Greekbastard’s 2023 Anti-List For 2023

OpEd

I get bored of making lists, reading lists, being listed, etc., but here I am at the end of 2023 compiling my thoughts on creating a list that only a handful of people will actually take the time to read. This is not a dig on those that create/read/ingest lists, rather me brainstorming on what to put down in words my most metal memories of 2023. Depending on who reads this, we might even share some of these memories, so without further ado, let’s do this.

I want to give my respects to some of the fallen this year. Some were founding members of their respective bands, but the music will live on in their memory. Rest In Power: Josua Henrik Lander Madsen (Artillery), Jim Durkin (Dark Angel), Bernie Marsden (Whitesnake), Anthony Meo (Biohazard), Ryan Siew (Polaris), Zach Scott (Beyond Extinction), Mark Adams (Saint Vitus), Kirk Arrington (Metal Church), Jon Kennedy (Hecate Enthroned).

In 2023, there were some headlines in the metal cosmos that stood out. For starters, Sepultura calling it a day. How about Mike Portnoy rejoining Dream Theater? Or, Ozzy canceling his appearance at Power Trip festival, or even better, AC/DC’s triumphant return at that very same festival?

While we’re on the topic of metal festivals, Hell And Heaven that took place in Toluca, Mexico, was almost a disaster with dozens of bands pulling out right before the festival took place. Speaking of Mexico based metal fests, Mexico Metal Fest has some drama happening as of this past few days after announcing the festival will move from Monterrey to Mexico City, Mexico. We’ll let you know what’s happening as soon as we hear solid information from their promoters.

What were your favorite albums this year? I really enjoyed Godflesh’s “Purge,” Taake’s “Et Hav av Avstand,” Brujeria’s “Esto Es Brujeria,” and Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs’ “Land of Sleeper.”

Of all the shows and sets that I checked out in 2023, there were a few that stood out. Watain at Mystic Festival in Poland, Heilung at Brutal Assault and Cult of Fire at Brutal Assault. Although all these bands are very different from each other in sound, they have all mastered the art of live performance. The emotions elicited from their respective audiences are unattainable via a digital waveform, they must be seen to be fully appreciated.

So that’s it, I have nothing more to chime in for 2023.

Wait…did I just read that Manowar sold out their first show and only show scheduled in the United States for 2024 in over a decade??? Happy New Year everyone!