Never Ending Game released one of the year’s best hardcore albums with Outcry (Triple B Records), and now that the year is coming to a close, the band collectively made us a list of their favorite albums and EPs of 2023. It includes Magnitude, White Reaper, Angel Du$t, Fiddlehead, Pain of Truth, Dying Wish, Koyo, Militarie Gun, and more, with commentary on each pick. Read on for what they had to say.
N.E.G. have a few fests coming up: Black Christmas in their hometown of Detroit on 12/30 (with COA, Section H8, Ringworm, Conservative Military Image, Mustard Plug, J. Navarro & the Traitors, and more), FYA Fest in Tampa in January (with Trapped Under Ice, Dying Fetus, Sunami, Incendiary, Pain of Truth, Twitching Tongues, Militarie Gun, Mindforce, and more), and LDB Fest in Louisville in March (with Hatebreed, Sunami, Obituary, Twitching Tongues, Angel Du$t, Anxious, Fiddlehead, and more).
We’ve also got a limited, exclusive splatter vinyl in the BV shop of N.E.G.’s new album.
Never Ending Game’s Favorite Albums & EPs of 2023
Albums:
Magnitude – Of Days Renewed…
The last straight edge hardcore band on earth. Not really but they have been consistently flying the flag longer than most and this record is incredible. Great riffs, breakdowns, meaningful lyrics, perfect sxe hxc.
White Reaper – Asking For a Ride
This album got it all. Riffs, melodies, thumping bass, instant classic album.
Angel Du$t – Brand New Soul
A continuation of exploring new sounds and still fucking rocking. Lots of funky ass percussion that’ll have you dancing and jumping off the stage even if there isn’t one. Doing whatever the fuck you want in the form of a record.
Fiddlehead – Death is Nothing To Us
Had the privilege of playing a few of their record release gigs for this record. Band is full of legends and the songs they wrote for this perfectly encapsulate that. Still writing songs with meaningful lyrics about real shit with musicianship that is unrivaled. Emo is back.
Pain of Truth – Not Through Blood
Love these guys and the energy they capture on recording and live. Only critique for this record is that they didn’t have us scream a guest part on it…
Dying Wish – Symptoms of Survival
KillWish Engage. This record shows the growth of Dying Wish. Songs that are hard as hell and they sound like they come straight out of the year 2004. They’ve been grinding nonstop and this record is the result of how they’ve become masters at songwriting and mosh conducting. Some of the best breakdowns you’ll hear this year.
Dying Fetus – Make Them Beg For Death
Blasts everywhere and half time dance parts. What more do you want? Gallagher, noted “tough guy hxc” lover, continues to bring it yet again. The greatest extreme metal band of all time.
Koyo – Would You Miss it?
Been fans of these guys since they started. They remind me of the sounds that were coming out of the VFW hall in winter 2004. Nostalgic while still pushing the boundaries and doing it their own way. This record has it all and should make them massive. Great melody.
Envision – The Gods That Built Tomorrow
If George Lynch played in Turning Point. So many riffs packed into 20 minutes. The harmony in “Redemption” makes you feel like you’re soaring on an eagle’s back. One of our favorites of the modern era.
Militarie Gun – Life Under The Gun
Incredibly catchy while still rooted in hardcore. These guys are awesome and this record is an easy throw on any time of the day.
EPs:
View from the Soyuz – Immaculate
We were all blown away by this release and then caught them live while in Japan and they are somehow even better live. Incredible musicianship.
Mourning – Hive of Resentment
These guys are great and do a unique sound. They managed to capture a lot in just 3 tracks on this release and looking forward to what they do next.
New World Man – The Beast Is Back
Next level shit. The musicianship of these guys is something else. You just gotta listen if you haven’t.
D Bloc – EP
Hometown homies. Been fun watching these guys grow as a band in front of our eyes. This latest EP is their best release yet and we’re looking forward to what comes next for them.
Impunity – Demo
Brutal demo. Really looking forward to anything else they put out.
Scarab – Seeking Chaos and Revenge After Betrayal
Everything we like in a hardcore record and so much more. Rabid vocals, great pit parts, and brought with intensity and urgency.
E. Town Concrete – “Level Up”
This single is flawless and we all can’t stop listening to it. Has all the ingredients of a perfect E. Town song and several call backs to old songs. One of the greatest bands to ever do it and a huge inspiration to us.
**
Pick up N.E.G.’s new album on limited, exclusive splatter vinyl in the BV shop, and read our feature on the record here.
