As 2023 comes to a close, we look back at some of the top albums that came out this year and share our favorite songs from each one.
Note: This is not a ranking of which albums we think are the best. It's just a list of some of the popular albums that came out listed in the order of their release dates.
Dominion: Day of Destiny - Skillet
Release Date: February 17
The year started off with Skillet releasing a deluxe edition of their album Dominion. The album covers topics such as God's glory and standing firm in your faith and beliefs. Dominion: Day of Destiny included four new songs, including "Psycho in my Head" and a new verison of "Finish Line" featuring Adam Gontier.
My Favorite Song: Psycho in my Head
Skeleton Psalms - Disciple
Release Date: April 28
After touring with Winter Jam 2023, Disciple released their newest album, Skeleton Psalms. The songs in Skeleton Psalms talk about dying to our sin, beginning a new life in Christ, God's love for us, and not submitting to the ways of the world.
My Favorite Song: The Executioner
Initiation: Live in Chicago - Holy Name
Release Date: July 27
Don’t let all the strange symbols scare you. Holy Name is a Christian metal worship band that has drawn a lot of inspiration from Eastern Orthodox Christianity. They actually released two albums this year: Holy Name in January and Initiation, which is the live version of songs from Holy Name.
The songs on these albums worship God and talk about His glory, following His will, and that Jesus has conquered death. Both albums feature other Christian metal artists, such as Ryan Clark of Demon Hunter and Brook Reeves of Impending Doom. I decided to post their live album because to me, there’s something about live worship that is so much more beautiful and powerful at the same time.
My Favorite Song: Meet Me Somewhere Quiet
Dominion - War of Ages
Release Date: September 15
If I had a nickel for every time this year a Christian rock or metal band released a 2023 album titled Dominion, I'd have two nickels, which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it happened twice.
Anyways, as depicted by the four horsemen on the album's cover, Dominion expresses themes related to the end of the world and all the chaos and destruction that will happen before Jesus returns. War of Ages uses their lyrics to talk about God's justice and power and the remorse and pain that people who do not believe in Jesus will experience if they do not turn to Him.
My Favorite Song: Apocalypsis
Lost in Translation - Wolves At The Gate
Release Date: September 22
Lost in Translation is actually a cover album. Wolves At The Gate said the album is made of covers of songs that inspired them as musicians and as a band. Some of the covers on the album include "Breaking the Habit" by Linkin Park, "Sweetness" by Jimmy Eat World, and "The Pretender" by Foo Fighters.
My Favorite Song: Stupid Deep
Rated R - Red
Release Date: September 29
If the title of Red's newest album made you concerned, don't worry. There's nothing explicit about the album. Rated R features songs about the fakeness of society, transformation, and calling out to God.
My Favorite Song: Emergency
Mosaic - Theocracy
Release Date: October 13
Power metal band Theocracy's newest album covers topics such as how short our life and the things of this world are, along with God using us for good. The album even includes a 20 minute song about the Red Sea!
My Favorite Song: Anonymous
Sand & Cinder, Tide & Timber - American Arson
Relsease Date: November 3
American Arson's new album talks about materialism, enduring hardships, and wanting God's will. They even have a three-part song called "The Heat" that is about running away from materialism and wanting to make music because of passion instead of money or fame.
My Favorite Song: Hammer & Gavel
Kenotic Metanoia - Lacey Sturm
Release Date: November 17
Lacey Sturm's second solo album is full of powerful lyrics and emotion. Her album includes songs that address dying to pride, being made new in Christ, and the power of God's love to transform us.
My Favorite Song: End the Wars
Last Days - Impending Doom
Release Date: November 20
Yes, I know Last Days is an EP, but for those of you looking for something heavier, I recommend you check out their three new songs which talk about Hell and opposing the ways of the world.