We’re halfway through 2023 already, can you believe it? That halfway mark also means it’s time we share with you the albums that enticed us the most so far.

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Vulture Industries – Ghosts from the Past
At times wonderfully weird but always accessible and entertaining, Ghost from the Past is another highlight in the Norwegians’ discography (RP – SftDS review).
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Yo La Tengo – This Stupid World
On their seventeenth album Yo La Tengo once again show off their versatility. This Stupid World has it al: it’s sombre, it’s beautiful, it’s punchy, it’s introvert. Can be filed under potential classic (WRM – SftDS review).
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Virgin Steele – The Passion of Dionysus
It’s still early days for Virgin Steele‘s new album, but underneath the poor production values it has all the markings of a really great album (RP).
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Craven Faults – Standers
Standers offers an immersive experience. Craven Faults’ thoughts, photo’s combined with his outstanding analog synth outings offer an intriguing take on the natural and industrial history of Yorkshire (WRM – SftDS review).
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Cruachan – The Living and the Dead
Pure, unandulterated celtic folk metal fun of the highest order (RP – SftDS review).
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The Tubs – Dead Meat
Dead Meat is a very lively, very British sounding album containing a set of charming but also abrasive rock songs made for modern days. The Tubs are poised to take over your stereo. Resistance is futile (WRM – SftDS review).
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Lovebites – Judgment Day
Lovebites delivers one of the finest and most hard-hitting power metal albums of the year and it seems like it’s going to be a hard one to top in the genre (RP – SftDS review).
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The Men – New York City
Menner! Menner! Menner! We’ll talk about this one later but don’t let this withhold you from checking out this all-guns-blazing rock’n’roll feast (WRM).
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Jethro Tull – RökFöte
The legendary Jethro Tull release a late-career highlight based on Norse mythology. Highly recommended (RP).
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Swans – The Beggar
The daunting force in the realm of avant-rock is still among us. But for how long? Is Michael ready to die? Meanwhile Swans “simply” serves up their next thought-provoking and innovative piece of music (WRM – SftDS review).
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And that’s it! Let’s go and see what the second half of the year holds in store for us then,
Wander (WRM) & Ralph (RP) – 060723

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