Chicago metallic hardcore greats Harm’s Way returned this year with their beastly new album Common Suffering (Metal Blade), and with the year coming to a close, they’ve made us a list of their 10 favorite albums of 2023. It ranges from JPEGMAFIA & Danny Brown to Mary Jane Dunphe to Tomb Mold to Militarie Gun, and they’ve given some commentary on each pick. Head below to see what they had to say.
Harm’s Way also have some festival appearances lined up for 2024, including LDB Fest, Homesick, Sonic Temple, Welcome to Rockville, Hellfest, and Copenhell.
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Harm’s Way’s 10 Favorite Albums of 2023
Mary Jane Dunphe – Stage of Love
We’ve been fans of MJ’s work from from Vexx to CC Dust. Beautiful and vulnerable album front to back.
JPEGMAFIA & Danny Brown – Scaring The Hoes
Unbelievable production and creativity combined masterfully on this record. Genre-bending and mind warping as ever – on constant rotation throughout the spring and summer.
Tomb Mold – Enduring Spirit
One of the best death metal records of the year, truly pushing the boundaries of heavy music. It’s been awesome and inspiring to see this bands evolution over the years.
The Virgos – Pennsylvania Death Trip
Incredible work by a true psycho wizard – Andrew Saba.
King Krule – Space Heavy
Vast, open, dark, and vulnerable. Feels like an album that could have only been created on a rainy London day.
Blow Your Brains Out – Big Escape
Ripping NYHC influenced Japanese hardcore. Perfect production sonically and artistically.
Wound Man – Human Outline
Blistering powerviolence/hardcore that felt better and better with each listen.
Andrew Nolan & God Is War – The Hunt
Andy has been a good friend and collaborator with Harm’s Way for a minute now. Another amazing record here to add to his extensive discography with God Is War…this was the soundtrack to the Common Suffering tour.
Kruelty – Untopia
Tokyo disgusting music at its finest. We don’t agree on a ton as a band, but Kruelty may legitimately be one of our current favorite bands. This record is hard as hell.
Militarie Gun – Life Under The Gun
This record scratches every itch…and feels extremely fearless as an endeavor. Mad respect for Militarie Gun.