Review of the year

My Top 10 Albums 2022

What a year.

2022. After two years of restrictions we were finally able to live again. We grabbed our dust covered concert tickets and attempted shows that were postponed like 10 times.

We met friends we haven’t seen for ages, been to overcrowded clubs and bars and basically tried everything to feel the way we felt three years ago.
But somehow, everything feels different now.
While the world stood still we got older.
„Kids“ born in 2000 are 22 by now, Lemmy died 7 years ago and Vulgar Display Of Power turned thirty.
Many things changed but one thing fortunately hasn’t.
There are still great bands out there releasing awesome music.

I made a top ten list of this years releases for you guys. Maybe you’ll be inspired to listen to one or two of these great LP‘s.

written by

NOISE

30 / 12 / 2022

Rank 10

Imperial Triumphant - Spirit of Ecstasy

A brillant work of New York based trio „Imperial Triumphant“. Many influences are crammed on this LP. Death, Black, Avantgarde, Technical Death, Jazz, you name it. The songwriting is terrific as well as the whole atmosphere on this thing.

Rank 9

Piolun - Rzeki Goryczy

Polish Melodic Black Metal. Is there more to say? The duo creates a very intense atmosphere. The songwriting as well as the riffs are on point. This LP is meant for dark, cold winter evenings.

Rank 8

Hath - All That Was Promised

And if you are into Melodic Death/Black Metal I can promise you will like that one! New Jersey based Hath did release an absolute modern Death Metal masterpiece with this one. Stunning riffing, great production, intelligent lyrics.

Rank 7

Ellende - Ellenbogengesellschaft

Ellende has a tight grip around me since the release of Todbringer. Melancholy, depression, anxiety and a spoon full of hope has been immortalised on this outstanding album. L. G. did it again. Masterpiece.

Rank 6

Acod - Fourth Reign Over Opacities And Beyond

As I saw them at the Ladlo-Fest in Nantes the very first time I was hooked. The trio Acod delivered their symphonic/melodic black/death just perfectly.
I was wondering if they would be able to capture this spirit on their latest LP. And let me tell you, they did! Melodic, catchy, dark. Awesome.

Rank 5

Order Of Nosferat - Nachtmusik

I‘m a fan of high end production, but the lofi-aesthetic of this album just fits perfectly. Gloomy Doungen Synth paired with melodic and atmospheric Black Metal. The atmosphere that is created on these 10 songs is absolute unique. If there ever has been a vampire, he would sleep in his sarcophagus listening to Order Of Nosferat.

Rank 4

Lorna Shore - Pain Remains

Immortal was the first LP that I‘ve heard from Lorna Shore back in 2020. I loved it. So indeed I was very frustrated as all these controversies around their ex-singer started and the band was paused. But then, like a phoenix from ashes they came back with their EP …And I return to nothingness. The most brutal, yet melodic, the fastest, yet breakdown-crammed songs I‘ve ever listened to. I mean, come on. Into Hellfire - the final breakdown? That snarling, screaming vocal is sending shivers down my spine each time I listen to this song.
As much as I loved the EP, the LP does not give me exactly what I wanted to hear. Yet it is absolutely amazing.

Rank 3

Gaera - Mirage

If one band can live up to its hype these days it’s Gaera. After their last work Limbo and their outstanding predecessor Unsettling Whispers my expectations were high. And hell yes, they were fulfilled all the way. Mirage offers everything: Catchy melodies, sing-along parts, amazing songwriting and an oustanding production. Seen them two times this year and been blown away two times.

Rank 2

Chatpile - Gods Country

This is the most scary thing I‘ve heard since Daugthers - You Don‘t Get What You Want came out.
„Stupid, no, shut up, stupid! I don’t want to be alive anymore, do you?!“
These words are piercing into your brain in the most relentless way. Sludgy, thick, distorted, disgusting. This album is a mental breakdown in itself.

Rank 1

Grima - Frostbitten

This album is cold. It is so freaking cold, you can see your own breath while listening to it.
Those harmonies, the arpeggiated accordion, the shrieking screams, the overall sound. This thing is a banger through an through.
Grima does not try to catch you with hooks and pop-songwriting, but with very intelligent songstructures and transitions. The music flows like a river through the icy mountains of Siberia. It makes you press the repeat button over and over again. It might take 1-2 runs until it grows onto you, but you won’t regret it. It’s my most played album of this year.
If you haven’t yet, listen to it. Now.

I hope you liked my little recap. All left to say is:

See you next year!