Our core staff of 2023 has chosen their top 10 album releases of this year, although there are a few overlaps, it seems our favorites hit almost every corner of the heavy, dark and alternative music world!
Samuli’s Top 10
Marduk – Memento Mori
Arkona – Kob’
Primordial – How it Ends
And Oceans – As In Gardens, So In Tombs
Azaghal – Alttarimme on luista tehty
Twin Temple – God Is Dead
Kanonenfieber – U-Bootsmann (EP)
Russkaja – Turbo Polka Party
Stoned Statues – Guardian
Aara – Triade III:Nyx
Carina’s Top 10
In Flames – Foregone
Insomnium – Anno 1696
Soen – Memorial
VV – Neon Noir
Metallica – 72 Seasons
Hellripper – Warlocks Grim & Withered Hags
Sylosis – A Sign Of Things To Come
Obituary – Dying Of Everything
Katatonia – Sky Void Of Stars
Within Temptation – Bleed Out
Serena’sTop 10
Saturnus – The Storm Within
Tenhi – Valkama
Before the Dawn – Stormbringers
Arkona – Kob’
Grave Pleasures – Plagueboys
Katatonia – Sky Void of Stars
Mephorash – Krystl-Ah
Marianas Rest – Auer
And Oceans – As In Gardens, So In Tombs
Osi and the Jupiter – Cedar & Sage (Riders of the Gallows Vol.1)
Interview by Carina Lawrence / Dark Art Conspiracy
Symphonic metal act from Russia Imperial Age formed in 2012 by singers/keyboardists Alexander ‘Aor’ Osipov and Jane Odintsova, soon after forming, they landed some great support slots for international bands such as Epica, Paradise Lost, The 69 Eyes, Tarja, Therion and more.
In 2014 while opening for Therion, founder/composer and guitarist, Christofer Johnsson of Therion approached the band and offered to distribute their CDs via his label Adulruna Records and after they joined them on a big European tour which was the start of big things for the band.
After having released details of their forthcoming HEIDEVOLK album including the title, artwork, track listing and release date, it’s time to get a first listen to the new record!
The first track of the record as well as first single to be released is “Ontwaakt” (awaken), the band gives a deeper insight of the track and story behind: “Awaken, the Roman Empire is falling! The internal battle for power tears the Empire apart. Legions turn against each other, emperors bleed and Rome burns. It is time for the tribes of the Northern lands to unite and rise against the tyrant. To take back what is theirs and drive the invaders back to Rome. Every battle that is fought by my people resounds in Rome. With sword and shield the Empire will be banished and the voice of my people will be heard!”
Finnish Folk Metal Superstars KORPIKLAANI are currently in the studio, working on the follow-up of 2015’s »Noita«, before they’ll embark on an extensive European headline run with support from Russia’s ARKONA, Dutch men HEIDEVOLK as well as Norwegian Trve Balkan MetallersTROLLFEST. The billing will be completed with EVERTALE, BLACK MESSIAH and THE PRIVATEER on select dates.
Now, KORPIKLAANI have launched a first trailer in which Jonne, Matson and Sami are greeting from the studio. Check it out, here:
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