This year more than others before, I tried to dedicate myself to listening to more music and noting my feelings and reactions towards it.
A living document of what I liked at this point and time in my life. With that being said, metal has been my sanctuary for as long as I can remember. It’s only fitting to look back on my journey with metal this year.
I’d like this to be a yearly thing going forward. I’ve drafted up some categories to give me a framework of how to talk about the music. Highlighting the top 12 albums of the year, along with the best singles and other honorable mentions.
I’m thinking about adding other categories like best album not from this year, best new artist, etc. but we’ll see how it goes. So with out further adieu, let’s kick things off.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quekzO4jGmI
Why a top 12? I don’t know. I had all intentions of making a top 10… but something about the way I listen and consume music is very seasonal. Not so much in the sense that I try to listen to music that matches the season but more in the sense that the months drive my listening habits. And so, taking that in mind, here are the top 12 metal albums of 2022.
But first,
12 Song of Salvation
Dream Unending
Soaring along side of the clouds and basting in the pockets of golden rays. A fantastically uplifting doom record. Can it be true?
A late comer onto this year’s list, however in time I suppose this will go down as an all time favorite. Death Dream/doom indeed
11 Frostbitten
Grima
Cold, calculating and yet accessible as far as black metal goes. Takes some risks by incorporating some melodic elements that pay off and broaden their sound.
10 Every Day, a Funeral
Rise to the Sky
Incredibly prolific, Chilean death/doom artist is at it again with one the first of his two 2022 releases.
It’s somber. It’s melancholic. It’s everything you want in a death/doom record if you’re more inclined to the doomy side of things with the inclusion of piano and strings.
9 Enveloping Absurdity
Phobophilic
Filthy. Murky. Dense. Suffocating.
There’s glimpses of hope but they’re often smothered out as quickly as they appea. It’s carnal and visceral. All around sickening.
Death metal for the win.
8 Decievers
Arch Enemy
Who would have thought they had it in them? Catchy bangers and a breath of fresh air in melodic death metal. Tired and true to themselves but firing on all cylinders.
The best thing they’ve done since Wages of Sin.
