (LT)
GOROD – The Orb
GOROD‘s “The Orb” captivates with its technical prowess, and the track “We Are the Sun Gods” stands out as a shining example. The album’s intricate musicality and progressive elements showcase GOROD‘s mastery, making it a compelling addition for fans seeking both complexity and a touch of the divine. (LT)
THE RESONANCE PROJECT – Ad Astra
THE RESONANCE PROJECT propels listeners into the cosmos with “Ad Astra,” and the track “Prophecy” stands as a stellar highlight. The album’s cosmic journey unfolds through celestial soundscapes and intricate compositions, offering an astral experience for those drawn to progressive sonic explorations. (LT)
SARMAT – Determined to Strike
SARMAT declares their sonic presence with “Determined to Strike,” a progressive rock/metal endeavor that resonates with determination. The album’s powerful riffs and commanding melodies create a dynamic musical landscape, showcasing SARMAT‘s unwavering commitment to making a bold sonic statement. (LT)
NEOLIA – Neolia
NEOLIA‘s self-titled album introduces listeners to a world of musical enchantment, where atmospheric elements and progressive intricacies meld seamlessly. The album’s eponymous track stands as a testament to NEOLIA‘s ability to craft ethereal soundscapes that transport audiences to realms of sonic beauty. (LT)
THE GORGE – Mechanical Fiction
“Mechanical Fiction” by THE GORGE invites listeners into a realm where complex storytelling and sonic innovation converge. The album’s mechanical yet emotive nature creates a captivating dichotomy, making it a noteworthy addition for those seeking progressive narratives with a distinctive edge. (LT)
POMEGRANATE TIGER – All Input is Error
POMEGRANATE TIGER‘s “All Input is Error” showcases a sonic landscape where technical prowess meets melodic sensibility. The album’s intricate guitar work and progressive compositions make it a compelling journey for enthusiasts of complex and finely crafted instrumental music. (LT)
OK GOODNIGHT – The Fox and the Bird
“The Fox and the Bird” by OK GOODNIGHT unfolds like a musical fable, where storytelling and atmospheric elements intertwine. The album’s enchanting melodies and emotive nuances create a sonic tapestry that invites listeners to immerse themselves in a world of musical storytelling. (LT)
SEDA – Chronicle Town
SEDA‘s “Chronicle Town” ventures into the realms of progressive exploration with a unique sonic palette. The album’s fusion of atmospheric elements and intricate compositions paints a vivid musical landscape, inviting listeners to embark on a journey through the nuanced and dynamic soundscapes. (LT)
HYPNO5E – Sheol
HYPNO5E delves into the depths of sonic experimentation with “Sheol,” an album that defies genre conventions. The band’s avant-garde approach and atmospheric textures create an immersive experience, offering listeners a sonic journey that transcends traditional boundaries. (LT)
PSYCHOSTASY – The Empty Circle
“The Empty Circle” by PSYCHOSTASY invites listeners into a sonic vortex where powerful rhythms and progressive elements converge. The album’s dynamic compositions and intense energy make it a noteworthy addition for those seeking a visceral and engaging experience in the realm of progressive metal. (LT)
The World is Quiet Here – Zon
THE WORLD IS QUIET HERE‘s “Zon” unfolds as a sonic exploration where intricate melodies and atmospheric elements coalesce. The album’s title track stands out, offering a glimpse into THE WORLD IS QUIET HERE‘s ability to create a contemplative and immersive musical journey that resonates with a sense of tranquility. (LT)
Written by Laureline Tilkin
