February 2023’s Rock Release Radar

2023 is off to a great start with a number of solid releases under the rock umbrella, many of which are from trending new and up and coming acts in the scene. In fact, a few of the LPs and singles released this month showcase very promising signs for rock and heavy music’s future, with some bands already being considered for ‘end of year best of’ nods from fans and critics alike. That being said, releases from all corners of rock and heavy music including metallic hardcore, melodic death metal, alternative rock, and progressive metal are standouts in the month of February. While this certainly doesn’t cover all of the amazing rock and metal releases this month, the bands listed below have put out some exceptional music well worth the attention of rock and heavy music enthusiasts.

Narrow Head – Moments of Clarity (LP)

Embracing a blend of 90’s and early 2000’s alternative ‘riffage’ with a formidable coat of post-shoegaze melancholy, Narrow Head have fallen into their own unique sound on their third LP, Moments of Clarity (via Run for Cover Records). While the band is certainly not traversing over uncharted territory wearing clear influences from Smashing Pumpkins to Deftones, Narrow Head manage to showcase their knack for writing unwaveringly catchy melodies and guitar hooks ultimately separating them from the wave of post-grunge copycats. Furthermore, Narrow Head doesn’t appeal to just one rock scene in particular, provided they’ve the toured alongside death metal bands from the likes of Gatecreeper and modern rock outfits like White Reaper. That being said, it’s safe to suggest that Narrow Head is a band both metal and rock connoisseurs should be watching closely.

Sleep Token – “Vore” (Single)

As far as trending new bands are concerned Sleep Token might just be the most talked about band in heavy music right now. The band has released a plethora of singles over the past couple months which have not only helped them surpass 2 million monthly listeners on Spotify, but also proven the band’s capabilities of bringing something sonically fresh and vibrant to modern metal. It’s hard to pin a single genre or style to Sleep Token’s sound as they effortlessly blend elements of modern pop and Meshuggah like heaviness within their music. Combining this with the band’s anonymous band members and otherworldly visuals, Sleep Token easily earn their place as one of 2023 most exciting bands and highly anticipated LPs. Sleep Token’s third LP Take Me Back To Eden, is due May 19th via Spinefarm Records.

In Flames – Forgone (LP)

The Melodic death metal legends In Flames have made a very surprising return on their 14th studio album, Foregone (via Nuclear Blast). 14 albums is a remarkable number of records to release over a band’s career and despite many of In Flames’ more recent albums being less than significant, the band has hit a stride they’ve not seen in over a decade with their latest release. This is in part is due to In Flames’ new lineup really shining through on Foregone, namely guitarist Chris Broderick (ex-Megadeth, Act of Defiance). This coupled with Anders Fridén delivering the best vocals of his career, along with guitarist Björn Gelotte’s embracing old school ‘melo-death’ guitar arrangements, In Flames have reestablished themselves as one of contemporary metal’s greatest acts.

Jesus Piece – Gates of Horn (Single)

Jesus Piece have sprung out the gate this year with some of metallic hardcore’s most exciting and pummeling tracks yet. The band has seemingly fallen into their own unique aesthetic visually and sonically speaking for their upcoming sophomore LP …So Unknown (out April 10th via Century Media), and by the sound of it Jesus Piece is bound to shake things up for the heavy music scene in 2023. Showcasing powerful grooves reminiscent of early Sepultura and breakdowns that rival contemporaries like Code Orange, Jesus Piece has offered a handful of crowd pleasing singles that has both aisles of metal and hardcore fans hungry for what’s to come.

Other Honorable February Releases:

Hammerhedd – Nonetheless (LP)

For fans of Gojira, Mastodon, Metallica, progressive metal.

Zulu – “Where I’m From” (single)

For Fans of Gultch, Nails, power violence.

Brand of Sacrifice – “Dynasty” (single)

For fans of Lorna Shore, Thy Art Is Murder, Deathcore/Symphonic Metal

White Reaper – Asking For A Ride (LP)

For fans of Metallica, Thin Lizzy, Turnstile, and classic rock

Check out February 2023’s Rock Release playlist featuring all artists listed above