Our Annual Report rocks on with our list of the 30 Best Metal & Hard Rock Songs of 2023. We’ve got plenty more coming as we look back on the best in music, film, and TV of 2023, so stay tuned. Find our full Annual Report coverage here, and don’t forget to see our 30 Best Metal & Hard Rock Albums of 2023 list, too.
Picking the best metal and hard rock songs each year is never an easy task. Unlike pop music, where singles take the spotlight, finding the year’s best heavy tunes can take us off the beaten path. But once we embarked on that trail, we found a treasure trove of stellar tracks.
What we discovered was an eclectic mix of songs, ranging from standout tunes from Rock & Roll Hall of Fame acts like Metallica and Judas Priest, to dynamic cuts from newly formed bands like Better Lovers, Empire State Bastard, and Many Eyes.
A handful of these songs made big impacts on rock radio, including singles from Sevendust, Dirty Honey, and Wolfgang Van Halen’s Mammoth WVH. Others came late in the year from albums that won’t be released until 2024, including tunes from Ministry, Chelsea Wolfe, and Ihsahn.
The 30 Best Metal & Hard Rock Songs of 2023, as chosen by the staff of Heavy Consequence, offer a wide range of sounds from hardcore to industrial to extreme to melodic. See our picks in the list below.
— Spencer Kaufman
Managing Editor, Heavy Consequence
30. Knocked Loose — “Deep in the Willow”
If there’s anyone that can drive a sense of urgency, it’s Bryan Garris. The singer is boisterous and commanding, even at moments where the instrumentals may not call for it. But really, when isn’t there a moment for it? “Deep in the Willow” is not the most intense Knocked Loose song, but that isn’t saying much considering even the lightest of their discography is heavy as all hell. It’s hard not to go deep into the three and a half minutes of this song, but its whirred end begs for more, which we get with the companion track “Everything Is Quiet Now.” — Cervanté Pope
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29. Ace Frehley – “10,000 Volts”
While KISS recently called it a day with their final concert ever, the band’s original Spaceman – the incomparable Ace Frehley – hasn’t slowed down a bit. His upcoming 2024 album, 10,000 Volts, will be his sixth full-length effort since 2009, and the newly released title track serves as a tasty sneak peek of what’s to come. Co-written with Steve Brown of Trixter, the tune contains all the elements you’d expect from good ol’ Space Ace — a guitar solo chock full of trademark “Ace-isms,” ragged-yet-charming lead vocals, and a mighty groovy riff, to name a few. — G. Prato
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28. Sevendust – “Everything”
Sevendust returned with the melodic but heavy Truth Killer this year, and the single “Everything” is really the perfect snapshot of this album. With thick, crunchy guitars and Lajon Witherspoon’s soaring, crystal-clear vocals, “Everything” has a mass appeal, much like classic Sevendust anthems “Enemy” and “Praise.” Witherspoon works in some screaming, too, perfectly placed as the explosive chorus kicks in. — Anne Erickson
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27. Many Eyes — “Revelation”
A dysfunctional relationship between singer Keith Buckley and the rest of his bandmates led to the breakup of longstanding metalcore act Every Time I Die. While three of his ex-bandmates went on to form the supergroup Better Lovers, Buckley started his own outfit, Many Eyes. Along with his new bandmates, brothers Nick and Charlie Bellmore, Buckley debuted Many Eyes with the explosive single “Revelation,” featuring his intense screams along with a clean-sung chorus, proving that the vocalist is still very much on top of his game. — S. Kaufman
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26. Dethklok — “Aortic Desecration”
Since Dethklok are cartoons, it might sound funny to say that they have matured a lot as a band. However, the release of their recent film Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar and album Dethalbum IV have proven that Dethklok mastermind Brendon Small has grown up a bit and refined Dethklok’s style. Don’t worry, Dethklok has certainly not gone soft; “Aortic Desecration” features fast and technical guitar riffs and a steady heavy beat tapping into a sound reminiscent of Cannibal Corpse peppered with a dash of old school Morbid Angel. — Colette Claire
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25. Mick Mars — “Loyal to the Lie”
Mötley Crüe fans have been patiently awaiting the much-delayed solo debut by the band’s original guitarist, Mick Mars. While we will have to wait a bit longer for the full-length (The Other Side of Mars won’t arrive until February), at least we finally received a preview of what to expect with the arrival of “Loyal to the Lie.” Listening to the surprisingly hard-hitting yet melodic number (which prominently features the lead vocals of Jacob Bunton), one can’t help but see the connection between the song’s title and lyrics to Mars’ falling out with his former Crüe bandmates. — Greg Prato
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24. King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard — “Dragon”
Musical chameleons King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard are versed in myriad styles, including heavy metal. The Aussies stepped back into the “Rat’s Nest” for another metal album with 2023’s PetroDragonic Apocalypse, highlighted by pseudo title track “Dragon,” which balances the band’s affinity for thrash riffs with the gonzo psych weirdness that’s patently KGLW. The winding 10-minute prog arrangement evokes their most adventurous work (i.e. Polygondwanaland), while the overt metal elements (growled vocals, thrash riffs, fantastic imagery, etc.) callback to the aforementioned Infest the Rat’s Nest, the band’s famous heavy-metal aside. — Jon Hadusek
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23. Corey Taylor — “Dead Flies”
Slipknot singer and Consequence cover star Corey Taylor tends to delve into an array of different genres with his solo music, but he always manages to comfortably blend heavy with melody. “Dead Flies,” off Taylor’s 2023 solo album, CMF2, is of that quality, featuring huge, melodic hooks and Taylor’s warm vocals. Taylor sings, “One by one, silence keeps your stitches tied,” wrapped in thick harmonies and powerful riffing. This song recalls Stone Sour cuts such as “Say You’ll Haunt Me” and “Tired,” but with more of Taylor’s solo flair. — A. Erickson
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22. Job for a Cowboy — “The Agony Seeping Storm”
This isn’t the same Job for a Cowboy we were throwing bows to in 2006; this is a Job for a Cowboy steeped in a couple of decades of technical death. Metalcore was just the starting point for them. “The Agony Seeping Storm” shows them at the peak of their craft, even incorporating bits of that pit shit we fell in love with. The instrumental prowess each member displays is enthralling, making you want to go along for the ride no matter where it takes you. — C. Pope
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21. Dirty Honey — “Won’t Take Me Alive”
“Won’t Take Me Alive” is built on Dirty Honey guitarist John Notto’s central riff that singer Marc LaBelle labeled the best riff he’s heard in a decade. While that might be a stretch, it certainly grabbed our ear earlier this year — notching our Heavy Song of the Week at the time — invoking ’70s rock and ’80s metal with its warm, analog sound and strutting swagger. LaBelle and company are among the best modern practitioners of Headbangers Ball-style hard rock, as exemplified by bangers like this song. — J. Hadusek
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20. Code Orange — “Grooming My Replacement”
Code Orange are among the biggest names in modern alternative metal, and as “Grooming My Replacement” illustrates, they’ve only gotten better over time. Taken from The Above, the song is an irresistible hodgepodge of nu-metal attitude, industrial sinisterness, metalcore fury, and tech death experimentation/complexity. As with a lot of their work, it’s definitely not for the faint of heart, but those who’re hungry for such hellishness will surely enjoy devouring every second of it. — Jordan Blum
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19. Voivod — “Morgöth Tales”
Sixteen albums into their long and winding career, sci-fi-prog-metallists Voivod still sound unlike any band on planet earth. And the title track from their latest offering, Morgöth Tales, is a dandy. With quite a few metal bands of the modern day seemingly content to remain same-sounding and predictable, this tune shows the Canadian quartet refuses to play it safe, delivering surprising twists and turns, while successfully navigating through dreamy psychedelic and rocky thrash terrain. — G. Prato
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18. Nervosa — “Seed of Death”
Brazilian thrashers Nervosa have operated with a revolving door lineup since forming in 2010, with founding guitarist Prika Amaral being the group’s only constant member. In particular, the band has struggled to retain a vocalist, leading Amaral to take matters into her own hands. Nervosa’s latest album Jailbreak is the band’s first to feature lead vocals by Amaral, and tornadic thrashers like “Seed of Death” begged the question: What took so long? Considering Nervosa’s vicious blend of extreme metal, it’s sensible that Amaral would want to concentrate on playing guitar. But as “Seed of Death” proves, she’s a fine multitasker, handling the complex riffs and solos while unleashing harsh vocals to boot. — J. Hadusek
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17. Mammoth WVH — “I’m Alright”
Wolfgang Van Halen churned out another strong album this year in Mammoth WVH’s sophomore release, Mammoth II. “I’m Alright” is a raw-sounding rock ‘n’ roll anthem, with Wolfgang singing about “getting over” the naysayers and rocking his way to victory. With wild guitars, fast rhythms and Wolfgang’s strong, edgy vocals, this is a highlight of an album packed with standout songs. — A. Erickson
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16. Chelsea Wolfe — “Dusk”
As we wait impatiently for Chelsea Wolfe’s new album to drop in February, we’ve been soothing our frayed nerves with the first single she unveiled from the LP. Produced by TV on the Radio’s Dave Sitek, “Dusk” is a buzzing hive of drone batted around by a beat that follows the same slow pace of a wounded animal. It’s a foggy backdrop for Wolfe’s seductive lyrics and eventual flash flood of guitars and assaultive volume. — Robert Ham
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15. Full of Hell and Nothing — “Spend the Grace”
Full of Hell have often operated in the harsher, more industrial/noise side of the heavy music scene, whereas Nothing have a history of more melodic shoegazing rock. Ironically, “Spend the Grace” — the lead single from their upcoming collab album, Where No Birds Sang — sees both bands flipping the script. Full of Hell color out the ambient noise intro, while Nothing deliver the colossal wall of doom guitars that make the meat of the song’s latter half. Likewise, Nothing’s Domenic Palermo provides his clean singing to the intro, while Full of Hell’s Dylan Walker lends his harsh howls to the sludge-doom section. Truly a team effort. — J. Hadusek
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14. Slipknot — “Bone Church”
Slipknot has made some big changes recently in terms of personnel, and if their 2023 one-off single “Bone Church” is any indication, the masked band is shaking things up musically. as well. The band has had moodier moments like “Finale” on The End, So Far or “Vermilion, Pt. 2” on Vol 3: The Subliminal Verses, but “Bone Church” is an entirely different beast. First off, it opens with accordion (yes, you read that right) that leads into a slow, brooding, dirge with dreamlike guitar and clean vocals more akin to Pink Floyd than extreme metal. — C. Claire
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13. Ihsahn — “Pilgrimage to Oblivion”
Emperor co-founder Ihsahn has one of the most distinguished solo catalogs in all of metal, and if “Pilgrimage to Oblivion” is any indication, next year’s self-titled LP will easily uphold that legacy. Indeed, the album’s lead single is among his greatest fusions of crushing black/progressive metal and cinematic orchestration, with dramatic strings, furious percussion, and spicy guitarwork complementing guttural reflections, pensive singing, and elegant chants. It’s beautiful, brutal, and wholly representative of his singular artistry. — J. Blum
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12. Judas Priest — “Trial by Fire”
How many veteran metal bands find a way to remain relevant and heavy with each successive offering (in their “latter years”)? Very precious few. But you can always count on Judas Priest to offer up inspired bangers on par with their earlier triumphs – sonically, musically, and performance-wise (especially the still-impeccable vocals of the Metal God himself, Rob Halford). And “Trial by Fire” (a tune offered from their forthcoming nineteenth studio effort, Invincible Shield) proves we can still count on Priest to deliver the goods. — G. Prato
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11. Soul Glo –“If I Speak (Shut the Fuck Up)”
Really, enough said. Demanding silent mouths and open ears, Soul Glo make a very poignant statement with each song, even if the delivery isn’t what you’d typically expect. This one is just as direct as the others — serving as a literal call to action when it comes to betterment. “If I Speak (Shut the Fuck Up)” is an in-your-face literal fuck you to anyone who think they’re keyboard warriors, attacking sometimes faceless interactions for the sake of reading their own dimly low self esteem. The band has no problem standing up for themselves and others whose voices tend to get ignored, so at the end of the day, with a fist held high, kindly shut the fuck up. — C. Pope
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10. Myrkur — “Valkyriernes Sang”
Within the running order of Spine, the fourth studio effort from Danish black metal project Myrkur, “Valkyriernes Sang” crashes into the proceedings like an ear-splitting clap of thunder or a knee-buckling fanfare of horns that precedes the arrival of the titular Valkyries. There’s a triumphal energy to the music and Amalie Bruun’s vocal performance that seems to welcome the bloody rain and spear attacks promised in the lyrics. Blast this at the right volume and prepare to see your enemies driven before you. — R. Ham
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09. Jesus Piece — “Gates of Horn”
Jesus Piece are known for their frenetic fury, and “Gates of Horn” is no different. Like a rapidly beating heart, there’s always a sense of urgency in their productions. Sometimes it’s anxious, at other times outright maddened, but the harsh vibes they give off are all a part of the package. “Gates of Horn” makes you feel like you’re at the gates of hell — which may or may not be the point — but you have no desire to turn back. You’re in the fire, and you want to be. — C. Pope
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08. Sleep Token — “The Summoning”
The rich and sweepingly progressive textures Sleep Token produce leave a lot of room to imagine what’s coming next in a song. While each element is very… Sleep Token, their construction of songs is masterful and “The Summoning” is top tier for that. It starts with their typical atmospheric, but what follows is a story. Mysterious singer Vessel’s gritty and emotionally delivered vocals are a staple, and they swerve around corners of blast beats and operatics before getting to what can best be described as a “sexy jazz break” as the track starts to cool down. With around two minutes left before the end, Sleep Token drop into this sensual mood that leaves a lingering deliciousness to savor. — C. Pope
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07. Ministry — “Just Stop Oil”
Al Jourgensen is pissed off again. Reorganizing his ensemble of musicians yet again, the mad genius has gone back to basics musically and lyrically. Hopefully giving us a taste of their upcoming 16th album HOPIUMFORTHEMASSES, “Just Stop Oil” has a steady, chugging industrial rhythm indicative of earlier Ministry albums like The Mind Is a Terrible Thing to Taste, overlaid with an eerie surf guitar and samples of Greta Thunberg warning us of impending environmental disaster, proving that Jourgensen is at his best when the world is falling apart. — C. Claire
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06. Poison Ruïn — “Härvest”
Philly’s Poison Ruïn look toward the past as a reflection of the present, and “Härvest” from the album of the same name approaches tangible post-punk anachronisms in a couple ways. Firstly, the sound of the song is decidedly vintage and lo-fi, capturing that golden tape-y aura that’s easy on the ears (it worked for Molechat Doma, and it works for Poison Ruïn as well). Secondly, the CoSigned group politicize medieval and fantasy imagery as symbolic commentary on humanity’s current plights. Peasantry, plagues… are these not familiar to modern society? It’s a concept rarely explored so poignantly, somehow conjuring an otherworldly mystique that’s firmly rooted in our own, very real tribulations. — J. Hadusek
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