50 STEVE VAI
VAI/GASH
(Favored Nations)
These long-lost biker metal recordings were a glimpse into what could have been if Vai’s friend Johnny ‘Gash’ Sombretto had not tragically passed away.
49 SKINDRED
SMILE
(Earache)
Nearly topping the UK charts with album eight, the Welsh reggae metallers are experts in combining aggressive guitars with off-beat syncopation.
48 ROYAL BLOOD
BACK TO THE WATER BELOW
(Warner Records)
Returning to their heavier roots after experimenting with dance influences last time round, the signal-splitting UK duo again proved there’s more to them than hype.
47 BLACK STONE CHERRY
SCREAMIN’ AT THE SKY
(Mascot Label Group)
The Kentucky troupe give skyscraping stadium rock a modern edge, peppering album eight with luscious harmonies and chunky, drop-tuned anthems.
46 COACH PARTY
KILLJOY
(Chess Club)
Powered by the fuzzy guitar interplay of Steph Norris and Joe (not that one) Perry, this cheerfully anarchic debut was one of 2023’s most infectious.
45 NITA STRAUSS
THE CALL OF THE VOID
(Sumerian Records)
The versatile string-slinger harmonises her voice with a cast of guest vocalists, excelling in melodeath,
