Always at work! Always in the know… It’s Vegas Rock Revolution‘s very own John Gist and his Personal Favorite albums of 2023 list! The man behind everything Vegas! You know why Vegas is booming right? Why every company in the world is moving there… It’s because of John Gist’s tireless work to make it as cool as can be and rock as hard as possible! Vegas Rock Revolutuon, the Planet Desert Rock Weekend and so much more. He makes it happen, he makes all the magical music come alive, makes it so we can experience all those bands we love live and he’s everywhere! Let’s not forget he also does that The Doomed & Stoned Show together with Doomed & Stoned‘s Billy Goate and Bucky Brown! And then there’s Heavy Galaxy, another outlet he stretches his stuff on! He knows! And not just the Gist, he knows everything!
We’re honored to present it here another list of Favorite Albums of 2023 by one of the Doom Charts Contributors… There are many as you might know; and many already posted their list of Favorite Albums of 2023 on their own sites or the sites they write for. Some of those lists will be published here as well. And for all the others we advise you to check out all of their personal sites… Cause it might just contain your next very favorite album!
John Gist – Vegas Rock Revolution/ Planet Desert Rock Weekend
1. Tidal Wave / Sweden - ”The Lord Knows” – Ripple Music
A very early 2023 release that brings full throttle everything you want in a heavy rock album. Ok ..i admit to being a little bias as I helped deliver these guys to Todd over at Ripple. Their debut was pure fire and this one keeps a burnin’! Vocalist Alexander Sundqvist has some powerful pipes. The riff action is primo and the drums have a massive sound throughout. These Swedes are younger as well and they have put together back to back killer albums!
Video – https://youtu.be/mKbngVoB66E?si=uFhuftmU0uwFAfkL
Video — https://youtu.be/kYdIXud1lZI?si=82C6byfMKEtYgvOh
2. Dozer /Sweden – “Drifting in the Endless Void” – Blues Funeral Recordings
Just realized the top 2 are from the great country of Sweden! But heck we are used to Sweden popping out yearly good stuff but this is different. Stoner Rock legends Dozer cranks out their 1st album in years and they did it with precision. So good to hear those great vocals by Frederik Nordin with guitar virtuoso Tommi Holappa back in action. “Ex-Human , Now Beast” is easily one of our top singles of 2023!
Video – https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=dozer+band+ex-human
3. Borracho/ Washington DC – “Blurry the Lines of Reality” – Kozmik Artifactz
This power trio out of the nation’s capital supplies thick riffs and rocking groove enough to have you remembering them in the morning. Steve Fisher on vocals and guitar is coming into his own on this damn good heavy rock album. All their stuff is good but the last two full lengths are simply superb. Yeah I like them so much Invited them to play Planet Desert Rock Weekend IV. This album is meant to be played loud!
Video –https://youtu.be/fgWpCzsA5q8?si=Fl9-mOBdivgdOGxO
4. Saturna/ Spain – “The Reset” – Spinda Records/ Discos Macarras
Been a fan for a good while now starting with their album III/ Lost in Time which landed high on the VRR year end which resulted in a Planet Desert Rock Weeekend II appearance. Later to be part of Turned to Stone split series on Ripple with Electric Monolith which I humbly had the opportunity to set up. Their album “Atlantis” was super strong as well. Saturna features one of the best vocalists around… James Vieco is a very talented singer/songwriter/guitarist who truly knows how to sing melodically but not sound cheesy. Creates killer melodies and the overall band sound also shines on each track. 2 guitar hard rocking stuff right here. Landed #1 on Doom Charts for December!
Video – https://youtu.be/PXkoWRqcpyY?si=O1WFwrKtKVe-x-0h
Video — https://youtu.be/pNFqAS3DgP0?si=yT9-Yr7JsTFB0f2y
5. Fire Down Below/ Belgium – “Low Desert Surf Club” – Ripple Music
Three times a charm for these stoner rockers who bring us their strongest release to date and thats saying something! These guys have a cool blend of influences throughout their album and catalog. At their core they are a really good heavy rock/ stoner rock band that has some 90s era action to the game. Have enjoyed all their albums since the beginning and am super impressed with Low Desert Surf Club.
Video – https://youtu.be/ENHpZWj4s90?si=P2bMaSzFl6atDRQf
6. Omega Sun/ Slovenia – “Roadkill” – No Profits Recordings
Their follow up to their 2017 debut “Opium For the Masses” fires forward with 90s grunge era sound combined with stoner and doom elements that keeps you listening! This Slovenian trio is chock full of power riffs, vocals that remind you at times of 2 historic heavy rock vocalists and song structure the helps you give in to the urge to turn up the volume. And get this…. their album is NYP/Free on Bandcamp. I had the honor of having them at Planet Desert Rock and also over in Yucca Valley at Gadi’s. Recently they opened for Winery Dogs over in their country!
Video – https://youtu.be/FKD4srf-l10?si=CjelzLPnBBc7Nloy
7. Rival Sons/ USA – “Darkfighter +Lightbringer ” – Atlantic Records
Ok this for some will throw them off but I think this is the best rock band in the world. For folks like myself who really respect the roots of blues, 70s rock and hard rock …this band decided to drop 2 full albums in one year! Darkfighter their first release in 2023 grabbed many of our attention with two outstanding releases with “Nobody Wants to Die” and “Bird in the Hand” gove you a taste of their versitility as Noboby is a straight forward 70s hard rocking tune with a czatchy chorus while Bird gives you one of the best vocal performances around. Jay’s vocals and ability to create melodies are exquisite. This band understands spacing and an organic sound that truly deserves more ears. THey were my favorite concert of the year… hands down.
Darkfighter – https://open.spotify.com/album/5drsoG7zv1wwOSnKBnW2EZ?si=u2pJV76sRrWbYLDTAdatMw
Lightbringer —https://open.spotify.com/album/51CoENXtQxKfwEfvxRHyDN?si=DqH8EOSYT2u8jHebwD9ZUg
Video – https://youtu.be/IF1lYMiBcWc?si=6ZVn6SmGzP9rendE
Video – https://youtu.be/NdoBim6CNUU?si=d5SRVyl8hGDttcdf
8. Graveyard / Sweden – “6” – Nuclear Blast Records
Back to Sweden for this blues heavy psych band that for me bounces back from their last release. As soon as I heard their 1st single of this album “Twice”, i have been listening to the album since! They are refined but yet can feel raw… they have intertwining vocals as well. They do a great job of telling a story through their songs and lyrics. If you dig blues heavy rock with some psych action as well then give this one a ride or two….I liked it next level after 2-3.
Video – https://youtu.be/0Q3XavA9x5Y?si=DgfTYqn9_WuwBi54
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/album/7wv7I672qgjQABJ7SM2zi4?si=yqUiKfJ0QPGuuiJlW03zIQ
9. Witchskull / Australia – ” The Serpent Tide” – Rise Above Records
These Aussies are 4 for 4 on full length releases as they bring us top notch Stoner Metal to our ears and souls. This Power Trio is a mainstay on my end of year lists with their last release taking the Album of the Year honors. This album slows it down a little perhaps lean in more to the doomier side of their sound. Vocalist/Guitarist Marcus De Pascuale has one of the more unique singers as you can feel an emotion and at times vunerability in his vocals. This band keeps getting bigger and bigger but its time to see them rock USA and Europe at some point we hope to spread their wicked sound.
Video – https://youtu.be/RHoPD3BAXys?si=zikVf8LrA6_oEUAV
10. Spotlights / NYC – “Alchemy For the Dead” – Ipecac Recordings
Heard some bluster about them very early on and once toe was dipped…. i jumped all in. What a breath of fresh air in their airy sound and sharp production. Guitar isn’t always all mighty driver of their songs but plays a big part nonetheless. Vocals and their songs are just so strong as they meld shoegaze w/ post rock+ metal with heavy rock sensibilities. Toured with Mr. Bungle and the Melvins. They played here but I couldn’t bounce back after a full day festival that both of those bands played as well. Really want to see them perform as I think it will be a unique and cool set to catch. Since discovering them I have dived deeper into their catalog and its good as well!
Video – https://youtu.be/19TqHZBUOgY?si=GCI-RSxp6NCXnr65
Video – https://youtu.be/vBxPz6nnthw?si=pzNU62FLeL6s_0ut
11. Hail the Void / Vancouver Canada – “Memento Mori “ – Ripple Music
What a powerful follow up to their 2020 self titled debut! Good lord they bring a heavy sound and pair it up with strong memorable vocals. This was an early release in 2023 so many followed other shiny rocks along their way in a robust 2023 but this one and Tidal Wave stuck out for the get. Ripple came out of the gates to set the tone of an amazing year of releases. I don’t hear much about these guys playing live which is too bad as I think quite a few would like to catch them once people hear them more!
Video – https://youtu.be/XcJIYJm3QoU?si=K0_kydAjFU0TN4ud
12. Wolfnaut / Norway – “Return of the Asteroid ” – Ripple Music
We are far from done with Ripple Music releases as this very under the radar band out of Norway. After their 2021 release III that really caught my attention so I forwarded over to the almighty Todd Severin who took the ball and ran with it from there. Now a 3 piece this band has a strong tighter sound that lingers more in the stoner rock world versus more of a hard rock sound before that. Catchy songs and rocking guitar theme out the album but by no means does all of it sound the same. They finish with a titanic 10 min+ song “Wolfnaut’s Lament” thaat brings it all home. Highly advise listening in car and turning it up and if you haven’t heard of these Norweigan rockers than also dig into their III release also.
Video — https://youtu.be/L4HYeowWcJA?si=WtF6LHd0z6iASrOg
13. Black Rainbows/ Italy – “Superskull” – Heavy Psych Sounds Records
This Italian power trio stoner rock vets totally slammed dunked this album. Great riff action driving catchy fuzzy songs! Quite frankly might be my favorite ever by this band who has a deep catalog of goodness to explore. By the way the frontman is Gabrielle who is the man behind Heavy Psych Sounds Records!
Video —https://youtu.be/52-fKbfivzo?si=ZalsB_CA8bGkAD5q
14. Dead Feathers/ Chicago – “Full Circle” – Ripple Music
For some of us familiar with this female fronted heavy psych band, this album was highly anticipated. Truly one of my fav psych albums from the past few years even. Vocalist Marissa Allen shines brightly throughout but it must be said that the cool atmospheric sound they create at times but also a Black Angels like tone the band creates is simply stellar. Had the pleasure of catching them at Ripplefest Texas 2023 and they are a really cool band to catch!
Video — https://youtu.be/SxqPvJQjGFc?si=2jo_NrjcpVoQUzYo
15. Formula 400/ San Diego – “Divination” – Animated Insanity Records/ No Dust Records
These San Diego boys squeeze some nitrous into their sophomore effort as they go full pedal to the metal. Heavier in tone and an obvious shift to more on the metal side of the heavy rock scene, they still keep what is at the core of their sound which is 2 guitar action. On the album the two primary songwriters ( Dan Frick + Ian Holoway) also switch off vocals duties and harmonize guitars at a high level. This is a band that if you haven’t heard them before …. check out this album and their 1st which had their break through single “Light My Way”. And oh yeah… these cats played Planet Desert Rock III and crushed!
Video – https://youtu.be/4dvv4jnScCQ?si=H5DdvMQ2YdB_FUTZ
Interview — https://youtu.be/FdLyJydjVrU?si=TjyXiwF1XF28aBka
16. Ritual King/ United Kingdom – “The Infinite Mirror” – Ripple Music
Ripple Music snagged this band a few years back and their self titled album landed on many of our radars and blew us away. This album continues their evolution. While Ritual King isn’t necessarily a new band but their sound has greatly changed since their debut. They are now firmly in the heavy psych/progressive/ stoner rock world now. Lots of atmospheric tones and spacing to allow their instruments to flourish with a nod to jazz. Late year release could very easily be higher if I had more time with it.
Video — https://youtu.be/TbPPLJdq29w?si=gjfRfyxa4RKuF1-P
17. Queens of the Stone Age / California – “In Times New Roman…” – Matador Records
Ok let me share this with you first….I have been a fan of them since pretty early on and was a Kyuss fan in 1992-1993 but…..I could not stand the last album by Queens and quite frankly the one before that just didn’t feel right to me but this is a comeback to at least a rocker side of things again for Josh and his boys. Upbeat tempos, catchy songs and a swagger that is great to see again after quite a tumultuous era for Josh in his personal life. We will never see Kyuss likely ever create another song and probably not play live but for some of us seeing Josh step back in the harder rock world is a great thing to see. Always remember… this band is a strong part of our lineage and they represent well! Josh is a rock star and he can sing, write and perform like the stud that he is.
Video – https://youtu.be/MrAFdBy-F-c?si=IaMAon4UroXYLYu4
18. Khan / Australia – “Creatures “ – Self released
The Australian scene has such a great diversity of heaviness coming out of there as we earlier mentioned the almighty Witchskull but now we jump to the heavy psych side of that country’s sound. Khan has been around since at least 2016 but for many they landed in our earholes in 2018 with the album “Vale” which is truly one of the best heavy psych albums in the last 10 years. Album before this they went with no vocals but on “Creatures” they return to a familiar and righteous sound. Khan is part of what I call the New Wave of Heavy Pscyh which includes bands like King Buffalo, Elder, Weedpecker, All Them Witches that utilize not only tempo but spacing and atmosphere to their creations. This trio really nailed it on this one and I sure hope more dig in and take a hit of this one! Good shit man…pass me the joint!
Video – https://youtu.be/0hoLI4nwXno?si=YGiJ6hVoaClnFVM6
19. Domkraft/ Sweden – “Sonic Moons” – Magnetic Eye Records
Let’s crank it back up with the heaviest of the list so far. Domkraft has continued to evolve their sound and in particular vocals even though never quite clean are at least for some of us easier to take in. But what matters with Domkraft is the pure power of their sound! This album for many will be at or near the top of end of year lists as they have created quite the buzz with this heavy rock album. I like this one loud!
Video — https://youtu.be/pLnfGD3o-mo?si=bzMT3LbmTuNXnZld
20. Howling Giant/ Nashville – “Glass Future” – Magnetic Eye Records
Magnetic Eye Records which is helped by Jadd Shickler (look him up) lands back to back albums. This one is from the heavy rock band Howling Giant that has consistently proven that create damn good songs that can stick in thy head. Harmony vocals is a major part of their sound and they sure do it beautifully on this release. Been a fan of them since basically the beginning and it’s been cool to see them gain more and more confidence along with popularity. Great band to check out if you like stoner, heavy psych, hard rock or even the lighter side of metal. By the way speaking of metal….bassist Sebastian “Seabass” Baltes is the son of 80s metal band Accept’s bassist Peter Baltes….. yes this is the Accept that did “Balls to the Wall”. Anyways this album rocks!!
Video – https://youtu.be/BocaIPkzFEg?si=Oz1nFRWyyPGXl64R
Video –https://youtu.be/e5osEvrJE2c?si=NBPdcaXJrc0v5ECq
Interview — https://youtu.be/IslRpBuoCoY?si=Zepy14fXP54gGpfs
21. Thunder Horse / San Antonio – “After the Fall” – Ripple Music
Ripple Music ripped it up as usual and they have expanded their sounds over the last few years. Thunder Horse is one such band. Their last release which was their 1st on Ripple captured many folks attention and this one should grab them by the shoulders are shake them to their core. This is not a party band….even though Bishop and the boys are fun … the album is rife with dark undertones of what the world could have in store for itself. It’s searing view of the world shades towards apocalyptic and their take on the modern worlds behavior is one of disdain. And guess what….it’s needed and they execute it with precision. I have had the good fortune of catching them at Ripplefest all 3 years and always look at their set as one of the best of each festival.
Video – https://youtu.be/zLb7XOe4xtQ?si=EI0kcSgp7vdd7lbI
Interview –> https://youtu.be/KFDMZcH4n3Q?si=IjSYy-kVwDOVWxoL
22. Outer Head / United Kingdom – “Delirium” – Black Farm Records
Here is a band that I do not expect everyone to know. If you like your riffs heavy and a power behind your songs then this is one to sniff out! These Brits mesh up stoner metal/doom/heavy psych/metal together for an album that keeps your feet and head moving. Vocalist Sarantis does a great job all the way through and in case ya didn’t know is also the frontman for Amon Acid which is also a cool band. Play this one back to back with Domkraft for full heaviness delight!
Video – https://youtu.be/e2sQnCIjVb4?si=ne3euEY6ruhq8Q6D
23. Isaak / Italy – “Hey” – Heavy Psych Sounds
It has been 7 years since these Italian fuzz rockers released a full length and they announce loudly that they are back with the album Hey! Italian label Heavy Psych Sounds appropriately picks them up as well as recently another stellar Italian band Mr. Bison in recent time to further move an outstanding roster of bands. Isaak brings it and brings it often. At times they remind me of Red Fang. Their full catalog is worth listening to and they did a badass version of Iron Maiden’s “Wrathchild” that will surely fire you up! Big energy on this album!
Video – https://youtu.be/OodKZsE-aEM?si=V7z6yaP0VtdrwMDc
24. Kind / Boston – “Close Encounters” – Ripple Music
Boston supergroup returns for a 3rd album and absolutely continues to build a name around super good heavy rock tunes! The band features on vocals Craig Riggs from Roadsaw as well as Sasquatch (Drums). On the kit is former Elder drummer Matt Couto who is still pounding away at a high level. Speaking of high level , guitarist Darryl Shephard (former Black Pyramid) really shines on this album and when i saw them at Ripplefest Texas 2023 he was absolutely crushing it! Bassist Tom Corino (Romanov) holds it down to fortify this really strong band. Kind is just what the doctor ordered for folks who dig heavy rock and stoner.
Video – https://youtu.be/LwLIkBkExmg?si=brffolFPGNG9ow6A
Interview – https://youtu.be/mOh4-6SG45A?si=PdY_oHY_oIPQTron
25. Hippie Death Cult / Portland – “Helichrysum” – Heavy Psych Sounds
One of the most intriguing stories in the scene is the band Hippie Death Cult. Besides the titillating band name they have generated a quick buzz in the scene. Their debut was massive and hit high up on the Doom Charts for 2 months! The groundwork was set and then…… covid happened….. singer ends up no longer part of the band which means…….they elevate bassist Laura Phillips into the role. Now for those that haven’t heard the early releases by Hippie, the vocals were deep and clean so transitioning to female vocals felt like it could be a challenge. After seeing them multiple times live, I have to say it’s been cool and now Laura gets to do her own songs her own way. Her vocals really shine on the album closer “Tomorrows Sky” but Laura certainly knows her screams very well. The man behind the vision of Hippie is guitar slayer Eddie Brnabic who happens to be married to Laura! Also of note they made a switch on drums so no longer are they setting up a massive oversized drumset for live shows. Some of you will get that joke!
Video – https://youtu.be/bfGypijdJ98?si=F553NQxH2rER8dvJ
26. Saint Karloff / Norway – “Paleolithic War Crimes” – Majestic Mountain Records
This Norweigan power trio returns after the tragic loss of their bassist Ole (Cancer) to deliver their most well rounded and evolved release to date. I remember when their debut popped out and I was getting my Sabbath fix and totally digging it…since then they released an album that is all one song (Interstellar Voodoo) as well. This album stays darker tinged as expected but it won’t put you in a deep depression. The tones , vocals and overall composition is just damn good!
Video – https://youtu.be/rtuNgtY6fGg?si=vlMr9Po83RTtJPg_
27. Emperors Lair / Germany – “Dare Mighty Things” – Self Released
Emperors Lair landed in my ears in early 2023 and it’s been stuck in rotation since then. This is a younger German band that for many in the scene probably haven’t heard yet. Really strong vocals on this album and the overall production is so clean. Guitar tone drives many of the songs. This is damn good heavy rock for folks that like great clean vocals, heavy riffs, clean production and not afraid of longer songs. If you like Tool you might like them as well !
Video – https://youtu.be/6AZXV8mFkwk?si=4DOrpIR_gZJ-2Sn8
Video – https://youtu.be/7IoT5dV6OLg?si=eU5FNcNhvb_rkv8K
28. Westing / California – “Future” – Riding Easy Records
Once known as Slow Season this band recruited All Them Witches guitarist Ben Mcleod to help rebirth things and boy they did a nice job. Like with Slow Season this band focuses energy on 70s era hard rock/ psych rock. Frontman Daniel Rice has quite the vocal range and dare I say Westing is very influenced by Led Zeppelin. I would take any day of the week their 70s vintage style over Greta Van Fleet. One challenge with this band is folks won’t be able to catch them hardly ever or at least until they get bigger Ben and All Them Witches is simply blowing up and tearing it up. Everyone in the band is in California except Ben so things are tough to coordinate but as someone who has caught Slow Season before ….. i would guarantee they are a great live band. This is good rock and roll !
Video – https://youtu.be/BMNdG82EYeo?si=4q75mObLMWedNVdE
29. Gozu / Boston – “Remedy “ — Blacklight Media Records / Metal Blade
Gozu knows how to name their songs!! hahahha These vets bring their 2 guitar attack right to you in your face. Frontman Marc Gaffney who in person looks like a football player delivers his masterful vocals again. His abilities never ceases to amaze me. I would say this band is a pure heavy rock band that has stoner elements but metal as well. There is nothing soft about these guys! Seen them live at Psycho and can’t wait to catch them again! Their last two albums have been released on Metal Blade subsidiary Blacklight Media Records.
Video – https://youtu.be/ZRSOnRP0pAw?si=w26bpThykBAXJFXw
3 way tie for 30!
30. Margarita Witch Cult / United Kingdom – “Margarita Witch Cult” – Heavy Psych Sounds
Out of Birmingham England which is where the almighty Black Sabbath began comes a new band that captures the darkness of heavy rock… again! With tones and vibes of Uncle Acid at times but makes it their own throughout this super strong 9 track album. Super impressive for a debut album and great snag by Heavy Psych Sounds! England certainly has amassed a large group of killer bands in the stoner, doom and heavy psych world. If you like those genres and metal …..click and see what you like.
Video – https://youtu.be/cviDm0N7RIQ?si=6VASp0LHOn53vv3H
Video – https://youtu.be/o5AAGljEPto?si=XtOYMXhidbt-HqNv
30. Moon Coven / Sweden – ” Sun King “ – Ripple Music
This Swedish band has been around since 2014 and have plugged away but this album takes it next level for them. If I remember correctly this is their 2nd on Ripple Music. Their vocals are either harmony or a layering effect in production. The overall sound of this album really just so good. It’s Sweden ….it’s Ripple….. it’s a winner!
Video – https://youtu.be/nGV3qjqnK3A?si=Jq1xaQlgFfnMoIou
30. Duskwood / United Kingdom – ” The Last Voyage “ – Ripple Music
Stoner rock goodness right here from a relatively unknown band to some degree before this year. Ripple picks up these Brits and they provide great stoner rock with some John Garcia like vocals. Songs totally rock and there are no stinkers in the album. The album is woven with desert rock influences all along the way. These guys have been rocking since 2013 and their catalog is worth digging into as well. Don’t complicate things…if you like stoner/desert rock then this will like stick with ya! Another great contribution from England!
Video – https://youtu.be/dTbML_2RJbs?si=UtSP7aL3pMpPzRPW
Video – https://youtu.be/ol1I2lXvAJo?si=pJVGJiXBhT-Nq7uw
Doom Charts 