Thanks for checking out my top ten new Irish bands list. This could have easily been 20, but time is against me and ten will have to suffice. This was really difficult, but here they are.

XIII Doors

This band are heavily experienced and dropped two absolute bangers in Lead The Way and Unleashed The Beast this year. Their album is on the way and no doubt it’s going to be absolutely brilliant. A big year ahead for the lads.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/XIIIDOORS

Steiner

Limerick based Steiner released their debut EP First Contact early this year. A really good start for the lads. A great EP that was unlucky to miss out on the top 10.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SteinerCurbstompHomicide

Barmp

Barmp are a three piece band based in the south east of Ireland. The band features Ritchie formally of Kerouac, and clearly an experienced bunch of musicians that released a cracker in their self titled debut EP.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091524931834

Adversary

Adversary started off as a solo project for Sean Hynes, that has now morphed into a three piece with his brother Tomas and uncle Shane Cahill of Death The Leveller and previously Mael Mordha. They have released one track as of now, but next year will tell a different story!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084034357179

Kraik

North west based Kraik released their debut single Effigy this year. A heavily experienced band featuring past members of Pursuit of Ruin, ProXist among others. They’re off to a flier.

The band have no Facebook page.

Imperial Demonic

Imperial Demonic are a band of heavily experienced musicians that released their debut EP Beneath The Crimson Eclipse to a great reception. We’re in the business end of this list now and this band had to get into the top five. A brilliant EP.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imperialdemonic

Nebularis

From here on in it could be anyone basically. All are excellent and had a great first year as an active band. Nebularis had a great year with three well received singles and an album on the way early next year. A band on the rise that are as good live as they are on record. A big year awaits!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nebularisofficial

Domhain

This band will be number one for a great many, and for good reason too. They’re a special band that sound like themselves, which is rare! A truly great band that are unfortunate to finish third, but the top two are my top two and third is hardly a personal attack or the like. It’s so tough to pick. All three are number one…

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Domhain.band

Uragh

Uragh were a complete unknown a few months ago. It’s not the case now! Coming from nowhere with an explosive live set that got them to the final of Metal 2 The Masses, and the dropping of their now debut single Monarch has really got people talking. They dropped another track Decimate which was also excellent, but it hasn’t been deemed enough to be included on their debut album which is coming soon. That’s a serious sign! A special band brewing here. I can see big things all going well. These lads can play! One to watch!!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uraghband

LaVein

The story of LaVein will live long and will never happen again. Formed at the tail end of last year they immediately hit the ground running. Their debut EP Fine Failure, and a performance at Bloodstock Festival after winning the Metal 2 The Masses final after a handful of gigs. In just mere months. Incredible! The band originally couldn’t find a Bass player, so a member of the bands brother just picked it up and learned it. That’s unbelievable! An amazing first year, and have to get first place when you consider all. It’s a story for the ages, and as I previously said, it won’t happen again!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laveinirl

That’s my top ten new Irish bands of 2023. As I said, it could have been 20 but time isn’t my friend. The Enigma Division dropped their debut album this year, but as they released music in 2019 I couldn’t include them. Asylum Road are officially releasing their music early next year, so they’ll be on next years list I’m sure. Another whooper year for the Irish scene and I’ve already got a few advances in. We’re in for another vintage year for sure! The Irish scene has never been this strong and the bar keeps getting raised.