North Carolina straightedge band Magnitude released their new LP Of Days Renewed… on Triple B this year, and they toured like hell–as we witnessed on the Drain/Drug Church/Gel/etc tour, they ripped and people went nuts for them. They’ve already got a busy 2024 ahead of them–including FYA Fest, Tampa with Youth of Today, Outbreak Fest, a Europe tour, and more–and with 2023 coming to a close, we asked the band what their favorite albums of the year were.
Four of the members teamed up to make us a list that ranges from Fiddlehead to Collateral to Envision to Narrow Head to Bully to Never Ending Game (who also had Magnitude on their list) to Balmora to blink-182, and more, with commentary on each pick.
Read on for what they had to say…
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Magnitude’s Favorite Albums of 2023
Russell Bussey (vocals):
Fiddlehead – Death Is Nothing To Us
It’s sentimental, profound, and another deeply moving Fiddlehead record. For me, the peak accomplishment an LP can achieve is to take you on what feels like an artistic journey throughout life and its various emotions. It’s rare for a band to accomplish that so affectively just once and yet they did that for a third time with this record.
Collateral – Demo
Real deal fast old school regular hardcore from south Florida with a sense of urgency. It’s short, sweet, and to the point in the best way possible.
Glazed Eyes – Holding Out On A Dream
Driving with the windows down volume up feel good music from Pensacola Florida. What I hear is a goo goo dolls and gin blossoms sound (two bands I love) but modernized a bit. It’s an awesome LP front to back by a great new band.
Envision – The Gods That Built Tomorrow
Straight edge hardcore based out of South Florida and Philly. They take the ’90s hardcore sound and give it the Randy Rhoads treatment. They went outside of the box on this one and I think it worked to create a really refreshing and unique LP. I might sound biased since two of our members are in Envision….but all bias aside this record is truly incredible.”
Alexander Cejas (bass):
Narrow Head – Moments of Clarity
Probably the record I’ve listened to the most this year. Parts Deftones. Parts Hum. By far their best material in my opinion. Favorite Song: Fine Day
Bully – Lucky For You
Can’t explain why but this record makes me feel like running really fast somewhere when I listen to it. Feels nostalgic but fresh at the same time. Every chorus soars. Favorite song: Miss America
New World Man – The Beast is Back
Hands down my favorite hardcore release of the year. Makes me feel like I’m in a post apocalyptic world running from bandits. So much character in the vocals. It doesn’t make sense good this record is! Favorite song: Trapped In Murderworld
Blink 182 – One More Time
I have no doubt many people would disagree with this choice but I don’t care – I’m a Blink apologist. I’m just happy they’re making music together again. Some of these songs would’ve fit very well on TOYPAJ. Maybe a little over produced. But this record is a huge step up from their last few releases. Favorite Song: Anthem Part III
The National – Laugh Track
They put out another record this year too (The First Two Pages of Frankenstein) but this one is the better one by a hair. I got to see them play earlier this year and the songs from this record sounded massive live. They’ve always been really good at dynamics in their music. The upbeat songs are driven and the slower songs have more breath in them. Favorite song: Space Invader
Matt Kalbaugh (guitar):
Koyo – Would You Miss It?
Koyo is easily the best band doing this style so this record was an easy pick for me. I wasn’t originally 100% sold on their earlier stuff, but the singles for this record pulled me in so I decided to check the whole thing out and was not disappointed. The hooks and melodies are strong, the lyrics are sincere, and it scratches an itch for me in terms of reminding me of some of the bands I loved when I was a kid.
Temple of Angels – Endless Pursuit
This is a band I hadn’t really checked out before this record, but I was really pleasantly surprised when I did. It has just the right combination of dreamy and jangly parts to be perfectly in my lane. I really hope I get to see them in 2024.
Connor McAuliffe (drums):
Never Ending Game – Outcry
Such an unstoppable band. Anything they write the hc world loves. They’re undeniably one of the greats. Some of the greatest musicians in hardcore hands down.
Six Paths – Demonstration 2023 EP
Awesome riffs and incredible mosh parts. Been on repeat lately.
Mat Kerekes – You Look Like A Stranger
Been listening to Mat’s music for years. I love all his solo records. Incredible writing.
Anthony Burke (guitar):
All 4 All – Demo #2
Awesome hard ass youth crew. Reminds me of a more evil Floorpunch kind of.
Balmora – With Thorns of Glass and Pedals of Grief
Undying worship with a little extra noodle and more breakdowns. What more could you want?
Wreckage – Our Time
Epic sounding new school HC that is very catchy and has the spirit. Unforgettable riffs.