Hello everyone and welcome to the first of the 2023 edition of the Top 10 Albums of the Month. How are we already at the end of January? This feels so wrong. Then again, I just got a promo for an album coming out in May 2023 today, so everything feels like it’s going by too fast. But I digress. You’re here, I’m here. And it’s time to get back to doing what I love, talking about new music you should check out. Let’s get through the rules for 2023, which I’ll make shorter as we all pretty much know what’s going on by now, but still needed for reference, and we’ll get into ten fantastic albums of January 2023.

 1.) This 10-part saga covers albums from January 2023-October 2023. November 2023 will have My Top 100 Albums of 2023 and I won’t be covering any December 2023 releases unless they make the Top 100 list in November. This will come out on the last Friday of every month to cover all of that month.
2.) These are all brand new, original studio LPs that I’ll be talking about. So now EPs, cover albums, rarity albums, live albums, re-releases, or remake albums. Easy enough right?
3.) These are all in ALPHABETICAL ORDER. Not in order of what I think was the best of the 10 albums talked about. That comes at the end of the year.
4.) Yes, I get promos in advance, but I am not asked to put an album on my list from any label or PR. All thoughts are my own. If I don’t get a promo in advance, I wait till release day to check it out. Everything is nice and legal.
5.) What ends up on a Top 10 of the Month list or doesn’t make it on the list is no indication that it will be or not be on the Top 100 list at the end of the year. I miss out on albums throughout the year and my thoughts may change on ones I’ve already heard.
6.) Check out what you may enjoy. That’s 100% the purpose of all of this. Have Fun & Enjoy!

 So Let’s Begin!

Ahab- The Coral Tombs
FFO- Doom Metal
The Coral Tombs is a crushing masterpiece of sludge and doom metal. The German trio has always been known for their crushing riffs and intense atmosphere, but on this album, they've truly outdone themselves. After 8 years, the band has come back in full force. The slow, crushing riffs and anguished vocals set the tone for the entire album, and it never lets up. The band expertly weaves together elements of sludge, doom, and post-metal to create a truly immersive experience based on the classic novel, 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea. The musicianship is jaw-dropping, with each member of the band delivering powerful, emotive performances. The production is also spot-on, with the band's massive sound captured perfectly. It's a crushing, powerful, and emotionally resonant album that will leave you feeling both obliterated and catharticly cleansed, just like the novel.


Beyond The Black- S/T
FFO- Modern Metal
This German band, fronted by the powerhouse vocalist Jennifer Haben, has crafted a collection of songs on their self-titled release that is both heavy and melodic, with a strong emphasis on cohesiveness, but not afraid of trying new things to make the music work in their favor. It's clear that Beyond the Black is not holding back. Haben's vocals soar over the top of heavy, driving riffs and thundering drums. The band manages to balance the heavy and melodic elements perfectly, creating a sound that is both epic and accessible. The musicianship is top-notch, the production is also crystal clear, and the songwriting sounds inspired. If you dig the modern metal sound that has been getting emphasized more and more over the years, the band has nailed it and lived up to the notion that naming an album after yourself has to be your best work to date. A fun album from start to finish.

Imperium Dekadenz- Into Sorrow Evermore
FFO- Black Metal, Atmospheric Black Metal
Into Sorrow Evermore is a masterful display of atmospheric black metal that showcases the band's skill and dedication to the genre they have been perfecting for almost 2 full decades. The production is the album is stellar with everyone coming through in the mix proving that black metal does not need to sound like it was recorded with a 4-Track on a cassette tape. Into Sorrow Evermore is a must-listen for fans of atmospheric black metal and anyone looking for a powerful and emotional musical experience. Imperium Dekadenz has won me over with this album and I think it will rank very high for black metal in my end-of-the-year list.

Inherits The Void- The Impending Fall of Stars
FFO- Melodic Black Metal, Atmospheric Black Metal
First off, I gotta thank The Metal Bulldog for bringing this band to my attention. If you think I check out a lot of albums every year, I got nothing on him, check him out as well. But back on the band at hand, Inherits The Void have not only put out one of the best melodic black metal albums of 2023; they have put out one of my favorite black metal albums in recent memory. The perfect blend of chaotic black metal tendencies mixed with melodic and sensible songwriting, thrown on top of some of the best production you’re going to hear in the genre and you have Inherits The Void. The band truly cares about its musicianship and it shows. If given the chance by the rest of the black metal community, they could easily be a torchbearer for what bands can accomplish in the genre for years to come. An absolutely brilliant album I would even recommend it to non black metal listeners as this album could be the one to help them finally appreciate the genre.

Katatonia- Sky Void of Stars
FFO- Gothic Metal, Alternative Metal, Progressive Metal
I’ll say straight off the bat that this feels like the modern-day Last Fair Deal Gone Down. This is a powerful and emotive album that showcases the band's masterful blend of heavy metal and melancholic atmosphere, combining what the band has been best known for, while still being able to find what worked on the band’s previous album, City Burials. It’s a mixture of what the band has excelled at the most and creates a new, revived sound that all of us have been hoping to receive. Sky Void of Stars is a start of a new era for Katatonia and I simply can’t wait to see where the band goes from here.

Oak Pantheon- The Absence
FFO- Experimental Black Metal, Atmospheric Black Metal
This is the band’s most expansive, experimental, and engaging album to date. It showcases the band's power and emotive songwriting but expands on the genre-bending hinted at in the past and EASILY has the best production value for the band to date. If you are looking for straight-ahead black metal, you best go somewhere else as this will challenge the listener on the first listen, but make more sense with every subsequent album. That’s not to say that it doesn’t have cohesive moments, as both sides of what the band is showing off counterbalance each other to make for some of the best forward-thinking black metal you will hear all year. Minnesota black metal is quality stuff and this is a stellar example of it.

Obituary- Dying of Everything
FFO- Old School Death Metal
Dying of Everything is a punishing and heavy album that showcases the band's mastery of death metal by knowing what works and sticking with it. John Tardy sounds as scary as ever with his patented style, and his brother, Donald has pushed himself harder than ever before; most specifically with his fastest drum work ever on the opening track, Barely Alive. The production is a bit rawer, but it’s to the benefit of the music at hand. The songwriting is solid, with a good balance of speed and groove that keeps the listener engaged. I think I still prefer their previous self-titled album more, but that’s a knock on this album at all. It’s concise and hits every check mark you want from the band in 2023. This album is a must-listen for those that a gut-check reminder that old-school death metal will never die.

Riverside- ID.Entity
FFO- Progressive Rock, Progressive Metal, Dream Pop 
ID.Entity is an ambitious and dynamic album that showcases the band's blending of progressive rock, and progressive metal hits even more with the more poppy and alternative sides that have always been hinted at throughout their career. The musicianship is impressive, with intricate and melodic riffs and solos that perfectly complement the emotive vocals of Mariusz Duda. The drums and bass are expertly played, with complex and dynamic rhythms that drive the songs forward. Really, everyone in the band has their moments to shine throughout. The songwriting is strong, with a good balance of heavy and melodic moments and a good use of dynamics to keep the listener engaged, while lyrically, the album hits you hard with the ideals of modern futurism and the fear of what is to potentially come from technology. The album, while still, its own entity (no pun intended) definitely feels like a modern take on the middle era of Porcupine Tree. I feel hints of Lightbulb Sun, Stupid Dream, and most noticeably, Fear of a Blank Planet throughout this. I feel like Riverside is scratching that itch that PT has missed for quite some time, all while continuing to stay true to what Riverside is all about. It’s one of the more ambitious, but enjoyable albums in the band’s discography so far.

The Runaway Wild- S/T
FFO- 80s AOR, Heavy Metal, Synthwave
Let’s just get this out of the way now. Yes, this is a spiritual successor to Magic Dance. Jon Siejka put the band to rest and is back to his roots with The Runaway Wild, but, there are enough differences to make this stand out. For one, the lyrics are much more focused on horror aesthetics, which really makes you feel like you are listening to an 80s B horror movie, which is definitely a great thing. You also hear him going back to making everything himself. Sometimes going back to basics is what you need to do to make your passion come through. If you ever checked out Magic Dance, there is nothing you won’t love about The Runaway Wild. The songs are just as catchy, they are that great throwback sound that still sounds like it was made in recent times. The metal, AOR, synthwave combination is as striking as it’s ever been, and with 10 songs and 34 minutes long, it has that instant replay value. Once it’s done, you’re immediately going to want to start over again. If you want something that’s cheesy 80s fun mixed with today’s songwriting and care for songwriting; this is a project you need in your life immediately. Check this one out as fast as you can.

Twilight Force- At The Heart of Wintervale
FFO- Power Metal
The latest album from the resounding power metal wizards may be their best yet. The production is crystal clear, the musicianship is excellent and set the bar even higher for the band, and the stories being told not only help expand the folklore but puts a giant smile on your face from start to finish. Whether they are playing the most power metal riff that has ever power metaled, or they are hitting new territories with some Caribbean love and dare I say almost black metal moments; the sound is expansive, just like you bought a gigantic expansion pack for the Twilight Force MMO (Now that would be fun to play)! I mean, yeah, it’s cheesy as all the get-go, it’s over the top and you even have two 10-minute plus epics on the album. But I wouldn’t want Twilight Force any other way. This is one of the most fun albums you’ll hear all year.


And there you go folks, 10 brand new albums from January 2023 that hit me the most, and maybe even one or ten of them you may enjoy as well. Tune in next month when I cover the most depressing month of the year, February 2023 and I will talk about my top 10 albums of that month. Till then, thanks for reading, and go enjoy some new music!


-Josh Rundquist (Heavy Debriefings)  

Hello everyone and welcome to my sadly delayed year-end wrap-up of 2022. This is where I look at the past year both professionally and in my personal life and give you and myself perspective of where I am right now and potentially the year ahead. It’s been a tricky year, a rewarding year, and a devastating year. So let’s crack on and see where this all leads.
 
So the big fat, elephant in the room. Mere hours after I posted last year’s version of this, my dad died, from complications of covid, diabetes, and heart failure. Anyone who knows anything about me, watched Something Gives, or just took a shot a dark knows that a strained relationship is about the nicest thing I could say about the final years between my dad and myself. When my brother died in 2019 (yeah, they died 2 and a half years apart) I learned some horrendous, shocking, revolting, and despicable things about my dad, mom, and others in my family that I never knew about. Unforgivable things. I already had my reasons for hating my family for what they did to me. But once I found out these other things. I had to cut everyone off. And...I finally did once and for all after my dad died. I no longer felt any kind of obligation to them and if there is hell, I hope my dad and brother are burning side by side. As to the rest of my family, I said my final pieces to each of them and never looked back. I expect I will have to hear from at least one of them again when my mom dies, which I am not looking forward to, but that’s where we are.
 
Ooooof, so then I took a month off to try to process everything, and when it came to professionally; I had to make a change as well. So I went from the decade-long running That Drummer Guy to Heavy Debriefings. There were many reasons for this. For one, people always thought I was a drumming podcast, which I never was. That Drummer Guy was a nickname given to me after someone in the crowd of a cover band gig I played did not know my name and just kept calling me That Drummer Guy and I took that as a way of not only making fun of myself and keep myself humbled, but when I interviewed bands and musicians I wanted that persona to be a way to show off the bands, artists, etc that people didn’t learn the names of and became a way for you to learn them. Over time, some people grew to get it, but even up to January of this year when I did my final interviews as That Drummer Guy, I still got asked the same questions about it and why I didn’t ask to interview the drummer of the band instead. I learned that no longer made me happy.
 
Also, I haven’t played drums in over 4 years. Part is because I live in a one-bedroom apartment and don’t use a practice studio, the other being that being in a band where I got burned every single time in every band I was ever a part of. 75% done to me, 25% me fucking it up; the idea of ever being in a band again is not something I ever want to subject myself to ever again. Even as I look behind me and see my drums stacked up behind the couch, it just brings pain. I’ve often thought about selling them all (except for my autographed Mike Portnoy snare), but I just haven’t brought myself to do it yet. Maybe I will, maybe I won’t.
 
But Heavy Debriefings feels like a great joy and change to me because it feels like it covers all the ground that I like to cover. Heavy music, things enjoyed by people who enjoy heavy music (entertainment), and mental health.
 
All things I covered in the podcast this year, which went through a change this year as well. I stopped playing music on it altogether and started making Spotify Playlists so those that enjoy hearing me talk could get that side and those that just want the music could get that side; in ways to make everyone happy. Little did I realize that the show, which went from being on internet radio to FM/AM stations across the country in a few markets to local radio to a podcast; has just been enjoyed by less...and less...and fewer people every passing year. There are many reasons to get into that but in short. My style of talking positive about music, not using sensationalism or clickbait, and just being one person with no marketing reach; is simply not long for this world. While I haven’t made a final decision yet, I have been thinking it over for a long time and I keep coming back to the same conclusion. I either A.) completely change the show again or B.) finally put it out to pasture. And I keep coming back to the latter option. Maybe my mind will change, maybe not. But because I still have friends that don’t even realize I had a podcast and it was going on for 11 years and it wasn’t just the intervivews I put up on youtube, kinda says it all doessn’t it? As I said, I still need to make a final decision, but that probably is what will happen.
 
So what does that mean, I’m closing up shop? No. I am just going to be doing more with the website and YouTube.
 
This year, I bought a webcam, and views on stuff started growing more and more. Apparently people like seeing this sad, ugly mug of mine. So I just may focus all my attention on the video landscape for interviews, talks, rants, and some reviews.
 
And the website will still host all my interviews and links to them and of course the Top 10 Albums of the month list, which really did help out a lot as far as my own enjoyment and seeing bands get happy that I mentioned them, which makes me happier. I may do a video version of that as well to do alternative takes from the written versions. Still undecided as my Top 150 Albums of 2022 was an unadulterated success for the website, but the 5 videos I did for the Top 50 Albums of 2022 on YouTube had diminishing returns. So I’m on the fence.
 
I also wanna keep going with my Backwards Marathon series on YouTube. For those unfamiliar, it's where I rank a band’s discography. I’ve done Dream Theater, Devin Townsend, and BTBAM so far before the year-end list started, so probably in January, I’ll pick that back up.
 
So...interviews…oooof….
 
Let’s start with the positive and say that the interviews that did happen this year, I am so happy with. I conducted 56 successful interviews this year, 1 that probably won’t see the light of day due to means beyond my control, and 1 for 2023 which is already off to a good start. As of writing this, I have one more interview set for tomorrow that I hope happens for a 2023 album that I’m listening to as I write this up.
 
But let me tell you something….
 
The number of times I’ve been ghosted or told an interview will be rescheduled to never hear about it again or the number of times I hear “I’ll get back to you on days/times” to never hear anything again had me on the verge of quitting altogether this year. I probably would have close to 200 interviews this year if all of the ones I tried to line up actually happened. The number of times I’ve sat in front of Zoom with a thumb up my ass going, “Hmm, I wonder where they are?” without getting a response from anyone really made me feel like I was wasting my own time and others did not care if they were wasting mine. I fully admit that I had to cancel some interviews this year for physical and mental reasons. This has been a bad year for my being. But I always send a message beforehand if I can’t do something, in hopes to avoid the other parties doing what I just described and have them wait in front of Zoom wondering when I’m going to show up. It got so bad with some that I flat-out stopped trying to reach out to some representatives to do interviews because it simply wasn’t worth it.
 
And don’t even get me started on the “You’re not big enough to cover my artists” schpeel that has only been growing in the last couple of years.
 
All of that said, I’m not stopping, and doing interviews is what makes me happier than anything else I do professionally. So that is here to stay. The reviews, of course, will say. Though in 2023, It’ll back down to The Top 100 Albums of 2023 come November because 150 was an anomaly in 2022. This was an abnormal year for great albums coming out and I don’t think we are going to see this good of a year again for a long time. Also...my own sanity needs it back.

Finally, what’s going on now. Well, as I mentioned, I’m mainly resting up. And last week I almost lost my leg. Did I forget to mention that? Yes. Last week, I caught a violent flu that led to an infection in my leg though a hole in my half cut off my big right toe that refuses to close permanently had I waited any longer to go to a doctor, I’d be with a fully amputated leg. I’m on the mend now and the infection is almost completely gone, but I’m thankful I can still walk on my own accord if nothing else. So outside of this potential interview tomorrow, all I’ve been doing is resting and trying to heal physically and mentally so I can face 2023 stronger. Will it work? Let’s find out!
 
But that about covers everything. Thank you very much for reading about the ups, downs, sorrows, and triumphs of 2022 that I’ve experienced and of course looking back on the first year of Heavy Debriefings and 11 years overall of this whole career thing. I’ll be back in January, maybe even at the end of the month to cover the top albums of January 2023. Maybe sooner? But till then, signing off for the year, this is Josh Rundquist saying, See Ya!

- Josh Rundquist (Heavy Debriefings)

Hello Everyone! Now it is time to showcase the entire list in case you don’t want to go through 10 different pages to find the one album you were looking for but couldn’t remember what number or day it was on. So Simply put, I’ll put the rules of list, then go from 150 to 1 in complete countdown order. It’s a long one. Enjoy!

1.) This is a 10-part List running from November 28th to December 9th. The first week is Albums 150-51. 20 Albums a day in countdown order. The 2nd week is the Top 50 with 10 albums a day counting down all the way to number 1.

2.) There are no EPs, Live Albums, Remake Albums, Cover Albums, or Rarity Albums. It is a list of all brand-new studio albums released in 2022.

3.) The order of each entry is as follows: Band Name, Album Title, FFO (For Fans Of) Section, Paragraph or less description of said album.

4.) The list takes into account albums that are released between January 1st, 2022 and December 9th, 2022. Yes, the last few weeks of the year are not included and there is no reason you should be releasing music in that time frame if you want people to check out your album in a calendar year. That's on you.

5.) This list is mine and mine alone. I was not paid or asked to put any album on this list.

6.) As it is impossible to add every single heavy album in a single year, I can only add what I've heard and enjoyed. If an album is not on here that you feel should have been it is because either A.) I didn't hear it, B.) I didn't hear it enough, or C.) It wasn't my bag...baby.

7.) This is a list of my TOP 150 albums of 2022. Not just 150 albums I heard this year. I heard much more than that and narrowed things down to the ones that I want to showcase. Your favorite album or discovery from this list could be at 1, 23, 78, 104, or 150. You don't know unless you check the whole list and check out anything that may appeal to you. I'm just the messenger giving you good music and my own thoughts, but I really do enjoy every single album listed and recommend you check these out at your own discretion.

8.) Enjoy the ride, make some new discoveries, and check out some new music. If between all 150 albums listed you can't find one that you enjoy, you're reading the wrong list.

Now...enjoy the full fruits of my labor



150.) Battle Beast- Circus of Doom
FFO- Power Metal, Pop Metal, Heavy Metal ABBA

Battle Beast's brand new album is their best work to date and it came from one main distinction, they decided to get heavier and catchier. Adding the right amount of flair to their already bombastic sound to create a sense of wonder that is like a heavier take on ABBA, the band has found their niche and it truly makes the album and the band stand out. Every song is filled with hooks and choruses you'll remember for days after you hear them. If you want just a fun album of thrills, chills, and at least from what I can tell, no spills; this is the album for you.

149.) Famyne- II: The Ground Below
FFO- Doom Metal, Classic Doom Metal

The sophomore outing from this UK outfit shows the band progressing further into their sound with production that's even punchier, songwriting that hits even harder, and fantastic musicianship filled to the brim of the barrel. While very much a clean vocal doom metal album, you can hear tinges of other bands and genres throughout that help the songs stand out even more. For example, the trace amount of Opeth vibes over top of some Candlemass riffs just makes this album such a great listen. Those that want some epic doom metal without venturing into the death doom or funeral doom territories should look no further than this outstanding album.

148.) Belphegor- The Devils
FFO- Blackened Death Metal

Belphegor has returned after 5 years with some of their strongest material in years. This is definitely the kind of album where you realize that it's not about reinventing the wheel, but refining it so it's the smoothest and most functional wheel you can make. Everything you've loved about the band in the past is on showcase here but just updated enough with what may be the band's best production ever. Every song has a great range of dynamics, whether it goes full speed ahead or gets close to entering the death-doom territory. Simply put, this is one of the finest examples of classic blackened death metal you will find this year, if you missed out on it, go back and check this out.

147.) Stratovarius- Survive
FFO- Power Metal, Melodic Metal

Stratovarius, after 7 years and now 16 albums proves that they are more than worthy of all the praise, love, and artists they have inspired over the years. The album shows a bit of a return to form for the modern era of the band. The songs are catchy and heavy with the right amount of double kicks, over-the-top vocals, and jaw-dropping keys when needed. If you love your power metal straight ahead into a world beyond, Stratovarius is one of the best examples of a band that can maintain their core sound over decades together and never loses steam. A great choice for a power metal album this year.

146.) Venom Prison- Erebos
FFO- Death metal, Melodic Death Metal, Metalcore

The 4th album from this insanely aggressive and brutal band shows the band at what may be their most angry and yet its most cohesive. The band has spread its wings from album to album and this album explores the most with genre-bending into more melodic and core elements and even more clean vocals, but when you listen to the lyrics, their intensity and hatred have not let up whatsoever. It's an extreme take on musicianship and a perfect landscape that we are a part of in 2022. This is the album for you if you need to release all of your aggression in one of the most cathartic of ways.

145.) Dragonland- The Power of the Nightstar
FFO- Melodic Power Metal

If I had more time with this album, it would have been much higher up on this list, but I'm so glad it still ended up here. After 11 years of waiting and somehow being able to see them twice at ProgPower USA 2016 after thinking I would never see them live; Dragonland arises from the ashes and put out an outstanding display of melodic power metal that is equal parts fun and cheesy and done with profound efficiency and prowess. Dragonland is the kind of band that just puts a smile on your face as you listen to them. If you can't have fun with this, I don't think you and I would like the same kind of party. It is so great to see the band back after so long picking up right where they left off and it is truly for the best.

144.) Nite- Voices from the Kronian Moon
FFO- Hard Rock, Black Metal

A unique blend of black 'n roll where it focuses much more on rock and roll with just a tinge or two of the evil black metal goodness in its aesthetics. It's like mixing up KISS, Motorhead, Thin Lizzy, and Tribulation. It sounds odd on paper but sounds like perfection in execution. The sophomore album shows the band expanding its diversity while maintaining the core sound they began with to create their strongest material so far and with this only being their 2nd album, it's only going to get better from here. If you want a starter black metal album if you are a classic hard rock fan, or if you want an evil album that sounds like it could be on top 40 radio in a different timeline, Nite is a band you need to check out immediately. This hits every checkpoint it was trying to achieve and then some.

143.) Municipal Waste- Electrified Brain
FFO- Crossover Thrash

There's not really much to add about Municipal Waste that isn't already out there. They are crossover thrash done right. Every album is fun and makes you want to chug your drink of choice, eat pizza, and party. Electrified Brain is another chapter of that philosophy with no real left-of-center changes nor does it need to be. As mentioned, it's crossover thrash done right and that's all they ever need to be.

142.) Allegaeon- Damnum
FFO- Progressive Death Metal

The latest album from Allegaeon is a masterpiece of the technical/progressive death metal realms. It's unfortunate that a lineup change also came after the release of this album, and when you listen to it you can almost sense it, but it definitely sounds like a purge album if there ever was one. The anger on this album is fierce, the musical proficiency is in peak form and you can hear the band showing their love of prog just a tad bit more. While it seems like the Allegaeon ship might be righted now, it leads me to think their next album is not only a new chapter of the band but what could lead to their best album to date. This album, I dare say, is the angry calm before the storm of all storms. Buckle in now and enjoy the destructive ride.


141.) Needless- The Cosmic Cauldron
FFO- Progressive Death Metal, Technical Death Metal

I simply can't believe this is a sophomore album. This is the kind of album where bands in their similar genres will strive years upon years and album after album to try to make and fail at it. This is a true force to be reckoned with. Whether you are looking for some jaw-dropping musicianship, genre-bending on the turn of a dime, or some of the best-arranged technical and progressive death metal of the 2020s, you need to check this album out and enjoy every second recorded. It's a complete whirlwind, but it's more than worth the trip.

140.) GWAR- The New Dark Ages
FFO- Heavy Metal, Punk Rock

What an aptly named title for the world we currently live in isn't it? GWAR continues its new chapter with Blothar at the helm and creates a fun, chaotic, funny, and horror-filled GWAR classic. This time around it feels more raw and aggressive with more of a punk rock heart than a metal heart and it works in its favor. And any new reason for GWAR to be able to present a new stage show and give us fun blood and other liquid-spewed-filled night is always good in my book. This thing is a raging good time/

139.) No Point in Living- The Road to Death
FFO- Depressive Suicidal Black Metal, Progressive Black Metal

I could have easily gone with any of the 6..that's right SIX albums that No Point in Living has churned out this year, but I went with the one that I heard first. This one-man band is a recording machine with making music not only at laser speed, but all done with improving quality, thought-provoking lyrics, and outstanding songwriting. Whether you want something more ambient, more progressive, or more raw black metal, there's bound to be at least one No Point in Living album for you. The Road To Death feels like a great center-point to the discography so far where it is raw but listenable, proggy, but still straightforward, and overall...very depressing. Give this album a shot, or really give any of the albums a shot. Apparently, there is 68 No Point in Living releases to date on Bandcamp since 2017, so you'll have no shortage of music from this project if you want it.

138.) Autumn's Grief- Dead by the Dawn
FFO- Symphonic Metal, Melodic Metal

As of the writing of this list, the album is still yet to be released and is coming out December 9th (hence, my cutoff point mentioned in the rules earlier). The sophomore album from this Finnish Symphonic powerhouse hits all the sticking points of a great modern symphonic metal band. It's dark, it's epic, it's symphonically driven, and most importantly, it has staying power. The songs are so catchy and memorable. The fact it's their second album and their debut album came out last year really says a lot about the power of this band and how much their cache will skyrocket in years to come. Climb aboard this grief-stricken ride while it's still at the station before they become the top name of the genre they are sure to be.

137.) Misaligned- Colours
FFO- Melodic Death Metal, Modern Metal

Finnish melodeath always has a way of ending up on my lists and for good reason. Per capita, no one does melodeath better than the Finns. This debut album has the perfect blend of classic melodeath and enough modern metal tinges to make the band sound unique amongst their peers with super catchy hooks and melodies, headbanging moments, and a super fun atmosphere that is missing in a lot of melodeath these days. All that said, this is a mind-blowing debut album that you need to check out if you are a melodeath fan, I can't imagine you'll be disappointed.

136.) Lawnmower Deth- Blunt Cutters
FFO- Crossover Thrash

The band's 4th album and first since 1994 is a fun-filled, fast, heavy, funny, and thought-provoking affair. In short, it picks up right where the band left off 28 years ago and it feels like they haven't skipped a beat. If you want a UK taste of crossover thrash, almost as a counterpart to something like Municipal Waste (who of course came much later), then you will be in a treat with Lawnmower Deth.

135.) Tragedy of Mine- Aeon
FFO- Melodic Death Metal, Metalcore

The sophomore album from this German group focuses even more on the groundwork laid out on their 2018 debut. The catchy choruses are even bigger, the songwriting is even stronger, and the atmosphere is even darker. The technical and creative control of this album is simply stunning and with more people discovering this album, they more they will be floored by what this band has to offer. Great things are sure to come with Tragedy of Mine and you should be checking them out as soon as you possibly can if you are a melodeath or metalcore fan. This band hits both albums in strides.

134.) Moonlight Haze- Animus
FFO- Symphonic Power Metal

Moonlight Haze is some outstanding Italian symphonic power metal that now with 3 albums under their belt, is showing the band has true staying power and is not afraid to showcase all the tricks of their ever-growing trade. Excellent songwriting and musicianship are on display with so many catchy and even the occasional scream to throw off your false sense of security. A truly standout symphonic power metal album from 2022.

133.) Zero Hour- Agenda 21
FFO- Progressive Metal

It appears that Zero Hour is back and quite possibly stronger than ever. With their first album since 2008; the band showcases their aggressive sides and proggy sides to perfection. With a new lineup including members of Powerwolf, Seventh Wonder, and Cynthesis; the band is filled with a new fire, but at the same time, a love for what the band has accomplished so far. I am so happy this band is back as we needed this jaw-dropping prog sensibility back into our ears. Check out this classic throwback, yet modernized piece of prog wonder.

132.) Trauma Field- From Wounded Soil
FFO- Death Doom, Melodic Doom Metal

Get used to seeing the genre death doom thrown out in this list a lot in the coming days, because there is a lot of it, and it starts off here with Trauma Field. Finnish death doom on their 3rd album and first album since 2016. the songs are filled with that signature death-doom style, but this is different enough. It adds just the right amount of haunting riffs on top of very melancholic and above all, melodic melodies that make Trauma Field a name you remember in the field of the darkness. The songs don't outstay their welcome and the album has that instant replay value. A sheer dark delight of an album that I hope more people will check out because of this list.

131. Ghost- Impera
FFO- Occult Rock, Heavy Metal, Progressive Rock

Yes Yes, everyone has their thoughts on Ghost and any band that start to become as popular as Ghost does is sure to get its detractors and haters attached to it the more popular they become, the louder those squeaky wheels become to tear down something others enjoy. All of that said, of all 5 albums released so far, this probably is in last place for me; but that is in no way saying this is a bad album. In fact, I dare say it's their most daring and adventurous album to date. Impera brings back some of the metal the band has lost and found again over the years, but rather than keeping what has been a very 70s vibe; the band is entering the 80s and even a little bit of 90s flavorings into their sound. Adding influences from Rush Queen and even in the most polarizing song of their career, Twenties, it has a Faith No More meets Danny Elfman vibe that you will either love or hate...or think is ok. Impera is filled with arena rock hits to fill their now arena-sized audiences and that is quite alright. So they will never write another Opus Eponymous, they don't need to, they are doing just fine doing what they do best, making occult rock fun again and pissing everyone else off who doesn't like it. Ghost, please don't ever change.

130.) Vimur- Transcendental Violence
FFO- Genre Bending Black Metal

The album title is very apt for this recording. It really does feel transcendental and violent. Moments of beauty and soaring through different forms of life amongst the pure black metal rage shown throughout is quite a daunting task to be able to pull off, but the band has done it seamlessly. Beauty and chaos coexist and Vimur has portrayed it here to their best ability between the cascading songwriting, hard-hitting lyrics, and that sense of yin and yang exploding at the same time. Definitely an album worth experiencing at least once to see if it is something you would enjoy.

129.) Remains of Destruction- New Dawn
FFO- Heavy Power Metal, Modern Metal

The debut album from this Finnish powerhouse combines some of the heaviest aspects of power metal and mixes it through a modern filter with just the right amount of keys and sound effects to give a great-sounding power metal album into a fantastic modern power metal album. You can tell the band is about to burst into what they are capable of and the dynamics and creativity are only going to grow from here on out. Check this out now and see where the musical landscape will take them in the future.

128.) Lorna Shore- Pain Remains
FFO- Progressive Symphonic Deathcore

As I mentioned in last month's Top 10 of October 2022 list; this is not the same run-of-the-mill deathcore band I saw opening for Deicide in 2015; this is a band that has grown so much over the years and has rightfully taken the new spotlight of deathcore and rearranged it just enough to make it their own. By combining symphonic and progressive elements that more than outweigh the deathcore elements in other aspects, the band has become its own entity. While the vocals are so varied that they will either be everything you love or everything you hate; the band in its 2022 formation is easily worth checking out. If they can take someone like me who couldn't care less about what they were doing and made me become floored with what they are capable of; they just might do the same for you.

127.) Without Waves- Comedian
FFO- Experimental Progressive Metal

Chicago's Without Waves is a band that is not afraid to let the freak flag wave proudly. From going to absolute extremes to the absolute mainstream extremes on the same album, all with a strange, eerie feeling like you are in a horror fun house, really give this album a unique style that is all their own. Add on top of that the stunning musicianship and songwriting on display and crystal clear production and you have an album that will make any fans of Devin Townsend to Mr. Bungle happy. A shockingly fun album from start to finish.

126.) My Useless Life- Bittersweet Agony
FFO- Depressive Suicidal Black Metal

The 4th album from this California duo is their most sincere and cathartic album to date. With a raw, but captivating production style, just the right amount of atmospheric and post-black metal elements, realistic lyrics, and tones that can tear your soul apart, Bittersweet Agony is the kind of album for those that are struggling mentally but just need to hear that others are struggling as well to feel less alone. The songs, while sorrowful also, almost, give a unique sense of optimism behind them much like the album title hints at. Life is hell, but it can still have reasons to keep going. One of the best pure depressive suicidal black metal albums of the year, hands down.

125.) Destruction- Diabolical
FFO- Thrash Metal

If you are already familiar with these German thrash maniacs, then this album should be no shock to you. For everyone else, this is a blazing take on thrash in 2022 with just the right amount of dynamics and perseverance to make this an album worth experiencing for any thrash fiend. No reinventing the wheel here, just pure, unrelenting thrash, and sometimes that is all you need.

124.) Krilloan- Emperor Rising
FFO- Power Metal

For anyone who has missed the golden age of power metal, the days of the falsettos, constant double bass, blazing guitar and bass, and songs that are always memorable and super catchy; the debut album from Krilloan is the album you need to experience before the end of 2022. As I just described, everyone in this band is on fire and shows off their chops to the best of their abilities. Every song is distinct and full of wonder and brings you back to the days of power metal that you know and love. As of the writing of this placement, the album comes out December 9th, so go make sure to check it out when it comes out next week, it's more than worth it.

123.) Alter Bridge- Pawns & Kings
FFO- Hard Rock, Heavy Metal

Alter Bridge is one of those bands that are gigantic everywhere but the USA, which is so odd considering they are from the good ol' USA. Not to say they can't sell out venues here, but like in Europe, they are an arena/stadium band. The songs on Pawns & Kings are definitely written in a way that will satisfy the most save beast looking for metal tones, but also want to wrap their arm around their partner(s) and simply sway along. It's simultaneously their heaviest and one of their most commercial-sounding albums to date. It's a sound of the times and it matches the atmosphere perfectly. If you want a heavy and catchy look at the heaviest parts of mainstream radio, Alter Bridge is a band you should stop ignoring and give a proper chance. No preconceived notions, just dive in.

122.) Septicflesh- Modern Primitive
FFO- Symphonic Death Metal, Atmospheric Death Metal

After the last several years and the low water mark that was 2020. it's no wonder why so many bands took their time and wrote such aggressively heavy and thought-provoking albums to come out of the pandemic. Septicflesh with Modern Primitive is another band that took a look at the modern landscape of the world and has shown how we have progressed and regressed as a society at the same time. Match that with sheer passionate brutality and high dynamics and you get an album that feels like a whole dystopian film soundtrack rather than just a collection of great songs. It's not a cheesy album, but it's a realistic one. Check it out and see if you agree.

121.) In Loving Memory- The Withering
FFO- Death Doom, Melodic Doom

Ah yes, more melodic death-doom is incoming; probably my most listened-to genre this year. In Loving Memory was a huge reason why I got into the mood this year, besides the state of the world. Discovering this album back in January thanks to Cary over at the Metal Geeks Podcast and MSRcast; the 3rd album from this Spanish collective has the right amount of sorrow, beauty, and tragedy rolled into one. You sing your sorrows in the most haunting and wistful of ways. This album is not for the faint of heart, but it is for those that need those cathartic and even dreadful thoughts to be heard in audio form. A tragic delight.

120.) Culak- Holy Tempest
FFO- Post Black Metal, Atmospheric Black Metal, Doom Metal

Culak is an odd entity. A one-man band that sounds like a full orchestra at the same time. With his 13th album, he really takes advantage of the orchestral part as this album is swaying with emotions in its primarily black metal aesthetic, but just the right amount of doomy moments and the orchestral seasoning to make this an album that is both raw, and complete. If you let it sink in, it will take over you and you may even shed a tear. I know I came very close to crying on my first listen. A hard-hitting and beautiful piece of black metal.

119.) Earthrise- Until We Rest in the Winter Way
FFO- Post Metal, Doom Metal, Sludge Metal

It took a decade, but the Twin Cities-based Earthrise finally released their sophomore album and it lived up to the hype I made in my own mind for the duration. It's heavier, it's dreamier, and it captures the darkness and the light in its own significant way. The band has become even more bombastic, thanks to its production style on display which really helps the dynamics flourish and the atmosphere wash over you. If you are big into bands like Neurosis, Cult of Luna, and Bison B.C.; you will find something to love and appreciate with Earthrise.

118.) Conan- Evidence of Immortality
FFO- Doom Metal, Sludge Metal

Another heavy as-hell album, but this time from the UK, Conan's 5th LP is not just what may be their most dynamic and bombastic display of sludgy doom metal, but it is also their most thought-provoking as it does tackle the war still currently going on between Russia and Ukraine and the lyrics were penned as it was starting. Perfect creativity is terrible for the further downfall of humanity. But all of that said, this is easily the best Conan album to date if you just want the heaviest possible sounds you can get in 2022. Simply look no further, it's here in full display with its full arsenal.

117.) Cyborg Octopus- Between The Light and Air
FFO- Experimental Progressive Metal

6 years after their debut album, with a fresh new look at the world, Cyborg Octopus has returned to the surface with their sophomore album and it is a sight to truly believe. An experimental piece of progressive metal for anyone that wants a cohesive hodgepodge of mathcore, prog, jazz, 8bit, and more into their gumbo of musical delights. With a realistic look at the world and a soundtrack to accurately capture it, Cyborg Octopus makes no apologies for their musical style, thoughts or destruction they leave in their path. It's the definition of genre-bending and it's done in all the right ways. If you are feeling adventurous or just a tad bit saucy; dive down into the deep and check this album out. You may not escape, but it's more than worth the plunge.

116.) Deep Memories- Why Do We Suffer?
FFO- Melodic Death Doom Metal

Why Do We Suffer? An excellent question posed on the sophomore album from this Brazilian one-man band, that tackles the heartaches and possible ways we all suffer or will die on these pieces of recordings. It's one of the more raw melodic death doom albums of the year, but that adds to the sense of mournful dread you will experience throughout this album. It hits very hard the more you listen to the lyrics and the music matches those somber tones to perfection. It's not an easy listen if you are feeling joyful, but if you are feeling sad or worse, this could be an album you need right now. I know it helped me tremendously.

115.) Destrage- SO MUCH. too much.
FFO- Experimental Progressive Metalcore

It's hard to add more than I already did in my Top 10 of October 2022 list, but, I will try. The 6th album from this Italian experimental outfit is both a wacky sense of adventure that you will never expect, but also one of their most commercial-sounding and openly inviting albums to date. Both being completely on the edge of insanity and cohesive really gives everything a split personality feel that makes more and more sense the more you listen to it. And they do the most unique take on STP's Vaseline that you will ever hear. A sight for sore ears for those that want an album that is truly daring in 2022.

114.) Die Apokalyptischen Reiter- Wilde Kinder
FFO- German Metal

I can't give a better FFO description than that. Every album from this band has such a great unique sound to it, but over the last couple of albums, they really decided to throw everything into the blend and play what they want. That is what you get on this album. On one track you will get a dark black metal piece, you will get a power metal affair, you will get an arena metal anthem, and so much more that you will just have to experience to comprehend. The band has truly become that unification of metal. Not afraid to play any style as long as they want to write it, record it, and play it. With that attitude, it makes for some of their best work ever. Check it out and see if the variety of metal is right for you.

113.) Veonity- Elements of Power
FFO- Power Metal

Sweden's Veonity may have made the most powerful album of all power metal albums released in 2022. This has everything you want whether you are an old-school die-hard or love the modern take on power metal; it's here in full display. It has it all and it simply doesn't get much more majestic than this. It's an album that is sure to put a smile on your face on many occasions and when it comes to music, don't you want to be able to enjoy it? You get that and so much more with Elements of Power. A sheer power metal classic in the making.

112.) Troglodyte- The Hierarchical Ecological Succession: Welcome to the Food Chain
FFO- Death Metal, Goregrind

Death metal about bigfoot. That's all you need to know about this Kansas entity. With now 4 albums over 11 years, the band has made this silly, yet brutal band something to truly behold. This album in particular picks you up, and viciously tears you apart, but you still get a great laugh before you are slaughtered. Isn't that how we all wish we could go? If you want your death metal with a smile, this is the band you need in your life.

111.) The Flower Kings- By Royal Decree
FFO- Progressive Rock

This is sadly an album that just got lost on me this year and had I had more listens to it, it would have ranked much higher. Another double disc release from this long-running Swedish prog super-entity. It's whimsical, it's majestic, it's quirky, and delightful; just as The Flower Kings should be. If you've never heard the b and before, it's the perfect throwback to the 60s and 70s throwback prog sound with 80s and 90s flair, but now done in 2022 and more modernized. By Royal Decree is not the heaviest release from the band it won't make you feel depressed; nor should it. It's a fantastic display of musical craftsmanship by one of the best bands in the business showing how classic prog is done and does it right. You really can't ask for anything more.

110.) Eternal Candle- Lava
FFO- Progressive Death Metal, Progressive Doom Metal

This a late entry into this list, but it deserves proper attention. This Iranian progressive death metal band truly knows how to write from the heart, and that heart is dealing with a lot of dark emotions. When you first think of Iran, you don't normally think of many metal bands, but this is a fantastic example that good music can come from anywhere. The production is profound, the songwriting is stellar and the lyrics are dark, heartbreaking, and reaching for peace both in mind and around the world. I highly recommend checking this one out for anyone of the Opeth, Katatonia, and mid-era Anathema varieties. There is so much to love here.

109.) Abduction- Black Blood
FFO- Black Metal

The first album from this UK outfit embraces the idea that these songs should be played live in a full lineup. The ante of this band has been propelled and with it comes a progression and fire in the songwriting that was a great change for the better. No matter your style of black metal, there is something here for you, from raw to atmospheric to post to just straight-up black metal; it's all on display and captures a real timepiece of where this entity is in 2022 and maybe hinting at what is to come.

108.) ORM- Intet/Altet
FFO- Epic Melodic Black Metal

This album is not for the faint of heart. Over an hour and a half long, 4 songs total, and all of the dark, evil, heavy, and wicked black metal with a variety of other influences you can candle. It may be a lot to get through but the journey is more than rewarding. If you are a fan of the first 3-4 Opeth albums then this is DEFINITELY a band that you need to listen to and become obsessed with as it hits hard with Opeth vibes but comes out the other side showing they are their own creation. They really are a new standard bearer for the term epic as these songs are quite long. The shortest comes in at 19 minutes and 23 seconds and the longest comes in at 24 minutes and 38 seconds. Give it the time it deserves and enjoy this colossal album.

107.) Semblant- Vermilion Eclipse
FFO- Extreme Symphonic Metal

4 albums in and Semblant has only grown stronger and stronger. The band is firing on all cylinders and all of the extremes of this Brazilian sextet are spread as far as the eye can see. While the songs continue to get catchier, they also can get more brutal, more symphonic, more proggy, and more deadly and that's why they deserve all of the love they can get. This album hits hard and it is awesome to see not only the quality of the band growing but also the audience. Especially if you've never heard of them before, give Semblant a shot as you are missing out on one hell of a great band.

106.) Elegeion- Plight of the Heretic
FFO- Doom Metal, Black Metal, Atmospheric Gothic Metal

After a 17-year break between albums, Elegeion has been recreated with a new lineup and has easily created their best album to date. Whether you are looking for something that is more along the lines of tribal percussion, merciless doom vibes, soothing yet haunting vocals, or just spectacular songwriting, Plight of the Heretic has it all in spades. I hope with this review and others catching onto this, more people will check this band out as they are back and they are back with a vengeance. Sensational and inspiring music.

105.) Bastard- Rotten Blood
FFO- Black n Roll, Thrash Metal

Bastard's sophomore album is exactly the right album at the right time. No frills, just solid black metal-inspired rock, and roll that's as evil as it is heavy and toe-tapping. Just completely solid from start to finish and lasts as long as it needs to be. I can't sell it much better than that. Check it out if you haven't heard enough of this style in 2022.

104.) Trick or Treat- Creepy Symphony
FFO- Power Metal

Power metal is meant to be fun, whether you are fighting dragons, going to war, dealing with personal struggles, or writing the new soundtrack to an unmade Nightmare Before Christmas sequel. Trick or Treat put out the most fun power metal album of 2022. Whether you just want to smile or even laugh at the silliness and cheese on display; you can't deny the songwriting, production, and talent that was made to create this album. Yes, there is more power metal on this list that is higher up on the list, but no other power metal album makes me smile as much as this one does. It's an album that you just may need, go check it out!

103.) Goatwhore- Angels Hung from the Arches of Heaven
FFO- Blackened Death Metal, Thrash Metal

Goatwhore has never needed to change their sound, they found it and on every album, they find a way to perfect it even further. This is another example of that. It is simply just a stellar display of blackened death metal and black and roll with the right amount of thrash to create a circle pit at any moment. If you are a longtime fan, you know what to expect here, if you are brand new to the band or have been turned off by the name…stop it and give this album a proper chance. You've been missing out for a long...long time.

102.) Depressed Mode- Decade of Silence
FFO- Symphonic Doom Metal, Death Metal

Not just a great album title; it also explains the decade break the band took until they came back in 2020 and released this mammoth display of melodic and symphonic death doom with Decade of Silence. The songs are haunting and devastating, the vocals are filled with pure pain, and the whole atmosphere gives that death doom you love, with the right amount of symphonic and other elements to make the album truly stand out. It's a dead-cold album, but I wouldn't want Depressed Mode any other way. This is how you add some dynamics to a genre made from pain and sorrow.

101.) Hath- All That Was Promised
FFO- Progressive Blackened Death Metal

The Sophomore release from this east coast stronghold takes what they accomplished on their debut album and cranked up everything to its full potential. The genre-bending is mindblowing and hits you so hard when you don't expect it. While the songs are still cohesive, I love the fact that it takes so much into account for creating the music they want to make and are not afraid of letting their influences and love of other genres run free. This takes genre-bending in extreme metal to a whole new level.

100.) Cult of Luna- The Long Road North
FFO- Atmospheric Metal, Sludge Metal, Post Metal

Cult of Luna has slowly but surely been evolving its sound over the last several years and you really start to hear the fruits of their labor here with The Long Road North. While you can still hear the doom, sludge, and post-metal elements strongly; you hear more than anything the love of more atmospheric moments eerily close to blackgaze, but still on the outskirts of it. The songs feel even stronger than before and filled with a new life. Cult of Luna is in a new chapter of its career and if this is what it looks like now, I can't wait to see what the future has in store for us all.

99.) Undeath- It's Time...to Rise from the Grave
FFO- Old School Death Metal

Undeath has taken the world by storm with this release. So much so, they were the number 1 album of Decibel's Top 40 Albums of 2022. They are more than deserving of the title as created a death metal album that the old school death metal fans from Cannibal Corpse to Entombed can love, but just modernized enough for the new era of metalheads that are discovering death metal for the first time that loved other genres that are giving a band like this the time of day. It's no holds barred, when it gets brutal, it's very brutal and the production is just as raw as it needs to be to capture their influences. This deserves the love it gets. If you missed out, give it a shot now and see what you think. Especially those of you who think there is no good new music anymore.

98.) Clutch- Sunrise on Slaughter Beach
FFO- Clutch, Blues Rock, Hard Rock

I'll keep this one short and sweet as this is Clutch's shortest album to date at 33 minutes and 9 songs. It's the best Clutch in the modern day with all new material. If you love hard rock, it's here. If you love the bluesy aesthetic, it's here. If you just love Clutch, they have released their best album since Earth Rocker, and it's not even close. Simply fantastic work.

97.) Ereb Altor- Vargtimman
FFO- Viking Metal, Black Metal, Doom Metal

The 9th outing from this legendary band showcases the band at their most epic sounding. Doom, black metal, classic metal, Viking themes, and the love of Bathory are on full display here as tired and true as ever. It's what the band has needed to release and I'm so happy with the final product as this album hits all the territories that I love about the band and continues to give even more than that with other flavorings that make it stand out from the rest of the pack. I love it and you just may as well.

96.) Kvaen- The Great Below
FFO- Black Metal, Speed Metal, Technical Metal

Kvaen is the brainchild of Jacob Bjornfot and the sophomore album is taking the project to the farthest extremes it can possibly reach...so far. The songs are faster, the instrumentation is even stronger and more insane, and is filled with guest musicians to really help make this album even more preposterous. If you like black metal but find it too simple and redundant, you really need to give Kvaen a chance and see how wrong you really are. This is a pinnacle achievement in the genre and I can already tell the next album will be even more bonkers in the best way possible.

95.) Avatarium- Death, Where is Your Sting?
FFO- Doom Metal

Avatarium is now considered Swedish doom legends alongside the likes of Candlemass, and they deserve the notoriety. With their latest album, the band continues to expand their sound but maintain their core doom sound. While the band doesn't need to truly reinvent the wheel at this point, they still make every album have its own distinct sound and that's exactly what's shown off here. If you love the classic doom sound, but want it just different enough, give Avatarium and this album a spin and thank me later.

94.) Temple of Void- Summoning The Slayer
FFO- Death Doom Metal

Temple of Void is the perfect name for the band as every album to date makes you feel like you are lost in the sound and only falling as you enter. With Summoning The Slayer, the band continues to perfect their sound while expanding upon it adding new layers to their sound with more atmosphere and dread. I've seen so many people say this is the best death doom album of the year and they're not wrong for thinking so as this album is simply terrific. It's a grower of an album that on the first album you may even like, but the more you listen and let it sink in, the more it seeps into your soul and takes over and shows its true power. Don't believe me? Why not listen and find out for yourself. Go ahead, do it!

93.) Pensees Nocturnes- Douce Fange
FFO- Experimental, Avant Garde Metal

If their previous album was the soundtrack to a horrific carnival you can't escape from, this album is when the clowns of the carnival break loose and attack the visiting town. This album ends up even being more dynamic and absolutely insane than all of their previous work and has become somehow more attractive to the more sane listener, yet even more terrifying. Words simply can't do this album justice and any real attempt to explain it is futile. All I can say is if you want one of the most outrageously extreme displays of experimental and avant-garde music in 2022, you need to hear this album. It's as bonkers as it is absurd and that's what makes it so intriguing.

92.) Obsidious- Iconic
FFO- Modern Metal, Progressive Death Metal

When you start a band that is 75% ex-members of the previous incarnation of Obscura, you gotta do something that will help you set your own style and make the music that you want to make. So how did Obsidious decide to do this? By becoming more mainstream. Not too mainstream, it still has the technical and progressive death metal flavoring that you know these band members from. BUT! They decided to add much more clean vocals, more riffs you can bob your head along to, and an odd sense that they are truly writing the music that makes the most sense at this point in time. The final product ends in a modernized progressive death metal album that fits no matter if you love growls or not, insane fret-board work or not, or heavy music or not. A truly wonderful album that I don't see enough people talking about, so go on and check this out.

91.) Manic Sinners- King of the Badlands
FFO- Melodic Rock, Melodic Metal, AOR

Manic Sinners put out a debut album for the ages with King of the Badlands. No matter how heavy or mainstream you like your 70s, 80s, and early 90s, rock and metal; there is a song for you on this one. It's super catchy and written by fantastic musicians that really know how to get the older crowd and newer crowds of rock and metal together to create something magical. And this is just their first outing. That sophomore album I know will be even more refined and may become one of the most standout albums of that year. I can't wait to hear it, but until then, we got this and this is simply outstanding.

90.) Fallen Sanctuary- Terranova
FFO- Melodic Power Metal

It really is true that the more experience you have, the more likely it will sound like your first album with a band will sound like you've been doing it forever. That's exactly what's going on here with Fallen Sanctuary, I "supergroup" of power metal musicians who took what they are best at and decided to make their music as catchy and melodic as possible. It's almost a perfect starter album for someone new to power metal but wants something with modern production. Every song has hooks that just feel right and hit you in the best parts of your soul. Fallen Sanctuary proves that power metal is still in good hands in 2022 and so many years to come.

89.) Immolation- Acts of God
FFO- Death Metal

I can see a lot of people getting mad at me for having this so "low" on my list as this is one of the best death metal albums of not only 2022, but quite possibly the 21st century. And you are right for thinking so because it is that good. Perfect raw but clean production, superb songwriting, and some of the most intense and brutal riffs you'll hear from any death metal band still active. It's another reason why I wish people wouldn't look at this as "low" on my list and look at it as an album that is worthy of every single accolade it has and will receive. I can't say it enough, for straight up, no frills, brutal death metal, you can't get much better than Immolation, and to the dismay of some….No, I can't ruin things, just keep reading the list all the way through. But I can't say enough good about this Immolation released their best album to date. Bar none.

88.) Strigoi- Viscera
FFO- Death Metal, Crust Punk, Experimental

Strigoi has released their sophomore album and it takes everything that worked on their debut release and jacked it up tenfold. The songs are faster when they get fast, the songs get more brutal when they need to be more brutal, and little hints of experimentation throughout give this an album experience and not just some great songs and filler. Every track here is meant to be here and every song rules. There's not much I can add, if you want things fast, brutal, or both, you get it here with Strigoi.

87.) Sylvaine- Nova
FFO- Blackgaze, Atmospheric Black Metal, Post Rock

Easily the best Sylvaine album to date; Nova pushes the boundaries to its furthest reach to date. When it's soft, it's so hauntingly beautiful, when it gets into black metal territory, it feels like she is ripping your soul apart. It's no wonder this band keeps bringing people from across the world into their fold and gives you a dark experience you can only match with something like Alcest, but done in their own way instead. This will definitely hit all of the heartstrings in you to really make you feel something and the best music does that. Seriously, if this sounds interesting to you, go check it out.

86.) Ohth- None Shall Escape Death
FFO- Melodic Death Metal, Melodic Black Metal

The sophomore release from this one-man project is not afraid to wear influences on his sleeves. If you like 90s Swedish melodeath, you will love a good chunk of these songs, if you like melodic black metal, you will love the other chunk of these songs. The songs all have a great sense of groove to them that is missing in a lot of other bands that just focus on blast beats and chugging to their heart's content. This is indeed a passion project in all the best ways and if you want a good throwback, but contemporary look at melodic extreme metal; this is the album for you.

85.) Serious Black- Vengeance is Mine
FFO- Melodic Power Metal

Sometimes a shakeup in a band's lineup brings out the best in the band. And that's what happened here. Without question, this is the best album of the Serious Black catalog to date with their catchiest songs to date. The production is pristine and you can hear everything if you listen to it. The vocals soar like never before and the band has a new life that has been pumped into them. Again, bad situations can lead to some positive outcomes, and in this case, Serious Black, they have weathered the storm and come out in its strongest form so far. Now, let's see what that next album has in store for us all.

84.) Wake- Thought From Descent
FFO- Blackened Death Metal, Progressive Metal, Extreme Metal

Going from a grindcore band into a quite extreme and more progressive blackened death metal band is no easy feat. It has to come from the heart and it has to be something you want to create. That's what happened here with Wake. The band releasing this monolith of an album has taken the extreme metal world by storm and has created critical acclaim for the band like never before. If this is where the band is right now, I am all for it as it is extreme but cohesive and I can only imagine that now that they know this formula works for the band, their next release may be their best release ever and one that contemporaries could only hope to compete with. This album pulls no punches it wrecks you hard musically and lyrically and sometimes that's the thrill ride you just need to take. Give this one a proper listen.

83.) Conjurer- Pathos
FFO- Post Metal, Doom Metal, Experimental

This album is a tearjerker when you listen to the lyrics, and a mammoth undertaking of musicianship when you listen to it musically. With all the songs dealing with the end in one way or the other, be it life, memory, or more; Conjurer took their time with this album and it did nothing but justice for the final product. It is one of the heaviest albums sonically and emotionally you're gonna hear this year (though, keep checking out this list if you want more tearjerkers). It's not an easy listen, but it is one of the most cathartic you will experience if you are dealing with dark times.

82.) Shroud of Bereavement- A Beautiful Winter
FFO- Funeral Doom Metal, Death Metal, Gothic Metal

Follow this timeline. Started in 1995, their first album in 2007, and their sophomore release came out back in July of this year. To say this is a band that does not rush things would be an understatement. But you can't argue with the results. This album is filled with dirges that will make even the strongest-willed weep. The soundtrack to death is in full display here with moments for fans of Draconian, Skepticism, and Novembers Doom begging for more. It's dark, it's heavy, it feels like you are falling further into your grave, and it's perfect as I'm writing this up and see nothing but snow for as far as my eyes can see. For you funeral doom fans like myself, this is a can't-miss.

81.) Iatt- Magnum Opus
FFO- Progressive Blackened Death Metal

This is another band that has made quite the transformation over the years; going from more metalcore vibes to raw black metal to now refining their sound to become what may be their true form. The title is not misleading in the slightest. When you listen to this album, it really feels like the magnum opus of not only the band but of their contemporaries as well. The production is their best ever, and the songwriting has everything that a fan of Opeth, Ne Obliviscaris, Cradle of Filth, and Ihsahn need in their lives. This is a band that has gone through a metamorphosis and I don't see them not continuing to expand their sound in the future, but all of that said; this is a crowning achievement in the extreme metal world and you should not miss out on this one if this sounds up your alley.

80.) Wind Rose- War Front
FFO- Heavy Power Metal, Fantasy War

Wind Rose is the Dwarven metal band that either you knew you needed or didn't realize you needed until you hear them. With their 2022 album, they have continued to refine their sound and keep forging toward their finest work. The songs are varied and diverse while still being very heavy power metal and give you that grand landscape that you experiencing war that you can't even comprehend. It's also a super fun album. If you are in with the fantasy tactics, then this is an album you shouldn't ignore and even if you just dig power metal or want something heavier in the same vein, check out Wind Rose as soon as you can because this hits all the checkmarks and then some.

79.) Ibaraki- Rashomon
FFO- Extreme Progressive Metal

Ever imagine hearing Matt Heafy, and Ihsahn writing Ronin/Samurai-inspired metal together and having Gerard Way of My Chemical Romance doing black metal vocals over it? Well sit down and let me explain further. A project that Heafy has wanted to do for such a long time has finally come to fruition with Trivium helping out on several tracks (and Alex Bent playing drums on every track), occasional guest spots from the aforementioned Ihsahn and his family, and again, Gerard Way of My Chemical Romance doing black metal screams in the song Ronin. If you dig your metal with some different kinds of folklore than you normally hear; I highly recommend giving this at least a shot, you may be won over more than you could have ever imagined.

78.) Stormruler- Sacred Rites & Black Magick
FFO- Black Metal

If you love your black metal melodic, sounds like it came from Norway in the 90s, and has a central story going on through half of the tracks, then you need to check out Stormruler. The sophomore release from this American duo hits you right in your nostalgia with its intense love of 90s 2nd/3rd wave black metal with better production. Had this come out earlier in the year, this would be another album that ranks higher on the list as this just hits that sweet spot of straight-up melodic black metal for me. Definitely an album for those black metal gatekeepers who say there wasn't been any good black metal since 1999. This album (and so many more, I could name off the top of my head) can prove that theory wrong.

77.) Blackwater Drowning Sonder//Satori
FFO- American Melodic Death Metal

Take the love of bands like Arsis and The Black Dahlia Murder, mix it with the European melodeath we all know and love, and give it just the slightest tinge of flavorings and you get Blackwater Drowning. This just gives a great spirit of melodeath that you just don't hear so much in America anymore and really need to come back. This hits that in strides and you can easily tell that with this being their debut album, the diversity and creativity are only going to flourish from here on out. Absolute quality melodeath that should not be missed out on.

76.) I Am The Night- While The Gods Are Sleeping
FFO- 90s Melodic Black Metal

Take some of my favorite musicians in the Finnish melodeath scene and have them make a tribute to 90s meloblack and you have a recipe for a stellar album. Featuring past and present members of Omnium Gatherum, Horizon Ignited, Opeth, and Insomnium and you have a star-studded cast of musicians that really set the bar for not only nostalgia-driven black metal but just quality black metal in general. This easily feels like it was written in 1995 and just remastered for 2022 and it's an album that is quintessential worship of bands like Emperor and Dissection. I simply couldn't ask for anything more and I really hope this is not a one-off. I need more.

75.) Fellowship- The Sabrelight Chronicles
FFO- Symphonic Power Metal

Past and present members of Rezinwolf and Power Force have joined forces in Fellowship and if you couldn't tell by the name alone, you are in for some mythical and adventurous symphonic power metal. This debut album shows a love of high fantasy and you get that from the second this album kicks in. It's all of the best elements of power metal done to a perfect T and there is a lot to be said for that. It's fast, fun, and filled with wonder. If you need more than that in your power metal, I question your loyalty to the Fellowship of the ri...I mean this band!

74.) Empress- Fateweaver
FFO- Symphonic Power Metal, Progressive Metal

This might be a little presumptuous to say, but I think it's an accurate statement that I'll stand by wholeheartedly. This is the best American symphonic power metal band going right now. This album sinched that for me and this album has instant replay value over and over again. It's a step up in quality that other bands in America need to take notes on because even with this being the debut album, it blows so many other bands that have been around for decades putting out music this year out of the water. I can't say it better than that, this is how you make a symphonic power metal album stand out and be something to be proud of. I simply can't wait to see what they do next, because as good as this is, the next album will be even better.

73.) Dawn of Solace- Flames of Perdition
FFO- Melodic Doom Metal

Sometimes, you love an album and sadly it falls to the wayside for no reason other than you simply forget it. That's what happened here with Dawn of Solace. A band that I truly love released an album that I had since last year and I heard it so much, I forgot it came out this year and thought it was a 2021 album, so I set it off to the side and forgot about it till I made this list. I will say that this album is a bit of a different take than their previous album, but it's done in a way that arguably makes for stronger songs and more emotions being toyed with to make you on the verge of tearing up. This album is an emotionally driven melodic doom album that deserves your love. No growls or screams, all clean vocals, but just as heavy but done with a sense of brevity that others bands simply miss. Don't do what I did and forget this album, listen to it now and their previous work and be floored by what you hear.

72.) Kardashev- Liminal Rite
FFO- Deathgaze

So you know blackgaze right? Black metal meets shoegaze to create black metal with a more atmospheric and post-rock feel. Take that, but replace the black with death metal and you have Kardashev. The band's first album in 7 years showcases how much the band has progressed and really come into its own. The songs are more confident, the vocals are more devastating and the lyrics are….oooof they hit you right in the feels. The production has been a point of contention I've noticed from others; for me? I think it fits with the atmosphere created and gives the emotion coming out a bit more of a raw feel. I hope it won't take another 7 years to make a new album as I've been waiting for this follow-up for a long time and it delivered everything I hoped for. Now, let's see what's next for the band.

71.) Kuolemanlaakso- Kuusumu
FFO- Death Doom, Experimental

This band is something I discovered this year and I wished I had discovered them earlier. Finnish death doom hits as hard emotionally as it does musically. While I would lie if I said I understood the lyrics, I understand the tone being presented, and it is devastating. I truly appreciate that the band also shows off some great diversity as well occasionally showing some atmospheric moments or funeral doom moments, even black metal elements; but it all works in a melancholic disharmony. For those that love death doom, but want an extra kick (and if you don't mind that you don't know Finnish to truly grasp the lyrical content), then I implore you to check this album out!

70.) Dream Unending- Song of Salvation
FFO- Dream Doom, Atmospheric Doom Metal

Doom metal doesn't always have to be about the darkest things you can imagine. Sometimes they can be filled with hopes, dreams, and wonders. This seemed to be the battle cry of the sophomore album from Dream Unending; a North American duo who not only put in their efforts to create something new for the genre but truly made an outstanding album in their efforts as well. Combining some unorthodox instrumentation and songwriting, despair-styled growls, and what feels like a great mix between dreams, nightmares, and lucid dreaming; It's an experience that's best described by simply giving it a shot. It might be the lightest death doom album of the year or the heaviest post-rock album of the year; I'll let you decide.

69.) Kreator- Hate Uber Alles
FFO- Thrash Metal

I'm astounded at the backlash I've mainly seen from this album. The more I listen to it, the more it feels so unwarranted. It feels like a Kreator album that has the thrash we all know and love, with just a bit more thrown into it for different flavorings. I'm not hearing anything on this album that you wouldn't hear on any previous album at some point in their career. It hits home in the world we live in and it makes you headbang and think. Maybe that's the problem? Regardless, this is such a solid thrash album in 2022 and it deserves so much more live than what social media has given it. It rules, calm down, and have some dip!

68.) Darkest Era- Wither on the Vine
FFO- Dark Metal

The 3rd album from this Irish band is the first I've heard from the band and I absolutely love what I'm hearing. A great mix of folk, Celtic, black metal, progressive metal, and heavy metal; but all done in a way that is truly their own It never gets too aggressive, and it has an odd calm to it, even when it starts to hit more extreme territories. It is a great album for those that like the idea of more extreme music, but want more subdued vocals than growling or screaming. An underappreciated album this year, but one that should be more appreciated hopefully by more people checking it out on this list. Go on now, check it out!

67.) Evergrey- A Heartless Portrait (The Orphean Testament)
FFO- Dark Metal

Another band who based their lives on cold, dark metal; Evergrey started a new chapter with this album. Not only a new record label, but a sound that feels a bit more contemporary, songs that are the catchiest in years, and even a song that I dare say is...positive? Evergrey has always been one of my favorite bands over the years and A Heartless Portrait reinvigorated my love for the band in a way I didn't realize I needed. This is a great turning point for the band and I can't wait to see what's next.

66.) Seventh Wonder- Testament
FFO- Progressive Metal, Melodic Metal

Seventh Wonder is a band that should be shouted from the mountaintops as one of the best prog bands of the 21st century and I hope in time that will happen. With The Testament, the band made a thematic album (not a concept album) about different emotions we all feel and you can really hear it throughout. The songs are some of the catchiest written by the band, they can go from heavy to contemporary on the turn of a dime, and above all, the songs are memorable and enjoyable. While this doesn't have the epics you'll hear on other albums, this album may have its best-staying power, which really says a lot considering that back catalog of theirs. If you are a prog fan, you should not miss out on this one.

65.) Gaerea- Mirage
FFO- Black Metal, Atmospheric Black Metal

4 albums in and this band have been on a non-stop assault of the senses on a mission to either make you feel numb to the world or make you feel so much for the world that you become numb to everything. Mirage is the best example of this theory in practice so far. The music really can hit some emotional marks, the lyrics are deep and thought-provoking, and the overall sentiment is proving that black metal is more than just "evil". It can make a difference and it can make you feel, even if that feeling will make you feel hollow inside. A quality album written by one of the best black metal bands going today.

64.) Nordic Union- Animalistic
FFO- Melodic Metal, Heavy Metal, AOR

The 2nd album from this great collaboration between members of Eclipse and Pretty Maids makes for some of the catchiest songs you will hear in heavy music in 2022. A strongly heavier album than their debut album shows the band simply writing their strongest material and making it sound at its best quality. No matter your love of rock, heavy metal, or AOR stylings; you will find something to love about this album and it's a guaranteed fun ride. It's truly an album where music does the talking.

63.) Exhumed- To The Dead
FFO- Gore Metal, Goregrind, Death Metal

Like I did for the Top 10 albums of the October 2022 list, I'll keep this one brief. This is another solid slab of gore metal from the gore metal pioneers. It's aggressive, bloody, and fun. It goes by so fast that you'll instantly start it over again because the album has that replay value and this is some of the best material in the Exhumed discography. If you love blood and gore, Exhumed is the band for you.

62.) Candlemass- Sweet Evil Sun
FFO- Epic Doom Metal

The kings of doom metal are back and their original singer is back on this 2nd album since returning this is one of the more varied Candlemass albums to date. Some songs actually pick up the pace a bit and some sing about different lyrical themes than before. Overall, it feels like an evolution for the band when they don't need to at this point; which is really refreshing to see. You will get all of the classic doom you can handle on this album, but it's just different enough to know that changes can be a good thing. Overall, another killer album in the long legacy of Candlemass, and in 2022, that's all I could ever want or need.

61.) Hammer King- Kingdemonium
FFO- Heavy Power Metal, Melodic Power Metal

Considering their previous album came out last year, it's so great to see that this album was written in that time and not only succeeds but maybe even surpasses their previous work to make for their best album to date. Super heavy riffs combined with some of the best sing-along choruses in the power metal business and you have Hammer King. Demonicide took the best elements of the band and refined them to make those parts shine on every second of this album. Hammer King is slowly but surely becoming one of the best power metal bands in the business. You only need one listen of this album to understand why.

60.) Dynazty- Final Advent
FFO- Modern Metal, Power Metal, AOR

Quite possibly the most commercial album the band has released to date and it may be the best thing they could have done. The band has always flirted with the ideas of AOR and power metal in the past; sometimes even just focusing on that; but over the past few albums, the band has really focused on making their music have that modern production and songwriting and it makes the songs so catchy and fun to listen to. While the change is not for all of the old-school fans, I will say that the more they divulge these ideas, the more adventurous they become, and that is always a good thing. Explore all you can, cut the fat, and keep the best parts and you have modern-day Dynazty. The proof is in the pudding, the band is in top form and they are far from reaching the mountaintop. It'll only get better from here.

59.) Bloody Heels- Rotten Romance
FFO- Melodic Metal, AOR, Gothic Metal

If you want something that combines a love of 80s glam, 90s/00s gothic rock, and modern rock; you'll get Bloody Heels. A band that is not afraid to play what they are inspired by, but also find a way to make it completely their own. The songs are as catchy as the 80s hair bands, can get as dark as HIM and Sentenced back in the early 00s, and is just modern enough for all generations to appreciate everything going on. This is something that hits hard and it's going under the radar this year. I will not have that. If this sounds like something you may enjoy, please go check this out. It simply rules on all fronts.

58.) Midnight- Let There Be Witchery
FFO- Black 'N Roll

Midnight is arguably the best black n roll band going today and Let There be Witchery is the perfect example as to why. The songs get as dirty and grimy as Motorhead, but the black metal aesthetics on the vocals and horror-grade vocals make this band not only stand out but shine through the darkness. It's simple, but that's all it ever needed to be. Midnight rules and if they are not in your rotation, you are truly missing out. Remedy that immediately.

57.) Rammstein- Zeit
FFO- Industrial, Heavy Metal

I still have a theory that this is meant to be the last Rammstein album. I can't prove it yet and the band may even change their mind. But this album feels like it truly is saying Adieu to the world. If this is their last outing, they went out on a bang as loud as their shows. The songs are diverse, heavy, comical, and just odd enough. That's how I like my Rammstein and what I'll ever need. This definitely holds me over until another Lindemann album comes out. A true highlight in their rather short catalog (only 8 albums after all these years? Wow!)

56.) Maceration- Lost in Depravity
FFO- Death Metal

Is Dan Swano doing growls again? Sign me up! While he only did vocals on this album as a guest and not a full-time member, it is so great hearing him sing old-school death metal again and the music matches his voice so perfectly. I can see why Bloodbath wasn't his bag anymore, he wanted something like this in his life. While again, he's not the full-time singer of the band, it's fantastic hearing one of my biggest heroes in heavy music doing growls again, it sounds like he never skipped a beat. HM2 Boss Metal Zone Metal 4 LIFE!!!

55.) Poets of the Fall- Ghostlight
FFO- Cinematic Rock

Fans of Alan Wake and Control rejoice! Poets of the Fall have a new album out and it is just as emotional and engaging as ever. One of the lightest albums on this entire list and it is an album that truly is a great pallet cleanse from all of the funeral doom and progressive power metal that's been raging my life as of late. It's a straight-ahead rock with some great cinematic and symphonic backgrounds that makes the music truly stand out. It's not their heaviest album, and it's not their most commercial, but it definitely sounds like the most sincere album from the band to this date. I feel better after listening to this album and you just may as well if you give it a chance.

54.) Dagoba- City Lights
FFO- Modern Metal

Dagoba is a band that has only gotten stronger over the years and every album has a unique sound that represents where the band is at that time. This goes around, it's more of a focus on the modern metal atmosphere and it makes for some of the catchiest music in their career. The whole album from start to finish is a treat to listen to and it gives a new appreciation for how much you can fit into a song that has rather simple parts, but is so dense in layers that every time you listen, you will hear something new. Now that's what I call replay value! Yeah, this is well worth a listen for those that enjoy modern metal.

53.) Greg Puciato- Mirrorcell
FFO- Alternative Rock, Alternative Metal

In what might be the lightest performance ever from the former Dillinger Escape Plan front man; Mirror cell is filled with the 80s, 90s, and 00s, alternative rock, and metal flavors mixed in with today's production. If you want the chaos from his other past and present bands and projects, you won't find that hear. What you'll hear is some heartbreaking lyrics, emotional tones, memorable choruses, and some of the best work Greg has ever laid on record. The song Lowered, is easily one of my top 3 songs of the year. It hits so hard in a way that you would just never expect, but that really is the point. To the uninitiated, you'd never expect this, for those in the know, this is the album you always hoped for. I'm so happy this thing exists.

52.) Sinister Downfall- The Last Witness
FFO- Funeral Doom Metal

Another band that has given us 3 slabs of funeral doom metal in 4 years and with this latest release, the band has tapped into the sorrow that is so hard to even match let alone top. The vocals sound like that marble slab being placed upon a coffin to keep it sealed as it plunges into the grave. If you want what funeral doom metal is all about, there is Mournful Congregation, There is Bell Witch, and then there is Sinister Downfall, this is the literal definition of funeral dirge music. It's hard to get more dark, depressing, and mournful as this and in 2022, sometimes you need that.

51.) Dance of the Dead- Driven to Madness
FFO- Instrumental, 80s Synth, Horror Metal

Dance of the Dead makes fun, bouncy, and horror-inspired instrumental music that even those that crave lyrics in their music will find this so much fun to listen to. It proves that there are no words needed, although if you get the opportunity to get friggin JOHN CARPENTER to say a couple spoken lines to open the album, you let him do it! It sets the tone for the rest of the album and it's perfect for Halloween parties, music to put on when gaming, or if you just want a modern throwback to the 80s horror that you love. There's so much to appreciate about this album and I really hope it doesn't get missed out on by those that would really appreciate it. If this sounds intriguing, I can't suggest you check this out soon enough. Seriously, I can't imagine you'll be disappointed.

50.) Celeste- Assassine(s)
FFO- Black Metal, Blackgaze

One of the first albums I heard in 2022 and it’s still in my top 50. That’s true staying power. The 6th album from this Frace based black metal band continues being able to show their diversity of the genre by still having the core black metal sound, but expanding on its range of heavy post metal, sludge, hardcore and above all, blackgaze moments thrown in at all the right times. The production is some of the slickest you’ll find in the genre which makes the music truly stand out. It’s a very dark album, but of course, that comes with the territory. I’ve seen a lot of people praise this album, and for good reason, it truly is a standout album in the black metal genre and I’m glad to see, especially with the backing of Nuclear Blast, they are finally getting the audience they deserve.

49.) An Abstract Illusion- Woe
FFO- Progressive Death Metal, Atmospheric Death Metal

If Opeth started in 2016, this is how I imagine they would sound. Outside of the Opeth nods that help make the music feel nice and diverse, the sophomore album from this band is a true turning point for the band where they are not only letting their influences wave freely, but they are also finding out who they are and creating their own sound along with it. The vocals are simply brutal, the production has that nice clean but raw feeling and the songwriting, while out of the ordinary for some, makes more sense the more you listen to the album. This is a true innovation for the sound of progressive death metal and I love to see it. I can feel it in my bones that their next album will be a sheer masterpiece of epic proportions, but until then; this is a jaw dropping album that will make you smile as much as it will tear your soul apart. And aren’t those the best kinds of albums?

48.) Wilderun- Epigone
FFO- Progressive Death Metal, Symphonic Metal, Folk Metal

Another band that has an affinity for Opeth. BUT! This American band truly does something different. Combining symphonic elements Americana and folk guitars that would not be out of place on an indie rock album, and some of the most brutal by proxy moments you’ll hear on a progressive death metal album this year. The band has taken everything they have learned over the years and upped the ante to it’s polar extremes. The folky moments sound so happy and delightful and the opposite end obliterates your senses, especially on that first listen when you don’t expect it. Wilderun has only gotten better with time and this is a sheer masterwork. I simply can’t wait to see what’s next for what I would easily call this North American Progressive Folk Metal band.

47.) Queensryche- Digital Noise Alliance
FFO- Progressive Metal

Raise your hand if you thought that Queensryche would be releasing their best album since Empire in 2022. No one? Really? Well, you are not wrong for feeling that way. While I love the Todd La Torre era of Queensryche and the albums so far have been fantastic to listen to, it took Digital Noise Alliance to realize that the band is capable of some of their best work ever in 2022. I was looking forward to this album, but it wasn’t a high priority, after one full listen; I realize what a fool I was. This is the best Queensryche in over 30 years and is easily in the top 3 albums of their career. Every song feels like a modernized version of their classic sound, but done with so much originality that this feels like it recons everything from Promised Land onward. Yeah I said it! Seriously, if they only did this new album live for this cycle, I wouldn’t be disappointed in the slightest. This is a new high water mark for the band and I can only hope they maintain this level till the end.


46.) Threads of Fate- The Cold Embrace of the Light
FFO- Symphonic Metal, Gothic Metal

The debut album from this all star lineup is simply fantastic. I have been looking forward to this release for years and I am so happy that its out there for the world to hear. No matter your style of dark music from Evergrey to Serenity to Cradle of Filth; there is a song on here for you. Of course it doesn’t hurt having Vikram Shankar’s extraordinary orchestration layered all over this album to give already fantastic songs to their greatest levels. Along with that vocalist Jon Pyres can hit any register needed for the music clean or screamed and it just helps make the music even more memorable. I can tell this band is like fine wine and will only get better with age. Put this one if you are feeling especially vampiric and it will heighten all your senses.

45.) Michael Romeo- War of the Worlds Pt. 2
FFO- Progressive Metal

I say this with absolutely no shade being thrown. This is the best album Romeo has played on since Symphony X’s Paradise Lost. It has some of the hookiest riffs and choruses you will hear all year in heavy music. Dino Jelusick’s vocals make this album unskippable. It’s some of the best rock/metal vocals you’ll hear this year, without question. And the album just simply sounds inspired. This is making me hope that the new SX album will be their best yet, because that fire is not dead yet and listening to this album, I feel like it’s only been rejuvenated. Seriously, if you are a fan of hard rock, shred guitar, progressive metal, anything heavy; give this album a shot, it will have something for you.

44.) Imperial Triumphant- Spirit of Ecstasy
FFO- Blackened Death Jazz Metal, Avant Garde

This is probably the most experimental album that makes my top 50, but it is easily because it is one of the best albums of the year. It’s not an easy listen, it’s honestly rough and even irritating and agitating if you don’t like extreme blackened death jazz music or avant garde or experimental music; but if you really are the kind of person who says “I listen to everything”, well, let’s see how true that statement is by giving this one a shot, shall we? And seriously, after the barrier is broken and you can appreciate everything that is going on here, you will see the diversity, the layers, the songwriting achievements going on here and really understand that they are not just making random noise, they really are pushing the boundaries of what extreme music can be. Plus, where else are you going to hear Kenny G and his son Max Gorelick trading solos together in extreme music? You’re not going to. This is not for the faint of heart, but it’s worth every second once you let it do it’s magic.

43.) The Offering- Seeing The Elephant
FFO- Melodic Death Metal, Progressive Death Metal

While not nearly as extreme as their debut album, it does not let up on the vocal and musical punishment when it gets heavy and the diversity of the debut is still in tact. The band explores more somber and mellow moments that makes the music feel so much more bombastic and gives an even deeper and richer listening experience. The vocals on this album are insane in it’s range, the songwriting is top notch and really hits home, and the production has that great balanced feel, so when it goes from one extreme to another, everything feels like it’s meant to be sonically. The Offering is another band that is not afraid to push the boundaries of what metal can be and for that, they are high up on my list and I can’t wait to see that The Offering’s next….umm...offering will bring us all.

42.) Einvigi- Yö Kulje Kanssani
FFO- Blackgaze, Folk Metal

This band was sold to me as if black metal had The Cranberries 90s production and yeah; that hits the nail on the head. It has that 90s alternative rock production in a black metal aesthetic and mixed in folk and blackgaze to make things extra flavorful. The music is as soothing and beautiful as it is filled with black metal. Those that love bands like Alcest, Sylvaine, and any of the great blackgaze bands out there should check this one out immediately. Even if you don’t speak Finnish, the vocals are so beautiful, you’ll hear them as another instrument instead of needing to know what the words mean. And sometimes, that can be even better. A sheer highlight of an album you need to experience.

41.) Moon Tooth- Phototroph
FFO- Progressive Metal, Hard Rock

Moon Tooth is either one of the proggiest hard rock bands going today or they are the most hard rockin’ prog band out there; either way, it’s a recipe that is utter perfection. The band’s 3rd album is easily their best work. The songs are so catchy and memorable you’ll be humming the vocal melodies for days. The songwriting can turn on a dime yet feel like in a better timeline, this would be on top 40 rock radio every day. Ive heard some say the vocals are not for them, but for me, they fit perfectly in the mix of this beautiful catchy chaos. So proceed with caution if that’s your sticking point. All I will say is Moon Tooth needs to be shot to the…..moon…. With their popularity and should be one of the biggest rock bands going today. I hope that will happen in time.

40.) Soilwork- Overgivenheten
FFO- Melodic Death Metal, Progressive Death Metal

Soilwork's latest outing is one of the best to show off what the band is all about in recent times. Going between absolutely bonkers riffs and melodies in one song, to nearly AOR-style rock riffing, to their classic melodeath sound, sometimes all in the same song. Being a stupid American, this is the 2nd album where I have a hard time pronouncing the title of the album (which is even sadder considering my last name is Swedish), but don't be scared off fellow Americans, the songs are all in English and Speed continues to prove he has one of the best and smoothest vocal deliveries in all of heavy music. Sadly this is the last Soilwork album to feature guitarist David Andersson, so I really feel the next album will be the beginning of a new chapter of the band, but this is one hell of a way to say goodbye. It's hard to listen to knowing what happened, but it makes you appreciate all that he accomplished in his times with Soilwork and The Night Flight Orchestra. What a solid album.

39.) Zeal & Ardor- S/T
FFO- Experimental Metal

Zeal & Ardor has released their 3rd album and it's easily their most grandiose. You get everything from 2nd wave black metal to blackgaze to African American Spirituals mixed with the devil to digital manipulation and so much more. Every album from this band has hit me very hard and this album is no exception. I love that the band is not afraid to keep experimenting with their sound, but still maintain what brought them to the dance in the first place. It's evil, it's heavy, and it's a pure trip of the musical senses. Just give it a shot.

38.) The Antichrist Imperium- III Satan in His Original Glory
FFO- Progressive Blackened Death Metal

Considering the band is 3/4th members past and present of Akercocke and one member of The Berzerker. It's no shock to know that this album is as extreme as it gets in the right moments but still diverse enough to make the album feel like a hellish roller-coaster. The band's 3rd outing continues why the band was created in the first place...Satan….(drinks from wine glass). It's a progressive blackened death metal tribute to the lord of the underworld and speaks for his followers in a way only the UK outfit can do. As you may have guessed, this album is not for everyone and if you are turned off by the lyrical themes or the extreme experimentation going on, this won't be for you; but for those that dare to go beyond the black veil and see the hellish delights inside this album; you'll be more than happy with what you hear.

37.) Toehider- I Have Little To No Memories of These Memories
FFO- Prog

Oh boy, here we go. Is this an album or a nearly 48-minute song? It's one track, so is this just a single release? Is it an album that you can't skip track by track? Well, it's the length of an album so I'm counting it. So there. But seriously folks, this is a nearly 48-minute tribute to prog in all of its glory. No matter your flavor of prog from Queen to Opeth to Ayreon to Yes and so…so much more. This is a concept album (or song, whatever) that is a whirlwind of emotions, and musical styles all done by the legendary Mike Mills who is not only one of the best multi-instrumentalists in music in general but also has one of the greatest voices in music period! The cheeky lad can hit any note and do it with such passion behind it to make every note sung have real purpose and every note he plays no matter the instrument is hit in a way that no one else can do. If I haven't sold it enough, like every Toehider release to date, this is a journey of musical endeavors and now it's a lesson in Prog 101 with a very fun lyrical concept behind it. If you missed this and dare to hear a song that's over 3/4ths of an hour long; I implore you to check out the best epic of 2022.

36.) THEM- Fear City
FFO- Heavy Metal, Horror Metal

The next chapter in the KK Fossor story brings KK back from the dead and into the early 1980s in the town known at that time as Fear City, New York City. A band that of course has an obvious nod to King Diamond and Mercyful Fate expands the sound even further on this album with more 80s synths, hardcore elements, and even death metal blast beats and of course continues the horror-drenched adventures of KK Fossor that ties all the albums together so far an in a fantastic and horrifying package. It's an album that only improves with repeat listens and gives great power, thrash, death, progressive, and evil metal vibes throughout. Seriously, give this album a proper listen and enjoy.

35.) Borealis- Illusions
FFO- Progressive Power Metal, Melodic Metal

Borealis is one of the most underappreciated bands in the prog and power genres today. They are easily one of the best bands rolling yet I don't see nearly enough people talking about them. Maybe this album will turn the page? Illusions are without question their masterwork. Combining what made them great, to begin with, a dark tinge of symphonic, orchestral, power, and prog metal with some of the catchiest riffs and choruses you'll find in those genres. There is a pure power going on throughout these songs that can only be experienced to truly appreciate. Of course, it helps that Vikram Shankar added his orchestral touch to this album to give these already great songs to make them phenomenal. In short, if cheesy is not your kind of prog power, Borealis is a band that you just may need in your life if they aren't already in your music-listening experience. This is how it's done, folks!

34.) Deathwhite- Grey Everlasting
FFO- Gothic Metal, Melodic Doom Metal

If you are a fan of Paradise Lost, Katatonia, Woods of Ypres, or any of those bands that has that gothic and doom tinge that makes you weep, you need Deathwhite in your life. The band's 3rd album in 5 years is their darkest, saddest, and most cathartic listen-to to date. The production is on that border of too raw and just perfect to give all the songs a very uneasy feeling like you are just about to hear 2nd wave black metal songs, but then you hear those sad, low cleans that can bring you down to your knees and beg to the sky for help. Seriously the vocal delivery mixed with the lyrics is so somber and satisfying. As you can tell this is not an album about sunshine and lollipops; it's dark and such an appropriate album for 2022. Give this one a spin and make sure you have some tissues in case you start weeping uncontrollably.

33.) Shape of Despair- Return to the Void
FFO- Funeral Doom Metal

In speaking of doom metal that will make you weep like never before; Shape of Despair is back after 7 years to deliver their darkest album to date. This is a masterclass in funeral doom metal, mental health struggles, and existential crises. This is what depression sounds like. Plain and simple. I can't get through this without choking up and I'm honestly shocked it's not even higher up on my list. It's slow, it's brooding, it feels like you are fading into nothingness and all you see is blank. If you need a good ugly cry for this holiday season, I highly recommend putting on Return to the Void and giving yourself that cathartic cry that will help you feel better at the end. This album gives you no hope, but sometimes you just need to know others feel the same way just to get by.

32.) Agathodaimon- The Seven
FFO- Gothic Metal, Symphonic Black Metal

After nearly 9 years, Agathodaimon returns with their 7th album and it is their most expressive and hauntingly gorgeous album to date. While the album does hit all kinds of extremes, it does showcase their diversity over the years, no doubt it helps with a lineup change to really showcase where the band is right now. The songs are simply sinister and give you that feeling of either falling in love or falling in love with death. The instrumentation is top-notch here with absolutely no filler and all killer. It's one of the most complete-sounding albums of the year and I love every second of it. If you want your black metal with a touch of goth romance and sinister hellish evil; The Seven is an album you need right now.

31.) Dog Fashion Disco- Cult Classic
FFO- Horror Metal, Experimental

The first proper Dog Fashion Disco album in 7 years sees the band return with one of their heaviest sounds on the record. The fun-filled horror is still on display and every song sounds just as demented as it is delightful, just as a good Dog Fashion Disco song should be. I feel like this is a great starter album for anyone new to the band or maybe for someone who is only familiar with Polkadot Cadaver and wants to hear a more metal-tinged side those members bring to the table. It's not as wacky and a little more straightforward, but that's what this album calls for. All the more reason this is a good one for first-timers. A great album with hooks and melodies plenty and a wicked sense of talent. Seriously, if you never heard of DFD, change that now…and I mean NOW!

30.) King's X- Three Side to One
Progressive Metal, Hard Rock, Classic Rock

A very apt name for this album as it showcases the styles of dUg, Ty, and Jerry perfectly. It gets as heavy as it does rockin' as it does poppy. Everything is in a 33.3% balance. While it's been such a long wait since 2008's XV. This more than exceeded my expectations, but that came with time. This really is a slow burn of an album. It may even feel like it's not your bag when you first hear it, but the more you listen, the more infectious it becomes, the choruses become more addicting, and the styles mesh so well together. The production makes more sense. Everything comes together. It's a collection of great songs written by one of the world's greatest bands. Is it one of their best? That's up to the ear of the beholder. But to me, I feel better having this album in my life and I don't want to go back to a world where this doesn't exist. Thank you King's X for making this happen finally happen.

29.) Entransient- Ghosts in the Hall
FFO- Progressive Metal, Alternative Rock, Post Rock

This is a sheer highlight of an underground album this year. While the band has been going strong since 2015, the band still has a modest following, which does not match its bombastic sound at all. They hit so many genres that can bring people together from prog to alternative rock. Like if you mix Dream Theater or Fates Warning with 90's alternative hard rock and those ever-so-sweet Porcupine Tree-style acoustic passages that show up at the right times. It's the kind of band that would truly stand out on Top 40 radio in a different timeline. The music is also highly emotional and hits you at the right moments to nearly make you weep in the best way. Like I said this is a true highlight of an album this year, and I really hope that between me talking about them and anyone who may check out this album that they get all of the love they deserve, this is just killer music from the start to finish and deserve your ears.

28.) Star One- Revel in Time
FFO- Progressive Metal, Time Travel Movies

Russell Allen singing about Donnie Darko, Dan Swano singing about Groundhog's Day??? Yep, it must be a new Arjen Lucassen release. But seriously, the return of Star One in a new style, being able to bring a grand array of guest stars to sing about different time travel movies was the album we needed in 2022. It's heavy, it's epic, and it puts a much-needed smile on your face (especially if you know the source material for each song); We didn't need another intensely dark album in 2022 as we have so many of those this year (and much more to talk about in this list), I needed something that I can go back to, think about movies that I've always enjoyed or ones that I am at least aware of, and hear a new take on the stories and even visually (seriously, the title track's music video may be the best video of 2022, bar none). While I know whatever Arjen does not will be much more serious and thought-provoking like we all know and love; this was a nice change of pace and really shows off the continued musical diversity of one of the most brilliant minds in heavy music. Thank you Arjen...thank you…

27.) Bloodbath- Survival of the Sickest
FFO- Old School Death Metal

Plain and simple this is the most fun Bloodbath album to date. This album knows exactly what it is and if you couldn't get that vibe from the opening track Zombie Inferno, you will by the end. While not every song is fun and hits some really dark territories, the overall vibe of this album amongst its gore-obsessed slaughtering is something that makes you just appreciate an album like this in 2022. Plus it doesn't hurt having Barney from Napalm Death and Karl from Nile lending their vocals to this album to give it some extra flare. I know the Old Nick era of Bloodbath isn't as beloved as the Mikael or Peter eras, but I want to take away that notion. Nick Holmes is the perfect voice for Bloodbath and has proved it in the previously released and finalizes it here. The album finally clicks with everyone else who still wasn't sure about this lineup. It's exactly what it needs to be and it works so amazingly well. If you want a death metal album that will put a smile on your face and make you say "indeed"; this is the album for you.

26.) Oceans of Slumber- Starlight, and Ash
FFO- Southern Gothic Rock

A band that went from a perfect display of progressive death metal has done something truly progressive and became their own sound. Starlight and Ash is a new chapter of the band that now only showcases Cammie Beverly's astounding vocal range, but combines southern rock, blues, and even Cajun style to their sound. While you won't hear any blast beats or screams or growls on this album; you will hear easily one of the darkest albums of the year, which is more metal than a lot of albums you will hear this year. The songs are perfectly crafted and combine more soul and darkness than what you'll hear on top 40 rock radio. It's a perfect album to be released to and led in with a false sense of security before it totally haunts you. While, yes, this is a stark difference from what you came to know from the band, I for one am someone who feels this was the direction they needed to go and they created a perfect album. Bravo! I can't wait to see what comes next.

25.) Amorphis- Halo
FFO- Melodic Death metal, Progressive Death Metal

I said it back in February and I'll say it again. This is the best Amorphis album since Skyforger. The songs are at their strongest, it has the catchiest choruses potentially ever and it has a great variety of sounds. The riffs have more emotion behind them, which is what got me into Amorphis in the first place. It's beautiful, and it gets heavy in the right spots, but doesn't overtake the songs, The production perfectly matches the vibe of the album. And while I have yet to see Amorphis live for this album cycle, I can only imagine the songs sound spectacular in a live setting. While this is the end of a trilogy of albums that Amorphis has been working on over the past several years, it's got me chomping at the bit waiting to see what will come next from this legendary band. If this is what we got not, it's only going to get better from here.

24.) Hammerfall- Hammer of Dawn
FFO- Power Metal, Heavy Metal

Easily the heaviest and darkest Hammerfall album to date. Don't get that twisted, if you thought Hammerfall is full of cheese, this album will not change your mind as it is filled to brim with those cheesy moments, but that's what brings us all to the table. That said, the tone of the album feels darker than ever before, and there's a heavier vibe overall which the production really makes shine through. It even includes an all-too-short cameo from the legend King Diamond. If that doesn't make this the evilest Hammerfall album to date, I don't know what would. But all of that said, the songs are as catchy as ever with those perfect sing-a-long choruses, big epic swaying moments, and an overall fun experience that the band has always delivered upon. It has slowly but surely become my favorite Hammerfall album to date and I can't wait to hear a few of these songs when they open for Helloween next year. It's a fun album that has me grinning from ear to ear. That's all I ever wanted or needed from the band and they easily delivered.

23.) Ether Coven-0 The Relationship Between the Hammer and the Nail
FFO- Sludge Metal, Doom Metal, Experimental

Ether Coven is a band that is truly hard to define without missing some of the nuances that truly make them stand out from the crowd. With the band's 4th album; they found what I think is their winning formula by combining their experimental moments in sludge and doom, but adding just the right amount of atmospheric moments (just listen to the song Warmth of Your Bathwater for how it works) and they added just the right amount of diversity into their already creative sound to create what bands in the future will be inspired by in years to come. When it gets heavy, it gets brutal, when it gets lighter, it grabs your heartstrings. When you have guests from bands like Integrity and Light the Torch; you know you are in a for a heavy time. This feels like a great transformation album for the band. What comes next will be a shock to everyone, including the band; but I know it will continue in some of the best music I've heard in the genre.

22.) Abyssic- Brought Forth in Iniquity
FFO- Symphonic, Blackened Death Doom

An album was brought to my attention by Von Yanesh of Agathodaimon. This 3rd album from this triumphant outfit is easily their best to date with the best production, brutal vocals, and songwriting that is done in perfect layers so every time you listen, you hear something new. And the lyrical content really grabs you and does not let go. This is brutal in so many different ways, but above all, there's a sense of cathartic moments that really hits you if you are suffering from mental health issues like myself. If you are a fan of classical and symphonic music, you will be able to appreciate what's going on here. If you love your death doom as heavy as possible, you will love this album. It nearly feels like a Viking funeral album with how dark and triumphant it sounds at the same time. With tinges of gothic and ethereal moments that you just won't get anywhere else. I wish I had discovered this band earlier so I could appreciate this album even more, but I am so happy I discovered them now and I can put them this high up on the list as they truly deserve it. A death doom masterpiece.

21.) The Ferrymen- One More River To Cross
FFO- Power Metal, Dark Metal

The 3rd album in 5 years from this all-star band is without question the band's finest work to date. Everything about this album is perfect. It is dark, it's super catchy, the vocals are impeccable, the production is so slick and clean, the songwriting is amazing, and it has everything you are looking for in a power metal album that is not over the top cheesy. Of course, as already stated elsewhere, Ronnie Romero is the shining moment of this album, he has one of the best voices in metal and anyone who says differently is lying to themselves. For any hard rock, heavy metal, and power metal fan; if you missed this album, you are only hurting yourself by missing out on this album and the band in general. It came out in January, but its staying power is forever. It just takes one listen to understand why.

20.) Devin Townsend- Lightwork
FFO- Devin Townsend

Surprised? Hey, aren't I that Devin Townsend fanboy who thinks every album is number 1? Well, you give some nerve! But seriously, had this album come out earlier than the beginning of this month, it probably would be higher up on the list, but not number 1 to me. To actually get into it. This is an album all of us need, at least the song Call of the Void. The world sucks right now and there are so many reasons to be afraid and scared and not hopeful for the future. Every reason you have is valid. This album is a bit more of an upbeat version of Devin Townsend Project's Ki and not really as rockin' and poppy as Addicted, if feels, musically, right in between the two, but with today's message of calming down, appreciate what's in front of you, and enjoy the wonders that we have. It's not a completely positive album, but it is cathartic from the get-go. It's an album that puts a smile on my face and helps me be calmer when I need it (and I've needed it this month). If you need an album that can just help you relax from this almost end-of-the-pandemic world we live in and trying to see the light that's left in the world, give this album a shot. If you only like Hevy Devy, you'll be disappointed, but if you like Devin Townsend, you will find something to truly appreciate about this album.

19.) Astronoid- Radiant Bloom
FFO- Progressive Metal, Dreamgaze

The blast beats are back. OH HAPPY DAY! THE BLAST BEATS ARE BACK!!! But seriously, yes, they are in a few songs and really heighten their emotions. And for the rest of the album. It feels like a perfect blend of the last two releases. The songs are super emotive and are either very jarring to you or they are exactly what you need. I've yet to see anyone say "Meh, they're fine, I guess.". It's pure love or hate, and I am of the former. Astronoid has yet to do wrong on any release and Radiant Bloom is the culmination of everything so far with their best songwriting to date. They are a band that I know some will say either needs to be lighter if you like lighter music or more extreme if you like heavier music. To me, they are the perfect yin yang of a band and hits both sides perfectly. They just need to keep on doing what they do and all will be right in the world...well the world of the music they make that is.

18.) Revocation- Netherheaven
FFO- Progressive Death Metal, Thrash Metal, Melodic Death Metal

I've been saying it for the last few releases and I guess I have to say it here again. I can't believe they topped their last album. Netherheaven is about Dante's Inferno and battling through the 9 stages of Hell and every song of the 9 songs shown off feels like the soundtrack to each stage. Every song has its evil but different feel to it that makes every song stand out. Combined with insane technical prowess, clean but just raw enough production, and some guest spots from Corpsegrinder and one of the final appearances of Trevor Strnad makes this an album that simply can't be passed up if you are a fan of more extreme music. There are plenty of melodic and harmonic passes throughout, but this is one of the most brutal albums the band has ever made and what may be their best album to date. They simply nailed it with Netherheaven. This is how it's done, folks.

17.) Blind Guardian- The God Machine
FFO- Power Metal, Speed Metal

Until another album came out, this was my power metal album of the year. It has what I've wanted from Blind Guardian for decades. A return to speed metal, but still able to keep their power metal abilities. It's the perfect melding of both eras of the band. And of course, Hansi's storytelling in every song is mesmerizing. I would dare to say that this is my favorite album since Imaginations from the Other Side, and I don't say that lightly as there have been some terrific albums since that time, but Blind Guardian proves that you can just never know what to expect next and your favorite band that's been around for almost 40 years may put out one of their best albums ever in 2022. Chef's Kiss, a perfect power metal/speed metal album.

16.) Lacrimas Profoundre- How to Shroud Yourself with Night
FFO- Gothic Metal

While the FFO section doesn't hit everything this album covers, giving it a gothic metal tag doesn't really say it all. There are doom moments, black metal moments, and hard rock moments. It's one of the most varied, but catchy and cohesive albums in the band's discography. And with it being the second album of frontman, Julian Larre. He steps up in a way that is simply jaw-dropping and shows off his vocal range in a way that you simply don't expect on a first listen. This is an album for those that want a more upbeat gothic album that while it can be sinister, it's also not showing all of its cards right away, you gotta listen, let it sink in, and see what this band has to offer still after 29 years. Is it their best album to date? It's hard to disagree with that notion. I know I love it more and more with every listen and you may as well. Give this one a shot if it sounds like something you'd enjoy.

15.) Wolfheart- King of the North
FFO- Melodic Death Metal, Folk Metal

I just talked about it with Revocation and it applies here. How did Wolfheart beat their previous album? Wolfheart really does grow stronger with every album and this loosely conceptual album about Finnish gods showcases the diverse sound of the band while they continue to get more extreme in brutality, melody, and catchy choruses. This is also the first album to show off a good amount of clean vocals, especially the standout guest spot from Killswitch Engage's Jesse Leech. This is an album that will stand the test of time and will be looked upon as one of the best melodeath albums of the 2020s. That is of course until the next Wolfheart album that will obliterate us sometime in the future. Till then, appreciate this Finnish melodeath masterpiece in all of its glory.

14.) Venator- Echoes from the Gutter
FFO- Speed Metal, Revival Metal, Heavy Metal

The debut album from this Austrian metal band came to me at the right place at the right time. Every song on this album has that great throwback 80s sound but is updated enough for the modern crowd. Just look at their album cover. It feels like the perfect B-Horror movie cover that you would pick up on a Saturday night at your local video store. The songs are filled with tremendous solos and killer vocals with an awesome range. A throwback-style production and classic and memorable riffs that will not leave your mind no matter how hard you try. It's an album that needs your love and attention if you like the revival metal movement. Seriously, go give this a spin and try not to have fun with it;. I dare you.

13.) Silent Skies- Nectar
FFO- Cinematic Ambient

The lightest-sounding album on this whole list is also one of the most gut-punching to your emotions. The sophomore collaboration between Vikram Shankar (3rd appearance on this list!) and Evergrey and Redemption's Tom Englund is something that sounds so off-kilter on paper but works so perfectly in execution. It feels like such a dark movie you are experiencing in your head as you watch everything unfold musically. Every song is catchy but so dark. It makes Adele sound like Carly Rae Jepsen. In a better timeline, this would be on top 40 radio and they would be playing stadiums for all the world to see. I'm still going to hold out for that day, but until then, appreciate them now before they explode and the ticket sales become astronomical. This is some of the best dark pop and cinematic ambient music you'll come across in your life.

12,) Horizon Ignited- Towards The Dying Lands
FFO- Melodic Death Metal, Heavy Metal, Hard Rock

A melodeath band that is pushing the boundaries by becoming more mainstream in sound? Yes rather than become more and more extreme, Horizon Ignited's sophomore album takes their melodeath sound and mixes it with more catchy choruses, simpler riffs, and even songs that have no lead screams or growls in them? But don't be scared, if you dig that sound, it's layered throughout the album as well as classic sounding melodeath riffs all throughout the album, but just a modernized take to where even your coworkers who like Disturbed and Breaking Benjamin could listen to this band appreciate what's going on. Any band can be a breakthrough band in metal, don't write people off. But this album is that perfect balance of heavy and mainstream that has me excited for the future. No matter what they do, it'll be awesome, I can feel it.

11.) MMXX- Sacred Cargo
FFO- Melodic Doom Metal

An album that truly brings tears to my eyes in its dark sense and cathartic tendencies. MMXX's debut album features some of the greatest voices in dark music. Featuring the vocalists of Swallow the Sun, My Dying Bride, Antimatter, and the legend of legend Dan Swano giving one of his best vocal performances in a good long time (and of course so many other great voices). If you are a fan of melodic doom metal, whether it's as slow and brooding as funeral doom, or something that can be a bit more beautiful yet haunting; MMXX has a song for you on this album. I feel like this is the perfect starter album for anyone new to the genre. If you like a particular vocalist on this album, you will be able to find something of theirs that you will love in time and it's the perfect love letter to the genre as well. It's dark, it is tragic, it's beautiful and it makes me at least weep every time I hear it. That is the sign of a perfect album to my ears.

10.) Bloody Hammers- Washed in the Blood
FFO- Horror Metal, Gothic Metal, Heavy Metal, Punk

Bloody Hammers has been putting out consistently great album after consistently great album for years and now with the release of their 6 albums in 11 years, the husband and wife duo has taken everything that has worked about their sound so far and decided to use all of it for new material. Whether you like the metal aspects, the gothic side, or the punk variations; it's all here and then. It's the perfect starter album for anyone new to Bloody Hammers. Whatever tracks are your favorite, there is a previous album that attaches itself to that style in their previous work. After seeing the band sadly let go from their previous label, this is a return to the independent release, but the fans are there to not only buy up the limited vinyl but to make sure Bloody Hammers is a band that can stay as they are a band that I do not want to see go. I can only imagine this album is the closing of a chapter before the band reinvents itself once again and I am so here for it. I can't wait to see what's next from one of the best horror bands around.

9.) Brymir- Voices in the Sky
FFO- Symphonic Power Metal, Black Metal, Melodic Death Metal

The 5th album from this masterclass of a metal band is easily my favorite. This Finnish band (see, another example of why Finland has the best bands per capita) combines almost all of my favorite genres into one band and makes it sound completely cohesive. The choruses are so powerful and catchy, they can get so heavy or so epic or so evil-sounding that whether you like something like Sonata Arctica, Omnium Gatherum, or Emperor; there is something here for you. While this is a newer sound for the band that focuses more on the power metal side of things, the last few tracks on the album definitely hit on the melodeath and especially the black metal sides of the band to let you know that black fire still burns. This is a fantastic display of making the music you want to make and sometimes, that involves evolving your sound to something a little more mainstream, but never losing your soul. This is how it's done.

8.) The Halo Effect- Days of the Lost
FFO- Melodic Death Metal

When ex-members of In Flames realize that they want to start a band together, they can create some of the best music of the year. From nods to the past, songs that fit perfectly in the present, and what to look forward to in the future, this debut album combines the perfect amount of melodeath, hard rock, commercial rock, and some occasional industrial moments making this a release that no matter your age or when you discovered metal, you will find something to appreciate here. This band is meant to be friends making music together and those can be the best bands out there. Dark Tranquility and Cyrha aren't going anywhere, for example, but it's great to have something like this, while we wait for those bands to write new music. Simply, it's a masterclass in melodeath and the occasional song that would fit perfectly on top 40 rock radio in a better timeline. This is simply amazing and I know their next album will even top this one. It's just a matter of time.

7.) Sumerlands- Dreamkiller
FFO- Revival Metal, Heavy Metal

Absolute proof that classic metal will never die. Sumerlands' sophomore album not only changes things around with the lineup, but it shakes things up in the writing style to let new singer, Brenden Radigan absolutely shine on this album. The songs feel so perfect with his vocals on top. The album is short and sweet coming in with 8 songs and 2 seconds shy of 35 minutes. There is 0% filler on this album and 100% killer riffs, soaring vocals, and some of the catchiest moments in all rock and metal music in 2022. As eluded to, if you dig classic metal, this is the band for you. But there is enough new going on here that it does not dismiss what's relevant today. Sumerlands became the leaders of the revival of metal sound in 2022. What was meant as a side project may have to become a full-time band due to its rise in popularity and I am all here for it? The band truly broke through with Dreamkiller and their love is completely warranted. Just give it a shot and see for yourself.

6.) In The Woods...- Diversum
FFO- Progressive Metal, Dark Metal, Black Metal

While In The Woods… has been an ever-changing lineup since 1991, now 31 years into the game and the band's 6th album may be their strongest album ever. With new vocalist, Bernt Fjellestad leading the charge with his ever-powerful vocal delivery matching the band's growing dark metal tendencies, the band has a musical chemistry that feels perfect right now in 2022. Dealing with societal issues, mental health issues, and the ever-increasing void of darkness in life, the band matches the lyrical concepts with the music in perfect haunting harmony. The album also has some of its most diverse moments in the band's 3 decade plus history hitting moments of near black metal, avant-garde, and of course super catchy moments that will stick with you for days on end. In The Woods… is a band that deserves any and all of the love they can get. And I really hope with this album that their popularity will continue to rise. This is a staple of what dark metal is all about.

5.) Gladenfold- Nemesis
FFO- Melodic Death Metal, Symphonic Power Metal

More Finnish metal is never a bad thing. Sadly I didn't discover this album till months after it came out and it is my first experience with the band. I have to thank Sean, The Metal Pigeon, from MSRcast and his own website for introducing me to this band. With the third release from this band, I realize they hit all of the targets I would want in a band like this. It hits the symphonic power metal moments that I love with fast double bass, soaring clean vocals, and of course those guitars, but on the turn of the dime and sometimes even at the same time, the melodeath comes in and you'll start to hear moments of screams and growls, blast beats and sinister tones. Imagine a combination of Eternal Tears of Sorrow, Kamelot, and Children of Bodom and you're starting to get the right idea. The songs are so catchy and memorable, the musicianship is top-notch, the production is so slick and clean, and the overall musical experience is one that had my jaw drop from the moment I first heard them, and even as I listen now, it still hits the floor. I can't sing the praises of this album and band enough. Please, if you dig your extreme metal with a great number of melancholic melodies and harmonies; this is a band you need to hear as soon as you can.

4.) Avantasia- A Paranormal Evening with the Moonflower Society
FFO- Power Metal

Tobias Sammet's finest hour? I just may think so. When I talked to Tobi a little over a month ago, he mentioned that this is the album that rejuvenated his love of singing, recording, and performing; and you can definitely hear in his voice that he is so happy to be doing this again. That's not a slight at anything he has done in the past, you can just hear the difference in his voice. While I have seen some people say that he is phoning it in on this album or that he's not trying to be original anymore; to me, he is making the best songs he can for the live experience. Something I'll probably never be able to witness, but I love and appreciate how much heart and soul goes into this album and the cast of characters that go into this. With some first-time appearances and some that you already know and love; everything comes together in perfect harmony here and any of the fluff to pad out an album is stripped away. These songs are meant to be performed live and if they sound this incredible in the studio, it'll only be better live. In complete transparency; Ghostlights will always be my favorite Avantasia album, but I have no problem saying that this is the best Avantasia album to date with its complete blend of everything I love about the band. From fast power metal to haunting ballads to epic closers; it's all here and then some. This is the standard bearer for power metal for years to come.

3.) Power Paladin- With The Magic of Windfyre Steel
FFO- Power Metal, Nerd Culture

This Icelandic power metal band's debut album is unadulterated cheesy, nerdy, geeky power metal and I am here for every single second of it. From comics to video games to movies that all hit home for me mixed with the best songwriting in the genre that I may have ever heard. The vocal performances on this album are my favorite of the year, the songs are unbelievably catchy no matter the tempo. And come on, any band that can seamlessly break into The Legend of Zelda theme song is A-OK in my book. And with that said, Righteous Fury (The song that features that aforementioned Zelda theme) may be my song of the year. I can't say enough great things about this album. If you love over-the-top power metal, nerd culture, and some of the best songwriting you'll hear this year; Power Paladin is a band you simply can't skip out on. You listen to them, get rid of your tough mentality, and put a giant smile on your face. That's what this band and this album will accomplish for you.

2.) Hangman's Chair- A Loner
FFO- Doom Metal, Gothic Metal

While this is not the band's first album, this is without question their breakout album. It took 6 albums, but the band fully found its sound and it comes from the darkest of places, and mental health issues. Unlike most mental health advice that you get from people who may have their hearts in the right places, but really have no clue how to help; this is an album that lets you know that sometimes, all you need to do is shut yourself away from the world to get better. It's a dark, isolating, and cathartic album. It also goes with the notion that I've been saying for years that sometimes it takes knowing others are struggling just like you are to know that you are not alone and that can be the most cathartic and therapeutic feeling you can experience when you are struggling. But back on the music, it never goes faster than mid-tempo (which is like speed metal for doom standards) it has great tinges to 80s and 90s gothic rock and metal, especially in some of the guitar tones and it's all clean vocals, so if that's a selling point or a breaking point for you...there you go. For me, I have not listened to any other album more this year than A Loner. It fills me with cathartic joy, it makes me cry, and it helps me feel less alone. And without question, it's the best clean vocaled album of 2022.

1.) Tómarúm- Ash in Realms of Stone Icons
FFO- Progressive Death Metal, Melodic Black Metal

One of the most emotionally devastating albums and heartbreaking albums also has some of the most neck-break speeds, technical prowess, and flabbergasting riffs you'll hear in 2022. An album that shows that progressive and technical abilities and emotional melodies are not exclusive and can be combined to create something for people who love over-the-top fretwork, mouth-watering blast beats, mixed with soul-crushing vocals and melodies that grab your soul and eat it right in front of you. You'd think a band like this would have been crafting this for decades. No, they started in 2017. You'd also think that a band like this would maybe hit something like this on their 4th or 5th album. Nope, it's their debut LP. For the first time since 2013, a band's debut album hits my number 1 album of the year, and for damn good reason. The album hits the musical proficiency that I care so much about when I was growing up with the emotionally driven melodies harmonies and vocal lines that drive what I listen to the most now. It's controlled, emotional chaos with lyrics based on some of the worst things you can experience as a human being. Sign me up immediately for that. While this is another album I heard months after it came out. I'm so happy I gave it a chance and instantly fell in love. While this is not an album for everyone, those that dare to be intrigued by this will hopefully feel the way I do about this album and I can't wait for their next album. If this album hits me this hard on a debut LP; their sophomore album, I know will only hit me even harder, so I better get some tissues ready now for my eyes for the emotional moments and other parts for the progressive and technical moments. This is more than worthy to be my album of the year.


And there you go folks. It's over...it's done. 150 albums of 2022 have been talked about, promoted, and reviewed by me. I hope you found an album or 150 to check out and enjoy this year. Every album I write about is worth talking about or else I wouldn't do it. And I thank you for the past 2 weeks for letting me able to show all these off to you. Now go check out the Spotify playlist that has tracks from all these bands or uses your physical or digital platform of choice and check out these albums for yourself. Have a happy holiday season and I'll see you back again in 2023. Until then, this is Josh Rundquist for Heavy Debriefings saying, See Ya!

Hello everyone and welcome to the final part of this baffling ordeal known as Heavy Debriefings' Top 150 Albums of 2022. Today is the top 10 albums of 2022. The cream of the crop, the top of the mountain, the very best of the very best...in my humblest of opinions. There may be some albums you expect, some albums you didn't expect, and maybe (or probably) some albums you never even knew existed before reading about them here. These are the 10 albums that have gotten me through the year in some way, shape or form; and I'm so happy that in my small way, I can give these albums the recognition they deserve, and maybe you'll like 1 or 10 of them. I've done enough talking, let's get into the rules and get into the grand finale.

1.) This is a 10-part List running from November 28th to December 9th. The first week is Albums 150-51. 20 Albums a day in countdown order. The 2nd week is the Top 50 with 10 albums a day counting down all the way to number 1.

2.) There are no EPs, Live Albums, Remake Albums, Cover Albums, or Rarity Albums. It is a list of all brand-new studio albums released in 2022.

3.) The order of each entry is as follows: Band Name, Album Title, FFO (For Fans Of) Section, Paragraph or less description of said album.

4.) The list takes into account albums that are released between January 1st, 2022, and December 9th, 2022. Yes, the last few weeks of the year are not included and there is no reason you should be releasing music in that time frame if you want people to check out your album in a calendar year. That's on you.

5.) This list is mine and mine alone. I was not paid or asked to put any album on this list.

6.) As it is impossible to add every single heavy album in a single year, I can only add what I've heard and enjoyed. If an album is not on here that you feel should have been it is because either A.) I didn't hear it, B.) I didn't hear it enough, or C.) It wasn't my bag...baby.

7.) This is a list of my TOP 150 albums of 2022. Not just 150 albums I heard this year. I heard much more than that and narrowed things down to the ones that I want to showcase. Your favorite album or discovery from this list could be at 1, 23, 78, 104, or 150. You don't know unless you check the whole list and check out anything that may appeal to you. I'm just the messenger giving you good music and my own thoughts, but I really do enjoy every single album listed and recommend you check these out at your own discretion.

8.) Enjoy the ride, make some new discoveries, and check out some new music. If between all 150 albums listed you can't find one that you enjoy, you're reading the wrong list.

And now onto The Top 10 albums of 2022!

10.) Bloody Hammers- Washed in the Blood
FFO- Horror Metal, Gothic Metal, Heavy Metal, Punk

Bloody Hammers has been putting out consistently great album after consistently great album for years and now with the release of their 6 albums in 11 years, the husband and wife duo has taken everything that has worked about their sound so far and decided to use all of it for new material. Whether you like the metal aspects, the gothic side, or the punk variations; it's all here and then. It's the perfect starter album for anyone new to Bloody Hammers. Whatever tracks are your favorite, there is a previous album that attaches itself to that style in their previous work. After seeing the band sadly let go from their previous label, this is a return to the independent release, but the fans are there to not only buy up the limited vinyl but to make sure Bloody Hammers is a band that can stay as they are a band that I do not want to see go. I can only imagine this album is the closing of a chapter before the band reinvents itself once again and I am so here for it. I can't wait to see what's next from one of the best horror bands around.

9.) Brymir- Voices in the Sky
FFO- Symphonic Power Metal, Black Metal, Melodic Death Metal

The 5th album from this masterclass of a metal band is easily my favorite. This Finnish band (see, another example of why Finland has the best bands per capita) combines almost all of my favorite genres into one band and makes it sound completely cohesive. The choruses are so powerful and catchy, they can get so heavy or so epic or so evil-sounding that whether you like something like Sonata Arctica, Omnium Gatherum, or Emperor; there is something here for you. While this is a newer sound for the band that focuses more on the power metal side of things, the last few tracks on the album definitely hit on the melodeath and especially the black metal sides of the band to let you know that black fire still burns. This is a fantastic display of making the music you want to make and sometimes, that involves evolving your sound to something a little more mainstream, but never losing your soul. This is how it's done.

8.) The Halo Effect- Days of the Lost
FFO- Melodic Death Metal

When ex-members of In Flames realize that they want to start a band together, they can create some of the best music of the year. From nods to the past, songs that fit perfectly in the present, and what to look forward to in the future, this debut album combines the perfect amount of melodeath, hard rock, commercial rock, and some occasional industrial moments making this a release that no matter your age or when you discovered metal, you will find something to appreciate here. This band is meant to be friends making music together and those can be the best bands out there. Dark Tranquility and Cyrha aren't going anywhere, for example, but it's great to have something like this, while we wait for those bands to write new music. Simply, it's a masterclass in melodeath and the occasional song that would fit perfectly on top 40 rock radio in a better timeline. This is simply amazing and I know their next album will even top this one. It's just a matter of time.

7.) Sumerlands- Dreamkiller
FFO- Revival Metal, Heavy Metal

Absolute proof that classic metal will never die. Sumerlands' sophomore album not only changes things around with the lineup, but it shakes things up in the writing style to let new singer, Brenden Radigan absolutely shine on this album. The songs feel so perfect with his vocals on top. The album is short and sweet coming in with 8 songs and 2 seconds shy of 35 minutes. There is 0% filler on this album and 100% killer riffs, soaring vocals, and some of the catchiest moments in all rock and metal music in 2022. As eluded to, if you dig classic metal, this is the band for you. But there is enough new going on here that it does not dismiss what's relevant today. Sumerlands became the leaders of the revival of metal sound in 2022. What was meant as a side project may have to become a full-time band due to its rise in popularity and I am all here for it? The band truly broke through with Dreamkiller and their love is completely warranted. Just give it a shot and see for yourself.

6.) In The Woods...- Diversum
FFO- Progressive Metal, Dark Metal, Black Metal

While In The Woods… has been an ever-changing lineup since 1991, now 31 years into the game and the band's 6th album may be their strongest album ever. With new vocalist, Bernt Fjellestad leading the charge with his ever-powerful vocal delivery matching the band's growing dark metal tendencies, the band has a musical chemistry that feels perfect right now in 2022. Dealing with societal issues, mental health issues, and the ever-increasing void of darkness in life, the band matches the lyrical concepts with the music in perfect haunting harmony. The album also has some of its most diverse moments in the band's 3 decade plus history hitting moments of near black metal, avant-garde, and of course super catchy moments that will stick with you for days on end. In The Woods… is a band that deserves any and all of the love they can get. And I really hope with this album that their popularity will continue to rise. This is a staple of what dark metal is all about.

5.) Gladenfold- Nemesis
FFO- Melodic Death Metal, Symphonic Power Metal

More Finnish metal is never a bad thing. Sadly I didn't discover this album till months after it came out and it is my first experience with the band. I have to thank Sean, The Metal Pigeon, from MSRcast and his own website for introducing me to this band. With the third release from this band, I realize they hit all of the targets I would want in a band like this. It hits the symphonic power metal moments that I love with fast double bass, soaring clean vocals, and of course those guitars, but on the turn of the dime and sometimes even at the same time, the melodeath comes in and you'll start to hear moments of screams and growls, blast beats and sinister tones. Imagine a combination of Eternal Tears of Sorrow, Kamelot, and Children of Bodom and you're starting to get the right idea. The songs are so catchy and memorable, the musicianship is top-notch, the production is so slick and clean, and the overall musical experience is one that had my jaw drop from the moment I first heard them, and even as I listen now, it still hits the floor. I can't sing the praises of this album and band enough. Please, if you dig your extreme metal with a great number of melancholic melodies and harmonies; this is a band you need to hear as soon as you can.

4.) Avantasia- A Paranormal Evening with the Moonflower Society
FFO- Power Metal

Tobias Sammet's finest hour? I just may think so. When I talked to Tobi a little over a month ago, he mentioned that this is the album that rejuvenated his love of singing, recording, and performing; and you can definitely hear in his voice that he is so happy to be doing this again. That's not a slight at anything he has done in the past, you can just hear the difference in his voice. While I have seen some people say that he is phoning it in on this album or that he's not trying to be original anymore; to me, he is making the best songs he can for the live experience. Something I'll probably never be able to witness, but I love and appreciate how much heart and soul goes into this album and the cast of characters that go into this. With some first-time appearances and some that you already know and love; everything comes together in perfect harmony here and any of the fluff to pad out an album is stripped away. These songs are meant to be performed live and if they sound this incredible in the studio, it'll only be better live. In complete transparency; Ghostlights will always be my favorite Avantasia album, but I have no problem saying that this is the best Avantasia album to date with its complete blend of everything I love about the band. From fast power metal to haunting ballads to epic closers; it's all here and then some. This is the standard bearer for power metal for years to come.

3.) Power Paladin- With The Magic of Windfyre Steel
FFO- Power Metal, Nerd Culture

This Icelandic power metal band's debut album is unadulterated cheesy, nerdy, geeky power metal and I am here for every single second of it. From comics to video games to movies that all hit home for me mixed with the best songwriting in the genre that I may have ever heard. The vocal performances on this album are my favorite of the year, the songs are unbelievably catchy no matter the tempo. And come on, any band that can seamlessly break into The Legend of Zelda theme song is A-OK in my book. And with that said, Righteous Fury (The song that features that aforementioned Zelda theme) may be my song of the year. I can't say enough great things about this album. If you love over-the-top power metal, nerd culture, and some of the best songwriting you'll hear this year; Power Paladin is a band you simply can't skip out on. You listen to them, get rid of your tough mentality, and put a giant smile on your face. That's what this band and this album will accomplish for you.

2.) Hangman's Chair- A Loner
FFO- Doom Metal, Gothic Metal

While this is not the band's first album, this is without question their breakout album. It took 6 albums, but the band fully found its sound and it comes from the darkest of places, and mental health issues. Unlike most mental health advice that you get from people who may have their hearts in the right places, but really have no clue how to help; this is an album that lets you know that sometimes, all you need to do is shut yourself away from the world to get better. It's a dark, isolating, and cathartic album. It also goes with the notion that I've been saying for years that sometimes it takes knowing others are struggling just like you are to know that you are not alone and that can be the most cathartic and therapeutic feeling you can experience when you are struggling. But back on the music, it never goes faster than mid-tempo (which is like speed metal for doom standards) it has great tinges to 80s and 90s gothic rock and metal, especially in some of the guitar tones and it's all clean vocals, so if that's a selling point or a breaking point for you...there you go. For me, I have not listened to any other album more this year than A Loner. It fills me with cathartic joy, it makes me cry, and it helps me feel less alone. And without question, it's the best clean vocaled album of 2022.

1.) Tómarúm- Ash in Realms of Stone Icons
FFO- Progressive Death Metal, Melodic Black Metal

One of the most emotionally devastating albums and heartbreaking albums also has some of the most neck-break speeds, technical prowess, and flabbergasting riffs you'll hear in 2022. An album that shows that progressive and technical abilities and emotional melodies are not exclusive and can be combined to create something for people who love over-the-top fretwork, mouth-watering blast beats, mixed with soul-crushing vocals and melodies that grab your soul and eat it right in front of you. You'd think a band like this would have been crafting this for decades. No, they started in 2017. You'd also think that a band like this would maybe hit something like this on their 4th or 5th album. Nope, it's their debut LP. For the first time since 2013, a band's debut album hits my number 1 album of the year, and for damn good reason. The album hits the musical proficiency that I care so much about when I was growing up with the emotionally driven melodies harmonies and vocal lines that drive what I listen to the most now. It's controlled, emotional chaos with lyrics based on some of the worst things you can experience as a human being. Sign me up immediately for that. While this is another album I heard months after it came out. I'm so happy I gave it a chance and instantly fell in love. While this is not an album for everyone, those that dare to be intrigued by this will hopefully feel the way I do about this album and I can't wait for their next album. If this album hits me this hard on a debut LP; their sophomore album, I know will only hit me even harder, so I better get some tissues ready now for my eyes for the emotional moments and other parts for the progressive and technical moments. This is more than worthy to be my album of the year.


And there you go folks. It's over...it's done. 150 albums of 2022 have been talked about, promoted, and reviewed by me. I hope you found an album or 150 to check out and enjoy this year. Every album I write about is worth talking about or else I wouldn't do it. And I thank you for the past 2 weeks for letting me able to show all these off to you. Now go check out the Spotify playlist that has tracks from all these bands or uses your physical or digital platform of choice and check out these albums for yourself. Have a happy holiday season and I'll see you back again in 2023. Until then, this is Josh Rundquist for Heavy Debriefings saying, See Ya!

- Josh Rundquist (Heavy Debriefings)

Hello everyone and welcome to the penultimate segment of Heavy Debriefings' Top 150 Albums of 2022. It is indeed Part IX 20-11. I know that this is where most people will have started paying attention, that is not lost on me. Some will think that I just should have done a Top 20 and be done with it. To that, I say, well what about these other 130 albums that deserve just as much attention. I love every album that I put on this list and want to show them off equally. My ranking order is not as important as getting the word out about these albums to continue showing that there is great new music out there and I defy you to try to find one album on here you can't enjoy and if you can't, there are plenty of other music lists out there for you to enjoy. But rant over. Let's get into it, let's get into the top 20 of the year. First the rules, then we begin!

1.) This is a 10-part List running from November 28th to December 9th. The first week is Albums 150-51. 20 Albums a day in countdown order. The 2nd week is the Top 50 with 10 albums a day counting down all the way to number 1.

2.) There are no EPs, Live Albums, Remake Albums, Cover Albums, or Rarity Albums. It is a list of all brand-new studio albums released in 2022.

3.) The order of each entry is as follows: Band Name, Album Title, FFO (For Fans Of) Section, Paragraph or less description of said album.

4.) The list takes into account albums that are released between January 1st, 2022, and December 9th, 2022. Yes, the last few weeks of the year are not included and there is no reason you should be releasing music in that time frame if you want people to check out your album in a calendar year. That's on you.

5.) This list is mine and mine alone. I was not paid or asked to put any album on this list.

6.) As it is impossible to add every single heavy album in a single year, I can only add what I've heard and enjoyed. If an album is not on here that you feel should have been it is because either A.) I didn't hear it, B.) I didn't hear it enough, or C.) It wasn't my bag...baby.

7.) This is a list of my TOP 150 albums of 2022. Not just 150 albums I heard this year. I heard much more than that and narrowed things down to the ones that I want to showcase. Your favorite album or discovery from this list could be at 1, 23, 78, 104, or 150. You don't know unless you check the whole list and check out anything that may appeal to you. I'm just the messenger giving you good music and my own thoughts, but I really do enjoy every single album listed and recommend you check these out at your own discretion.

8.) Enjoy the ride, make some new discoveries, and check out some new music. If between all 150 albums listed you can't find one that you enjoy, you're reading the wrong list.

And now onto today’s segment of the list

20.) Devin Townsend- Lightwork
FFO- Devin Townsend

Surprised? Hey, aren't I that Devin Townsend fanboy who thinks every album is number 1? Well, you give some nerve! But seriously, had this album come out earlier than the beginning of this month, it probably would be higher up on the list, but not number 1 to me. To actually get into it. This is an album all of us need, at least the song Call of the Void. The world sucks right now and there are so many reasons to be afraid and scared and not hopeful for the future. Every reason you have is valid. This album is a bit more of an upbeat version of Devin Townsend Project's Ki and not really as rockin' and poppy as Addicted, if feels, musically, right in between the two, but with today's message of calming down, appreciate what's in front of you, and enjoy the wonders that we have. It's not a completely positive album, but it is cathartic from the get-go. It's an album that puts a smile on my face and helps me be calmer when I need it (and I've needed it this month). If you need an album that can just help you relax from this almost end-of-the-pandemic world we live in and trying to see the light that's left in the world, give this album a shot. If you only like Hevy Devy, you'll be disappointed, but if you like Devin Townsend, you will find something to truly appreciate about this album.

19.) Astronoid- Radiant Bloom
FFO- Progressive Metal, Dreamgaze

The blast beats are back. OH HAPPY DAY! THE BLAST BEATS ARE BACK!!! But seriously, yes, they are in a few songs and really heighten their emotions. And for the rest of the album. It feels like a perfect blend of the last two releases. The songs are super emotive and are either very jarring to you or they are exactly what you need. I've yet to see anyone say "Meh, they're fine, I guess.". It's pure love or hate, and I am of the former. Astronoid has yet to do wrong on any release and Radiant Bloom is the culmination of everything so far with their best songwriting to date. They are a band that I know some will say either needs to be lighter if you like lighter music or more extreme if you like heavier music. To me, they are the perfect yin yang of a band and hits both sides perfectly. They just need to keep on doing what they do and all will be right in the world...well the world of the music they make that is.

18.) Revocation- Netherheaven
FFO- Progressive Death Metal, Thrash Metal, Melodic Death Metal

I've been saying it for the last few releases and I guess I have to say it here again. I can't believe they topped their last album. Netherheaven is about Dante's Inferno and battling through the 9 stages of Hell and every song of the 9 songs shown off feels like the soundtrack to each stage. Every song has its evil but different feel to it that makes every song stand out. Combined with insane technical prowess, clean but just raw enough production, and some guest spots from Corpsegrinder and one of the final appearances of Trevor Strnad makes this an album that simply can't be passed up if you are a fan of more extreme music. There are plenty of melodic and harmonic passes throughout, but this is one of the most brutal albums the band has ever made and what may be their best album to date. They simply nailed it with Netherheaven. This is how it's done, folks.

17.) Blind Guardian- The God Machine
FFO- Power Metal, Speed Metal

Until another album came out, this was my power metal album of the year. It has what I've wanted from Blind Guardian for decades. A return to speed metal, but still able to keep their power metal abilities. It's the perfect melding of both eras of the band. And of course, Hansi's storytelling in every song is mesmerizing. I would dare to say that this is my favorite album since Imaginations from the Other Side, and I don't say that lightly as there have been some terrific albums since that time, but Blind Guardian proves that you can just never know what to expect next and your favorite band that's been around for almost 40 years may put out one of their best albums ever in 2022. Chef's Kiss, a perfect power metal/speed metal album.

16.) Lacrimas Profoundre- How to Shroud Yourself with Night
FFO- Gothic Metal

While the FFO section doesn't hit everything this album covers, giving it a gothic metal tag doesn't really say it all. There are doom moments, black metal moments, and hard rock moments. It's one of the most varied, but catchy and cohesive albums in the band's discography. And with it being the second album of frontman, Julian Larre. He steps up in a way that is simply jaw-dropping and shows off his vocal range in a way that you simply don't expect on a first listen. This is an album for those that want a more upbeat gothic album that while it can be sinister, it's also not showing all of its cards right away, you gotta listen, let it sink in, and see what this band has to offer still after 29 years. Is it their best album to date? It's hard to disagree with that notion. I know I love it more and more with every listen and you may as well. Give this one a shot if it sounds like something you'd enjoy.

15.) Wolfheart- King of the North
FFO- Melodic Death Metal, Folk Metal

I just talked about it with Revocation and it applies here. How did Wolfheart beat their previous album? Wolfheart really does grow stronger with every album and this loosely conceptual album about Finnish gods showcases the diverse sound of the band while they continue to get more extreme in brutality, melody, and catchy choruses. This is also the first album to show off a good amount of clean vocals, especially the standout guest spot from Killswitch Engage's Jesse Leech. This is an album that will stand the test of time and will be looked upon as one of the best melodeath albums of the 2020s. That is of course until the next Wolfheart album that will obliterate us sometime in the future. Till then, appreciate this Finnish melodeath masterpiece in all of its glory.

14.) Venator- Echoes from the Gutter
FFO- Speed Metal, Revival Metal, Heavy Metal

The debut album from this Austrian metal band came to me at the right place at the right time. Every song on this album has that great throwback 80s sound but is updated enough for the modern crowd. Just look at their album cover. It feels like the perfect B-Horror movie cover that you would pick up on a Saturday night at your local video store. The songs are filled with tremendous solos and killer vocals with an awesome range. A throwback-style production and classic and memorable riffs that will not leave your mind no matter how hard you try. It's an album that needs your love and attention if you like the revival metal movement. Seriously, go give this a spin and try not to have fun with it;. I dare you.

13.) Silent Skies- Nectar
FFO- Cinematic Ambient

The lightest-sounding album on this whole list is also one of the most gut-punching to your emotions. The sophomore collaboration between Vikram Shankar (3rd appearance on this list!) and Evergrey and Redemption's Tom Englund is something that sounds so off-kilter on paper but works so perfectly in execution. It feels like such a dark movie you are experiencing in your head as you watch everything unfold musically. Every song is catchy but so dark. It makes Adele sound like Carly Rae Jepsen. In a better timeline, this would be on top 40 radio and they would be playing stadiums for all the world to see. I'm still going to hold out for that day, but until then, appreciate them now before they explode and the ticket sales become astronomical. This is some of the best dark pop and cinematic ambient music you'll come across in your life.

12,) Horizon Ignited- Towards The Dying Lands
FFO- Melodic Death Metal, Heavy Metal, Hard Rock

A melodeath band that is pushing the boundaries by becoming more mainstream in sound? Yes rather than become more and more extreme, Horizon Ignited's sophomore album takes their melodeath sound and mixes it with more catchy choruses, simpler riffs, and even songs that have no lead screams or growls in them? But don't be scared, if you dig that sound, it's layered throughout the album as well as classic sounding melodeath riffs all throughout the album, but just a modernized take to where even your coworkers who like Disturbed and Breaking Benjamin could listen to this band appreciate what's going on. Any band can be a breakthrough band in metal, don't write people off. But this album is that perfect balance of heavy and mainstream that has me excited for the future. No matter what they do, it'll be awesome, I can feel it.

11.) MMXX- Sacred Cargo
FFO- Melodic Doom Metal

An album that truly brings tears to my eyes in its dark sense and cathartic tendencies. MMXX's debut album features some of the greatest voices in dark music. Featuring the vocalists of Swallow the Sun, My Dying Bride, Antimatter, and the legend of legend Dan Swano giving one of his best vocal performances in a good long time (and of course so many other great voices). If you are a fan of melodic doom metal, whether it's as slow and brooding as funeral doom, or something that can be a bit more beautiful yet haunting; MMXX has a song for you on this album. I feel like this is the perfect starter album for anyone new to the genre. If you like a particular vocalist on this album, you will be able to find something of theirs that you will love in time and it's the perfect love letter to the genre as well. It's dark, it is tragic, it's beautiful and it makes me at least weep every time I hear it. That is the sign of a perfect album to my ears.

And there you go folks, the first half of the top 20 is done. 140 albums are in the books and tomorrow brings the grand finale. Heavy Debriefings' Top 150 Albums of 2022 Part X The Top 10. This has been a great ride and I hope you join me for what will be a star-studded (at least in my eyes) display of my favorite albums of the year all leading to number 1. Until tomorrow, for Heavy Debriefings, This is Josh Rundquist Saying, see ya!

- Josh Rundquist (Heavy Debriefings)

Hello everyone and welcome to what is now the completion of 4/5th of this monstrosity of a list we all know and love this year called Heavy Debriefings' Top 150 Albums of 2022. By the end of today's segment, we will be down to only 20 albums left. For some, that's the perfect amount to talk about, for others, it's too much. For me, as you can tell, it's barely the tip of the iceberg, but these next three segments have been excruciating to try to be in an order that I would be happy with as any of these 30 albums deserves to be in the top 10, but you simply can't cram 30 albums in a ten album bag. So that's the break little man, break it down. It's Wednesday, you know what that means. Let's get into the rules and then get into albums 30-21 of this list!

1.) This is a 10-part List running from November 28th to December 9th. The first week is Albums 150-51. 20 Albums a day in countdown order. The 2nd week is the Top 50 with 10 albums a day counting down all the way to number 1.

2.) There are no EPs, Live Albums, Remake Albums, Cover Albums, or Rarity Albums. It is a list of all brand-new studio albums released in 2022.

3.) The order of each entry is as follows: Band Name, Album Title, FFO (For Fans Of) Section, Paragraph or less description of said album.

4.) The list takes into account albums that are released between January 1st, 2022, and December 9th, 2022. Yes, the last few weeks of the year are not included and there is no reason you should be releasing music in that time frame if you want people to check out your album in a calendar year. That's on you.

5.) This list is mine and mine alone. I was not paid or asked to put any album on this list.

6.) As it is impossible to add every single heavy album in a single year, I can only add what I've heard and enjoyed. If an album is not on here that you feel should have been it is because either A.) I didn't hear it, B.) I didn't hear it enough, or C.) It wasn't my bag...baby.

7.) This is a list of my TOP 150 albums of 2022. Not just 150 albums I heard this year. I heard much more than that and narrowed things down to the ones that I want to showcase. Your favorite album or discovery from this list could be at 1, 23, 78, 104, or 150. You don't know unless you check the whole list and check out anything that may appeal to you. I'm just the messenger giving you good music and my own thoughts, but I really do enjoy every single album listed and recommend you check these out at your own discretion.

8.) Enjoy the ride, make some new discoveries, and check out some new music. If between all 150 albums listed you can't find one that you enjoy, you're reading the wrong list.

And now onto today’s segment of the list

30.) King's X- Three Side to One
Progressive Metal, Hard Rock, Classic Rock

A very apt name for this album as it showcases the styles of dUg, Ty, and Jerry perfectly. It gets as heavy as it does rockin' as it does poppy. Everything is in a 33.3% balance. While it's been such a long wait since 2008's XV. This more than exceeded my expectations, but that came with time. This really is a slow burn of an album. It may even feel like it's not your bag when you first hear it, but the more you listen, the more infectious it becomes, the choruses become more addicting, and the styles mesh so well together. The production makes more sense. Everything comes together. It's a collection of great songs written by one of the world's greatest bands. Is it one of their best? That's up to the ear of the beholder. But to me, I feel better having this album in my life and I don't want to go back to a world where this doesn't exist. Thank you King's X for making this happen finally happen.

29.) Entransient- Ghosts in the Hall
FFO- Progressive Metal, Alternative Rock, Post Rock

This is a sheer highlight of an underground album this year. While the band has been going strong since 2015, the band still has a modest following, which does not match its bombastic sound at all. They hit so many genres that can bring people together from prog to alternative rock. Like if you mix Dream Theater or Fates Warning with 90's alternative hard rock and those ever-so-sweet Porcupine Tree-style acoustic passages that show up at the right times. It's the kind of band that would truly stand out on Top 40 radio in a different timeline. The music is also highly emotional and hits you at the right moments to nearly make you weep in the best way. Like I said this is a true highlight of an album this year, and I really hope that between me talking about them and anyone who may check out this album that they get all of the love they deserve, this is just killer music from the start to finish and deserve your ears.

28.) Star One- Revel in Time
FFO- Progressive Metal, Time Travel Movies

Russell Allen singing about Donnie Darko, Dan Swano singing about Groundhog's Day??? Yep, it must be a new Arjen Lucassen release. But seriously, the return of Star One in a new style, being able to bring a grand array of guest stars to sing about different time travel movies was the album we needed in 2022. It's heavy, it's epic, and it puts a much-needed smile on your face (especially if you know the source material for each song); We didn't need another intensely dark album in 2022 as we have so many of those this year (and much more to talk about in this list), I needed something that I can go back to, think about movies that I've always enjoyed or ones that I am at least aware of, and hear a new take on the stories and even visually (seriously, the title track's music video may be the best video of 2022, bar none). While I know whatever Arjen does not will be much more serious and thought-provoking like we all know and love; this was a nice change of pace and really shows off the continued musical diversity of one of the most brilliant minds in heavy music. Thank you Arjen...thank you…

27.) Bloodbath- Survival of the Sickest
FFO- Old School Death Metal

Plain and simple this is the most fun Bloodbath album to date. This album knows exactly what it is and if you couldn't get that vibe from the opening track Zombie Inferno, you will by the end. While not every song is fun and hits some really dark territories, the overall vibe of this album amongst its gore-obsessed slaughtering is something that makes you just appreciate an album like this in 2022. Plus it doesn't hurt having Barney from Napalm Death and Karl from Nile lending their vocals to this album to give it some extra flare. I know the Old Nick era of Bloodbath isn't as beloved as the Mikael or Peter eras, but I want to take away that notion. Nick Holmes is the perfect voice for Bloodbath and has proved it in the previously released and finalizes it here. The album finally clicks with everyone else who still wasn't sure about this lineup. It's exactly what it needs to be and it works so amazingly well. If you want a death metal album that will put a smile on your face and make you say "indeed"; this is the album for you.

26.) Oceans of Slumber- Starlight, and Ash
FFO- Southern Gothic Rock

A band that went from a perfect display of progressive death metal has done something truly progressive and became their own sound. Starlight and Ash is a new chapter of the band that now only showcases Cammie Beverly's astounding vocal range, but combines southern rock, blues, and even Cajun style to their sound. While you won't hear any blast beats or screams or growls on this album; you will hear easily one of the darkest albums of the year, which is more metal than a lot of albums you will hear this year. The songs are perfectly crafted and combine more soul and darkness than what you'll hear on top 40 rock radio. It's a perfect album to be released to and led in with a false sense of security before it totally haunts you. While, yes, this is a stark difference from what you came to know from the band, I for one am someone who feels this was the direction they needed to go and they created a perfect album. Bravo! I can't wait to see what comes next.

25.) Amorphis- Halo
FFO- Melodic Death metal, Progressive Death Metal

I said it back in February and I'll say it again. This is the best Amorphis album since Skyforger. The songs are at their strongest, it has the catchiest choruses potentially ever and it has a great variety of sounds. The riffs have more emotion behind them, which is what got me into Amorphis in the first place. It's beautiful, and it gets heavy in the right spots, but doesn't overtake the songs, The production perfectly matches the vibe of the album. And while I have yet to see Amorphis live for this album cycle, I can only imagine the songs sound spectacular in a live setting. While this is the end of a trilogy of albums that Amorphis has been working on over the past several years, it's got me chomping at the bit waiting to see what will come next from this legendary band. If this is what we got not, it's only going to get better from here.

24.) Hammerfall- Hammer of Dawn
FFO- Power Metal, Heavy Metal

Easily the heaviest and darkest Hammerfall album to date. Don't get that twisted, if you thought Hammerfall is full of cheese, this album will not change your mind as it is filled to brim with those cheesy moments, but that's what brings us all to the table. That said, the tone of the album feels darker than ever before, and there's a heavier vibe overall which the production really makes shine through. It even includes an all-too-short cameo from the legend King Diamond. If that doesn't make this the evilest Hammerfall album to date, I don't know what would. But all of that said, the songs are as catchy as ever with those perfect sing-a-long choruses, big epic swaying moments, and an overall fun experience that the band has always delivered upon. It has slowly but surely become my favorite Hammerfall album to date and I can't wait to hear a few of these songs when they open for Helloween next year. It's a fun album that has me grinning from ear to ear. That's all I ever wanted or needed from the band and they easily delivered.

23.) Ether Coven-0 The Relationship Between the Hammer and the Nail
FFO- Sludge Metal, Doom Metal, Experimental

Ether Coven is a band that is truly hard to define without missing some of the nuances that truly make them stand out from the crowd. With the band's 4th album; they found what I think is their winning formula by combining their experimental moments in sludge and doom, but adding just the right amount of atmospheric moments (just listen to the song Warmth of Your Bathwater for how it works) and they added just the right amount of diversity into their already creative sound to create what bands in the future will be inspired by in years to come. When it gets heavy, it gets brutal, when it gets lighter, it grabs your heartstrings. When you have guests from bands like Integrity and Light the Torch; you know you are in a for a heavy time. This feels like a great transformation album for the band. What comes next will be a shock to everyone, including the band; but I know it will continue in some of the best music I've heard in the genre.

22.) Abyssic- Brought Forth in Iniquity
FFO- Symphonic, Blackened Death Doom

An album was brought to my attention by Von Yanesh of Agathodaimon. This 3rd album from this triumphant outfit is easily their best to date with the best production, brutal vocals, and songwriting that is done in perfect layers so every time you listen, you hear something new. And the lyrical content really grabs you and does not let go. This is brutal in so many different ways, but above all, there's a sense of cathartic moments that really hits you if you are suffering from mental health issues like myself. If you are a fan of classical and symphonic music, you will be able to appreciate what's going on here. If you love your death doom as heavy as possible, you will love this album. It nearly feels like a Viking funeral album with how dark and triumphant it sounds at the same time. With tinges of gothic and ethereal moments that you just won't get anywhere else. I wish I had discovered this band earlier so I could appreciate this album even more, but I am so happy I discovered them now and I can put them this high up on the list as they truly deserve it. A death doom masterpiece.

21.) The Ferrymen- One More River To Cross
FFO- Power Metal, Dark Metal

The 3rd album in 5 years from this all-star band is without question the band's finest work to date. Everything about this album is perfect. It is dark, it's super catchy, the vocals are impeccable, the production is so slick and clean, the songwriting is amazing, and it has everything you are looking for in a power metal album that is not over the top cheesy. Of course, as already stated elsewhere, Ronnie Romero is the shining moment of this album, he has one of the best voices in metal and anyone who says differently is lying to themselves. For any hard rock, heavy metal, and power metal fan; if you missed this album, you are only hurting yourself by missing out on this album and the band in general. It came out in January, but its staying power is forever. It just takes one listen to understand why.


And there you have it, folks, 130 albums done and tomorrow brings the start of what you are all waiting for, like the slathering dogs that you are, Heavy Debriefings' Top 150 Albums of 2022 Part IX: 20-11. Until then, this is Josh Rundquist for Heavy Debriefings saying, See Ya!

- Josh Rundquist (Heavy Debriefings)

Hey Everybody and welcome back to this monolith of a list that I call Heavy Debriefings' Top 150 Albums of 2022. For today, it's Part VII- 40-31. That's right we crack into the Top 40. If that's good enough for Decibel...I guess I gotta do almost 4x that in the whole list don't I? But seriously folks, thanks for coming around and seeing what albums will make today's segment of the list. Things are getting saucy and I'm so curious to see what you think going forward. Let's get into the rules and start with today's part of the countdown!

1.) This is a 10-part List running from November 28th to December 9th. The first week is Albums 150-51. 20 Albums a day in countdown order. The 2nd week is the Top 50 with 10 albums a day counting down all the way to number 1.

2.) There are no EPs, Live Albums, Remake Albums, Cover Albums, or Rarity Albums. It is a list of all brand-new studio albums released in 2022.

3.) The order of each entry is as follows: Band Name, Album Title, FFO (For Fans Of) Section, Paragraph or less description of said album.

4.) The list takes into account albums that are released between January 1st, 2022, and December 9th, 2022. Yes, the last few weeks of the year are not included and there is no reason you should be releasing music in that time frame if you want people to check out your album in a calendar year. That's on you.

5.) This list is mine and mine alone. I was not paid or asked to put any album on this list.

6.) As it is impossible to add every single heavy album in a single year, I can only add what I've heard and enjoyed. If an album is not on here that you feel should have been it is because either A.) I didn't hear it, B.) I didn't hear it enough, or C.) It wasn't my bag...baby.

7.) This is a list of my TOP 150 albums of 2022. Not just 150 albums I heard this year. I heard much more than that and narrowed things down to the ones that I want to showcase. Your favorite album or discovery from this list could be at 1, 23, 78, 104, or 150. You don't know unless you check the whole list and check out anything that may appeal to you. I'm just the messenger giving you good music and my own thoughts, but I really do enjoy every single album listed and recommend you check these out at your own discretion.

8.) Enjoy the ride, make some new discoveries, and check out some new music. If between all 150 albums listed you can't find one that you enjoy, you're reading the wrong list.

And now onto today’s segment of the list

40.) Soilwork- Overgivenheten
FFO- Melodic Death Metal, Progressive Death Metal

Soilwork's latest outing is one of the best to show off what the band is all about in recent times. Going between absolutely bonkers riffs and melodies in one song, to nearly AOR-style rock riffing, to their classic melodeath sound, sometimes all in the same song. Being a stupid American, this is the 2nd album where I have a hard time pronouncing the title of the album (which is even sadder considering my last name is Swedish), but don't be scared off fellow Americans, the songs are all in English and Speed continues to prove he has one of the best and smoothest vocal deliveries in all of heavy music. Sadly this is the last Soilwork album to feature guitarist David Andersson, so I really feel the next album will be the beginning of a new chapter of the band, but this is one hell of a way to say goodbye. It's hard to listen to knowing what happened, but it makes you appreciate all that he accomplished in his times with Soilwork and The Night Flight Orchestra. What a solid album.

39.) Zeal & Ardor- S/T
FFO- Experimental Metal

Zeal & Ardor has released their 3rd album and it's easily their most grandiose. You get everything from 2nd wave black metal to blackgaze to African American Spirituals mixed with the devil to digital manipulation and so much more. Every album from this band has hit me very hard and this album is no exception. I love that the band is not afraid to keep experimenting with their sound, but still maintain what brought them to the dance in the first place. It's evil, it's heavy, and it's a pure trip of the musical senses. Just give it a shot.

38.) The Antichrist Imperium- III Satan in His Original Glory
FFO- Progressive Blackened Death Metal

Considering the band is 3/4th members past and present of Akercocke and one member of The Berzerker. It's no shock to know that this album is as extreme as it gets in the right moments but still diverse enough to make the album feel like a hellish roller-coaster. The band's 3rd outing continues why the band was created in the first place...Satan….(drinks from wine glass). It's a progressive blackened death metal tribute to the lord of the underworld and speaks for his followers in a way only the UK outfit can do. As you may have guessed, this album is not for everyone and if you are turned off by the lyrical themes or the extreme experimentation going on, this won't be for you; but for those that dare to go beyond the black veil and see the hellish delights inside this album; you'll be more than happy with what you hear.

37.) Toehider- I Have Little To No Memories of These Memories
FFO- Prog

Oh boy, here we go. Is this an album or a nearly 48-minute song? It's one track, so is this just a single release? Is it an album that you can't skip track by track? Well, it's the length of an album so I'm counting it. So there. But seriously folks, this is a nearly 48-minute tribute to prog in all of its glory. No matter your flavor of prog from Queen to Opeth to Ayreon to Yes and so…so much more. This is a concept album (or song, whatever) that is a whirlwind of emotions, and musical styles all done by the legendary Mike Mills who is not only one of the best multi-instrumentalists in music in general but also has one of the greatest voices in music period! The cheeky lad can hit any note and do it with such passion behind it to make every note sung have real purpose and every note he plays no matter the instrument is hit in a way that no one else can do. If I haven't sold it enough, like every Toehider release to date, this is a journey of musical endeavors and now it's a lesson in Prog 101 with a very fun lyrical concept behind it. If you missed this and dare to hear a song that's over 3/4ths of an hour long; I implore you to check out the best epic of 2022.

36.) THEM- Fear City
FFO- Heavy Metal, Horror Metal

The next chapter in the KK Fossor story brings KK back from the dead and into the early 1980s in the town known at that time as Fear City, New York City. A band that of course has an obvious nod to King Diamond and Mercyful Fate expands the sound even further on this album with more 80s synths, hardcore elements, and even death metal blast beats and of course continues the horror-drenched adventures of KK Fossor that ties all the albums together so far an in a fantastic and horrifying package. It's an album that only improves with repeat listens and gives great power, thrash, death, progressive, and evil metal vibes throughout. Seriously, give this album a proper listen and enjoy.

35.) Borealis- Illusions
FFO- Progressive Power Metal, Melodic Metal

Borealis is one of the most underappreciated bands in the prog and power genres today. They are easily one of the best bands rolling yet I don't see nearly enough people talking about them. Maybe this album will turn the page? Illusions are without question their masterwork. Combining what made them great, to begin with, a dark tinge of symphonic, orchestral, power, and prog metal with some of the catchiest riffs and choruses you'll find in those genres. There is a pure power going on throughout these songs that can only be experienced to truly appreciate. Of course, it helps that Vikram Shankar added his orchestral touch to this album to give these already great songs to make them phenomenal. In short, if cheesy is not your kind of prog power, Borealis is a band that you just may need in your life if they aren't already in your music-listening experience. This is how it's done, folks!

34.) Deathwhite- Grey Everlasting
FFO- Gothic Metal, Melodic Doom Metal

If you are a fan of Paradise Lost, Katatonia, Woods of Ypres, or any of those bands that has that gothic and doom tinge that makes you weep, you need Deathwhite in your life. The band's 3rd album in 5 years is their darkest, saddest, and most cathartic listen-to to date. The production is on that border of too raw and just perfect to give all the songs a very uneasy feeling like you are just about to hear 2nd wave black metal songs, but then you hear those sad, low cleans that can bring you down to your knees and beg to the sky for help. Seriously the vocal delivery mixed with the lyrics is so somber and satisfying. As you can tell this is not an album about sunshine and lollipops; it's dark and such an appropriate album for 2022. Give this one a spin and make sure you have some tissues in case you start weeping uncontrollably.

33.) Shape of Despair- Return to the Void
FFO- Funeral Doom Metal

In speaking of doom metal that will make you weep like never before; Shape of Despair is back after 7 years to deliver their darkest album to date. This is a masterclass in funeral doom metal, mental health struggles, and existential crises. This is what depression sounds like. Plain and simple. I can't get through this without choking up and I'm honestly shocked it's not even higher up on my list. It's slow, it's brooding, it feels like you are fading into nothingness and all you see is blank. If you need a good ugly cry for this holiday season, I highly recommend putting on Return to the Void and giving yourself that cathartic cry that will help you feel better at the end. This album gives you no hope, but sometimes you just need to know others feel the same way just to get by.

32.) Agathodaimon- The Seven
FFO- Gothic Metal, Symphonic Black Metal

After nearly 9 years, Agathodaimon returns with their 7th album and it is their most expressive and hauntingly gorgeous album to date. While the album does hit all kinds of extremes, it does showcase their diversity over the years, no doubt it helps with a lineup change to really showcase where the band is right now. The songs are simply sinister and give you that feeling of either falling in love or falling in love with death. The instrumentation is top-notch here with absolutely no filler and all killer. It's one of the most complete-sounding albums of the year and I love every second of it. If you want your black metal with a touch of goth romance and sinister hellish evil; The Seven is an album you need right now.

31.) Dog Fashion Disco- Cult Classic
FFO- Horror Metal, Experimental

The first proper Dog Fashion Disco album in 7 years sees the band return with one of their heaviest sounds on the record. The fun-filled horror is still on display and every song sounds just as demented as it is delightful, just as a good Dog Fashion Disco song should be. I feel like this is a great starter album for anyone new to the band or maybe for someone who is only familiar with Polkadot Cadaver and wants to hear a more metal-tinged side those members bring to the table. It's not as wacky and a little more straightforward, but that's what this album calls for. All the more reason this is a good one for first-timers. A great album with hooks and melodies plenty and a wicked sense of talent. Seriously, if you never heard of DFD, change that now…and I mean NOW!

And there you go folks, Part VII is closed for Heavy Debriefings' Top 150 Albums of 2022. Tomorrow we crack on into the Top 30 albums of the year with Part VIII 30-21, until then, for Heavy Debriefings, this is Josh Rundquist saying See Ya!

- Josh Rundquist (Heavy Debriefings)

Hello everyone and welcome to Week 2 of Heavy Debriefings’ Top 150 Albums of 2022. Today we enter part 6 50-41. You read that right, 10 albums a day from now till Friday. You’ll be done in half the time and I’ll probably be spending double the time getting the order that I feel most comfortable with for, let’s face it, the week most people will start paying attention.Of course I write this list for the 5-10% who truly get that I’m not just listing everything I heard this year or ranking from worst to best, but showing off what I feel are the 150 best albums of 2022 in heavy music. All that said, let’s get into the rules before we get into this segment of the list proper.

1.) This is a 10-part List running from November 28th to December 9th. The first week is Albums 150-51. 20 Albums a day in countdown order. The 2nd week is the Top 50 with 10 albums a day counting down all the way to number 1.

2.) There are no EPs, Live Albums, Remake Albums, Cover Albums, or Rarity Albums. It is a list of all brand-new studio albums released in 2022.

3.) The order of each entry is as follows: Band Name, Album Title, FFO (For Fans Of) Section, Paragraph or less description of said album.

4.) The list takes into account albums that are released between January 1st, 2022, and December 9th, 2022. Yes, the last few weeks of the year are not included and there is no reason you should be releasing music in that time frame if you want people to check out your album in a calendar year. That's on you.

5.) This list is mine and mine alone. I was not paid or asked to put any album on this list.

6.) As it is impossible to add every single heavy album in a single year, I can only add what I've heard and enjoyed. If an album is not on here that you feel should have been it is because either A.) I didn't hear it, B.) I didn't hear it enough, or C.) It wasn't my bag...baby.

7.) This is a list of my TOP 150 albums of 2022. Not just 150 albums I heard this year. I heard much more than that and narrowed things down to the ones that I want to showcase. Your favorite album or discovery from this list could be at 1, 23, 78, 104, or 150. You don't know unless you check the whole list and check out anything that may appeal to you. I'm just the messenger giving you good music and my own thoughts, but I really do enjoy every single album listed and recommend you check these out at your own discretion.

8.) Enjoy the ride, make some new discoveries, and check out some new music. If between all 150 albums listed you can't find one that you enjoy, you're reading the wrong list.

And now let's get into the Top 50

50.) Celeste- Assassine(s)
FFO- Black Metal, Blackgaze

One of the first albums I heard in 2022 and it’s still in my top 50. That’s true staying power. The 6th album from this Frace based black metal band continues being able to show their diversity of the genre by still having the core black metal sound, but expanding on its range of heavy post metal, sludge, hardcore and above all, blackgaze moments thrown in at all the right times. The production is some of the slickest you’ll find in the genre which makes the music truly stand out. It’s a very dark album, but of course, that comes with the territory. I’ve seen a lot of people praise this album, and for good reason, it truly is a standout album in the black metal genre and I’m glad to see, especially with the backing of Nuclear Blast, they are finally getting the audience they deserve.

49.) An Abstract Illusion- Woe
FFO- Progressive Death Metal, Atmospheric Death Metal

If Opeth started in 2016, this is how I imagine they would sound. Outside of the Opeth nods that help make the music feel nice and diverse, the sophomore album from this band is a true turning point for the band where they are not only letting their influences wave freely, but they are also finding out who they are and creating their own sound along with it. The vocals are simply brutal, the production has that nice clean but raw feeling and the songwriting, while out of the ordinary for some, makes more sense the more you listen to the album. This is a true innovation for the sound of progressive death metal and I love to see it. I can feel it in my bones that their next album will be a sheer masterpiece of epic proportions, but until then; this is a jaw dropping album that will make you smile as much as it will tear your soul apart. And aren’t those the best kinds of albums?

48.) Wilderun- Epigone
FFO- Progressive Death Metal, Symphonic Metal, Folk Metal

Another band that has an affinity for Opeth. BUT! This American band truly does something different. Combining symphonic elements Americana and folk guitars that would not be out of place on an indie rock album, and some of the most brutal by proxy moments you’ll hear on a progressive death metal album this year. The band has taken everything they have learned over the years and upped the ante to it’s polar extremes. The folky moments sound so happy and delightful and the opposite end obliterates your senses, especially on that first listen when you don’t expect it. Wilderun has only gotten better with time and this is a sheer masterwork. I simply can’t wait to see what’s next for what I would easily call this North American Progressive Folk Metal band.

47.) Queensryche- Digital Noise Alliance
FFO- Progressive Metal

Raise your hand if you thought that Queensryche would be releasing their best album since Empire in 2022. No one? Really? Well, you are not wrong for feeling that way. While I love the Todd La Torre era of Queensryche and the albums so far have been fantastic to listen to, it took Digital Noise Alliance to realize that the band is capable of some of their best work ever in 2022. I was looking forward to this album, but it wasn’t a high priority, after one full listen; I realize what a fool I was. This is the best Queensryche in over 30 years and is easily in the top 3 albums of their career. Every song feels like a modernized version of their classic sound, but done with so much originality that this feels like it recons everything from Promised Land onward. Yeah I said it! Seriously, if they only did this new album live for this cycle, I wouldn’t be disappointed in the slightest. This is a new high water mark for the band and I can only hope they maintain this level till the end.


46.) Threads of Fate- The Cold Embrace of the Light
FFO- Symphonic Metal, Gothic Metal

The debut album from this all star lineup is simply fantastic. I have been looking forward to this release for years and I am so happy that its out there for the world to hear. No matter your style of dark music from Evergrey to Serenity to Cradle of Filth; there is a song on here for you. Of course it doesn’t hurt having Vikram Shankar’s extraordinary orchestration layered all over this album to give already fantastic songs to their greatest levels. Along with that vocalist Jon Pyres can hit any register needed for the music clean or screamed and it just helps make the music even more memorable. I can tell this band is like fine wine and will only get better with age. Put this one if you are feeling especially vampiric and it will heighten all your senses.

45.) Michael Romeo- War of the Worlds Pt. 2
FFO- Progressive Metal

I say this with absolutely no shade being thrown. This is the best album Romeo has played on since Symphony X’s Paradise Lost. It has some of the hookiest riffs and choruses you will hear all year in heavy music. Dino Jelusick’s vocals make this album unskippable. It’s some of the best rock/metal vocals you’ll hear this year, without question. And the album just simply sounds inspired. This is making me hope that the new SX album will be their best yet, because that fire is not dead yet and listening to this album, I feel like it’s only been rejuvenated. Seriously, if you are a fan of hard rock, shred guitar, progressive metal, anything heavy; give this album a shot, it will have something for you.

44.) Imperial Triumphant- Spirit of Ecstasy
FFO- Blackened Death Jazz Metal, Avant Garde

This is probably the most experimental album that makes my top 50, but it is easily because it is one of the best albums of the year. It’s not an easy listen, it’s honestly rough and even irritating and agitating if you don’t like extreme blackened death jazz music or avant garde or experimental music; but if you really are the kind of person who says “I listen to everything”, well, let’s see how true that statement is by giving this one a shot, shall we? And seriously, after the barrier is broken and you can appreciate everything that is going on here, you will see the diversity, the layers, the songwriting achievements going on here and really understand that they are not just making random noise, they really are pushing the boundaries of what extreme music can be. Plus, where else are you going to hear Kenny G and his son Max Gorelick trading solos together in extreme music? You’re not going to. This is not for the faint of heart, but it’s worth every second once you let it do it’s magic.

43.) The Offering- Seeing The Elephant
FFO- Melodic Death Metal, Progressive Death Metal

While not nearly as extreme as their debut album, it does not let up on the vocal and musical punishment when it gets heavy and the diversity of the debut is still in tact. The band explores more somber and mellow moments that makes the music feel so much more bombastic and gives an even deeper and richer listening experience. The vocals on this album are insane in it’s range, the songwriting is top notch and really hits home, and the production has that great balanced feel, so when it goes from one extreme to another, everything feels like it’s meant to be sonically. The Offering is another band that is not afraid to push the boundaries of what metal can be and for that, they are high up on my list and I can’t wait to see that The Offering’s next….umm...offering will bring us all.

42.) Einvigi- Yö Kulje Kanssani
FFO- Blackgaze, Folk Metal

This band was sold to me as if black metal had The Cranberries 90s production and yeah; that hits the nail on the head. It has that 90s alternative rock production in a black metal aesthetic and mixed in folk and blackgaze to make things extra flavorful. The music is as soothing and beautiful as it is filled with black metal. Those that love bands like Alcest, Sylvaine, and any of the great blackgaze bands out there should check this one out immediately. Even if you don’t speak Finnish, the vocals are so beautiful, you’ll hear them as another instrument instead of needing to know what the words mean. And sometimes, that can be even better. A sheer highlight of an album you need to experience.

41.) Moon Tooth- Phototroph
FFO- Progressive Metal, Hard Rock

Moon Tooth is either one of the proggiest hard rock bands going today or they are the most hard rockin’ prog band out there; either way, it’s a recipe that is utter perfection. The band’s 3rd album is easily their best work. The songs are so catchy and memorable you’ll be humming the vocal melodies for days. The songwriting can turn on a dime yet feel like in a better timeline, this would be on top 40 rock radio every day. Ive heard some say the vocals are not for them, but for me, they fit perfectly in the mix of this beautiful catchy chaos. So proceed with caution if that’s your sticking point. All I will say is Moon Tooth needs to be shot to the…..moon…. With their popularity and should be one of the biggest rock bands going today. I hope that will happen in time.

And there you go folks, I feel like I just got started with this segment and it’s already over. But hey, that doesn’t mean there’s not more to come. Come back tomorrow for Heavy Debriefings’ Top 150 Albums of 2022 Part VII 40-31. Till Then, this is Josh Rundquist saying See Ya!

- Josh Rundquist (Heavy Debriefings)

Hello everyone and welcome to Part 5 of the colossus of a list that we all know and love this year called Heavy Debriefings' Top 150 Albums of 2022. Today's segment of the list not only ends week 1 but also is the last part of the list where I'm covering 20 albums in a day and starting next week, it will be 10 albums a day all the way to the end. So many great albums have been covered in this already and today is no exception. There are arguments that some of these included are the best of the year and my argument is...you're right, that's why they are on this list, to begin with. So suck on that. But seriously. Let's get into the rules of the list and begin the rundown of Albums 70-51.

1.) This is a 10-part List running from November 28th to December 9th. The first week is Albums 150-51. 20 Albums a day in countdown order. The 2nd week is the Top 50 with 10 albums a day counting down all the way to number 1.

2.) There are no EPs, Live Albums, Remake Albums, Cover Albums, or Rarity Albums. It is a list of all brand-new studio albums released in 2022.

3.) The order of each entry is as follows: Band Name, Album Title, FFO (For Fans Of) Section, Paragraph or less description of said album.

4.) The list takes into account albums that are released between January 1st, 2022, and December 9th, 2022. Yes, the last few weeks of the year are not included and there is no reason you should be releasing music in that time frame if you want people to check out your album in a calendar year. That's on you.

5.) This list is mine and mine alone. I was not paid or asked to put any album on this list.

6.) As it is impossible to add every single heavy album in a single year, I can only add what I've heard and enjoyed. If an album is not on here that you feel should have been it is because either A.) I didn't hear it, B.) I didn't hear it enough, or C.) It wasn't my bag...baby.

7.) This is a list of my TOP 150 albums of 2022. Not just 150 albums I heard this year. I heard much more than that and narrowed things down to the ones that I want to showcase. Your favorite album or discovery from this list could be at 1, 23, 78, 104, or 150. You don't know unless you check the whole list and check out anything that may appeal to you. I'm just the messenger giving you good music and my own thoughts, but I really do enjoy every single album listed and recommend you check these out at your own discretion.

8.) Enjoy the ride, make some new discoveries, and check out some new music. If between all 150 albums listed you can't find one that you enjoy, you're reading the wrong list.

And now for Today's segment of the list

70.) Dream Unending- Song of Salvation
FFO- Dream Doom, Atmospheric Doom Metal

Doom metal doesn't always have to be about the darkest things you can imagine. Sometimes they can be filled with hopes, dreams, and wonders. This seemed to be the battle cry of the sophomore album from Dream Unending; a North American duo who not only put in their efforts to create something new for the genre but truly made an outstanding album in their efforts as well. Combining some unorthodox instrumentation and songwriting, despair-styled growls, and what feels like a great mix between dreams, nightmares, and lucid dreaming; It's an experience that's best described by simply giving it a shot. It might be the lightest death doom album of the year or the heaviest post-rock album of the year; I'll let you decide.

69.) Kreator- Hate Uber Alles
FFO- Thrash Metal

I'm astounded at the backlash I've mainly seen from this album. The more I listen to it, the more it feels so unwarranted. It feels like a Kreator album that has the thrash we all know and love, with just a bit more thrown into it for different flavorings. I'm not hearing anything on this album that you wouldn't hear on any previous album at some point in their career. It hits home in the world we live in and it makes you headbang and think. Maybe that's the problem? Regardless, this is such a solid thrash album in 2022 and it deserves so much more live than what social media has given it. It rules, calm down, and have some dip!

68.) Darkest Era- Wither on the Vine
FFO- Dark Metal

The 3rd album from this Irish band is the first I've heard from the band and I absolutely love what I'm hearing. A great mix of folk, Celtic, black metal, progressive metal, and heavy metal; but all done in a way that is truly their own It never gets too aggressive, and it has an odd calm to it, even when it starts to hit more extreme territories. It is a great album for those that like the idea of more extreme music, but want more subdued vocals than growling or screaming. An underappreciated album this year, but one that should be more appreciated hopefully by more people checking it out on this list. Go on now, check it out!

67.) Evergrey- A Heartless Portrait (The Orphean Testament)
FFO- Dark Metal

Another band who based their lives on cold, dark metal; Evergrey started a new chapter with this album. Not only a new record label, but a sound that feels a bit more contemporary, songs that are the catchiest in years, and even a song that I dare say is...positive? Evergrey has always been one of my favorite bands over the years and A Heartless Portrait reinvigorated my love for the band in a way I didn't realize I needed. This is a great turning point for the band and I can't wait to see what's next.

66.) Seventh Wonder- Testament
FFO- Progressive Metal, Melodic Metal

Seventh Wonder is a band that should be shouted from the mountaintops as one of the best prog bands of the 21st century and I hope in time that will happen. With The Testament, the band made a thematic album (not a concept album) about different emotions we all feel and you can really hear it throughout. The songs are some of the catchiest written by the band, they can go from heavy to contemporary on the turn of a dime, and above all, the songs are memorable and enjoyable. While this doesn't have the epics you'll hear on other albums, this album may have its best-staying power, which really says a lot considering that back catalog of theirs. If you are a prog fan, you should not miss out on this one.

65.) Gaerea- Mirage
FFO- Black Metal, Atmospheric Black Metal

4 albums in and this band have been on a non-stop assault of the senses on a mission to either make you feel numb to the world or make you feel so much for the world that you become numb to everything. Mirage is the best example of this theory in practice so far. The music really can hit some emotional marks, the lyrics are deep and thought-provoking, and the overall sentiment is proving that black metal is more than just "evil". It can make a difference and it can make you feel, even if that feeling will make you feel hollow inside. A quality album written by one of the best black metal bands going today.

64.) Nordic Union- Animalistic
FFO- Melodic Metal, Heavy Metal, AOR

The 2nd album from this great collaboration between members of Eclipse and Pretty Maids makes for some of the catchiest songs you will hear in heavy music in 2022. A strongly heavier album than their debut album shows the band simply writing their strongest material and making it sound at its best quality. No matter your love of rock, heavy metal, or AOR stylings; you will find something to love about this album and it's a guaranteed fun ride. It's truly an album where music does the talking.

63.) Exhumed- To The Dead
FFO- Gore Metal, Goregrind, Death Metal

Like I did for the Top 10 albums of the October 2022 list, I'll keep this one brief. This is another solid slab of gore metal from the gore metal pioneers. It's aggressive, bloody, and fun. It goes by so fast that you'll instantly start it over again because the album has that replay value and this is some of the best material in the Exhumed discography. If you love blood and gore, Exhumed is the band for you.

62.) Candlemass- Sweet Evil Sun
FFO- Epic Doom Metal

The kings of doom metal are back and their original singer is back on this 2nd album since returning this is one of the more varied Candlemass albums to date. Some songs actually pick up the pace a bit and some sing about different lyrical themes than before. Overall, it feels like an evolution for the band when they don't need to at this point; which is really refreshing to see. You will get all of the classic doom you can handle on this album, but it's just different enough to know that changes can be a good thing. Overall, another killer album in the long legacy of Candlemass, and in 2022, that's all I could ever want or need.

61.) Hammer King- Kingdemonium
FFO- Heavy Power Metal, Melodic Power Metal

Considering their previous album came out last year, it's so great to see that this album was written in that time and not only succeeds but maybe even surpasses their previous work to make for their best album to date. Super heavy riffs combined with some of the best sing-along choruses in the power metal business and you have Hammer King. Demonicide took the best elements of the band and refined them to make those parts shine on every second of this album. Hammer King is slowly but surely becoming one of the best power metal bands in the business. You only need one listen of this album to understand why.

60.) Dynazty- Final Advent
FFO- Modern Metal, Power Metal, AOR

Quite possibly the most commercial album the band has released to date and it may be the best thing they could have done. The band has always flirted with the ideas of AOR and power metal in the past; sometimes even just focusing on that; but over the past few albums, the band has really focused on making their music have that modern production and songwriting and it makes the songs so catchy and fun to listen to. While the change is not for all of the old-school fans, I will say that the more they divulge these ideas, the more adventurous they become, and that is always a good thing. Explore all you can, cut the fat, and keep the best parts and you have modern-day Dynazty. The proof is in the pudding, the band is in top form and they are far from reaching the mountaintop. It'll only get better from here.

59.) Bloody Heels- Rotten Romance
FFO- Melodic Metal, AOR, Gothic Metal

If you want something that combines a love of 80s glam, 90s/00s gothic rock, and modern rock; you'll get Bloody Heels. A band that is not afraid to play what they are inspired by, but also find a way to make it completely their own. The songs are as catchy as the 80s hair bands, can get as dark as HIM and Sentenced back in the early 00s, and is just modern enough for all generations to appreciate everything going on. This is something that hits hard and it's going under the radar this year. I will not have that. If this sounds like something you may enjoy, please go check this out. It simply rules on all fronts.

58.) Midnight- Let There Be Witchery
FFO- Black 'N Roll

Midnight is arguably the best black n roll band going today and Let There be Witchery is the perfect example as to why. The songs get as dirty and grimy as Motorhead, but the black metal aesthetics on the vocals and horror-grade vocals make this band not only stand out but shine through the darkness. It's simple, but that's all it ever needed to be. Midnight rules and if they are not in your rotation, you are truly missing out. Remedy that immediately.

57.) Rammstein- Zeit
FFO- Industrial, Heavy Metal

I still have a theory that this is meant to be the last Rammstein album. I can't prove it yet and the band may even change their mind. But this album feels like it truly is saying Adieu to the world. If this is their last outing, they went out on a bang as loud as their shows. The songs are diverse, heavy, comical, and just odd enough. That's how I like my Rammstein and what I'll ever need. This definitely holds me over until another Lindemann album comes out. A true highlight in their rather short catalog (only 8 albums after all these years? Wow!)

56.) Maceration- Lost in Depravity
FFO- Death Metal

Is Dan Swano doing growls again? Sign me up! While he only did vocals on this album as a guest and not a full-time member, it is so great hearing him sing old-school death metal again and the music matches his voice so perfectly. I can see why Bloodbath wasn't his bag anymore, he wanted something like this in his life. While again, he's not the full-time singer of the band, it's fantastic hearing one of my biggest heroes in heavy music doing growls again, it sounds like he never skipped a beat. HM2 Boss Metal Zone Metal 4 LIFE!!!

55.) Poets of the Fall- Ghostlight
FFO- Cinematic Rock

Fans of Alan Wake and Control rejoice! Poets of the Fall have a new album out and it is just as emotional and engaging as ever. One of the lightest albums on this entire list and it is an album that truly is a great pallet cleanse from all of the funeral doom and progressive power metal that's been raging my life as of late. It's a straight-ahead rock with some great cinematic and symphonic backgrounds that makes the music truly stand out. It's not their heaviest album, and it's not their most commercial, but it definitely sounds like the most sincere album from the band to this date. I feel better after listening to this album and you just may as well if you give it a chance.

54.) Dagoba- City Lights
FFO- Modern Metal

Dagoba is a band that has only gotten stronger over the years and every album has a unique sound that represents where the band is at that time. This goes around, it's more of a focus on the modern metal atmosphere and it makes for some of the catchiest music in their career. The whole album from start to finish is a treat to listen to and it gives a new appreciation for how much you can fit into a song that has rather simple parts, but is so dense in layers that every time you listen, you will hear something new. Now that's what I call replay value! Yeah, this is well worth a listen for those that enjoy modern metal.

53.) Greg Puciato- Mirrorcell
FFO- Alternative Rock, Alternative Metal

In what might be the lightest performance ever from the former Dillinger Escape Plan front man; Mirror cell is filled with the 80s, 90s, and 00s, alternative rock, and metal flavors mixed in with today's production. If you want the chaos from his other past and present bands and projects, you won't find that hear. What you'll hear is some heartbreaking lyrics, emotional tones, memorable choruses, and some of the best work Greg has ever laid on record. The song Lowered, is easily one of my top 3 songs of the year. It hits so hard in a way that you would just never expect, but that really is the point. To the uninitiated, you'd never expect this, for those in the know, this is the album you always hoped for. I'm so happy this thing exists.

52.) Sinister Downfall- The Last Witness
FFO- Funeral Doom Metal

Another band that has given us 3 slabs of funeral doom metal in 4 years and with this latest release, the band has tapped into the sorrow that is so hard to even match let alone top. The vocals sound like that marble slab being placed upon a coffin to keep it sealed as it plunges into the grave. If you want what funeral doom metal is all about, there is Mournful Congregation, There is Bell Witch, and then there is Sinister Downfall, this is the literal definition of funeral dirge music. It's hard to get more dark, depressing, and mournful as this and in 2022, sometimes you need that.

51.) Dance of the Dead- Driven to Madness
FFO- Instrumental, 80s Synth, Horror Metal

Dance of the Dead makes fun, bouncy, and horror-inspired instrumental music that even those that crave lyrics in their music will find this so much fun to listen to. It proves that there are no words needed, although if you get the opportunity to get friggin JOHN CARPENTER to say a couple spoken lines to open the album, you let him do it! It sets the tone for the rest of the album and it's perfect for Halloween parties, music to put on when gaming, or if you just want a modern throwback to the 80s horror that you love. There's so much to appreciate about this album and I really hope it doesn't get missed out on by those that would really appreciate it. If this sounds intriguing, I can't suggest you check this out soon enough. Seriously, I can't imagine you'll be disappointed.



And there you go folks, 20 more albums down, and how about that. 100 albums down with only 50 more to go. Come back Monday where not only do we start week 2 of this whole baffling ordeal, but we finally crack the Top 50 albums of 2022 with Part 6 50-41. Until then, this is Josh Rundquist saying, See Ya!

- Josh Rundquist (Heavy Debriefings)

Hello once again everyone and welcome to part 4 of this gargantuan and some say an unnecessary list of Heavy Debriefings' Top 150 Albums of 2022. To combat that, I will say that you saw some heavy hitters already in the first 60 albums shown off and those are albums I still very much enjoy and love, and it only gets harder and harder to narrow things down from here on out. With 90 albums to go, It's time to explore the next 20 here and in this part of the list, we finally hit the halfway point of the whole list at number 75. I wonder what it will be. Power metal perhaps? Maybe some more melodic death doom. Had mc chris released an album this year, would it land here? Well, dear friends, acquaintances, and those that don't want to know me on a deeper level than this let's get to the rules,. Then onto today's part of the list!

1.) This is a 10-part List running from November 28th to December 9th. The first week is Albums 150-51. 20 Albums a day in countdown order. The 2nd week is the Top 50 with 10 albums a day counting down all the way to number 1.

2.) There are no EPs, Live Albums, Remake Albums, Cover Albums, or Rarity Albums. It is a list of all brand-new studio albums released in 2022.

3.) The order of each entry is as follows: Band Name, Album Title, FFO (For Fans Of) Section, Paragraph or less description of said album.

4.) The list takes into account albums that are released between January 1st, 2022, and December 9th, 2022. Yes, the last few weeks of the year are not included and there is no reason you should be releasing music in that time frame if you want people to check out your album in a calendar year. That's on you.

5.) This list is mine and mine alone. I was not paid or asked to put any album on this list.

6.) As it is impossible to add every single heavy album in a single year, I can only add what I've heard and enjoyed. If an album is not on here that you feel should have been it is because either A.) I didn't hear it, B.) I didn't hear it enough, or C.) It wasn't my bag...baby.

7.) This is a list of my TOP 150 albums of 2022. Not just 150 albums I heard this year. I heard much more than that and narrowed things down to the ones that I want to showcase. Your favorite album or discovery from this list could be at 1, 23, 78, 104, or 150. You don't know unless you check the whole list and check out anything that may appeal to you. I'm just the messenger giving you good music and my own thoughts, but I really do enjoy every single album listed and recommend you check these out at your own discretion.

8.) Enjoy the ride, make some new discoveries, and check out some new music. If between all 150 albums listed you can't find one that you enjoy, you're reading the wrong list.

And now for Today's segment of the list

90.) Fallen Sanctuary- Terranova
FFO- Melodic Power Metal

It really is true that the more experience you have, the more likely it will sound like your first album with a band will sound like you've been doing it forever. That's exactly what's going on here with Fallen Sanctuary, I "supergroup" of power metal musicians who took what they are best at and decided to make their music as catchy and melodic as possible. It's almost a perfect starter album for someone new to power metal but wants something with modern production. Every song has hooks that just feel right and hit you in the best parts of your soul. Fallen Sanctuary proves that power metal is still in good hands in 2022 and so many years to come.

89.) Immolation- Acts of God
FFO- Death Metal

I can see a lot of people getting mad at me for having this so "low" on my list as this is one of the best death metal albums of not only 2022, but quite possibly the 21st century. And you are right for thinking so because it is that good. Perfect raw but clean production, superb songwriting, and some of the most intense and brutal riffs you'll hear from any death metal band still active. It's another reason why I wish people wouldn't look at this as "low" on my list and look at it as an album that is worthy of every single accolade it has and will receive. I can't say it enough, for straight up, no frills, brutal death metal, you can't get much better than Immolation, and to the dismay of some….No, I can't ruin things, just keep reading the list all the way through. But I can't say enough good about this Immolation released their best album to date. Bar none.

88.) Strigoi- Viscera
FFO- Death Metal, Crust Punk, Experimental

Strigoi has released their sophomore album and it takes everything that worked on their debut release and jacked it up tenfold. The songs are faster when they get fast, the songs get more brutal when they need to be more brutal, and little hints of experimentation throughout give this an album experience and not just some great songs and filler. Every track here is meant to be here and every song rules. There's not much I can add, if you want things fast, brutal, or both, you get it here with Strigoi.

87.) Sylvaine- Nova
FFO- Blackgaze, Atmospheric Black Metal, Post Rock

Easily the best Sylvaine album to date; Nova pushes the boundaries to its furthest reach to date. When it's soft, it's so hauntingly beautiful, when it gets into black metal territory, it feels like she is ripping your soul apart. It's no wonder this band keeps bringing people from across the world into their fold and gives you a dark experience you can only match with something like Alcest, but done in their own way instead. This will definitely hit all of the heartstrings in you to really make you feel something and the best music does that. Seriously, if this sounds interesting to you, go check it out.

86.) Ohth- None Shall Escape Death
FFO- Melodic Death Metal, Melodic Black Metal

The sophomore release from this one-man project is not afraid to wear influences on his sleeves. If you like 90s Swedish melodeath, you will love a good chunk of these songs, if you like melodic black metal, you will love the other chunk of these songs. The songs all have a great sense of groove to them that is missing in a lot of other bands that just focus on blast beats and chugging to their heart's content. This is indeed a passion project in all the best ways and if you want a good throwback, but contemporary look at melodic extreme metal; this is the album for you.

85.) Serious Black- Vengeance is Mine
FFO- Melodic Power Metal

Sometimes a shakeup in a band's lineup brings out the best in the band. And that's what happened here. Without question, this is the best album of the Serious Black catalog to date with their catchiest songs to date. The production is pristine and you can hear everything if you listen to it. The vocals soar like never before and the band has a new life that has been pumped into them. Again, bad situations can lead to some positive outcomes, and in this case, Serious Black, they have weathered the storm and come out in its strongest form so far. Now, let's see what that next album has in store for us all.

84.) Wake- Thought From Descent
FFO- Blackened Death Metal, Progressive Metal, Extreme Metal

Going from a grindcore band into a quite extreme and more progressive blackened death metal band is no easy feat. It has to come from the heart and it has to be something you want to create. That's what happened here with Wake. The band releasing this monolith of an album has taken the extreme metal world by storm and has created critical acclaim for the band like never before. If this is where the band is right now, I am all for it as it is extreme but cohesive and I can only imagine that now that they know this formula works for the band, their next release may be their best release ever and one that contemporaries could only hope to compete with. This album pulls no punches it wrecks you hard musically and lyrically and sometimes that's the thrill ride you just need to take. Give this one a proper listen.

83.) Conjurer- Pathos
FFO- Post Metal, Doom Metal, Experimental

This album is a tearjerker when you listen to the lyrics, and a mammoth undertaking of musicianship when you listen to it musically. With all the songs dealing with the end in one way or the other, be it life, memory, or more; Conjurer took their time with this album and it did nothing but justice for the final product. It is one of the heaviest albums sonically and emotionally you're gonna hear this year (though, keep checking out this list if you want more tearjerkers). It's not an easy listen, but it is one of the most cathartic you will experience if you are dealing with dark times.

82.) Shroud of Bereavement- A Beautiful Winter
FFO- Funeral Doom Metal, Death Metal, Gothic Metal

Follow this timeline. Started in 1995, their first album in 2007, and their sophomore release came out back in July of this year. To say this is a band that does not rush things would be an understatement. But you can't argue with the results. This album is filled with dirges that will make even the strongest-willed weep. The soundtrack to death is in full display here with moments for fans of Draconian, Skepticism, and Novembers Doom begging for more. It's dark, it's heavy, it feels like you are falling further into your grave, and it's perfect as I'm writing this up and see nothing but snow for as far as my eyes can see. For you funeral doom fans like myself, this is a can't-miss.

81.) Iatt- Magnum Opus
FFO- Progressive Blackened Death Metal

This is another band that has made quite the transformation over the years; going from more metalcore vibes to raw black metal to now refining their sound to become what may be their true form. The title is not misleading in the slightest. When you listen to this album, it really feels like the magnum opus of not only the band but of their contemporaries as well. The production is their best ever, and the songwriting has everything that a fan of Opeth, Ne Obliviscaris, Cradle of Filth, and Ihsahn need in their lives. This is a band that has gone through a metamorphosis and I don't see them not continuing to expand their sound in the future, but all of that said; this is a crowning achievement in the extreme metal world and you should not miss out on this one if this sounds up your alley.

80.) Wind Rose- War Front
FFO- Heavy Power Metal, Fantasy War

Wind Rose is the Dwarven metal band that either you knew you needed or didn't realize you needed until you hear them. With their 2022 album, they have continued to refine their sound and keep forging toward their finest work. The songs are varied and diverse while still being very heavy power metal and give you that grand landscape that you experiencing war that you can't even comprehend. It's also a super fun album. If you are in with the fantasy tactics, then this is an album you shouldn't ignore and even if you just dig power metal or want something heavier in the same vein, check out Wind Rose as soon as you can because this hits all the checkmarks and then some.

79.) Ibaraki- Rashomon
FFO- Extreme Progressive Metal

Ever imagine hearing Matt Heafy, and Ihsahn writing Ronin/Samurai-inspired metal together and having Gerard Way of My Chemical Romance doing black metal vocals over it? Well sit down and let me explain further. A project that Heafy has wanted to do for such a long time has finally come to fruition with Trivium helping out on several tracks (and Alex Bent playing drums on every track), occasional guest spots from the aforementioned Ihsahn and his family, and again, Gerard Way of My Chemical Romance doing black metal screams in the song Ronin. If you dig your metal with some different kinds of folklore than you normally hear; I highly recommend giving this at least a shot, you may be won over more than you could have ever imagined.

78.) Stormruler- Sacred Rites & Black Magick
FFO- Black Metal

If you love your black metal melodic, sounds like it came from Norway in the 90s, and has a central story going on through half of the tracks, then you need to check out Stormruler. The sophomore release from this American duo hits you right in your nostalgia with its intense love of 90s 2nd/3rd wave black metal with better production. Had this come out earlier in the year, this would be another album that ranks higher on the list as this just hits that sweet spot of straight-up melodic black metal for me. Definitely an album for those black metal gatekeepers who say there wasn't been any good black metal since 1999. This album (and so many more, I could name off the top of my head) can prove that theory wrong.

77.) Blackwater Drowning Sonder//Satori
FFO- American Melodic Death Metal

Take the love of bands like Arsis and The Black Dahlia Murder, mix it with the European melodeath we all know and love, and give it just the slightest tinge of flavorings and you get Blackwater Drowning. This just gives a great spirit of melodeath that you just don't hear so much in America anymore and really need to come back. This hits that in strides and you can easily tell that with this being their debut album, the diversity and creativity are only going to flourish from here on out. Absolute quality melodeath that should not be missed out on.

76.) I Am The Night- While The Gods Are Sleeping
FFO- 90s Melodic Black Metal

Take some of my favorite musicians in the Finnish melodeath scene and have them make a tribute to 90s meloblack and you have a recipe for a stellar album. Featuring past and present members of Omnium Gatherum, Horizon Ignited, Opeth, and Insomnium and you have a star-studded cast of musicians that really set the bar for not only nostalgia-driven black metal but just quality black metal in general. This easily feels like it was written in 1995 and just remastered for 2022 and it's an album that is quintessential worship of bands like Emperor and Dissection. I simply couldn't ask for anything more and I really hope this is not a one-off. I need more.

75.) Fellowship- The Sabrelight Chronicles
FFO- Symphonic Power Metal

Past and present members of Rezinwolf and Power Force have joined forces in Fellowship and if you couldn't tell by the name alone, you are in for some mythical and adventurous symphonic power metal. This debut album shows a love of high fantasy and you get that from the second this album kicks in. It's all of the best elements of power metal done to a perfect T and there is a lot to be said for that. It's fast, fun, and filled with wonder. If you need more than that in your power metal, I question your loyalty to the Fellowship of the ri...I mean this band!

74.) Empress- Fateweaver
FFO- Symphonic Power Metal, Progressive Metal

This might be a little presumptuous to say, but I think it's an accurate statement that I'll stand by wholeheartedly. This is the best American symphonic power metal band going right now. This album sinched that for me and this album has instant replay value over and over again. It's a step up in quality that other bands in America need to take notes on because even with this being the debut album, it blows so many other bands that have been around for decades putting out music this year out of the water. I can't say it better than that, this is how you make a symphonic power metal album stand out and be something to be proud of. I simply can't wait to see what they do next, because as good as this is, the next album will be even better.

73.) Dawn of Solace- Flames of Perdition
FFO- Melodic Doom Metal

Sometimes, you love an album and sadly it falls to the wayside for no reason other than you simply forget it. That's what happened here with Dawn of Solace. A band that I truly love released an album that I had since last year and I heard it so much, I forgot it came out this year and thought it was a 2021 album, so I set it off to the side and forgot about it till I made this list. I will say that this album is a bit of a different take than their previous album, but it's done in a way that arguably makes for stronger songs and more emotions being toyed with to make you on the verge of tearing up. This album is an emotionally driven melodic doom album that deserves your love. No growls or screams, all clean vocals, but just as heavy but done with a sense of brevity that others bands simply miss. Don't do what I did and forget this album, listen to it now and their previous work and be floored by what you hear.

72.) Kardashev- Liminal Rite
FFO- Deathgaze

So you know blackgaze right? Black metal meets shoegaze to create black metal with a more atmospheric and post-rock feel. Take that, but replace the black with death metal and you have Kardashev. The band's first album in 7 years showcases how much the band has progressed and really come into its own. The songs are more confident, the vocals are more devastating and the lyrics are….oooof they hit you right in the feels. The production has been a point of contention I've noticed from others; for me? I think it fits with the atmosphere created and gives the emotion coming out a bit more of a raw feel. I hope it won't take another 7 years to make a new album as I've been waiting for this follow-up for a long time and it delivered everything I hoped for. Now, let's see what's next for the band.

71.) Kuolemanlaakso- Kuusumu
FFO- Death Doom, Experimental

This band is something I discovered this year and I wished I had discovered them earlier. Finnish death doom hits as hard emotionally as it does musically. While I would lie if I said I understood the lyrics, I understand the tone being presented, and it is devastating. I truly appreciate that the band also shows off some great diversity as well occasionally showing some atmospheric moments or funeral doom moments, even black metal elements; but it all works in a melancholic disharmony. For those that love death doom, but want an extra kick (and if you don't mind that you don't know Finnish to truly grasp the lyrical content), then I implore you to check this album out!


And there you have it, folks, another 20 albums done, we are halfway through the list, which is weird because this is part 4 out of 10, and we are 80 albums down. Coming up tomorrow is the last segment of 20 albums a piece where we showcase Part 5 of Heavy Debriefings' Top 150 Albums of 2022: 70-51. Until then, this is Josh Rundquist saying, See Ya!

- Josh Rundquist (Heavy Debriefings)

Hello everyone and welcome back to the 3rd part of 10 for Heavy Debriefings' Top 150 Albums of 2022. Today's segment finally cracks into the Top 100 as we get into albums 110-91. In more common years this is where the honorable mentions end and the true list begins, but 2022 was so good that I wanted to expand it to 150 to cover every album I got to fully hear and that I truly enjoyed. So let's get into the rules for the list and then we will get into the list properly.

1.) This is a 10-part List running from November 28th to December 9th. The first week is Albums 150-51. 20 Albums a day in countdown order. The 2nd week is the Top 50 with 10 albums a day counting down all the way to number 1.

2.) There are no EPs, Live Albums, Remake Albums, Cover Albums, or Rarity Albums. It is a list of all brand-new studio albums released in 2022.

3.) The order of each entry is as follows: Band Name, Album Title, FFO (For Fans Of) Section, Paragraph or less description of said album.

4.) The list takes into account albums that are released between January 1st, 2022, and December 9th, 2022. Yes, the last few weeks of the year are not included and there is no reason you should be releasing music in that time frame if you want people to check out your album in a calendar year. That's on you.

5.) This list is mine and mine alone. I was not paid or asked to put any album on this list.

6.) As it is impossible to add every single heavy album in a single year, I can only add what I've heard and enjoyed. If an album is not on here that you feel should have been it is because either A.) I didn't hear it, B.) I didn't hear it enough, or C.) It wasn't my bag...baby.

7.) This is a list of my TOP 150 albums of 2022. Not just 150 albums I heard this year. I heard much more than that and narrowed things down to the ones that I want to showcase. Your favorite album or discovery from this list could be at 1, 23, 78, 104, or 150. You don't know unless you check the whole list and check out anything that may appeal to you. I'm just the messenger giving you good music and my own thoughts, but I really do enjoy every single album listed and recommend you check these out at your own discretion.

8.) Enjoy the ride, make some new discoveries, and check out some new music. If between all 150 albums listed you can't find one that you enjoy, you're reading the wrong list.

And now onto today’s segment of the list

110.) Eternal Candle- Lava
FFO- Progressive Death Metal, Progressive Doom Metal

This a late entry into this list, but it deserves proper attention. This Iranian progressive death metal band truly knows how to write from the heart, and that heart is dealing with a lot of dark emotions. When you first think of Iran, you don't normally think of many metal bands, but this is a fantastic example that good music can come from anywhere. The production is profound, the songwriting is stellar and the lyrics are dark, heartbreaking, and reaching for peace both in mind and around the world. I highly recommend checking this one out for anyone of the Opeth, Katatonia, and mid-era Anathema varieties. There is so much to love here.

109.) Abduction- Black Blood
FFO- Black Metal

The first album from this UK outfit embraces the idea that these songs should be played live in a full lineup. The ante of this band has been propelled and with it comes a progression and fire in the songwriting that was a great change for the better. No matter your style of black metal, there is something here for you, from raw to atmospheric to post to just straight-up black metal; it's all on display and captures a real timepiece of where this entity is in 2022 and maybe hinting at what is to come.

108.) ORM- Intet/Altet
FFO- Epic Melodic Black Metal

This album is not for the faint of heart. Over an hour and a half long, 4 songs total, and all of the dark, evil, heavy, and wicked black metal with a variety of other influences you can candle. It may be a lot to get through but the journey is more than rewarding. If you are a fan of the first 3-4 Opeth albums then this is DEFINITELY a band that you need to listen to and become obsessed with as it hits hard with Opeth vibes but comes out the other side showing they are their own creation. They really are a new standard bearer for the term epic as these songs are quite long. The shortest comes in at 19 minutes and 23 seconds and the longest comes in at 24 minutes and 38 seconds. Give it the time it deserves and enjoy this colossal album.

107.) Semblant- Vermilion Eclipse
FFO- Extreme Symphonic Metal

4 albums in and Semblant has only grown stronger and stronger. The band is firing on all cylinders and all of the extremes of this Brazilian sextet are spread as far as the eye can see. While the songs continue to get catchier, they also can get more brutal, more symphonic, more proggy, and more deadly and that's why they deserve all of the love they can get. This album hits hard and it is awesome to see not only the quality of the band growing but also the audience. Especially if you've never heard of them before, give Semblant a shot as you are missing out on one hell of a great band.

106.) Elegeion- Plight of the Heretic
FFO- Doom Metal, Black Metal, Atmospheric Gothic Metal

After a 17-year break between albums, Elegeion has been recreated with a new lineup and has easily created their best album to date. Whether you are looking for something that is more along the lines of tribal percussion, merciless doom vibes, soothing yet haunting vocals, or just spectacular songwriting, Plight of the Heretic has it all in spades. I hope with this review and others catching onto this, more people will check this band out as they are back and they are back with a vengeance. Sensational and inspiring music.

105.) Bastard- Rotten Blood
FFO- Black n Roll, Thrash Metal

Bastard's sophomore album is exactly the right album at the right time. No frills, just solid black metal-inspired rock, and roll that's as evil as it is heavy and toe-tapping. Just completely solid from start to finish and lasts as long as it needs to be. I can't sell it much better than that. Check it out if you haven't heard enough of this style in 2022.

104.) Trick or Treat- Creepy Symphony
FFO- Power Metal

Power metal is meant to be fun, whether you are fighting dragons, going to war, dealing with personal struggles, or writing the new soundtrack to an unmade Nightmare Before Christmas sequel. Trick or Treat put out the most fun power metal album of 2022. Whether you just want to smile or even laugh at the silliness and cheese on display; you can't deny the songwriting, production, and talent that was made to create this album. Yes, there is more power metal on this list that is higher up on the list, but no other power metal album makes me smile as much as this one does. It's an album that you just may need, go check it out!

103.) Goatwhore- Angels Hung from the Arches of Heaven
FFO- Blackened Death Metal, Thrash Metal

Goatwhore has never needed to change their sound, they found it and on every album, they find a way to perfect it even further. This is another example of that. It is simply just a stellar display of blackened death metal and black and roll with the right amount of thrash to create a circle pit at any moment. If you are a longtime fan, you know what to expect here, if you are brand new to the band or have been turned off by the name…stop it and give this album a proper chance. You've been missing out for a long...long time.

102.) Depressed Mode- Decade of Silence
FFO- Symphonic Doom Metal, Death Metal

Not just a great album title; it also explains the decade break the band took until they came back in 2020 and released this mammoth display of melodic and symphonic death doom with Decade of Silence. The songs are haunting and devastating, the vocals are filled with pure pain, and the whole atmosphere gives that death doom you love, with the right amount of symphonic and other elements to make the album truly stand out. It's a dead-cold album, but I wouldn't want Depressed Mode any other way. This is how you add some dynamics to a genre made from pain and sorrow.

101.) Hath- All That Was Promised
FFO- Progressive Blackened Death Metal

The Sophomore release from this east coast stronghold takes what they accomplished on their debut album and cranked up everything to its full potential. The genre-bending is mindblowing and hits you so hard when you don't expect it. While the songs are still cohesive, I love the fact that it takes so much into account for creating the music they want to make and are not afraid of letting their influences and love of other genres run free. This takes genre-bending in extreme metal to a whole new level.

100.) Cult of Luna- The Long Road North
FFO- Atmospheric Metal, Sludge Metal, Post Metal

Cult of Luna has slowly but surely been evolving its sound over the last several years and you really start to hear the fruits of their labor here with The Long Road North. While you can still hear the doom, sludge, and post-metal elements strongly; you hear more than anything the love of more atmospheric moments eerily close to blackgaze, but still on the outskirts of it. The songs feel even stronger than before and filled with a new life. Cult of Luna is in a new chapter of its career and if this is what it looks like now, I can't wait to see what the future has in store for us all.

99.) Undeath- It's Time...to Rise from the Grave
FFO- Old School Death Metal

Undeath has taken the world by storm with this release. So much so, they were the number 1 album of Decibel's Top 40 Albums of 2022. They are more than deserving of the title as created a death metal album that the old school death metal fans from Cannibal Corpse to Entombed can love, but just modernized enough for the new era of metalheads that are discovering death metal for the first time that loved other genres that are giving a band like this the time of day. It's no holds barred, when it gets brutal, it's very brutal and the production is just as raw as it needs to be to capture their influences. This deserves the love it gets. If you missed out, give it a shot now and see what you think. Especially those of you who think there is no good new music anymore.

98.) Clutch- Sunrise on Slaughter Beach
FFO- Clutch, Blues Rock, Hard Rock

I'll keep this one short and sweet as this is Clutch's shortest album to date at 33 minutes and 9 songs. It's the best Clutch in the modern day with all new material. If you love hard rock, it's here. If you love the bluesy aesthetic, it's here. If you just love Clutch, they have released their best album since Earth Rocker, and it's not even close. Simply fantastic work.

97.) Ereb Altor- Vargtimman
FFO- Viking Metal, Black Metal, Doom Metal

The 9th outing from this legendary band showcases the band at their most epic sounding. Doom, black metal, classic metal, Viking themes, and the love of Bathory are on full display here as tired and true as ever. It's what the band has needed to release and I'm so happy with the final product as this album hits all the territories that I love about the band and continues to give even more than that with other flavorings that make it stand out from the rest of the pack. I love it and you just may as well.

96.) Kvaen- The Great Below
FFO- Black Metal, Speed Metal, Technical Metal

Kvaen is the brainchild of Jacob Bjornfot and the sophomore album is taking the project to the farthest extremes it can possibly reach...so far. The songs are faster, the instrumentation is even stronger and more insane, and is filled with guest musicians to really help make this album even more preposterous. If you like black metal but find it too simple and redundant, you really need to give Kvaen a chance and see how wrong you really are. This is a pinnacle achievement in the genre and I can already tell the next album will be even more bonkers in the best way possible.

95.) Avatarium- Death, Where is Your Sting?
FFO- Doom Metal

Avatarium is now considered Swedish doom legends alongside the likes of Candlemass, and they deserve the notoriety. With their latest album, the band continues to expand their sound but maintain their core doom sound. While the band doesn't need to truly reinvent the wheel at this point, they still make every album have its own distinct sound and that's exactly what's shown off here. If you love the classic doom sound, but want it just different enough, give Avatarium and this album a spin and thank me later.

94.) Temple of Void- Summoning The Slayer
FFO- Death Doom Metal

Temple of Void is the perfect name for the band as every album to date makes you feel like you are lost in the sound and only falling as you enter. With Summoning The Slayer, the band continues to perfect their sound while expanding upon it adding new layers to their sound with more atmosphere and dread. I've seen so many people say this is the best death doom album of the year and they're not wrong for thinking so as this album is simply terrific. It's a grower of an album that on the first album you may even like, but the more you listen and let it sink in, the more it seeps into your soul and takes over and shows its true power. Don't believe me? Why not listen and find out for yourself. Go ahead, do it!

93.) Pensees Nocturnes- Douce Fange
FFO- Experimental, Avant Garde Metal

If their previous album was the soundtrack to a horrific carnival you can't escape from, this album is when the clowns of the carnival break loose and attack the visiting town. This album ends up even being more dynamic and absolutely insane than all of their previous work and has become somehow more attractive to the more sane listener, yet even more terrifying. Words simply can't do this album justice and any real attempt to explain it is futile. All I can say is if you want one of the most outrageously extreme displays of experimental and avant-garde music in 2022, you need to hear this album. It's as bonkers as it is absurd and that's what makes it so intriguing.

92.) Obsidious- Iconic
FFO- Modern Metal, Progressive Death Metal

When you start a band that is 75% ex-members of the previous incarnation of Obscura, you gotta do something that will help you set your own style and make the music that you want to make. So how did Obsidious decide to do this? By becoming more mainstream. Not too mainstream, it still has the technical and progressive death metal flavoring that you know these band members from. BUT! They decided to add much more clean vocals, more riffs you can bob your head along to, and an odd sense that they are truly writing the music that makes the most sense at this point in time. The final product ends in a modernized progressive death metal album that fits no matter if you love growls or not, insane fret-board work or not, or heavy music or not. A truly wonderful album that I don't see enough people talking about, so go on and check this out.

91.) Manic Sinners- King of the Badlands
FFO- Melodic Rock, Melodic Metal, AOR

Manic Sinners put out a debut album for the ages with King of the Badlands. No matter how heavy or mainstream you like your 70s, 80s, and early 90s, rock and metal; there is a song for you on this one. It's super catchy and written by fantastic musicians that really know how to get the older crowd and newer crowds of rock and metal together to create something magical. And this is just their first outing. That sophomore album I know will be even more refined and may become one of the most standout albums of that year. I can't wait to hear it, but until then, we got this and this is simply outstanding.


And there you go folks, 60 albums down and 90 albums to go. Tomorrow we barrel on into Part IV of Heavy Debriefings' Top 150 Albums of 2022: 90-71. Until then this is Josh Rundquist saying, See Ya!

- Josh Rundquist (Heavy Debriefings)

Hello everyone and welcome back for part two of this colossal endeavor known as Heavy Debriefings' Top 150 Albums of 2022. Yesterday we looked at albums 150-131. Now it's time to look at albums 130-111; which I must stress again, is no slight in the albums in question. I consume a lot of music every year, much more than a normal human being probably should, but it's all in the means of showing off the best music out there for others to enjoy. The ranking isn't as important as the albums in question. I keep saying this as there are some very, VERY, good albums that deserve your attention from 150-1 and I really hope you're not skipping any parts of this list just because of where it sits for me. Anywho, let's get into the rules, then on to today's display of musical endeavors.

1.) This is a 10-part List running from November 28th to December 9th. The first week is Albums 150-51. 20 Albums a day in countdown order. The 2nd week is the Top 50 with 10 albums a day counting down all the way to number 1.

2.) There are no EPs, Live Albums, Remake Albums, Cover Albums, or Rarity Albums. It is a list of all brand-new studio albums released in 2022.

3.) The order of each entry is as follows: Band Name, Album Title, FFO (For Fans Of) Section, Paragraph or less description of said album.

4.) The list takes into account albums that are released between January 1st, 2022, and December 9th, 2022. Yes, the last few weeks of the year are not included and there is no reason you should be releasing music in that time frame if you want people to check out your album in a calendar year. That's on you.

5.) This list is mine and mine alone. I was not paid or asked to put any album on this list.

6.) As it is impossible to add every single heavy album in a single year, I can only add what I've heard and enjoyed. If an album is not on here that you feel should have been it is because either A.) I didn't hear it, B.) I didn't hear it enough, or C.) It wasn't my bag...baby.

7.) This is a list of my TOP 150 albums of 2022. Not just 150 albums I heard this year. I heard much more than that and narrowed things down to the ones that I want to showcase. Your favorite album or discovery from this list could be at 1, 23, 78, 104, or 150. You don't know unless you check the whole list and check out anything that may appeal to you. I'm just the messenger giving you good music and my own thoughts, but I really do enjoy every single album listed and recommend you check these out at your own discretion.

8.) Enjoy the ride, make some new discoveries, and check out some new music. If between all 150 albums listed you can't find one that you enjoy, you're reading the wrong list.

Now...onto this segment of the list!

130.) Vimur- Transcendental Violence
FFO- Genre Bending Black Metal

The album title is very apt for this recording. It really does feel transcendental and violent. Moments of beauty and soaring through different forms of life amongst the pure black metal rage shown throughout is quite a daunting task to be able to pull off, but the band has done it seamlessly. Beauty and chaos coexist and Vimur has portrayed it here to their best ability between the cascading songwriting, hard-hitting lyrics, and that sense of yin and yang exploding at the same time. Definitely an album worth experiencing at least once to see if it is something you would enjoy.

129.) Remains of Destruction- New Dawn
FFO- Heavy Power Metal, Modern Metal

The debut album from this Finnish powerhouse combines some of the heaviest aspects of power metal and mixes it through a modern filter with just the right amount of keys and sound effects to give a great-sounding power metal album into a fantastic modern power metal album. You can tell the band is about to burst into what they are capable of and the dynamics and creativity are only going to grow from here on out. Check this out now and see where the musical landscape will take them in the future.

128.) Lorna Shore- Pain Remains
FFO- Progressive Symphonic Deathcore

As I mentioned in last month's Top 10 of October 2022 list; this is not the same run-of-the-mill deathcore band I saw opening for Deicide in 2015; this is a band that has grown so much over the years and has rightfully taken the new spotlight of deathcore and rearranged it just enough to make it their own. By combining symphonic and progressive elements that more than outweigh the deathcore elements in other aspects, the band has become its own entity. While the vocals are so varied that they will either be everything you love or everything you hate; the band in its 2022 formation is easily worth checking out. If they can take someone like me who couldn't care less about what they were doing and made me become floored with what they are capable of; they just might do the same for you.

127.) Without Waves- Comedian
FFO- Experimental Progressive Metal

Chicago's Without Waves is a band that is not afraid to let the freak flag wave proudly. From going to absolute extremes to the absolute mainstream extremes on the same album, all with a strange, eerie feeling like you are in a horror fun house, really give this album a unique style that is all their own. Add on top of that the stunning musicianship and songwriting on display and crystal clear production and you have an album that will make any fans of Devin Townsend to Mr. Bungle happy. A shockingly fun album from start to finish.

126.) My Useless Life- Bittersweet Agony
FFO- Depressive Suicidal Black Metal

The 4th album from this California duo is their most sincere and cathartic album to date. With a raw, but captivating production style, just the right amount of atmospheric and post-black metal elements, realistic lyrics, and tones that can tear your soul apart, Bittersweet Agony is the kind of album for those that are struggling mentally but just need to hear that others are struggling as well to feel less alone. The songs, while sorrowful also, almost, give a unique sense of optimism behind them much like the album title hints at. Life is hell, but it can still have reasons to keep going. One of the best pure depressive suicidal black metal albums of the year, hands down.

125.) Destruction- Diabolical
FFO- Thrash Metal

If you are already familiar with these German thrash maniacs, then this album should be no shock to you. For everyone else, this is a blazing take on thrash in 2022 with just the right amount of dynamics and perseverance to make this an album worth experiencing for any thrash fiend. No reinventing the wheel here, just pure, unrelenting thrash, and sometimes that is all you need.

124.) Krilloan- Emperor Rising
FFO- Power Metal

For anyone who has missed the golden age of power metal, the days of the falsettos, constant double bass, blazing guitar and bass, and songs that are always memorable and super catchy; the debut album from Krilloan is the album you need to experience before the end of 2022. As I just described, everyone in this band is on fire and shows off their chops to the best of their abilities. Every song is distinct and full of wonder and brings you back to the days of power metal that you know and love. As of the writing of this placement, the album comes out December 9th, so go make sure to check it out when it comes out next week, it's more than worth it.

123.) Alter Bridge- Pawns & Kings
FFO- Hard Rock, Heavy Metal

Alter Bridge is one of those bands that are gigantic everywhere but the USA, which is so odd considering they are from the good ol' USA. Not to say they can't sell out venues here, but like in Europe, they are an arena/stadium band. The songs on Pawns & Kings are definitely written in a way that will satisfy the most save beast looking for metal tones, but also want to wrap their arm around their partner(s) and simply sway along. It's simultaneously their heaviest and one of their most commercial-sounding albums to date. It's a sound of the times and it matches the atmosphere perfectly. If you want a heavy and catchy look at the heaviest parts of mainstream radio, Alter Bridge is a band you should stop ignoring and give a proper chance. No preconceived notions, just dive in.

122.) Septicflesh- Modern Primitive
FFO- Symphonic Death Metal, Atmospheric Death Metal

After the last several years and the low water mark that was 2020. it's no wonder why so many bands took their time and wrote such aggressively heavy and thought-provoking albums to come out of the pandemic. Septicflesh with Modern Primitive is another band that took a look at the modern landscape of the world and has shown how we have progressed and regressed as a society at the same time. Match that with sheer passionate brutality and high dynamics and you get an album that feels like a whole dystopian film soundtrack rather than just a collection of great songs. It's not a cheesy album, but it's a realistic one. Check it out and see if you agree.

121.) In Loving Memory- The Withering
FFO- Death Doom, Melodic Doom

Ah yes, more melodic death-doom is incoming; probably my most listened-to genre this year. In Loving Memory was a huge reason why I got into the mood this year, besides the state of the world. Discovering this album back in January thanks to Cary over at the Metal Geeks Podcast and MSRcast; the 3rd album from this Spanish collective has the right amount of sorrow, beauty, and tragedy rolled into one. You sing your sorrows in the most haunting and wistful of ways. This album is not for the faint of heart, but it is for those that need those cathartic and even dreadful thoughts to be heard in audio form. A tragic delight.

120.) Culak- Holy Tempest
FFO- Post Black Metal, Atmospheric Black Metal, Doom Metal

Culak is an odd entity. A one-man band that sounds like a full orchestra at the same time. With his 13th album, he really takes advantage of the orchestral part as this album is swaying with emotions in its primarily black metal aesthetic, but just the right amount of doomy moments and the orchestral seasoning to make this an album that is both raw, and complete. If you let it sink in, it will take over you and you may even shed a tear. I know I came very close to crying on my first listen. A hard-hitting and beautiful piece of black metal.

119.) Earthrise- Until We Rest in the Winter Way
FFO- Post Metal, Doom Metal, Sludge Metal

It took a decade, but the Twin Cities-based Earthrise finally released their sophomore album and it lived up to the hype I made in my own mind for the duration. It's heavier, it's dreamier, and it captures the darkness and the light in its own significant way. The band has become even more bombastic, thanks to its production style on display which really helps the dynamics flourish and the atmosphere wash over you. If you are big into bands like Neurosis, Cult of Luna, and Bison B.C.; you will find something to love and appreciate with Earthrise.

118.) Conan- Evidence of Immortality
FFO- Doom Metal, Sludge Metal

Another heavy as-hell album, but this time from the UK, Conan's 5th LP is not just what may be their most dynamic and bombastic display of sludgy doom metal, but it is also their most thought-provoking as it does tackle the war still currently going on between Russia and Ukraine and the lyrics were penned as it was starting. Perfect creativity is terrible for the further downfall of humanity. But all of that said, this is easily the best Conan album to date if you just want the heaviest possible sounds you can get in 2022. Simply look no further, it's here in full display with its full arsenal.

117.) Cyborg Octopus- Between The Light and Air
FFO- Experimental Progressive Metal

6 years after their debut album, with a fresh new look at the world, Cyborg Octopus has returned to the surface with their sophomore album and it is a sight to truly believe. An experimental piece of progressive metal for anyone that wants a cohesive hodgepodge of mathcore, prog, jazz, 8bit, and more into their gumbo of musical delights. With a realistic look at the world and a soundtrack to accurately capture it, Cyborg Octopus makes no apologies for their musical style, thoughts or destruction they leave in their path. It's the definition of genre-bending and it's done in all the right ways. If you are feeling adventurous or just a tad bit saucy; dive down into the deep and check this album out. You may not escape, but it's more than worth the plunge.

116.) Deep Memories- Why Do We Suffer?
FFO- Melodic Death Doom Metal

Why Do We Suffer? An excellent question posed on the sophomore album from this Brazilian one-man band, that tackles the heartaches and possible ways we all suffer or will die on these pieces of recordings. It's one of the more raw melodic death doom albums of the year, but that adds to the sense of mournful dread you will experience throughout this album. It hits very hard the more you listen to the lyrics and the music matches those somber tones to perfection. It's not an easy listen if you are feeling joyful, but if you are feeling sad or worse, this could be an album you need right now. I know it helped me tremendously.

115.) Destrage- SO MUCH. too much.
FFO- Experimental Progressive Metalcore

It's hard to add more than I already did in my Top 10 of October 2022 list, but, I will try. The 6th album from this Italian experimental outfit is both a wacky sense of adventure that you will never expect, but also one of their most commercial-sounding and openly inviting albums to date. Both being completely on the edge of insanity and cohesive really gives everything a split personality feel that makes more and more sense the more you listen to it. And they do the most unique take on STP's Vaseline that you will ever hear. A sight for sore ears for those that want an album that is truly daring in 2022.

114.) Die Apokalyptischen Reiter- Wilde Kinder
FFO- German Metal

I can't give a better FFO description than that. Every album from this band has such a great unique sound to it, but over the last couple of albums, they really decided to throw everything into the blend and play what they want. That is what you get on this album. On one track you will get a dark black metal piece, you will get a power metal affair, you will get an arena metal anthem, and so much more that you will just have to experience to comprehend. The band has truly become that unification of metal. Not afraid to play any style as long as they want to write it, record it, and play it. With that attitude, it makes for some of their best work ever. Check it out and see if the variety of metal is right for you.

113.) Veonity- Elements of Power
FFO- Power Metal

Sweden's Veonity may have made the most powerful album of all power metal albums released in 2022. This has everything you want whether you are an old-school die-hard or love the modern take on power metal; it's here in full display. It has it all and it simply doesn't get much more majestic than this. It's an album that is sure to put a smile on your face on many occasions and when it comes to music, don't you want to be able to enjoy it? You get that and so much more with Elements of Power. A sheer power metal classic in the making.

112.) Troglodyte- The Hierarchical Ecological Succession: Welcome to the Food Chain
FFO- Death Metal, Goregrind

Death metal about bigfoot. That's all you need to know about this Kansas entity. With now 4 albums over 11 years, the band has made this silly, yet brutal band something to truly behold. This album in particular picks you up, and viciously tears you apart, but you still get a great laugh before you are slaughtered. Isn't that how we all wish we could go? If you want your death metal with a smile, this is the band you need in your life.

111.) The Flower Kings- By Royal Decree
FFO- Progressive Rock

This is sadly an album that just got lost on me this year and had I had more listens to it, it would have ranked much higher. Another double disc release from this long-running Swedish prog super-entity. It's whimsical, it's majestic, it's quirky, and delightful; just as The Flower Kings should be. If you've never heard the b and before, it's the perfect throwback to the 60s and 70s throwback prog sound with 80s and 90s flair, but now done in 2022 and more modernized. By Royal Decree is not the heaviest release from the band it won't make you feel depressed; nor should it. It's a fantastic display of musical craftsmanship by one of the best bands in the business showing how classic prog is done and does it right. You really can't ask for anything more.

And there you have it, folks, Part II of this unrelenting list I call Heavy Debriefings' Top 150 Albums of 2022. Come back tomorrow when we finally crack the top 100 with Part III: 110-91. Until then this is Josh Rundquist saying See Ya!

- Josh Rundquist (Heavy Debriefings)

Hello Everyone! Welcome to my biggest list ever, the behemoth of all behemoths, the list that will leave 80-95% waiting for the Top 10 and maybe top 20, but is for the 5% who will check out every album that is intriguing to them list that in 2022 is The Top 150 Albums of 2022. For the past 10 years, I had been doing my lists as That Drummer Guy and It got to the point where a Top 100 not only became standard but was taken from other platforms to make their own top 100s. In 2022, This year has been nothing short of a spectacular year in heavy music, and even cutting this list down to 100 was not going to be something I would be happy with the outcome of. SO! I decided to double the ante and make a Top 200 Albums of 2022…then realized when I sat down with it that the last 50 was just padding, so I cut it down the middle and ended up with my Top 150 Albums of 2022 List. If you are new to how I do my lists or you forgot the rules; Here are said rules that more or less carry over from every previous year, just updated slightly to accommodate this year's list.

1.) This is a 10-part List running from November 28th to December 9th. The first week is Albums 150-51. 20 Albums a day in countdown order. The 2nd week is the Top 50 with 10 albums a day counting down all the way to number 1.

2.) There are no EPs, Live Albums, Remake Albums, Cover Albums, or Rarity Albums. It is a list of all brand-new studio albums released in 2022.

3.) The order of each entry is as follows: Band Name, Album Title, FFO (For Fans Of) Section, Paragraph or less description of said album.

4.) The list takes into account albums that are released between January 1st, 2022 and December 9th, 2022. Yes, the last few weeks of the year are not included and there is no reason you should be releasing music in that time frame if you want people to check out your album in a calendar year. That's on you.

5.) This list is mine and mine alone. I was not paid or asked to put any album on this list.

6.) As it is impossible to add every single heavy album in a single year, I can only add what I've heard and enjoyed. If an album is not on here that you feel should have been it is because either A.) I didn't hear it, B.) I didn't hear it enough, or C.) It wasn't my bag...baby.

7.) This is a list of my TOP 150 albums of 2022. Not just 150 albums I heard this year. I heard much more than that and narrowed things down to the ones that I want to showcase. Your favorite album or discovery from this list could be at 1, 23, 78, 104, or 150. You don't know unless you check the whole list and check out anything that may appeal to you. I'm just the messenger giving you good music and my own thoughts, but I really do enjoy every single album listed and recommend you check these out at your own discretion.

8.) Enjoy the ride, make some new discoveries, and check out some new music. If between all 150 albums listed you can't find one that you enjoy, you're reading the wrong list.

Now...let the games begin!


150.) Battle Beast- Circus of Doom
FFO- Power Metal, Pop Metal, Heavy Metal ABBA

Battle Beast's brand new album is their best work to date and it came from one main distinction, they decided to get heavier and catchier. Adding the right amount of flair to their already bombastic sound to create a sense of wonder that is like a heavier take on ABBA, the band has found their niche and it truly makes the album and the band stand out. Every song is filled with hooks and choruses you'll remember for days after you hear them. If you want just a fun album of thrills, chills, and at least from what I can tell, no spills; this is the album for you.

149.) Famyne- II: The Ground Below
FFO- Doom Metal, Classic Doom Metal

The sophomore outing from this UK outfit shows the band progressing further into their sound with production that's even punchier, songwriting that hits even harder, and fantastic musicianship filled to the brim of the barrel. While very much a clean vocal doom metal album, you can hear tinges of other bands and genres throughout that help the songs stand out even more. For example, the trace amount of Opeth vibes over top of some Candlemass riffs just makes this album such a great listen. Those that want some epic doom metal without venturing into the death doom or funeral doom territories should look no further than this outstanding album.

148.) Belphegor- The Devils
FFO- Blackened Death Metal

Belphegor has returned after 5 years with some of their strongest material in years. This is definitely the kind of album where you realize that it's not about reinventing the wheel, but refining it so it's the smoothest and most functional wheel you can make. Everything you've loved about the band in the past is on showcase here but just updated enough with what may be the band's best production ever. Every song has a great range of dynamics, whether it goes full speed ahead or gets close to entering the death-doom territory. Simply put, this is one of the finest examples of classic blackened death metal you will find this year, if you missed out on it, go back and check this out.

147.) Stratovarius- Survive
FFO- Power Metal, Melodic Metal

Stratovarius, after 7 years and now 16 albums proves that they are more than worthy of all the praise, love, and artists they have inspired over the years. The album shows a bit of a return to form for the modern era of the band. The songs are catchy and heavy with the right amount of double kicks, over-the-top vocals, and jaw-dropping keys when needed. If you love your power metal straight ahead into a world beyond, Stratovarius is one of the best examples of a band that can maintain their core sound over decades together and never loses steam. A great choice for a power metal album this year.

146.) Venom Prison- Erebos
FFO- Death metal, Melodic Death Metal, Metalcore

The 4th album from this insanely aggressive and brutal band shows the band at what may be their most angry and yet its most cohesive. The band has spread its wings from album to album and this album explores the most with genre-bending into more melodic and core elements and even more clean vocals, but when you listen to the lyrics, their intensity and hatred have not let up whatsoever. It's an extreme take on musicianship and a perfect landscape that we are a part of in 2022. This is the album for you if you need to release all of your aggression in one of the most cathartic of ways.

145.) Dragonland- The Power of the Nightstar
FFO- Melodic Power Metal

If I had more time with this album, it would have been much higher up on this list, but I'm so glad it still ended up here. After 11 years of waiting and somehow being able to see them twice at ProgPower USA 2016 after thinking I would never see them live; Dragonland arises from the ashes and put out an outstanding display of melodic power metal that is equal parts fun and cheesy and done with profound efficiency and prowess. Dragonland is the kind of band that just puts a smile on your face as you listen to them. If you can't have fun with this, I don't think you and I would like the same kind of party. It is so great to see the band back after so long picking up right where they left off and it is truly for the best.

144.) Nite- Voices from the Kronian Moon
FFO- Hard Rock, Black Metal

A unique blend of black 'n roll where it focuses much more on rock and roll with just a tinge or two of the evil black metal goodness in its aesthetics. It's like mixing up KISS, Motorhead, Thin Lizzy, and Tribulation. It sounds odd on paper but sounds like perfection in execution. The sophomore album shows the band expanding its diversity while maintaining the core sound they began with to create their strongest material so far and with this only being their 2nd album, it's only going to get better from here. If you want a starter black metal album if you are a classic hard rock fan, or if you want an evil album that sounds like it could be on top 40 radio in a different timeline, Nite is a band you need to check out immediately. This hits every checkpoint it was trying to achieve and then some.

143.) Municipal Waste- Electrified Brain
FFO- Crossover Thrash

There's not really much to add about Municipal Waste that isn't already out there. They are crossover thrash done right. Every album is fun and makes you want to chug your drink of choice, eat pizza, and party. Electrified Brain is another chapter of that philosophy with no real left-of-center changes nor does it need to be. As mentioned, it's crossover thrash done right and that's all they ever need to be.

142.) Allegaeon- Damnum
FFO- Progressive Death Metal

The latest album from Allegaeon is a masterpiece of the technical/progressive death metal realms. It's unfortunate that a lineup change also came after the release of this album, and when you listen to it you can almost sense it, but it definitely sounds like a purge album if there ever was one. The anger on this album is fierce, the musical proficiency is in peak form and you can hear the band showing their love of prog just a tad bit more. While it seems like the Allegaeon ship might be righted now, it leads me to think their next album is not only a new chapter of the band but what could lead to their best album to date. This album, I dare say, is the angry calm before the storm of all storms. Buckle in now and enjoy the destructive ride.


141.) Needless- The Cosmic Cauldron
FFO- Progressive Death Metal, Technical Death Metal

I simply can't believe this is a sophomore album. This is the kind of album where bands in their similar genres will strive years upon years and album after album to try to make and fail at it. This is a true force to be reckoned with. Whether you are looking for some jaw-dropping musicianship, genre-bending on the turn of a dime, or some of the best-arranged technical and progressive death metal of the 2020s, you need to check this album out and enjoy every second recorded. It's a complete whirlwind, but it's more than worth the trip.

140.) GWAR- The New Dark Ages
FFO- Heavy Metal, Punk Rock

What an aptly named title for the world we currently live in isn't it? GWAR continues its new chapter with Blothar at the helm and creates a fun, chaotic, funny, and horror-filled GWAR classic. This time around it feels more raw and aggressive with more of a punk rock heart than a metal heart and it works in its favor. And any new reason for GWAR to be able to present a new stage show and give us fun blood and other liquid-spewed-filled night is always good in my book. This thing is a raging good time/

139.) No Point in Living- The Road to Death
FFO- Depressive Suicidal Black Metal, Progressive Black Metal

I could have easily gone with any of the 6..that's right SIX albums that No Point in Living has churned out this year, but I went with the one that I heard first. This one-man band is a recording machine with making music not only at laser speed, but all done with improving quality, thought-provoking lyrics, and outstanding songwriting. Whether you want something more ambient, more progressive, or more raw black metal, there's bound to be at least one No Point in Living album for you. The Road To Death feels like a great center-point to the discography so far where it is raw but listenable, proggy, but still straightforward, and overall...very depressing. Give this album a shot, or really give any of the albums a shot. Apparently, there is 68 No Point in Living releases to date on Bandcamp since 2017, so you'll have no shortage of music from this project if you want it.

138.) Autumn's Grief- Dead by the Dawn
FFO- Symphonic Metal, Melodic Metal

As of the writing of this list, the album is still yet to be released and is coming out December 9th (hence, my cutoff point mentioned in the rules earlier). The sophomore album from this Finnish Symphonic powerhouse hits all the sticking points of a great modern symphonic metal band. It's dark, it's epic, it's symphonically driven, and most importantly, it has staying power. The songs are so catchy and memorable. The fact it's their second album and their debut album came out last year really says a lot about the power of this band and how much their cache will skyrocket in years to come. Climb aboard this grief-stricken ride while it's still at the station before they become the top name of the genre they are sure to be.

137.) Misaligned- Colours
FFO- Melodic Death Metal, Modern Metal

Finnish melodeath always has a way of ending up on my lists and for good reason. Per capita, no one does melodeath better than the Finns. This debut album has the perfect blend of classic melodeath and enough modern metal tinges to make the band sound unique amongst their peers with super catchy hooks and melodies, headbanging moments, and a super fun atmosphere that is missing in a lot of melodeath these days. All that said, this is a mind-blowing debut album that you need to check out if you are a melodeath fan, I can't imagine you'll be disappointed.

136.) Lawnmower Deth- Blunt Cutters
FFO- Crossover Thrash

The band's 4th album and first since 1994 is a fun-filled, fast, heavy, funny, and thought-provoking affair. In short, it picks up right where the band left off 28 years ago and it feels like they haven't skipped a beat. If you want a UK taste of crossover thrash, almost as a counterpart to something like Municipal Waste (who of course came much later), then you will be in a treat with Lawnmower Deth.

135.) Tragedy of Mine- Aeon
FFO- Melodic Death Metal, Metalcore

The sophomore album from this German group focuses even more on the groundwork laid out on their 2018 debut. The catchy choruses are even bigger, the songwriting is even stronger, and the atmosphere is even darker. The technical and creative control of this album is simply stunning and with more people discovering this album, they more they will be floored by what this band has to offer. Great things are sure to come with Tragedy of Mine and you should be checking them out as soon as you possibly can if you are a melodeath or metalcore fan. This band hits both albums in strides.

134.) Moonlight Haze- Animus
FFO- Symphonic Power Metal

Moonlight Haze is some outstanding Italian symphonic power metal that now with 3 albums under their belt, is showing the band has true staying power and is not afraid to showcase all the tricks of their ever-growing trade. Excellent songwriting and musicianship are on display with so many catchy and even the occasional scream to throw off your false sense of security. A truly standout symphonic power metal album from 2022.

133.) Zero Hour- Agenda 21
FFO- Progressive Metal

It appears that Zero Hour is back and quite possibly stronger than ever. With their first album since 2008; the band showcases their aggressive sides and proggy sides to perfection. With a new lineup including members of Powerwolf, Seventh Wonder, and Cynthesis; the band is filled with a new fire, but at the same time, a love for what the band has accomplished so far. I am so happy this band is back as we needed this jaw-dropping prog sensibility back into our ears. Check out this classic throwback, yet modernized piece of prog wonder.

132.) Trauma Field- From Wounded Soil
FFO- Death Doom, Melodic Doom Metal

Get used to seeing the genre death doom thrown out in this list a lot in the coming days, because there is a lot of it, and it starts off here with Trauma Field. Finnish death doom on their 3rd album and first album since 2016. the songs are filled with that signature death-doom style, but this is different enough. It adds just the right amount of haunting riffs on top of very melancholic and above all, melodic melodies that make Trauma Field a name you remember in the field of the darkness. The songs don't outstay their welcome and the album has that instant replay value. A sheer dark delight of an album that I hope more people will check out because of this list.

131. Ghost- Impera
FFO- Occult Rock, Heavy Metal, Progressive Rock

Yes Yes, everyone has their thoughts on Ghost and any band that start to become as popular as Ghost does is sure to get its detractors and haters attached to it the more popular they become, the louder those squeaky wheels become to tear down something others enjoy. All of that said, of all 5 albums released so far, this probably is in last place for me; but that is in no way saying this is a bad album. In fact, I dare say it's their most daring and adventurous album to date. Impera brings back some of the metal the band has lost and found again over the years, but rather than keeping what has been a very 70s vibe; the band is entering the 80s and even a little bit of 90s flavorings into their sound. Adding influences from Rush Queen and even in the most polarizing song of their career, Twenties, it has a Faith No More meets Danny Elfman vibe that you will either love or hate...or think is ok. Impera is filled with arena rock hits to fill their now arena-sized audiences and that is quite alright. So they will never write another Opus Eponymous, they don't need to, they are doing just fine doing what they do best, making occult rock fun again and pissing everyone else off who doesn't like it. Ghost, please don't ever change.


And there you go folks, the first 20 (or bottom 20 depending on how you look at it) of my baffling ordeal of a ten-part series that is the Heavy Debriefings' Top 150 albums of 2022. Come back tomorrow for Part II: 130-111. Until then this is Josh Rundquist saying, See Ya!

- Josh Rundquist- Heavy Debriefings

Hello everyone and welcome to the spookiest time of year, October 2022. Of course, by the time you are reading this, it will be the last Friday of the year, just a couple days before Halloween and you’ll be sick of the holiday commercials you are seeing for Christmas already; but that is for a different time. Right now, I gotta go over 10 albums that have come out this month that are sure to leave you with a sense of joy and yuletide, crap I’m already still stuck on the holiday stuff. Grrr. Anyways, let's get into the album reviews as this may be my last Top 10 list of the year as starting in November, I gotta sit myself down for the gargantuan, baffling ordeal that will be my Top 200 Albums of 2022. Here are the rules, then on with the albums!

1.) These will be Original Studio ALBUMS. Not EPs, live albums, cover albums, rarities albums, lost albums, splits, collaboration efforts, etc. Simply Original Studio Albums from bands. Simply enough, right?
 
 2.) These will be in ALPHABETICAL ORDER. Not ranked. I don’t give away my secrets about what will be in the top 100 that easily. At least buy me a drink first!
 
 3.) These reviews will be like my top 100 list where I give the band name, the album, and the FFO section; followed by a paragraph review. I could easily go track by track on every album, but then I will have given everything away. I want YOU to check any of these albums out and make up your own thoughts if you dig them or not. I’m just here to let you be aware these albums are out and for your listening pleasure.
 
 4.) There is nothing sponsored here nor stolen content. Just my own thoughts. I have been given almost every album I review as a stream or promo and anything I missed I checked out on Spotify or Bandcamp after release.
 
 5.) I will be covering more albums in audio form on my podcast every week there is a new show. There may be some crossover, other ones may just be in audio form. So check out both for the optimum experience.
 
 6.) None of these albums are set in stone for the best of 2022. I may be high on them now, but that could change for a multitude of reasons (mainly if the band does something asinine).
 
 7.) Any album not featured here or in the podcast can EASILY still be featured in my top 100. I can’t hear every album and some will slip through the cracks now or even then. So I just need to hear an album and make assertions from there.
 
 8.) These are done for YOU. So I hope you can discover some new music on my behalf and be shown that new music has never stopped being great. Just go discover it.


 Let’s Begin

Abduction- Black Blood
FFO- Black Metal

Abduction has become a black metal band that went from having the very raw sound associated with most one-man metal bands, to their now 4th album which sounds like the entity of Abduction has been taken to the next level. The musicianship and songwriting from A|V is something that is simply astounding and you can tell how much he wants to improve the band to its fullest potential. With their Candlelight Records debut, they are still an underground band to many, but they are rising through the dark light and showing they are a true force to be reckoned with. If this is the band's new direction, Abduction will be one of the premier black metal bands of the 2020s. This is simply black metal done right.

The Antichrist Imperium- Volume III: Satan In All Of His Glory
FFO- Progressive Blackened Death Metal

The 3rd volume of this hell-spewing entity is by far the best release from the collective to date. As a gigantic Akercocke fan, I became infatuated with The Antichrist Imperium in the light of the hiatus of Akercocke at the time, but now that both can exist (and the fact that at least for one show if not completely going forward, Akercocke is the backing band for Anaal Nathrakh); the band has embraced even further into its musical diversity, tight production and of course more power in the name of…Satan...*sips from a glass of wine*. While I know many people who would be turned off by this album simply by the subject matter, if you have am eclectic taste as I do and don’t mind hearing about the glory of Satan, this is a very thought-provoking vision of what music can be and all it entails. Strap yourself in and give in to the power of The Antichrist Imperium.


Avantasia- A Paranormal Evening with the Moonflower Society
FFO- Power Metal, Heavy Metal

Tobias Sammet is back and stronger than ever with the latest Avantasia album. I recently got to talk to Tobi and he even said himself that he rediscovered his love of singing on this album and I’m so glad he did. Every song feels so fresh and inspired whether it is a blistering fast power metal song, a stadium-worthy rock anthem, or a 10-minute epic for all the long-time fans to enjoy. For my tastes with reminds me of the fast and heavy moments of Ghostlights and the melancholic and emotional moments of Moonglow while still getting to be its own entity. With every list I enjoy this album more and with how long I’ve had it and been able to spin it; I can without question say this is my favorite Tobias Sammet album to date. Avantasia is in top form and it will only get better from here on out.

Bloody Hammers- Washed in the Blood
FFO- Gothic Metal, Heavy Metal, Punk, Horror

Bloody Hammers is a band that has never made the same album twice with every album having its own very distinct sound. With this latest release, you hear the change in the band where they decided to throw everything they’ve done against the wall and see what sticks. There is some heavy metal atmosphere in a good amount of songs, there are some upbeat punky numbers thrown in, and a good mix of gothic overtones. And of course, every song is a fantastic, scary horror tale that fits the music perfectly. Washed in the Blood feels like a Best Of album with all new material, which is a very hard feat to be able to pull off successfully. Not only has Bloody Hammers achieved this, but this may also be their best album to date. This is the perfect album to start with if you are brand new to the band as it has everything they’ve done to this point. I can’t wait to see what the next evil chapter of the band has in store for us all.

Borealis- Illusions
FFO- Progressive Metal, Dark Metal, Melodic Metal

Canada’s Borealis is another band that has taken the last few years to be able to create their finest masterpiece. Every song off Illusions feels like it could have been single and it would have worked seamlessly. With additional orchestration from Vikram Shankar (Redemption, Lux Terminus, Threads of Fate), it takes already great sounds and makes them mesmerizing. This album is worthy of all the praise it receives as this is a pure high-water mark for the band and dark melodic progressive metal in general. Don’t skip out on this one if this sounds like it may be your bag, you will seriously be missing out if you do.

Exhumed- To The Dead
FFO- Death Metal, Grindcore, Grindgore

Exhumed helped make gore metal a thing and in 2022, it’s just as blistering, pulverizing, and violent as ever. Every song on this bloody LP is filled to the brim with dirty distortion, blast beats, bestial vocals, and horrific lyrics for the horror fan in all of us. 39 minutes of pure devastation and gore metal. I can’t sell it better than that.


Lorna Shore- Pain Remains
FFO- Deathcore, Symphonic Metal, Progressive Metal

Going from a band that I thought very little of in 2015 when I saw them open for Deicide, going through more trials and tribulations of band life than Spinal Tap, and coming out of it all with a stronger lineup and a stronger sense of musicianship than ever before and nearly putting every one of their peers to shame with this 2022 release. Lorna Shore has become a band that will be going down as legendary if they can keep up this kind of momentum. I’m ho0nestly blown away by what is on display here. While others have and will continue to crap on it because it is deathcore or they feel it is overrated; I have no bias here as this is the first album I’ve heard from the band since that 2015 tour and they have accomplished something here that most bands could only ever dream of making. I’m very excited to see where the band goes from here if they can make an orchestrated, progressive death metal style album while still being a deathcore band and have decided to become their own thing instead of following trends. Easily the most shockingly impressive album of the year for me.

Queensryche- Digital Noise Alliance
FFO- Progressive Metal

And continuing with bands who decided to put out their best work in 2022...Queensryche somehow lit a fire that I nor anyone else knew the band needed this new album. The post-Tate era of the band has been completely solid with every album so far, but...this just has something that gives me chills with every listen. It gives me those feelings of when I first heard Empire or Operation: Mindcrime for the first time and if a band that has been around for over 40 years can still pull out tricks like this, it’s got me savoring for the future. The fact that I really do consider this the band’s best album since 1990 if not their best album ever is something I don’t say lightly as a die-hard, lifelong prog fan. Queensryche made an album that has no business being this good, but we live in the timeline where this is reality and while so many other things have gone and will go wrong, at least I know Queensryche is still making killer music and for that, it gives me a reason to smile and keep pushing forward.

Stormruler- Sacred Rites & Black Magick
FFO- 90s 2nd Wave Black Metal

For a band that just put out their debut album last year, Stormruler has gone from a great black metal band to a jaw-dropping, outstanding black metal band in the past year. While their debut album was a fantastic display of the revival of 2nd wave black metal with that ever-so-enjoyable 90s flavor, this album just takes what was great about the debut and maximizes it to its full potential. It’s dark, it’s evil, the production does not suck, and neither member of the band has done any atrocities; so Stormruler already has the advantages to bands like Dissection, Emperor, and Marduk. This is a simply classic throwback album with just the right amount of modernism to make it feel like this album came out at the right time in 2022. Absolutely an album you should not miss out on if you need some more classic black metal in your life, but with, you know, way better production.

THEM- Fear City
FFO- Heavy Metal, Horror Metal

The 4th album from this international powerhouse proves that not only can KK Fossor not be destroyed, but neither can THEM. This time, the story moves ahead all the way to 1981 NYC, and the music and story definitely give that cold, dark, desperate, and dirty feel of NYC at the time. While not giving only the story a great twisted tale to follow, Fear City gives a shot in the arm to the music needed to not only fit the narrative but continue to show the diversity of the band. Considering this album comes out today, the Friday right before Halloween, there is not a more appropriate time to get into the spirit of horror and give this band who has come from showing their appreciation to all things King Diamond to showing their appreciation of all things dark with this new chapter of the KK Fossor tale. Horror concept albums are always a good time and Fear City more than delivers.


And there you have it, folks, another 10 albums down and what could be the last Top 10 list of the year. Next month I begin my endurance-testing endeavor of my Top 200 Albums of the Year. As I’m already getting 2023 albums sent to me, there may be only a few albums that I may miss in the holiday season time to not make the list, as is the case every year, but this time it’s double the length. So as I’m writing up this part, yeah, this IS the last Top 10 Albums of 2022 list for the year. Stay tuned for the last week of November when I begin Heavy Debriefings' Top 200 Albums of 2022. Bigger, Longer, and Sexier.

- Josh Rundquist (Heavy Debriefings)

Hello everyone, and welcome, once again, to my monthly retrospective of new music that I’m calling for this month; The Top 10 Albums of September 2022. This month, as implied, I’ll be looking back at 10 of my favorite albums of this past month and showing them off to you in the short-hand form to see if you will find anything that is up your alley. This month has been crammed full of spectacular releases, including albums I haven’t even had the chance to hear yet. So this month wasn’t the easiest month to put together, but I can’t deny any of these 10 albums from being shown off in all the glory they deserve. And you just may agree! So let’s get onto the rules of this list and get crackin’!
 
 1.) These will be Original Studio ALBUMS. Not EPs, live albums, cover albums, rarities albums, lost albums, splits, collaboration efforts, etc. Simply Original Studio Albums from bands. Simply enough, right?

2.) These will be ALPHABETICAL ORDER. Not ranked. I don’t give away my secrets about what will be in the top 100 that easily. At least buy me a drink first!

3.) These reviews will be like my top 100 list where I give the band name, the album, and the FFO section; followed by a paragraph review. I could easily go track by track on every album, but then I will have given everything away. I want YOU to check any of these albums out and make up your own thoughts if you dig them or not. I’m just here to let you be aware these albums are out and for your listening pleasure.

4.) There is nothing sponsored here nor stolen content. Just my own thoughts. I have been given almost every album I review as a stream or promo and anything I missed I checked out on Spotify or Bandcamp after release.

5.) I will be covering more albums in audio form on my podcast every week there is a new show. There may be some crossover, other ones may just be in audio form. So check out both for the optimum experience.

6.) None of these albums are set in stone for the best of 2022. I may be high on them now, but that could change for a multitude of reasons (mainly if the band does something asinine).

7.) Any album not featured here or in the podcast can EASILY still be featured in my top 100. I can’t hear every album and some will slip through the cracks now or even then. So I just need to hear an album and make assertions from there.

8.) These are done for YOU. So I hope you can discover some new music on my behalf and be shown that new music has never stopped being great. Just go discover it.

 
Let’s Begin
 
Blind Guardian- The God Machine
FFO- Speed Metal, Power Metal, Heavy Metal
How are you able to go back to your roots while maintaining everything you’ve learned over the years to make what could be the best album of your career? Well, ask Blind Guardian! Maybe it’s too early to say it’s their best, but I have a hard time denying that it’s a possibility. It has everything I love about the band. Speed, melodic riffs, catchy choruses, thought-provoking tales sang tremendously by Hansi Kursch, and a production that lets everyone shine and just the right amount of orchestrated undertones. It’s Blind Guardian doing what they do best and the fact they can pull this off without retreading water over and over again in 2022 is awe-inspiring. You’re not getting reinvented power metal here, you’re getting A+ quality power metal from the German master crafters. Absolutely magnificent.

Bloodbath- Survival of the Sickest
FFO- Death Metal
Much of what I just said about Blind Guardian above can be applied here to Bloodbath, just replace the speed, heavy, and power metal attributes with old-school death metal. Old Nick is at his most comfortable in his tenure with Bloodbath on this album, while the music hits everything from the 90s Swedish death metal that we all love, to just the right amount of newer spices to make this undead masterpiece a sheer delight. I also gotta say it as I’ve yet to see any other reviewer point this out. This is the most fun Bloodbath album to date. Every song is just fun to listen to and has that instant replay value that is so important in creating a great album. You’ll be hard-pressed to find any band that puts out osdm of this quality in 2022 better than what’s on display with Survival of the sickest. This is heavy done right!
 
Clutch- Sunrise on Slaughter Beach
FFO- Blues Rock, Hard Rock, Stoner Rock
Clutch has come back after a few years and put out their...shortest album to date. They come, they conquer, they leave. At 9 songs and 33 minutes, they give you the best of Clutch at a frantic pace, even when the tempo and songs get mellow. It’s refreshing to hear an album of this caliber not overstay its welcome. No unneeded solos, no interludes or intros, and outros that feel out of place. Just classic pure rock fury! I can’t sell it much better than that. It’s Clutch being Clutch in 2022, what else could you possibly need?

Destrage- SO MUCH. too much.
FFO- Progressive Metalcore
It’s not too often a band can continuously keep getting poppier and catchier, while expanding their sound and becoming more diverse and so avant-garde friendly. No one else sounds like Destrage and I don’t think any other band is capable of the task. This album is filled to the brim with brutal riffs and catchy choruses over a landscape of genre-bending at the turn of a dime and production that sounds pristine. You’re not going to find any other albums that can pull off what Destrage does here, with the added benefit of having Devin Townsend add some vocals and doing the most insane cover of Stone Temple Pilot's Vasaline you’ll ever hear. SO MUCH. too much. proves that modern music is ever-expanding and there is no limit to where things can go, all while being so enjoyable to listen to over and over again. Don’t miss out on this one if you want something as wacky as it is genuine.
 
Gaerea- Mirage
FFO- Black Metal
As this band continues to grow in popularity in the underground black metal world, the more diverse, cognitive, and heartbreaking the music becomes. This is easily the most heart-shattering album of the band’s career so far. The more you listen to the lyrics, the more they will hit you like a ton of bricks and take your soul away and replace it with an empty black void. The production of this album is beyond stellar (which should be more appreciated and accepted in the black metal community), and with every listen you can appreciate something else about it from the lyrics, instrumentation, or arrangements. The band has layers, many sad…sad layers, but they are there to be discovered. This is how I like my black metal and anyone who misses out on this album that’s into black metal will be filled with regret. Seriously, one of the best black metal albums of the year; it just takes one listen to understand why.
 
King’s X- Three Sides of One
FFO- Alternative Metal, Hard Rock, Classic Rock
King’s X has not released a new album since 2008. For 14 years, I’ve been chomping at the bit for a new KX album and it finally happened. I will admit that this album is a grower because there are a lot of diverse moments on this album, you’ll hear some classic KX sounds followed by a Beatles-esque ballad or a ripper of a track tackling what I can only take as shots at Fyre Fest and Astroworld. You can really say this is an album for every kind of rock and metal fan. No matter how much you like your music heavy or poppy, it’s here in all its shades and upon listen after listen, it all fits together like a puzzle that took album 15 years to complete. We live in a better world with this album released and I don’t want to imagine a world without it.
 
Revocation- Netherheaven
FFO- Death Metal, Thrash Metal, Progressive Metal
In my humblest of opinions, Revocation is at its best when they write thematic albums. Not necessarily concept albums, but albums that are tied together by a central theme, and wouldn’t you know it, they wrote what could be their best album with this in mind with Netherheaven. 9 songs covering the 9 circles of Hell. Every song feels like a different circle of Hell in its pain, torture, and absolutely spellbinding musicianship. The album ends with what may be the last appearance of sadly departed Trevor Strnad of The Black Dahlia Murder (R.I.P.) and the ever-crushing Corpsegrinder of Cannibal Corpse, really giving the album that feeling that you have gone through Hell and back. The music is so on point whether it gets brutal, proggy, thrashy, or just straight-up metal. It’s an evergreen album for any extreme metal fan and its Revocation at its finest so far. Don’t miss out!
 
Sinister Downfall- The Last Witness
FFO- Funeral Doom Metal
Funeral doom metal has become one of my favorite genres over the years with how devastatingly sad the music is that truly matches what’s going on in my head suffering from suicidal depression. Sinister Downfall’s 3rd album is nothing short of a masterpiece to the grave. It’s slow, it’s heavy, it feels like the vocals are really a stone slab being slid off in the most evil of growls and demonic territory, and whatever is inside is about to devour you. The songs are very sad and depressing and I would expect nothing else. It’s hard to not want to shed a tear or two listening to this album becomes the emotions will hit you hard, so be prepared. That said, this is one of the most cathartic albums I’ve heard in a bit and I’m so happy it came across my radar. If funeral doom is in your wheelhouse, I implore you to give this a proper listen and get lost as you get pulled down to your doom.
 
Sumerlands- Dreamkiller
FFO- Revival Metal, AOR
Anyone who says Metal died in 1989 and never got better has clearly stopped checking out new music for decades. Sumerlands with their newest album, Dreamkiller may have just become the best revival metal band in the genre pack. Everything you love about the classic sounds of metal is here, but none of it sounds derivative, it just feels like 2022 transformed into 1986 for 35 minutes and gave you a sampling of the best music to never come out of that decade. This is an album I keep going back to for those feel-good moments and it truly works. You just may feel better as well if you give it a spin. Just more proof that good metal will never die no matter how heavy, catchy, poppy, or brutal it gets.
 
Wolfheart- King of the North
FFO- Melodic Death Metal
Melodeath album of the year contender right here. Every month there is a new melodeath album that comes out and blows me away and Wolfheart more than nailed that here in September. No one has a track record like Wolfheart as of late, everything they release has been solid gold, but somehow, with King of the North, the gold became diamonds. By changing their sound ever so slightly to incorporate more clean vocals without losing any of the intensity or dramatic impact, Wolfheart has broken through a new level and has made an impact with King of the North that can only be topped by Wolfheart themselves. It’s as gorgeous as it is heavy and it only takes one listen of one song to understand why. This is how you make melodic death metal!
 
And there you have it, folks, 10 albums in September 2022 that YOU need to check out if anything tickles that fancy of yours. Everything from classic metal to funeral doom and everything in between is here so I really hope that if you do enjoy heavy music, there will be an album for you here to enjoy. Next time, we’ll be entering the scariest month of the year with The Top 10 Albums of October 2022. Will the music be as scary as it suggests? Will it have music that tops this month? We’ll find out in around 30 days' time. But until then, this is Josh Rundquist for Heavy Debriefings saying see ya!
 
- Josh Rundquist (Heavy Debriefings)

Hello everyone, and welcome to the 8th month of 2022 recap of music albums that I call...The Top 10 Albums of August 2022. This has been an incredible month for heavy music and a hellish month on my end for various reasons you can check out elsewhere. For today, we dine on 10 fantastic heavy albums that are worthy of your praise, some of these are debut albums, and some are from bands that have been around since the 90s. Regardless of it all; all 10 of these are phenomenal albums and it killed me not to include a few more that are also worthy of your time, but it's a Top 10, not a Top 15; gotta cut it off somewhere. But anyways, here come the rules for anyone checking out my lists for the first time, then we'll get right into the first album.

1.) These will be Original Studio ALBUMS. Not EPs, live albums, cover albums, rarities albums, lost albums, splits, collaboration efforts, etc. Simply Original Studio Albums from bands. Simply enough, right?

2.) These will be ALPHABETICAL ORDER. Not ranked. I don’t give away my secrets about what will be in the top 100 that easily. At least buy me a drink first!

3.) These reviews will be like my top 100 list where I give the band name, the album, and the FFO section; followed by a paragraph review. I could easily go track by track on every album, but then I will have given everything away. I want YOU to check any of these albums out and make up your own thoughts if you dig them or not. I’m just here to let you be aware these albums are out and for your listening pleasure.

4.) There is nothing sponsored here nor stolen content. Just my own thoughts. I have been given almost every album I review as a stream or promo and anything I missed I checked out on Spotify or Bandcamp after release.

5.) I will be covering more albums in audio form on my podcast every week there is a new show. There may be some crossover, other ones may just be in audio form. So check out both for the optimum experience.

6.) None of these albums are set in stone for the best of 2022. I may be high on them now, but that could change for a multitude of reasons (mainly if the band does something asinine).

7.) Any album not featured here or in the podcast can EASILY still be featured in my top 100. I can’t hear every album and some will slip through the cracks now or even then. So I just need to hear an album and make assertions from there.

8.) These are done for YOU. So I hope you can discover some new music on my behalf and be shown that new music has never stopped being great. Just go discover it.

Let's Begin!

Conan- Evidence of Immortality
FFO- Sludge Metal, Doom Metal
10 years after their debut album, Monnos, the UK doom masters are back with both their most crushing and their most versatile album to date. You will get the ever so brutal riffs and grave stompingly slow tempos, but you will also get songs with more mid-tempo speeds and I dare say even crust punk fast riffs from time to time. It makes the doom moments hit you even harder but makes you enjoy the album, even more, thanks to its dynamic peaks and valleys. This is a forward-thinking metal album that deserves your attention. Easily Conan's finest album to date. Bar none!

Cyborg Octopus- Between the Light and Air
FFO- Progressive Metal, Mathcore, 8Bit, Jazz
Cyborg Octopus has put out some of the most original heavy music of 2022. No matter if you are looking for odd time signatures, heavy riffs, gravity blasts, saxophone, or miss hearing 8bit console beep boops. While it's been quite a bit of time since their debut album back in 2016's Learning to Breathe; this sophomore album feels like a breath of fresh air (no pun intended) into a genre of heavy music that seems to focus way more on what you can do on the fretboards more than creating memorable music. Every song is catchy in its own way and no two songs sound alike. It's a real mind-twister on your first listen, but with every subsequent listen, everything will click and you would not be able to imagine the album done in any other way. Thank you for rejuvenating the controlled chaos of the more extreme sides of metal with your own signature blend. We all needed this.

Dynazty- Final Advent
FFO- Modern Metal, Power Metal, Hard Rock
This is really the band's 8th album? It feels like only yesterday since I discovered them all the way back in 2011 with their sophomore album, Knock You Down. Seeing the band go from Melodic Rock/AOR to Progressive Power Metal to more Modern Metal and blending the aforementioned genres has been a pure blessing to witness. And of course, seeing the band's popularity rise with every release is pretty nifty as well. Final Advent is not the lightest album to date, it's not the heaviest either; it mixes both sides of the band perfectly and makes it truly their catchiest album to date. No matter the tempo, every song is a certified killer song and if thise4 sounds at all intriguing to you, I highly implore you to check this out. It's more than deserving of your time.

Empress- Fateweaver
FFO- Symphonic Metal, Power Metal
It blows my mind that this is a debut album, I've heard albums in this genre from bands going 20 years or more that don't even come close to the originality, musicianship, and downright quality songwriting written by this fantastic group. Whatever you are looking for in the power metal and symphonic metal realms; you'll find it on this album in at least one song. And that's another beautiful thing, every song is original and sounds inspired. Something the genre needs once in a while to keep everything fresh. You'll be hard-pressed to find another American band who can pull off this blend of music with this quality. They are only going to go up from here and as much as I love Fateweaver, their best material is yet to come...I can feel it. Catch the hype train now!

Ether Coven- The Relationship Between the Hammer and the Nail
FFO- Sludge Metal, Progressive Metal, Doom Metal
This Florida quartet's fourth album (and 2nd under the full name of Ether Coven) is easily, without a shadow of a doubt, the band's greatest work to date. This is an album that any band in the sludge and doom genres could only aspire to be one day. The emotion backed into this album is second to none, with heartbreaking lyrics, bone-crunching riffs, and the jaw-dropping vocal approach between the growls and cleans; this is quite possibly the best album of this genre in 2022 and it will easily be one of my favorite albums when I do my year-end round-up. Seriously, if you want something dynamic, thought-provoking, heart-wrenching, and filled with some great vocal appearances from the likes of Howard Jones, Dwid Hellion, and Daniel Weyandt; you need to check this album out immediately and thank me later.

The Halo Effect- Days of the Lost
FFO- Melodic Death Metal
As I eluded to in last month's top 10 list; there was only one other melodeath album that could easily be the best of 2022 and here it is. Take 5 ex-members of In Flames who aren't just friends, but wanted to make the melodeath that made them happy and combine it with enough modern metal flavorings to make the music truly stand out, and yeah...you easily have one of the best melodeath albums of the year. Every song is super catchy, and memorable and a particular subset of songs truly hits you right in the feels. While it would be so easy to compare this to another Swedish melodeath band that's releasing an album soon, don't compare them, don't put them against each other. Both can stand on their own accord and make the music they want to make and with The Halo Effect; I couldn't be more thankful these 5 guys got together and made an album that is just perfect for my ears. I can't wait to see what's next.

Hammer King- Kingdemonium
FFO- Heavy Power Metal
Heavy Power Metal at some of its finest. Kingdemonium is made a year after the band's previous self-titled album and it's shocking how different both albums are and how truly great both stand on their own two separate pairs of feet. This album focuses even more on the heavy side of the band but has such catchy choruses that'll be stuck in your head for days on end. If you want a power metal band that knows how to be heavy then Hammer King is a band that needs to be on your radar. And be sure to check out both this album and last year's self-titled album. Both have their charms that are worth experiencing over and over again.

Lacrimas Profoundre- How To Shroud Yourself with Night
FFO- Gothic Doom, Black Metal, Gothic Rock, Melodic Death Metal, Power Metal
This album is seriously a robust veil of heavy genres that's not different just for the sake of being different, but a dark collection of songs that are meant to be together. In what could be the most diverse album in the bands nearly 30-year career; the band hearkens back to the doom and gloom explored on their earliest albums, the more mainstream style gothic rock tones that the band quite possibly be best known for, and exploring new territories like post-rock and black metal in moments that sound left of center on paper but make all the sense in the world in execution. This will be an album that goes under the radar for some and will be some people's favorite album of the year. Where will it be for me? Let's find out! But seriously, this is an album you shouldn't ignore, just one listen and you'll understand why.

Nordic Union- Animalistic
FFO- Power Metal, Modern Metal, Heavy Metal
This perfect match-up of Ronnie Atkins of Pretty Maids and Erik Martensson of Eclipse is a match made in metal Valhalla. Taking what the band started with on their debut album and turning up the heavy moments by 11 has not only made this album stand out, but the band reaches even more ears than ever before. It's as heavy as it is catchy and it just makes you feel good as you listen to it, a rare feat in metal these days (or so it feels). There are not many words can say about this album, it's just a sheer delight to listen to and if you want some super fun heavy melodic rock and heavy power metal, you can do no wrong with Nordic Union!

Soilwork- Overgivenheten
FFO- Melodic Death metal, Progressive Metal, Melodic Metal
Soilwork has been known for one word over its 26-year career and counting...innovation. And now with their 12th album, that innovation continues to grow. Combining all of the best moments from the band's past between melodeath and progressive moments, adding the right amount of melodic metal/melodic rock moments with some amazingly soaring choruses leading to one of the band's most substantial albums to date. It's truly a Soilwork album for everyone who has ever been a fan of the band, every era is represented, but with a 2022 filter, leading to an album that is simply too good to miss out on. Do yourself a favor and check this album out now.

And there you go folks, 10 fantastic albums from August 20-22 that deserve your ears and if you do, you may just hear a new favorite album or ten. Thank you so very much for checking out this list. Check out the Spotify Soundtrack below to get a grasp on each album and I'll see you here next time for The Top 10 Albums of September 2022.

Same Heavy Time, Same Debriefings Website!

- Josh Rundquist (Heavy Debriefings)

Hello everyone and welcome to the 11th anniversary of That Drummer Guy/Heavy Debriefings, my very first radio show, and the very first time I ever got behind a microphone to talk about music. August 2nd, 2011. Things were so different 11 years ago. I was still living in Clear Lake, Wisconsin, and I was between bands. I really felt like my life had no purpose (I still feel that way, but you know what I mean) but one thing I was doing at this time was showing off a lot of different music on Facebook. This got the attention of the owner of a local internet radio station who was starting a variety show wanting to show off music and skits. As he was not as familiar with rock music as I was, he asked if I would want to do a pre-recorded show that’s about an hour long, 10 songs, and I talk a little bit in between each song. Having zero experience, but not just wanting to do nothing, I jumped at the opportunity.
 
If you missed out on the very short era of the internet radio show/talk /variety show. The whole show was about 3 hours long. I had 10 songs and was told to keep it under an hour when possible. The show was premiered live with webcams in a studio and had a chatroom so people could request songs or give feedback and have other conversations that would keep the community around as the show went onward.
 
I recorded the very first show in New Richmond, Wisconsin at his studio and for the next several hours, I went from severe anxiety to excitement to existential crisis after existential crisis to listening to the final product and being so proud of what I just made. After it was all done, I learned how to work Adobe Audition and learned how to do this on my own. I used a Rock Band branded USB mic for the Xbox 360 to record for the next couple of years and jumped head first into what would eventually become my career. After 11 years, I have made some great upgrades and technology is much easier to use now than it was right before things changed in 2011, but looking back right now, I really did make the right decision.
 
So what’s going on here? Well, I wanted to go over the first playlist I made for my very first show and talk about all the songs individually. For something that was marketed toward a more...mainstream audience (not just music, but in general), I really decided to take what could have been my only shot at doing something professionally and made a choice. Either I go and play songs people already know and make them happy or I show people stuff they may not be familiar with but could very well enjoy just as much. If you know anything about who I am...well, you’ll see what I picked.
 
No rules or anything for this list as it’s just going chronologically from the beginning to the end. So just kick back and enjoy.
 
 

Fair To Midland
Whiskey & Ritalin
Anchors & Arrows
 
I know this was the song I wanted to start everything with, the show, my career, everything. Fir to Midland was actually getting pretty decent radio play here in the Minnesota/Wisconsin area. From what I understand, it was one of the only top 40 rock stations that truly embraced them before everything became the idea of following the script. I loved the band since I first heard Dance of the Manatee and when they had a new album out the same year I started radio, I wanted to show them off as much as possible and I’m so glad that I did. Sadly, this will probably be from the last Fair to Midland album, but they left a trail of destruction in their path that I can’t thank them enough for. It’s a fun, heavy, quirky song and that was the band in general. Progressive, forward-thinking and never giving you what you would expect. If that’s not my philosophy, I don’t know what is. I miss them and will always wish they were still around, but some things were meant to burn out instead of fade away.
 
Periphery
All New Materials
Periphery
 
 For some reason, I swore I played Jetpacks was Yes! instead of All New Materials but looking back, I did indeed play this one. I was on a big Periphery kick back those days and Got to interview the band twice starting less than a year later. I thought this was another great choice as PII was coming out next year and Periphery was just growing bigger and bigger on social media. With their initial blend of melody and Djent...or more aptly named in years to come...Progressive Metalcore. I figured it was a perfect one-two punch with Fair to Midland, also considering the two bands toured together that same year after I did this show. I called it perfectly. All New Material was one of the lesser raved songs on PI but I will also dig it for its great sense of modern metal and progressive metal. At the time, that was a winning combination for me.
 
Clutch
50,000 Unstoppable Watts
Strange Cousins from the West

This was the first of many twists and turns the show would take. I found this song to be a calling card for me. A quirky song about pirate radio and playing what you want to play on what is honestly a very small radius (in all honestly, yeah, that was me in a nutshell). I think the band still plays this one on occasion, but considering Earth Rocker came out after this album, they more or less stopped promoting this album as much as they had been and moved forward, but just like any Clutch album, there will always be some true gems and this song is one of them. I haven’t heard this song in a long time, but now it just brings me back to when I started and it’s a great feeling.
 
King’s X
Dogman
Dogman

King’s X is closer to being my favorite band of all time even more so than it was back in 2011. I chose this song as Dogman was not just the heaviest KX album at the time of its release, but it was around the time when the band was at its most mainstream popularity. My thinking was, “Hey someone may remember this one” and it was a great little throwback. It's a heavy, catchy, and fun song. And wouldn’t you know it, 11 years after this show, the band is putting out a new album later this year, just another reason to stick around for this thing that we call life.

Pagan’s Mind
Eyes of Fire
Heavenly Ecstasy
 
Ok, I may have started testing people’s people patience here with ones who were expecting me to play AC/DC and Five Finger Death Punch. Progressive Power Metal is a niche genre in the grand scheme of things, but I’m in that niche and I wanted others to dig it as well. This is one of the most accessible Pagan’s Mind songs, it was off their latest album (and wouldn’t you know it, it’s still their latest studio album) and it just has such a hook-heavy vocal chorus. To me, it was a perfect song to play. As of now, Pagan’s Mind is still in the midst of their follow-up album. I wouldn’t expect it before 2023, if not longer. I’ve been waiting 11 years for the next album and I hope it comes out so I can promote it to the best of my ability.

Triptykon
A Thousand Lies
Eparistera Daimones

And I completely decided “Fuck it, let's see how far out into the metal territory I can truly go.” and I played what I still am one of the heaviest bands ever made off one of the heaviest albums ever made and a song that went from being my favorite Triptykon song to the exact opposite reason why I love the band. The song was a true outlier on the album as the rest is slow, brooding, and emotionally brutal. This song hits me so hard because of its intensity and it has a wave of anger I can only wish to let out of my system one day. As I mentioned, I much prefer the slow doom that they are known for, A Thousand Lies is still that perfect, ready to destroy anything in my path, the song all of us need.

Strapping Young Lad
Love?
Alien
 
So what could you possibly play after Triptykon to bring things back to some kind of normalcy? Well, what else than SYL? But in all seriousness, it may be the best-known song from the band, it’s catchy, heavy, and oddly, I did bring in the reigns with this show from here on out. Plus any time I can promote Hevy Devy, I will! I will always love SYL and this song and I’m glad to see Dev is playing some songs on occasion live.
 
Orange Sky
Alone
Dat iz Voodoo

And this is how I brought the show back to a more calm state. A metal band from Trinidad that I saw open for King’s X in 2009 and I always thought to myself, if I had a way to show this band off, I will. 2 years later, here we go. A fantastic blend of genres that makes for such a fun listening experience with some very hard-hitting lyrics. Almost as if they were the King’s X of Trinidad. I wish they had put out more material, but thankfully, their music still lives on. Seriously, give it a shot if you have an open mind, it’s more than worth it.

dredg
Bug Eyes
Catch Without Arms

The other most commercial-sounding song I put on the show. The fact dredg just never hit that breakthrough level to make them sell out mid-level venues makes me sad, but it also makes me appreciate them more as they stuck to their guns, and even on their most successful album, they sing about how they will change for no one and will continue making the music they want to play. They will always be my favorite non-metal band. As of now, they were supposedly working on a new album, but I’ve been waiting for that for over 10 years now. If it happens, awesome. If not. We still got 5 awesome (yes 5, dammit) albums to enjoy.
 
Alcest
Souvenirs d’un autre monde
 Souvenirs d’un autre monde
 
So instead of giving a safe, commercial, mainstream landing; I ended with Alcest. TO BE FAIR; I did not end on black metal era Alcest or blackgaze era Alcest, but the album that brought them the first true worldwide attention. Their unique blend of shoegaze, atmosphere, and the anxiety that things will either stay this ethereal calm or are about to be destroyed continued on through the rest of their career. The band is still as active as ever and is touring Europe this year. Maybe a new album next year? Let’s find out!
 
 
And there you go, a retrospective looks at the first show I ever made. After this aired, I was pulled aside and was told that I will need to start playing more bands people know, more bands like the aforementioned AC/DC and Five Finger Death Punch. I said “If they want to hear that, let them turn on the radio. I want to do something unique, something different, a reason to tune in here and get something you won’t get anywhere else.” in one of the first times I ever truly stood up for myself in my life. It was a gutsy move as they could have easily said no and got someone else. And to their credit, they kept me till the station closed 29 shows later. Things ended badly, as they often do and I do not have anything to do with those who run the station since it went under, but it did inspire me to keep going…eventually. After it went under I thought it was all over and everything got taken away from me, but in 2012, I was actually given FM, AM, and internet opportunities to do my own show, no restrictions, play what I want, and get more interviews, be myself. And dammit, I’ve done that ever since. Though the format has changed, the areas of airplay have drastically changed, and instead of playing music on my actual show, I make playlists to accompany the show instead to give people more options of how they want to digest what I do; I still get to be, 11 years later!
 
Thank you very much for reading this write-up, it was a fun, tough, and rewarding look back and being able to talk about all the different aspects of what went into this first show. So many highs since, too many lows as well. But through it all, I’m still me!
 
Till next time, this is Josh Rundquist saying, SEE YA!

Hello everyone and welcome to the July Edition of the best albums of 2022. This month has been a fantastic month for heavy music and a very heavy month for my personal life. While I was not able to scour the whole globe for music this month the way I wish I could have; I have found some fantastic albums that are more than worthy of your time. I finalized about 15 albums this month and it was very hard to try to narrow things down to 10, but I did and nothing is saying those 5 that didn’t make it won’t show up in my end-of-the-year list. As always, let's get the rules out of the way and get on with my top 10 albums of July 2022!

1.) These will be Original Studio ALBUMS. Not EPs, live albums, cover albums, rarities albums, lost albums, splits, collaboration efforts, etc. Simply Original Studio Albums from bands. Simply enough, right?

2.) These will be ALPHABETICAL ORDER. Not ranked. I don’t give away my secrets about what will be in the top 100 that easily. At least buy me a drink first!

3.) These reviews will be like my top 100 list where I give the band name, the album, and the FFO section; followed by a paragraph review. I could easily go track by track on every album, but then I will have given everything away. I want YOU to check any of these albums out and make up your own thoughts if you dig them or not. I’m just here to let you be aware these albums are out and for your listening pleasure.

4.) There is nothing sponsored here nor stolen content. Just my own thoughts. I have been given almost every album I review as a stream or promo and anything I missed I checked out on Spotify or Bandcamp after release.

5.) I will be covering more albums in audio form on my podcast every week there is a new show. There may be some crossover, other ones may just be in audio form. So check out both for the optimum experience.

6.) None of these albums are set in stone for the best of 2022. I may be high on them now, but that could change for a multitude of reasons (mainly if the band does something asinine).

7.) Any album not featured here or in the podcast can EASILY still be featured in my top 100. I can’t hear every album and some will slip through the cracks now or even then. So I just need to hear an album and make assertions from there.

8.) These are done for YOU. So I hope you can discover some new music on my behalf and be shown that new music has never stopped being great. Just go discover it.
 
 Let's Begin!
 
Belphegor- The Devils
FFO- Blackened Death Metal
Belphegor may have put out their most varied album to date with The Devils. While you will still get all of the blackened death metal that you crave from the band, the band variate with song structure, tempo changes (have Belphegor ever hit these lows and highs of tempos on the same album before?), and such an array of melodic and harmonic moments that truly makes the music stand out from the past. While there have been some hardships with this album on its release side (it’s finally out TODAY), it’s more than worth the wait for a fantastic look at how this genre should be done in 2022.

Blackwater Drowning- Sonder//Satori
FFO- Melodic Death Metal
For some odd reason, America does not have a full array of melodeath bands. Sure there are standouts and even some are the biggest of the genre, but as a whole, the genre is much more aligned with Scandinavia. Blackwater Drowning unleashes their style of American melodeath tied in with just enough stylistic changes to make this album stand out and give you something different than what you would expect. If this is what the band is doing with just their debut release, the band will only grow tighter and their wings will soar ever stronger. This is an album you do not want to miss out on.

Conjurer- Pathos
FFO- Doom Metal, Sludge Metal, Experimental
Conjurer has put out one of the saddest albums this side of death doom and funeral doom in 2022. While the music is a jaw-dropping display of songwriting with the band not afraid to hit any heavy music genre they see hit; the lyrics hit you with a sense of weight that if you ever fear what’s being talked about or experienced it yourself; it will make you tear up/ As someone of the latter, who has seen many people leave my life or lose their minds before they passed, it was so hard not to tear up the more I dissected everything going on and truly appreciated the hardship and integrity of pain shown. If you want an album that will hit you emotionally and make your ears perk up with every change on a dime, Conjurer delivers the goods.

Greg Puciato- Mirrorcell
FFO- Alternative Metal, Experimental Rock
 The former frontman of Dillinger Escape Plan, and current member of the backing band for Jerry Cantrell; from those two things alone, even if you’ve never heard of him, you can tell this man has range. Mirrorcell not only shows off the vocal range of Puciato but the musical range. As this album features everything from Alice in Chains worship to experimental rock and metal tinges that you simply don’t expect, to what may be his most soul-crushing song with Lowered, showing both sides of a relationship going down in flames. It’s easily the lightest album Puciato has ever been a creative aspect of, and that is absolutely in it’s favor. It never it’s the progressive mathcore of his past and every song could easily fit into a more experimental mainstream audience. Every song is solid and leaves you wanting more. It’s not an easy listen, lyrically, but it’s worth the mental head trip.

Horizon Ignited- Towards The Dying Lands
FFO- Melodic Death Metal
A sheer masterpiece of a melodeath album. From start to finish, you do not get the standard melodeath affair that comes with the territory, it hits different levels of emotions, heart-gripping clean vocals when applied and if mainstream radio was willing to take a chance, this is something you could easily hear on top 40 rock radio. A perfect blend of heavy and commercial that reminds you of what the genre of melodic death metal is all about. In pure honesty, there’s only one other album I see topping this as melodeath album of the year. It's coming out next month and I guarantee it will be on my list for August. But who will come out on top? Hmm…
 
Imperial Triumphant- Spirits of Ecstasy
FFO- Blackjazz
While not sounding entirely like the Norwegian band that coined the aforementioned genre; they more than fit the description. It’s blackened jazz. The pure intensity of black metal, with the experimentation and genre defiance of jazz all, rolled into one. This album is not for the faint of heart as it is a rip-roaring display of madness. You may instantly hate it, you may instantly fall in love; regardless, you will have a very strong opinion of this album and this band. I of course all in the latter and only love this album the more I hear it. Look, you’re not going to find any other band of anywhere near this style where KENNY G (yes, THAT Kenny G) shows up to do a dueling guitar/soprano sax solo with his son, Max Gorelick. The album is utterly insane. Are you willing to take the plunge or are you instantly turned off? Give it a spin, if you dare.

Municipal Waste- Electrified Brain
FFO- Crossover Thrash
In something that is the polar opposite of what I just talked about; Municipal Waste is back and has written another fantastic album to add to their catalog. You will not find anything reinventing the wheel, the songs would easily fit on any other album, and if you are already familiar with the band, you know what you are getting here; but that’s the charm. It’s fun, straight ahead, crossover thrash that any one of the punk, thrash, and metal variety will gravity toward and love from start to finish. It’s all the band ever needs to be, and It’s why I come back release after release.
 
Oceans of Slumber- Starlight and Ash
FFO- Progressive Doom, Blues Rock, Mainstream Rock
Oceans of Slumber is a band that is not afraid to play what they want to play. They started off with being super heavy progressive doom, and there are still elements of this style raging through, at least in spirit; the band has toned down the blast beats to 0, the screams and growls are gone, and the music somehow has become even more somber than ever before. The lyrics on every album are soul-crushing, but on Starlight and Ash, they just hit you in a way you just don’t see coming. There’s only one song here that displays double bass of any kind and the overall atmosphere has been taken a much more laid-back approach with tempo and more focused on the overall songwriting orchestration. The album is quite the divisive release as some get it and some hate it and think it’s just become the Cammie and Dobber show. I am of the mindset that this is where the band felt like it needed to go to keep up their innovation and creativity and what’s shown off is some of the best songs you’ll hear this year. And just like I told Dobber, this album, to me, is FLAWLESS. Give it a shot and see what you think for yourself.
 
Scaphis- Dissected & Fermented
FFO- Death Metal
This band’s sophomore album is somehow more punishing and more diverse at the same time. It comes with the idea that if you are not just pure brutal 100% of the time when you do unleash the brutality, it hits you even harder. The album is filled to the brim with the classic, modern-day, and genre-defying death metal that gives everyone something to enjoy, all while maintaining a core sound that is undeniably theirs. This band is just starting to pop up on some radars and I gotta do my effort to show them off myself. The bigger this band will get, the stronger it will become. Just check out what they are doing now 5 years since their debut, a new lineup, and the age of quarantine can do to a band that wants to destroy everything in its path.

Wake- Thought Form Descent
FFO- Progressive Blackened Death Metal
This band has changed considerably from when I first discovered them as That Drummer Guy back with their debut album in 2011. From a band that was pure unadulterated grindcore to its fullest, to a band that has crossed the musical seas of brutality to tackle blackened death metal with just enough progressive and atmospheric elements that will make the band be remembered for time to come. Wake does not lose their extreme tendencies here, but they are shown off in a way that lets the darkness, melodic overtones, and heart-wrenching lyrics destroy all of your senses. You’re not going to hear another album like this till the next Wake album, this is physical and emotional punishment personified. An album that needs to be shined off more for its sheer brilliance. An absolute game changer.
 
 
And there you have it folks, my top 10 albums of July 2022, while you don’t see a lot of prog or power or doom or straight ahead metal this time around. It’s a fantastic month to explore the boundaries of what you truly like. If you like and genre of heavy music, are you willing to see how it blends with other genres? Have you tried it? Give any of these a proper shot if you want some more color on your musical pallet and of course check out the Spotify playlist that I will have down below.
 
I also wanna say that August 2nd is my 11th anniversary of when I started this musical endeavor of showing off great music made by great people. If this is the first thing you’ve checked out from me, been looking forward to this every month, or if you check out some of everything else I do with Heavy Debriefings, I truly appreciate you, love you, and thank you for giving this guy all the more reason to keep going. I am also turning 34 on August 19th so this is the last write-up before then, I never thought I’d last this long, but I’m so grateful that I have. Once again, thank you. I will return next month for the Top 10 Albums of August 2022.
 
Same Heavy Time, Same Debriefings Website!

- Josh Rundquist

Ladies, Gentlemen, and everyone in between! Welcome back for the 6th rendition of my top albums of 2022. I still can’t comprehend that we are halfway done with the year already. The 11th anniversary of when I started is coming up in August, along with my 34th birthday. And June has presented us with a fantastic year month of heavy music from all over the genre landscape. It’s been pretty rough on my end when it comes to personal and mental demons I continue to battle but as I can still type this out, that means they haven’t won yet. But that can also mean that this month’s reviews are going to be a bit more...well, let’s see how it plays out, I may be second-guessing myself on the quality before I even start. But with that said, let’s get into the rules and begin this musical journey of the days of the year (well, in the northern hemisphere anyway).
 
1.) These will be Original Studio ALBUMS. Not EPs, live albums, cover albums, rarities albums, lost albums, splits, collaboration efforts, etc. Simply Original Studio Albums from bands. Simply enough, right?

2.) These will be ALPHABETICAL ORDER. Not ranked. I don’t give away my secrets about what will be in the top 100 that easily. At least buy me a drink first!

3.) These reviews will be like my top 100 list where I give the band name, the album, and the FFO section; followed by a paragraph review. I could easily go track by track on every album, but then I will have given everything away. I want YOU to check any of these albums out and make up your own thoughts if you dig them or not. I’m just here to let you be aware these albums are out and for your listening pleasure.

4.) There is nothing sponsored here nor stolen content. Just my own thoughts. I have been given almost every album I review as a stream or promo and anything I missed I checked out on Spotify or Bandcamp after release.

5.) I will be covering more albums in audio form on my podcast every week there is a new show. There may be some crossover, other ones may just be in audio form. So check out both for the optimum experience.

6.) None of these albums are set in stone for the best of 2022. I may be high on them now, but that could change for a multitude of reasons (mainly if the band does something asinine).

7.) Any album not featured here or in the podcast can EASILY still be featured in my top 100. I can’t hear every album and some will slip through the cracks now or even then. So I just need to hear an album and make assertions from there.

8.) These are done for YOU. So I hope you can discover some new music on my behalf and be shown that new music has never stopped being great. Just go discover it.
 
Let’s Begin!
 
 
Astronoid- Radiant Bloom
 FFO- Dream Pop, Shoegaze, Black Metal, Progressive Metal
 The most gorgeous mix of Mew, Devin Townsend, and Emperor are back for their 3rd full LP. To call this the perfect Astronoid album might be a bit early to say, but it’s honestly how I feel. The debut album, Air, showcased what the band was wanting to achieve. The Self Titled sophomore album showcased what was possible with the room to grow. Radiant Bloom combines the best elements of both albums and became even catchier than before. You’re not going to hear more beautiful clean vocals over blast beats (yes, the blast beats are back) than Astronoid and they prove that you can showcase tremolo picking ala 90s black metal and have no need for screams, all clean vocal majesties like you would hear from the aforementioned band, Mew. Of course, the record is more than this and has really cherry-picked the best parts of their ultra-melodic and catchy moments you hear between both previous albums and focus on writing the best songs possible. I kid you not when I say the song, I’ve Forgotten Your Face brings tears to my eyes, it’s just gorgeous. This is easily a contender for album of the year, much like the previous 2 albums were, will it take the top spot this year? Let’s find out!
 
Bloody Heels- Rotten Romance
FFO- Glam Metal, Alternative Metal, Gothic Metal
This band released a fantastic debut album back in 2017 with Through Mystery, then in 2020, Ignite The Sky is where I caught on to the band and I easily think they are one of the best in their style. Now, much like Astronoid in my entry above; I truly feel that Bloody Heels have found their sound by embracing the dark side along with keeping their glam stylings alive. It’s dark and heavy in all the right moments but busts out the 80s-inspired grooves and riffs in just the right spots, not letting you forget who they are. This is truly how you do innovation in a band. Make it fun, catchy, and show off your metal skills; what could possibly be better than that? Seriously, go check this out if you want some dark-inspired glam metal revival music that makes you realize good music has no expiration date.
 
Deathwhite- Grey Everlasting
FFO- Melodic Doom Metal, Gothic Metal
3 bands in a row that feature no screams or growls, what’s going on with me? Am I getting lighter in my music tastes? Well, one listen to Deathwhite and you’ll see that simply is not the case. Showcasing the best of gothic and doom metal while both showing off a melodic side that is simply heartbreaking, but hits the extreme metal tendencies with jaw-dropping blast beats and atmospheric overtones. Imagine a band that can be both Katatonia and Woods of Ypres at the same time, but make it as melancholic and melodic as humanly possible. What’s what you get with Deathwhite. The band has only improved with every subsequent release. Now with Grey Everlasting, the band has truly hit a new high mark in their career and one that is going to take some serious effort to top in the future. If you want things dark but with sorrowful vocals instead of screams; you need to check out Deathwhite immediately!
 
Kardashev- Liminal Rite
FFO- Post Black Metal
Here we go with the first extreme vocals of this month’s selections. This band has become one of the shining examples in the darkness of post-black metal and that is no easy task. Combining the best of black, death, and post-metal with slight tinges of progressive to really captivate you and hold you from beginning to end. This album is not only dark musically, but it’s some of the darkest lyrics I’ve heard in quite some time. It might be because I relate so much to the subject matter, but I don’t wanna spoil it for you if you wanna check them out. This is a tearjerker of an album and I wouldn’t want it any other way. This may be missed out by some, but if it sounds at all intriguing to you; I implore you to give this one a shot. I can’t imagine you’ll regret it.
 
Kreator- Hate Uber Alles
FFO- Thrash Metal, Heavy Metal
The amount of crap I’ve seen this album take from online reviewers is astounding to me. It’s too early for me to rank this album in terms of the best to worst in their catalog, but this album is super solid from start to finish. Some of the catchiest choruses you’ll hear all year, riffs that go from beyond crushing to super melodic, lyrics that are relatable in today’s climate, and overall, just a fantastic outing from one of Germany’s best metal bands. I can’t sell it much better than if you want a killer thrash album in 2022, you found it here with Hate Uber Alles.
 
Porcupine Tree- Closure/Continuation
FFO- Progressive Metal
 I never thought I’d get to say that I can talk about a new Porcupine Tree album. While the band never officially broke up or took an official hiatus, they were gone and no one outside the band thought they were ever coming back...so I think that counts. In the past decade and more, the band has been writing here and there for what could be the final album for the band (or the jump start to a new chapter). While the band is very wary of what will happen after the touring for this album, the album is easily their best album in quite a long time. I dare say since In Absentia. With heavy hooks, sorrow-driven lyrics, the right amount of progressive quirks, and of course jaw-dropping musicianship; the band sounds like they never left (and technically, they never did?). I don’t think I’m alone in saying that no one wanted 2009’s The Incident to be the final PT album and even if the band calls it a day with this release, they are ending on a much better and highly regarded mark. Of course, none of us want the band to be done, and they might not be; but if they do go, I’m so glad it’s ending on their terms.
 
Saor- Origins
FFO- Atmospheric Blackened Folk Metal
This is another album that I think will rank very high come the holidays when I do my Top 100 albums of 2022 list. The band has only improved with every album and with Origins, the band has hit the perfect balance of atmospheric black metal and folk with some of the catchiest riffs you will hear in extreme music this year. The production is pristine, the songwriting is expertly crafted and the atmosphere is off the charts in its perfection. This is what bands in the atmospheric and post-black metal worlds should be aspiring towards, innovation and craftsmanship. A dark, beautiful album that will have you hitting repeat over and over again. Well Done!

Seventh Wonder- The Testament
FFO- Progressive Metal
 Another album that hits you right in the feels...literally, all the feels. The Testament is a thematic album that’s not a concept album, but all tied together but different feelings and emotions that we all have and how they can flow into each other. Tommy Karevik hit’s it out of the park with his vocal performance (as always), the songwriting hits you on such a hard, emotional, level. Like every Seventh Wonder album, it takes you on a musical journey that you will not want to stop. It’s arguably one of the most perfect prog albums of the year, and I stand by that fact.

Wind Rose- Warfront
FFO- Power Metal, Folk Metal
Wind Rose is one of the most aggressive powers metal bands going, while they do focus on war themes, it’s not in the Sabaton way where it’s about historical wars, but rather Dwarven fantasy wars that really make you feel like you can feel the dragons breathing fire right behind you, the swords clashing on both sides of your ears, and all-out apocalyptic themes and concepts that will make any power metal fan happy. The music is highly aggressive and catchy with superb songwriting quality and production. The band is no gimmick, this is a fantastic piece of power metal that you need to hear today (if power metal is your bag). You are seriously missing out by skipping this band any farther.

White Ward- False Light
FFO- Post Black Metal, Jazz Metal
Even during an actual war taking place right F’N now!!!….bands from Ukraine are still able to release music that not only needs to be heard but has a dark message that should not be taken lightly about the state of our world. While the music is as ferocious as it is feeling like it’s being recorded in a smoky jazz club in the 1930s; White Ward has found a way to make the post-black metal genre stand out and add some much-needed innovation. Who knew adding brass and woodwind instruments into a black metal band would work so perfectly? This album won’t be for everyone. If you don’t like your music too left from center, this will not be your thing, but if you are adventurous and need something that will drop your jaw at both the musicality as well as the lyrical themes, White Ward will be your new obsession. We live in dark…dark times and False Light is the perfect soundtrack for it all.
 
And there you have it, folks. 10 fantastic albums from June 2022 that hit me the most and one or ten of them may do the same for you. I hope my writing this month was cohesive as I’m still struggling really hard as I write this up. But I do hope you find something to enjoy here and come back next month as I tackle what will be my Top 10 Albums of July 2022!
 
 - Josh Rundquist (Heavy Debriefings)

Hello Everyone!
 
In an attempt to mitigate an oncoming mental health breakdown that I feel creeping up on me once again, and because we are pretty close to mid-June (close enough anyway), I figured I’d do a mid-year check up on how things are going in all facets of Heavy Debriefings and my state of being. Good, bad, and maybe some stuff in between.
 
Name Change
Back at the beginning of January, I reformatted myself from That Drummer Guy to Heavy Debriefings. I loved my run as That Drummer Guy, but it was time for a change. It was all too much of having to repeat myself over and over again that I was That Drummer Guy, not whomever I was interviewing. I loved talking shop when it came to drums, but that was not my endgame when it came to what I do. That’s to talk music and have a real conversation that comes completely from a stream of consciousness and full spontaneity. I never write questions down unless I am sending an email interview, I have zero agenda going into any interview other than talk about the new music on display and anything else that comes from the natural conversation. It’s who I am and what I want to be. You can see a HUGE change from when I first started in 2011 to where I am now in 2022 and I’m proud of it. 822 interviews since that first point and by the end of this week, 825 (if everything goes right?).
 
YouTube
I tried uploading the podcast up on YouTube and it went over like a wet fart so I stopped that back in May. I was also doing 6 album reviews a week in audio form, which also went over like a brown stain on a white pair of underpants. When it comes to YouTube, I learned that people just want the Interviews, it’s my bread and butter anyway so I’ll just keep up with that content. Over the past several years I tried many different spin-off shows, video game streams, etc and all they did was bring my channel down. So unless something drastically changes. Going forward, I’ll just be keeping the channel to interviews and if I ever have a reason to bring it back, Something Gives as that seemed to do ok, but that show hurts to make so I wouldn’t place any bets on that happening.
 
Podcast
So the Heavy Debriefings Podcast is now just up everywhere you check out podcasts. Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Stitcher, Castbox, Pocket Casts, Radio Public, and as of writing this up iHeartRadio (SURPRISE ANNOUNCEMENT FOR THOSE ACTUALLY READING THIS!). Maybe more will happen in the future. It’s quite a bit of a change from 2013 when I was on actual FM radio stations, but here we are in the future.
 
I’ve also recently decided to shorten the show a bit to make it a bit more...realistic(?) for those that want to check it out. I mean an up to 40-minute interview (thanks to Zoom limitations) then the rest of the time is just me talking alone, without a sidekick, it’s not that much fun to listen to me blabbering on. So the plan going forward is to do an interview a week (unless there’s no way to make it schedule outright, where I’ll have 2 or more), then I’ll do a brief talk of stuff I’m digging lately, a mental health check, then talk about the Soundtrack for the week’s episode. The last couple of shows has been under 40 minutes, which seems reasonable. Hell, if it was a TV show, add 4 minutes and I have an hour-long show every week. It also takes a lot of pressure off me and there’s almost a guaranteed show every week, rather than waiting for the week of release to show off an interview. So it’s win/win.

Monthly Album Reviews
Since January, I have been talking about my 10 favorite albums of each month and it’s been a rousing bucket full of win when I see website clicks and retention. I can’t complain at all. So that will be here to stay, no questions asked. The Top 100 Albums of the Year isn’t going anywhere. I made that format famous; I’m keeping it mine!
 
Family
So if you somehow never seen me talk about it; my dad died 6 months ago now back on December 6th, 2021 from Covid and Heart Failure. It’s been haunting me ever since, mainly because for 33 years of my life, I just wanted to have a good, loving, caring family; and I never got it. All I got was closet after closet of skeletons pouring out of all of my family member’s closets that all piled on me at once and for the last 3 years and change, I’ve been trying to pick up the pieces and move on, but after 3 decades of damage and almost 22 years since my first of 9 suicide attempts in that time; progress is so small I can’t even recognize if I am any better or not.
 
Mental Health Struggles
I wanna die, plain and simple. No sugar coating it (I’m diabetic, bad idea). I do not want to be here anymore…but I am trying with every fiber of my being to fight. It’s been coming up on 4 years since my 9th and so far, my final attempt at taking my life and while I feel as bad as I did then, I have not made another attempt, so I guess you can count that as progress.
 
I will say that since the beginning of the year, I did a med change, and overall, I do feel somewhat better. No strong mood swings, which is the biggest thing, everything is kind of just the same level of numbness, which can be good or bad depending on how you look at it.
 
I miss having local friends, I miss playing drums, and I miss having a reason to leave my apartment other than to do errands. I miss life and I’m only 33. Fuck...
 
Future
No plans other than the immediate and of course the Top 100 Albums of the Year during the holidays. Long-term plans always seem to blow up in my face, so I just try to take things week by week. Some weeks I’ll have 5-7 interviews to conduct, sometimes it’ll be a month before I have one. It’s how it rolls.
 
Ending Statement
Anyways, I just want to end this by saying thank you for reading this, even if you skipped everything and are just reading this last paragraph. Thank you for supporting me whether it’s being a fan of my work, rooting for me, being in my corner, or just having a long-distance interest in me and my life and being curious to see how it all plays out. All I can do is be me and this is as authentic as I could ever hope to be. My life’s an open book. Be it a precautionary tale of what not to do, a tale of overcoming adversity and achieving something like an almost 11-year career so far of some form in music, or just a land of anecdotes that have no rhyme or reason to it.
 
Thanks for sticking around and I hope you dig what will happen for the rest of 22 till I do my year-end wrap up.
 
Till next time!
 
- Josh Rundquist (Heavy Debriefings)

Hello everyone and welcome to the 5thy rendition of my monthly look at the top 10 albums of each month, in my eyes. This month, we, of course, are tackling the month of May 2022, a month that had nearly too many good releases come out and that just makes me happy. Of course, when I limit myself to ten, I can’t show off all of the albums that I’ve enjoyed in a month like this, but I can show off what has hit me the most and has meant the most to me. And in a month like we have had that has sucked in every way except for music; we music fans need some good stuff to listen to and help us get through these continuously trying times. So let’s get into the rules and begin!
 
1.) These will be Original Studio ALBUMS. Not EPs, live albums, cover albums, rarities albums, lost albums, splits, collaboration efforts, etc. Simply Original Studio Albums from bands. Simply enough, right?

2.) These will be ALPHABETICAL ORDER. Not ranked. I don’t give away my secrets about what will be in the top 100 that easily. At least buy me a drink first!

3.) These reviews will be like my top 100 list where I give the band name, the album, and the FFO section; followed by a paragraph review. I could easily go track by track on every album, but then I will have given everything away. I want YOU to check any of these albums out and make up your own thoughts if you dig them or not. I’m just here to let you be aware these albums are out and for your listening pleasure.

4.) There is nothing sponsored here nor stolen content. Just my own thoughts. I have been given almost every album I review as a stream or promo and anything I missed I checked out on Spotify or Bandcamp after release.

5.) I will be covering more albums in audio form on my podcast every week there is a new show. There may be some crossover, other ones may just be in audio form. So check out both for the optimum experience.

6.) None of these albums are set in stone for the best of 2022. I may be high on them now, but that could change for a multitude of reasons (mainly if the band does something asinine).

7.) Any album not featured here or in the podcast can EASILY still be featured in my top 100. I can’t hear every album and some will slip through the cracks now or even then. So I just need to hear an album and make assertions from there.

8.) These are done for YOU. So I hope you can discover some new music on my behalf and be shown that new music has never stopped being great. Just go discover it.
 
 So let us begin!
 
Depressed Mode- Decade of Silence
FFO- Symphonic, Death/Doom
 In what I can only imagine is a reference to the band being put to sleep for a decade; the band has returned with Decade of Silence, easily their most devastating, sorrow-driven, and grandiose release to date. This year has been a ridiculously great year for the most depressing music of all, Death/Doom Metal and Depressed Mode have continued the trend to make this quite possibly the best overall year for the likes of Death/Doom, Funeral Doom, and Doom Metal in general. Every song has a way of feeling like you are being plunged into the grave metaphorically, mentally, or physically. The production is absolutely perfect for the style and I would not change a single thing. This is an absolute standout album among the wreckage of dark albums of 2022 and if you give it the time, you just may agree.

Elegeion- Plight of the Heretic
FFO- Atmospheric Doom, Folk Metal, Black Metal
Another band who has been on rest for a decade (at least from releasing new material) is Elegeion, the Australian doom juggernaut who has truly taken the past 10 years and the damage it’s done to create a perfect soundtrack to the world we now are all a part of. Whether it’s a look at isolation, not feeling good enough, or what feels like a true look at the last couple of years in particular when it comes to the final track The Disease (Beware The Ides of March), the band has truly put out a spectacular album with gorgeous instrumentation, mature songwriting, haunting lyrics and truly adds to the atmospheric title to their style. Agalloch fans should be eating this album up immediately. What a stellar album in every sense of the word.

Evergrey- A Heartless Portrait (The Orphean Testament)
FFO- Dark Metal, Melodic Metal, Progressive Power Metal
Evergrey has gone through many changes in its 25-year career. Lineups, labels, musical styles, but somehow, Tom Englund and Co. have always sounded like Evergrey, whether they are writing your style or not. In 2022, the transformation has happened again and the band has written their catchiest album since Monday Morning Apocalypse, which might be their most expansive album to date and what might be my favorite album from the band since I discovered them all the way back when Recreation Day was released in 2003. The production is so crystal clear, the lineup is solidified and truly makes the band feel like they are enjoying this stage of the game, and is a true outlier; The song Reawakening feels like the most positive song the band has ever written, where most songs are about the dark depressive state of our own lives, this song feels like a true “never give up” song; something I never would have expected from the band. Not that I ever expect the band to sing about lollipops and rainbows, but it makes me so happy to see even Evergrey can take the dark times we live in and say “keep going, keep trying” even if no one else needed to hear it...I did. Seriously, this is the best Evergrey album in such a long time I dare say it may be their best work. I don’t say that lightly, just listen and find out why.

Famyne- II: The Ground Below
FFO- Doom Metal
The Sophomore album from this UK Doom outfit feels like it came out at the perfect time. The world is burning, and everyone is suffering in some way, why not create an album that truly fits the mold of the world in 2022? A perfect blend of Candlemass, Paradise Lost, and Opeth, with all clean vocals that make for a style that feels even darker than most doom can be. With every lyric being so clear, you can truly feel and recognize the pain being brought forth. The music is mindblowing as well with changes you just don’t expect in doom while fitting seamlessly. This is one of the most standout albums of the classic doom metal styles in 2022 while being completely innovative. Give this one a spin, then again, and again.
 
Ibaraki- Rashomon
FFO- Black Metal, Extreme Metal, Progressive Metal
Matt Heavy has had the idea of making an extreme Black Metal band for quite some time and in 2022, everything became solidified to make it happen. Features the rest of Trivium contributing at least to a song, and featuring bigger guest spots from the likes of Nergal from Behemoth, Ihsahn, and even Gerard Way of My Chemical Romance doing Black Metal screams (I did not have that on my 2022 Bingo card), this album is so much more than a Black Metal album. It is a grand look at Japanese culture warfare, the right blends of additional Ihsahn songwriting and quirks, and yeah; this does feel like a Trivium meets Ihsahn for extreme music that has just the right amount of Trivium mainstream appeal (which is such an odd thing to read and say out loud). But for an innovative album, you’re not going to find many more albums that push the boundaries this far and in different ways (well, outside of already experimental and avant-garde bands that exist) in 2022. Ibaraki is a hard left turn from what you expect, but it is a rewarding one if you survive the trip. A very inspiring album.

Moon Tooth- Phototroph
FFO- Progressive Metal
Is it possible to be more mainstream and more abstract at the same time? Somehow, someway, Moon Tooth found out how to do such a thing and it is a sight to behold. Holding back on the more aggressive side of their vocal abilities, but making up for it by hitting almost every style of rock and metal in a 42-minute album that not only sounds whole but complete and every note is served with purpose. A lot of people like to say that there is no innovation in progressive metal anymore and I would like to give the rebuttal of “Then you have not heard Moon Tooth!” Heavy enough for the Progressive Death/Black Metal fans among us, but also something that even the classic prog fans that enjoy Yes, Rush, or Genesis can truly appreciate. This is going to be ranking quite high on my year-end list and for good reason. Moon Tooth shows you how you make Progressive music…progress.

Nechochwen- Kanawha Black
FFO- North American Folk Metal
If you are a fan of bands like Agalloch and Panopticon and have yet to hear Nechochwen, you are missing out big time. A band that embraces Native American culture and writes a gorgeous tapestry for it. In their first album since 2015, the band has truly taken the time to be able to refine their style and create, easily, their best work to date. It's bombastic in sound, it hits all the tropes you’d imagine in a style such as this and when they throw in more of the acoustic side, you will feel it with such a fire like you’ve never felt before. It’s a majestic album that you need to experience. Please take the time and check this one out, you won’t be disappointed if this sounds like something that would be up your alley.

Remains of Destruction- New Dawn
FFO- Power Metal, Modern Metal
The debut album from this Finnish powerhouse is a jaw-dropping Power Metal album that won me over immediately. It gets truly heavy for Power Metal, yet it can be so catchy and have just the right amount of Modern Metal tendencies that make this band stand out. No matter your style of Power Metal, you will find something to love about this band. If you want traditional speedy Power Metal, it’s here. If you want more emotional, it’s covered, If you love symphonic and orchestral moments, of course, that’s represented. I truly hope that this album (which releases May 28th, so the day after this article comes out) skyrockets the band as if this is what they can do on just a debut album, their potential has nowhere to go but up and I can’t wait to see what can come next.

Serpentent- Ancient Tomes, Vol 1: Mother of Light
FFO- Dark Folk, Doom Rock, Art Rock
Anne K O’Neill’s debut is something that has a magic sense behind it that can be fully appreciated by just being able to sit down, relax and press play. The beginning of a trilogy of albums that focuses on the death of Death and the dark problems that can come from it. When you close your eyes, you can really feel your imagination take hold and it paints a visual landscape that fits the concept. The music is so soothing you could easily fall asleep to it for a great night's sleep, but when you pay attention to the vocals, you just may get some vivid nightmares that will keep you awake for time to come. If you dig the lighter sides of bands like Agalloch (they have come up a lot on this month’s list), and Ancient VVisdom’s first couple of releases, this is an album you need to get and enjoy. It’s a gorgeous yet haunting experience and I can’t wait to see what Vol. 2 has in store for us all.
 
Zero Hour- Agenda 21
FFO- Progressive Metal
It really feels like this list is about bands making triumphant returns doesn’t it? Might as well with that trend as a band I did not think were ever going to get back together is back and released their best album with Agenda 21. Seriously, until I got the promo for this album, I thought the band was dead and gone and my jaw hit the floor whe3n I realized they are back and better than ever. Taking everything I and others have loved about the band, turning things up to 11, going even more epic in song lengths, concepts, and musical ability and it’s created for what will be one of the best traditional prog metal albums you’ll hear in 2022. If you are unfamiliar and want an example of what they sound like. Imagine taking Nevermore, Dream Theater, and Spiral Architect but add in the band’s own flavors and spices and you got Zero Hour. For any Prog Metal fans, this is not an album to miss out on. It’s a musical sight to behold and I am so happy the band is back, after listening to Agenda 21, you will be as well.
 
And there you go folks, my Top 10 albums of May 2022. It’s filled with a lot of return albums, doom, and some prog, but it’s been a great month for that. As I’ve mentioned, there is a ton of other great albums I didn’t cover on this list that came out in many other styles in the rock and metal worlds, but these are the ones I kept returning to the most and I really wanted to showcase. I hope you’ll dig something here and come back next month for The Top 10 Albums of June 2022. Who knows what will be in store (probably Porcupine Tree….)
 
 - Josh Rundquist (Heavy Debriefings)

Hello everyone and welcome to another installment of the Cavalcade of Top 10 Lists. This week, we are tackling another solo genre where I cover my Top 10 Fast Power Metal Songs. Let’s get this out of the way, this is not a list of the fastest power metal songs or a list of fast or Power Metal songs, but ten songs that are fast and are Power Metal, ya dig? Some songs are extremely fast, some are very melodic, some rightfully earn the term epic; and much more. For those that want a little trivia; this is actually the very first list I put together for the Cavalcade of Top Ten Lists and the very reason this series exists. If it wasn’t for this, I’m not sure if I’d be doing this at all. So let’s hope this one is a doozy that you’ll love. I know Power Metal is a tricky genre as some people consider it too cheesy to enjoy or it’s not heavy enough or it’s all about dragons and fire and flames. While criticisms can, will, and are made; It’s a genre I love and the fast songs helped me to appreciate the genre since I first discovered it many moons ago. The fast double bass, the rip-roaring guitars, the soaring vocals, the keyboard flourishes, and whatever other specialties each band ass to it makes it fun, and as a drummer (or at least I used to play, maybe one day again…) the constant 16th and 32nd note double bass patterns really help you to gain consistency if you practice along to the songs. Before this turns into a lamentation of me wishing I could drum again, let’s get into the rules for these lists, and through the fire and the flames we’ll carry on.
 1.) These lists are in no particular order unless otherwise noted (alphabetical order, year of release, etc). Ranking these is not needed as I wouldn’t be covering these bands, songs, albums, etc if I did not love them.
2.) The lists will be formatted with the subject, FFO (For Fans Of), and a blurb (roughly a paragraph) about said subject. The FFO section is subject to change if the list is entirely about one particular subject (the genre for example)
3.) This will be a weekly series. Every Wednesday unless otherwise stated. Delays and postponements are entirely possible, but I will be keeping this up until my mind tells me to stop.
4.) No negative lists. I know that’s cool, and the clickbaity thing to do is to make lists that people can tear apart, argue over, let me know how wrong I am for including or excluding a band, etc. That’s just not me. I may occasionally make a funny title for humor’s sake, but never to just get clicks with no substance. My integrity still means something to me even if that makes me less popular.
5.) A Spotify Playlist will always accompany each list. 1 song to accommodate every point listed so 10 songs in total, unless otherwise stated in the list(s).
6.) I will still be doing my monthly album reviews and my year-end lists per usual. This is just a bonus.
7.) All thoughts are entirely my own. No paid sponsorships, no begging or pleading from any label or band. Just me and my thoughts.
 
*The songs are in no particular order other than what sounded good in order of a Spotify playlist. Not in order of slowest to fastest or anything, just a fun collection. And no FFO section as all of these are Power Metal songs.

So, Let’s Begin!
 
Avantasia- Ghostlights
Ghostlights by Avantasia is not only one of my favorite power metal songs and favorite songs in general, but the album Ghostlights is one of my favorite albums of all time. It is a dark album with some of the best vocal performances you’ll hear from anyone from Dee Snider to Geoff Tate to Sharon den Adel. The title track of this album is a fun, speedy song that features a majority of vocals performed by Avantasia mastermind Tobias Sammet and Helloween front-man Michael Kiske. Both singers fit together so perfectly with their harmonies and melodies, there is an additional 2 lines sung by one of the most underappreciated vocalists of all time, Jorn Lande (who shines later on the album with the song, Lucifer). The song keeps up a fun double bass speed throughout almost the entire song sans a few stops and the guitars and bass chug along nicely to fit the mood. The keyboards and orchestration really help this song shine through the darkness. While it is hard for me to say this is the best song on the album as the album is so perfect from start to finish, if you want a fast Power Metal song that helps capture the spirit of the genre, this is a great starting choice.
 
Kamelot- Forever
I have said it so many times in different times and areas and even up to here in 2022, I’ve yet to be proven wrong; Forever is the PERFECT Power Metal song. This is the textbook definition of not only fast Power Metal songs but Power Metal as a genre. A love song that goes beyond the grave, with constant and consistent double bass, majestic guitars and bass, keyboards that hit all the signatures of the genre, and Roy Khan's perfect vocal delivery. Seriously, if you’ve never checked out a power metal song before or if you really want to give the genre a fair shake as to what it’s all about, this song captures everything in a sweet, 4-minute package. I can’t sell it any better than that. It’s simply perfect.
 
Stratovarius- Black Diamond
Back in 1997, this Finnish Power Metal band released what might be their finest moment. That is a really hard thing to say as the band has so many masterpieces under their belt. But when Jens Johansson joined in 1995, the band became it’s strongest and it’s been phenomenal ever since. On his 3rd album with the band, you hear him shine like never before and Black Diamond truly showcases what he can do on the keys. That’s not at all to say the rest of the band does pull off incredible work as well as the double bass is so inspired, the vocals simply soar (especially at the end of the song) and the guitar and bass work bring everything together in perfect heavy harmony. But again Johansson is the star of this song and his Harpsichord patch on this keys that fits so elegantly with the song on display. It’s a fantastic display of how Power Metal and Classical mix together finer than any wine available.
 
Sonata Arctica- Wolf & Raven
Everything good about Sonata has been said, then again, everything bad about the band has also been saying. They are one of the most polarizing bands in the genre, but for this list, we really don’t need to get into why. Let’s focus on the fast Power Metal masterpiece that is Wolf & Raven, the song that got me into Power Metal Tony Kakko and Co. has been known for delivering fantastic Power Metal albums since their inception, but their sophomore album, 2001’s Silence may be their best work (Though that argument can be said for any of their first 4-5 albums). Like Forever by Kamelot that I mentioned earlier, Wolf & Raven is another example of a perfect Power Metal song. It’s absurdly fast, and the keys are the perfect blend of elegant and whimsical. Tony Kakko’s vocals are absolute fire and the guitars and bass lay the perfect foundation for Kakko’s vocals. While I will always wish they had more songs like this in their more current catalog, I can’t ignore that they still have something like this up to their sleeves if they choose. Wolf & Raven is regarded as one of the best Power Metal songs ever written and it’s hard to disagree, I mean, just listen to it; you’ll get it.
 
Masterplan- Black in the Burn
Masterplan is not the first choice many go-to when it comes to not only fast Power Metal but Power Metal in general. That is a crying shame4 as they are one of the finest examples of making the genre that overused term for all the wrong reasons, but so apt in Power Metal in this description...epic. They don’t just write songs, they write stories, they write soundtracks to those stories and not only give you the perfect audio dream, but when you close your eyes and listen, they give you that perfect visual display, helping you imagine the stories imagining right in front of you. Black in the Burn is such a perfect description of what epic Power Metal is all about. Jorn Lande easily is the shining showcase of this song and it’s his vocal delivery, ESPECIALLY at the ending climax of the song that makes your jaw drop from its excellency. Of course, the music has to match that as well and the rest of the Masterplan lineup at that time more than sealed the deal with this song. It may even be the most obscure song on this list, but maybe with me putting this list out, it won’t have to be hidden in the shadows anymore. Bring Masterplan to the forefront and enjoy what they’ve done with every lineup and every album they have in their career.
 
Blind Guardian- Born in a Mourning Hall
Fast Power Metal is Blind Guardian’s forte and it’s nearly impossible to pick just one song to justify their speed, efficiency, and brilliance in Power Metal, but I did my best here by not picking an obvious choice, but a song that I love so much and sounds even better live. Off my favorite Blind Guardian album, 1995’s Imaginations from the Other Side, this isn’t even the best-known fast track on the album, but it hits home with me. It just captures the light-speed attack of the band, showing off magnificent guitar riffs and solos, jaw-dropping drumming, and of course….HANSI KURSCH! Hansi is one of the best metal vocalists we will ever see in our lifetime and the fact that his voice sounds just as perfect now as it did back in 1995 for their 5th album is nothing short but miraculous as so many peers have sadly dropped in quality from age alone. Blind Guardian should be one of the first bands you check out in Power Metal, they are such a great example of what the genre is all about. And if you dig Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit; Hansi and Co. have you covered on so many of their songs and albums covering the novels. Press play and enjoy!
 
Angra- Nothing To Say
Angra has gone through a lot of turbulent times and tear-jerking lineup changes. Thankfully, with every change, they can make the perfect for that time. With 1996’s sophomore album, Holy Land. A true gem of Progressive Power Metal, the band had what many consider to be their best lineup and wrote the perfect concept album and the perfect soundtrack around it. Nothing To Say is regarded as one of the band’s best songs and easy to see why. While the song is not as fast as other songs they have in their catalog, it fits the criteria I set forth here and really is a song to behold. Holy Land set Angra on the map and it’s why they are regarded as one of Brazil’s most famous bands. They are proggy, they hit the perfect amount of Power Metal, it’s off the beaten track if you just know traditional Power Metal and that’s what makes them stick out. Seriously, Angra has and always will rule. Go listen to Nothing To Say for an excellent reason why.
 
Dragonforce- Storming the Burning Fields
HA….HAHAHA! I GOT YOU! You thought with all the puns at the beginning that I was going to put Through The Fire and Flames here right? Well, honestly, that is a killer song, but it’s a couple songs after the 2004 album Inhuman Rampage opener (let’s face it, thanks to Guitar Hero, that is the best known Power Metal song, no question), where Storming the Burning Fields comes in and takes everything you knew about the band and up's the speed, intensity, adds more blast beats, occasional backing screams that makes for what might be the most intense song on the entire album. Sure, there are a couple other contenders for that prize, but I’m giving it to this one. Like I said it’s everything you know Dragonforce for, but even more so, if that was even possible. It’s a mind-melting song and while it can get lost in the chaos, if you remember it, you remember why it is such a great song.
 
NorthTale- Only Human
Wow, this list has a lot of songs off of sophomore albums doesn’t it? NorthTale’s sophomore album, Eternal Flame is such a killer Power Metal song. Not only is it a fun, majestic, fast song. It has one of the catchiest choruses on this list and it will get stuck in your head for days. The band did go through a lineup change and it was easily for the best as the band is stronger, writing better songs, and everything is running on every cylinder. Even with this album coming out just last year, it shows that the Power Metal flag will never fall and its best days are still here and yet to come. What a great band and a great song.
 
Power Paladin- Righteous Fury
Off the Icelandic Power Metal band’s debut album from this year, With the Magic of Windfyre Steel. This album is a crash course of what Power Metal is all out and Righteous Fury puts a smile on my face every single time I hear it and not just because it features the Legend of Zelda theme in the song. Yes, this band not only does Power Metal with perfect justice, but they also hit so many territories of...let’s face it….nerd culture (as a nerd) from Comic Book Villains to Video Games to 80s Fantasy Movies. If you are a nerd like me, they have already written a song for you. Righteous Fury is the fastest song and it has what might be the best chorus I’ve ever heard in a Power Metal song, it feels like the gates of Valhalla open every time it kicks in. This is not only the front runner of my favorite Power Metal albums of 2022, it may be one of my favorite overall albums of the year. This song is why I made the list in the first place and why the Cavalcade of Top Ten Lists exists. Thank you Power Paladin. Take some HP and MP potions and let’s see what that next album will grace our ears with. I hope it will be even more Righteous Fury.
 
And there you go folks. It might be my shortest written list to date, but it’s a great, cohesive list of ten fast Power Metal songs that will surely help you appreciate the genre...unless you already have a bias towards it, then I got nothing; but kudos for reading this anyways. Make sure to check out the Spotify playlist I have for this list and return next Wednesday for another exciting tale from the Cavalcade of Top Ten Lists.
 
Same Heavy Time, Same Debriefings Website!
 
Josh Rundquist- (Heavy Debriefings)

Hello Everyone and welcome back to the cavalcade of top 10 lists. After taking an unwanted week off for...reasons, I am back with a new list that came to me this past weekend that helped me get inspired to do these lists once again. All bands will come to an end, some are mutually agreed to happen, some happen because of tragedy, some happen from members getting so sick of each other they gotta never see each other again. Regardless of the reasons, they do lead to final albums, some of which are the perfect send-off and some are going to leave you wanting just one more album to end the band on the right note. I am choosing to focus this list on the former and taking 10 final albums that feel like they perfectly send the bands off to the farm upstate in a way where you will potentially want more, but you can’t be disappointed in the quality of the album itself. So let’s get into the rules of these lists I make and get into some list goodness.

1.) These lists are in no particular order unless otherwise noted (alphabetical order, year of release, etc). Ranking these is not needed as I wouldn’t be covering these bands, songs, albums, etc if I did not love them.
2.) The lists will be formatted with the subject, FFO (For Fans Of), and a blurb (roughly a paragraph) about said subject. The FFO section is subject to change if the list is entirely about one particular subject (the genre for example)
3.) This will be a weekly series. Every Wednesday unless otherwise stated. Delays and postponements are entirely possible, but I will be keeping this up until my mind tells me to stop.
4.) No negative lists. I know that’s cool, and the clickbaity thing to do is to make lists that people can tear apart, argue over, let me know how wrong I am for including or excluding a band, etc. That’s just not me. I may occasionally make a funny title for humor’s sake, but never to just get clicks with no substance. My integrity still means something to me even if that makes me less popular.
5.) A Spotify Playlist will always accompany each list. 1 song to accommodate every point listed so 10 songs in total, unless otherwise stated in the list(s).
6.) I will still be doing my monthly album reviews and my year-end lists per usual. This is just a bonus.
7.) All thoughts are entirely my own. No paid sponsorships, no begging or pleading from any label or band. Just me and my thoughts.

So, Let’s Begin!


*These are presented in absolutely no order other than what sounded good on the Spotify playlist I made for the list*

Rush- Clockwork Angels
FFO- Progressive Rock, Heavy Metal
Rush’s final album is not the final album any Rush fan wanted to happen. That is of course because none of us wanted the band to end. Sadly as I mentioned above, every band must go at some point, and especially when you look back at it; Clockwork Angels is the perfect sendoff to one of the greatest bands to ever rock the earth. Neil Peart’s life was filled with so many tragedies and sadly his life ended with the tragedy of cancer. When looking back, it’s hard not to feel like that could have played a part in this album. Did Peart write these songs knowing it would be the last Rush album that he could physically make? If he did, be it for medical reasons or even just wanting to retire, he sent the band off showcasing all of the best moments that could be shown in the band’s history through a full-on, brand new, concept album (the first and only time for the band). The album gets heavy, it gets melodic, it hits the proggy riffs in such a catchy way and I can only imagine that experiencing these songs in a live setting had to be incredible. Whether you like the more abstract side of the band or commercial, this album has both sides in strides. While not the perfect Rush album; It is one you can go back to and say that from start to finish, Clockwork Angels is a phenomenal album to end a career on. While we sadly lost Neil Peart back in 2020, his spirit lives on in so many musicians from now till the end of time. I can’t wait to see what Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson continue to do in their musical endeavors either together or separately.

Burst- Lazarus Bird
FFO- Progressive Post Metal
This band’s legacy hits hard and leaves a lasting impression. While being a true experimental band changing and refining their formula with every album, their 5th and final album, Lazarus Bird, is the perfect mix of prog metal, post-metal, sludge, and experimentation. Spectacularly crafted songs that cover so much musical ground while making complete sense in the context of the band. You can definitely hear how the band has influenced others in their sound and what can fit in the heavy, sludgy, and post-metal worlds. For anyone who can appreciate bands like Baroness, Mastodon, Pallbearer, Intronaut, or Torche; you are doing yourself a major disservice if you continue going without checking out this phenomenal Swedish band. There is every chance in the world that the band could come back together and make a new album (you can never say never till your death), and rendering this entry no longer serviceable; If this is all we get from this band, they put out 5 incredible albums and Lazarus Bird was truly their magnum opus.

Sentenced- The Funeral Album
FFO- Gothic Metal
Finland got hit hard when one of their best band’s decided to call it a day. The aptly named The Funeral Album, showcases the perfect display of where the band was in 2005. Amid writing absolutely memorable gothic metal songs after years of releasing death metal and melodic death metal in their past work, Sentenced really laid on the idea the band was finished with so many of their songs’ titles and lyrics. Whether you are looking for songs that could have easily been on top 40 radio, a short instrumental tribute to their death metal days, or a play on words of either getting bit by a vampire or receiving oral sex; it’s all here on full display. With main songwriter, founder, and multi-instrumentalist, Miika Tenkula tragically passing away at the age of 34 in 2009 from rare genetic heart disease, I can’t fathom the band will be back in any way, shape, or form, (maybe a tribute show, but even that is a far stretch) the band is truly dead and buried and all the other members of the band have done on to some great music since, Sentenced was that band that really hit what it feels like to be suicidal, in love, in hate, make tongue in cheek goth songs, and hit a range of metalheads that needed music like this but needed more than what came from bands like Type O Negative. A true dark gem of a band and The Funeral Album, of course being written to be their send-off is the perfect way to finish the band off.

Celtic Frost- Monotheist
FFO- Gothic Metal, Doom Metal, Black Metal
From proto-black metal to failed 80s glam metal to writing some of the sickest, heaviest riffs to ever grace metalhead’s ears; Celtic Frost truly accomplished it all in the heavy metal world. Monotheist acted as a reunion album and sadly became their final album as well. After 16 years since their previous album, the band came back to release, EASILY, their heaviest album, and truly took the advantage of all their different musical diatribes and refocused to write one of the heaviest albums the 2000s could ever imagine. They were far past the days of Cold Lake and covering Mexican Radio and wanted to write soul-crushing music and they more than delivered. While the reunion did not last with Tom G Warrior announcing his departure from the band due to irreconcilable differences, you can definitely tell that this is where his mind was at musically and took that focus into the ultra-heavy band, Triptykon. While so many of us got excited, then bummed at the return and dismantling of Celtic Frost in just a few short years; they did leave an insurmountable impression on what heavy music can truly be throughout their entire career. Monotheist is a crowning achievement, in that regard for the heaviest of heavy and an album that has truly lasted the test of time over 15 years later.

Death- The Sound of Perseverance
FFO- Progressive Death Metal, Technical Death Metal
If Chuck Schuldiner had it his way, this would have been the very first Control Denied album, but he was contractually obligated for one more Death album and this album is an absolute bang for the buck description of where Chuck’s mind was at the end of the 90s. Moving farther away from death metal than ever before and focusing so much more on progressive, thrashy, classical, and even power metal stylings; Chuck and Co. wrote one of the most technical albums made at the time and easily still one of the most technical and forward-thinking albums to this day. Chuck’s voice also became very polarizing on the final two Death albums, most so with The Sound of Perseverance, you either love it or despise it (I love it.). The music is still jawdropping to listen to over 20 years later and hearing what became of everyone who played with Chuck after this album is incredible to see. Of course, Chuck left us in 2001 from brain cancer and we never got to experience his full vision of what Control Denied could be. We did get their legendary standalone album, The Fragile Art of Existence, but there was so much more to explore that we will sadly never get to hear. Death, on the other hand, while being a far cry from their earliest albums; was the perfect sendoff to where Death ended and what could have been in the future. It’s a perfect prog-metal masterpiece.

The Dillinger Escape Plan- Dissociation
FFO- Progressive Mathcore
In speaking of bands with a technical sound that went on to influence a whole new genre of music; TDEP was truly a one-of-a-kind band. Often attempted replication, but impossible to duplicate. The band went through nearly every single genre of music in existence, created their own genre, and continue expanding on that as well. By the time of Dissociation, the band felt...well, exactly that. They wanted to move on while being experts at their craft; making controlled chaos isn’t going to be in everyone’s heart forever and everyone in the band from the first lineup to the final lineup has gone on to do some amazing work in all genres of rock, metal, and beyond. The band left everything on the table for this album and if for any reason they feel the need to come back (which I would never be against), they are going to have the gargantuan task of trying to outdo this happen. Would they succeed or is the band truly done for good? Time will tell...time will tell…

Emperor- Prometheus- The Discipline of Fire and Demise
FFO- Symphonic Progressive Black Metal
Emperor lasted only a decade in their initial run, but they have one of the most notorious stories in music. For both being one of the most seminal bands in the 2nd wave of black metal era and for having past members who...well, just go look it up if you don’t already know. No need to get back into that. Emperor released 4 albums that went from the rawest of black metal to the most over-the-top symphonic experience you could imagine in less than a decade. I of course will be talking about the latter here with Prometheus, a true expansion of what black metal could and would become. A monumental album that still had all of the evil you could ever expect of 90s Norwegian black metal, but Ihsahn’s keen sense of where his mind was musically was beyond tremolo picking and blast beats. You can definitely hear where Ihsahn would eventually go in his solo career by listening to Prometheus and gathering those early experimental ideas in their infancy. While the band has reformed and plays the occasional metal festival, they have zero intention of ever creating music. Back in 2001, they knew that they accomplished all they wanted to in just 4 albums and there was no need to make new music. 21 years later, while I’d love to see what an Emperor album would sound like in the 202s; I like the idea of having Prometheus being a final nail in the recording coffin for the band. It means when you get to see them live, you will get to hear all the songs you love live with no compromise. You can’t be disappointed in that, especially if you’re like me and have yet to experience them live. A triumphant finale to 2nd wave of black metal.

Bolt Thrower- Those Once Loyal
FFO- Death Metal
8 albums strong and in 2005, Bolt Thrower said goodbye to recording new music with Those Once Loyal. A signature Bolt Thrower album that has the grooving, mid-tempo death metal the band became acclaimed for, while maintaining a unique sound that any death metal fan can appreciate, no matter what sub-genres you prefer. While the band could have made new music, they chose not to unless they could top this album. In 2016, those planed were forever laid to rest as drummer, Martin Kearns’ 1st death anniversary signified the end of the band both in the studio and live. While this album was not intended to be the last album while being recorded, it is looked back on as being a fantastic way to end one of the best death metal bands to ever exist. While members of the band have continued on in their musical careers (including one of my favorite death metal bands still active, Memoriam); Bolt Thrower will always be known as a pioneer of UK death metal, proving speed and technicality are not all you should rely on, and fans who like to rip off other fans by making their merch extremely expensive to buy in the 3rd party marketplace. While maybe not the best Bolt Thrower album (though the argument can be made that it is), Bolt Thrower left us with 8 phenomenal albums that slay just as much now as when they were recorded, and Those Once Loyal are a fantastic album to remember them by.

Falconer- From A Dying Ember
FFO- Power Metal, Folk Metal, Orchestration
Falconer may be the most underrated power metal band of all time and that is a hill I have zero problems dying on. Every album felt like a musical experience and not just a collection of songs and FADE (haha, get what they did with the initials?) was written to be the finale of the band. With no shows to accompany these songs (I just so happen to not only see their last show ever at ProgPower 2015, but give their last in-person interview as a whole band), this album feels like a live experience of sorts, where you feel every era of the band, every style they touched upon, and even a possible hint of where the members of the band were before and potentially after the band with some hints of black metal and other genres. Falconer was a true gem of metal music and FADE is a shining example of what the band was all about. I have no qualms saying this is their best album and I think they knew they had to make this their crowning achievement if they were to properly say goodbye. If you want one of the best examples of what power metal is, was, and could be, check out Falconer and check out FADE and go backward in their catalog. The sheer brilliance of musical songwriting and talent in every sense of the term.

Nevermore- The Obsidian Conspiracy
FFO- Progressive Thrash Power Metal
Nevermore is another band that while they had such a loyal and undying fan base, never reached the fandom they truly deserved. Between Warrel Dane’s unique vocals, Jeff Loomis’ jaw-dropping songwriting, Van Williams’ underappreciated drumming, and Jim Shepard’s perfection of bass lines; the band went through so many different eras but really hit their mark with their most legendary album, Dead Heart in a Dead World. In 2010, the band was falling into troubled times within the band and was on the verge of breaking up so many times. This final album is easily their most commercial sounding (done purposely to expand their fan base) but never losing the power the band has become known for. While again, it was a more commercial album, that did not take anything away from what the band delivered both in the studio and especially live. Having gotten to see their final Minnesota show on Halloween 2010 was a truly spectacular moment in my concert-going career and every song they played off this album fit seamlessly with the rest of their live catalog. The songs are so catchy, sometimes experimental, wickedly played and looking back, very...very somber to listen to. While I will even say this is my 2nd favorite Nevermore album (after the aforementioned Dead Heart in a Dead World), the band imploded shortly after their final US tour and while there were rumors of a possible reformation, the death of Warrel Dane in 2017 prevented that from ever happening. A very sad end to one of the best metal bands of any genre, but such an incredible album to go back to and enjoy. It’s quite apt that the final words you hear on this album are Warrel Dane saying “These are my last, WORDS!”, While not the last Warrel Dane words you’d hear in the recorded form, it did mark the end of Nevermore and they will be forever missed.

And there you go folks, 10 final albums that mean so much to me, maybe to you, maybe never heard of before by you, or albums you should listen to and enjoy all over again. While everything ends, nothing is ever truly gone if we can remember. That’s important in art, life, and everything else. Tune in next week for another selection from the cavalcade of top 10 lists.
Same Heavy Time, Same Debriefings Website!


Josh Rundquist (Heavy Debriefings)

Hello everyone, and welcome to the Top 10 Albums of April 2022. In full transparency, this has been an incredibly hard month for me. Interviews got canceled by myself, some bands flat out ghosted me, The show has been up and down as far as making episodes, My weekly top 10 list has been getting ignored from social media, and as of this week, I had to quit Twitter for my own sanity. And none of that even goes into the suicidal depression that’s been plaguing me for 3 months now and I really feel no end in sight. All of that said, I was still able to find 10 albums I really dig from this month and want to share them with you. Some are released today (if you are reading this on April 29th) and some even came out on April 1st, truly covering the month from the beginning to the end. As usual, I will be posting my rules for how these monthly lists go, and then we will get onto 10 truly great albums of April 2022.

1.) These will be Original Studio ALBUMS. Not EPs, live albums, cover albums, rarities albums, lost albums, splits, collaboration efforts, etc. Simply Original Studio Albums from bands. Simply enough, right?

 2.) These will be ALPHABETICAL ORDER. Not ranked. I don’t give away my secrets about what will be in the top 100 that easily. At least buy me a drink first!

 3.) These reviews will be like my top 100 list where I give the band name, the album, and the FFO section; followed by a paragraph review. I could easily go track by track on every album, but then I will have given everything away. I want YOU to check any of these albums out and make up your own thoughts if you dig them or not. I’m just here to let you be aware these albums are out and for your listening pleasure.

4.) There is nothing sponsored here nor stolen content. Just my own thoughts. I have been given almost every album I review as a stream or promo and anything I missed I checked out on Spotify or Bandcamp after release.

5.) I will be covering more albums in audio form on my podcast every week there is a new show. There may be some crossover, other ones may just be in audio form. So check out both for the optimum experience.

6.) None of these albums are set in stone for the best of 2022. I may be high on them now, but that could change for a multitude of reasons (mainly if the band does something asinine).

7.) Any album not featured here or in the podcast can EASILY still be featured in my top 100. I can’t hear every album and some will slip through the cracks now or even then. So I just need to hear an album and make assertions from there.

 8.) These are done for YOU. So I hope you can discover some new music on my behalf and be shown that new music has never stopped being great. Just go discover it.

 Now let’s begin! 

Audrey Horne- Devil’s Bell
FFO- Hard Rock, Occult Rock
Audrey Horne has been going strong for 20 years now. With a fine tinge of rock and roll stylings, every album seems to have a new flavoring while still having its signature blend mixed together for a truly great musical experience. With Devil’s Bell, the band’s 7th album; the Norwegian supergroup collective adds a much darker tone to their style making something more akin to the likes of Blue Oyster Cult than Aerosmith. It’s a welcomed change in the band, but again, it sounds like the band hasn’t missed a step since 2005. It’s a great thing when you can take members of such prominent extreme metal bands and know that they know how to write fun, rocking songs as much as they can write blackened metal masterpieces. For those that just want an old-school rockin’ time, this album is meant for you. Go check it out!

Crown Compass- The Drought
FFO- Progressive Death Metal
This new group featuring ex-members of Textures, and Exvivious has brought a new level of progressive metal to the table. All 4 members of this Dutch group are extremely skilled at their respective crafts and they are on full display here. What makes it stand out amongst others doing modern prog metal these days is that they know how to write some unbelievably catchy choruses with melodies and harmonies that soar through the chaos. You can hear the remnants of their past bands in this album, but you can also hear all the new influences that they wanted to show off in recorded form. The music doesn’t djent The music doesn’t get brutal just for the sake of it, any breakdowns that happen have a purpose. The best part is the unexpected twists and turns you hear in the genre-bending shifts. This is truly a shining example of how to write progressive music that really feels like it can take the genre can keep moving it forward. 

Destruction - Diabolical
FFO- Thrash Metal
Not only one of the best German thrash bands, but one of the best thrash bands period has returned and there feels to be a true shift in the musical force of the band. The life’s blood of the band has gained a new lineup since their 2019 release, Born to Perish and the band has a new fire that has been stoked. The band sounds angrier, thrashier, and more aggressive than they have in decades. The production on Diabolical is much rawer than previous material, but it matches the mood that is set up as soon as you hear that first riff strike down upon you. This is where the band needs to be in a still pandemic world. With what this lineup has pulled off here, I can’t wait to see what will be coming up on the band’s next release. It’s only going to go up from here.

Die Apokalyptischen Reiter - Wilde Kinder
FFO- Heavy Metal
This band is the definition of a heavy metal band. You can’t really put a real finger on what the band sounds like as every album has its own unique sound, let alone the songs on every album can be so varied, yet, fit together so well. With Wilde Kinder, the band has taken a darker approach and wanted to unleash a full-scale assault of symphonic, death, black, power, and classic metal. It’s so refreshing to hear a band that simply plays what they want to play no matter if it fits a particular genre or not. If anything, they are their own genre. You hear the band take more aggressive and fierce tendencies to match the mood of the world right now and all of us just want to break free from the darkness that has taken over all of us. With a band as prolific and varied as this band has been over the last 25+ years, the band shows absolutely no sense of slowing down and the chaos will only continue for years and years to come. Simply incredible work.

The Hellacopters- Eyes of Oblivion
FFO- Rock N’ Roll
The Hellacopters are back from the grave and they are just as much fun, stylish, tongue in cheek, and powerful as ever. A band that knows that they don’t need to be over the top technical, reinvent the wheel or change with the times. The Hellacopters simply know how to write catchy rock songs and for someone who spends most of their time with heavy music, this is one of the most refreshing albums I’ve come across in such a long time. Short, simple, catchy, and undeniably fun. There’s not really much more I can add to that. If you are looking for one of the strongest rock albums of the year and quite possibly the decade of the 2020s, look no further, you found it right here with Eyes of Oblivion.

Meshuggah- Immutable
 FFO- Modern Progressive Death Metal
Meshuggah does what Meshuggah does and no one out-Meshuggah’s Meshuggah, ya dig? But seriously. This is the band after 30 years in the game. The band doesn’t need to outdo themselves anymore, they have no need to reinvent themselves into something new. They already write songs no one else can emulate. If you don’t really dig the band, this album will not change your mind. If you already like the band, this is more of what you will love. While this is far from a cookie-cutter album from the band, you can tell the band just wants to hone in on what makes their formula work so well and put in the right amount of twists and turns to make this a fun ride. This is also the band’s longest album, coming in at nearly 67 minutes. It’s a long, epic journey; but a rewarding one if you enjoy the pioneers of what has become of progressive death metal in the modern age. 

My Useless Life- Bittersweet Agony
FFO- Blackgaze
What a relatable band name, eh? No? Just me then? Alrighty! Anyways...The 4th album from this California blackgaze duo shows the band as heart-wrenching and somber as ever while having just the right amount of raw production and atmosphere. The music is some of the most melodic in the band’s career, but no less devastating. While this is listed as an EP on Spotify, coming in at just about 34 minutes; everywhere I’ve seen it listed counts it as a full album; as do I. The experience does go by fast, but it can hit you hard in its depressive tones and lyrics. For someone dealing with another dark, black wave of suicidal depression; this album came across me at the right time, and even when you just pay attention to what’s going on musically; it really hits home for me. It just may for you as well if you are feeling down and out. Proceed with caution like any other DSBM band, but it is up to your alley, it’s one hell of a ride.

Poets of the Fall- Ghostlight
FFO- Symphonic Rock, Cinematic Rock, Alternative Rock
Poets of the Fall might be the softest band I have on the list this month, but they really know how to write some heavy songs in the lyrical and atmospheric sense. The band continues to rise in popularity with every release and now that they are 9 albums into their career; they have established themselves as one of the best at their stylings. They are absolute masters at writing catchy rock songs that have such heartfelt cinematic feelings and emotions. Ghostlight is some of the band’s lightest work overall, but that’s what makes it stand out from the rest of their catalog. It’s a true album where you just want to listen from start to finish and enjoy every ebb and flow as it passes through you. You will be hard-pressed to find an album (or band for that matter) that can hit you with such heartfelt emotion with every song after song. Sheer, unadulterated, brilliance.

Rammstein- Zeit
FFO- Industrial, Heavy Metal
 I am actually writing this up after I saw the Rammstein Zeit Atmos Experience at my local movie theater (only one of two movie theaters in the state to show it) and it made me fall in love with every track on the album; while I won’t ruin the visual experience just in case they release it in some other way down the road; this is easily the best Rammstein album in years. And even with only 8 albums in their catalog, that is some worthy praise. The album is full of diverse songs whether you want songs about death, becoming antisocial, no longer using condoms, or big boobies; Rammstein has a way to make an album that is as funny as it is heartfelt. No one can do it like these guys and even with Zeit being written to make up for 2 years' unplayable tours (maybe it’ll actually happen this year?) they took that frustration to make an album that will stand the test of time. What a rock-solid album.

Undeath- It’s Time...To Rise From Your Grave
FFO- Old School Death Metal, Melodic Death Metal, Grindcore
The amount of praise and reception I have seen about this band over the last couple of months is staggering. With this only being the band’s sophomore album, they have garnered the attention of not only the biggest music sites and magazines, but some of the biggest metal bands out there today. The band has an undeniable love of old-school death metal and grindcore with just the right amount of melodic undertones and the occasional brutal breakdown to make it just modernized enough so you will be satisfied where you think there are no good death metal bands anymore or not. The production is raw and unpolished, yet it sounds like it was the perfect album for 1993 as they were to open for Carcass or Entombed. These guys know their back catalogs of extreme metal and they are not afraid to wear their inspirations on their sleeves. As pointed out in this list already; you don’t need to always reinvent the wheel, you just gotta be solid and write great songs. Undeath does that and more in strides. I know this will be a lot of people’s favorite death metal album of the year and it’s easy to understand why. This has something for everyone and they could easily hop on any extreme metal tour and blow the crowd away. This is death metal done right. It only takes one listen to understand why.


And there you go folks, my top 10 favorite albums of April 2022. While I’m sure I missed out on some other great albums to come out this month, I’m just happy I could even write this list at all. If I’m still feeling like this now; I really don’t see May 2022 letting up on me for my mental state. But thankfully there is a ton of great albums coming out next month that I can’t wait to check out and show off to all of you. So tune in next time for the Top 10 Albums of May 2022!


 - Josh Rundquist (Heavy Debriefings)

Welcome everyone to this 3rd rendition of the Cavalcade of Top 10 Lists; 10 Positive Metal songs. I’m not going to label this as the top 10 positive songs as there are so many positive heavy songs. When you are someone like myself who has been in such a depressive funk that last week’s Top 10 Saddest Doom Metal songs feel like that dark cloud will never lift; you tend to forget that metal does have a positive side. I will also not go as far as to say that these are “happy songs” as most of these songs are not about sunshine and lollipops. A lot of these songs are about overcoming adversity, either by the pain brought on by life or by yourself. Of course, some songs are just over the top happy. It’s a great balance of both, so matter your metal flavorings, there is something here for you. So let’s get into those gosh darn rules so we can try to bring in some good vibes into your hump day. I think we could all use that right about now.

1.) These lists are in no particular order unless otherwise noted (alphabetical order, year of release, etc). Ranking these is not needed as I wouldn’t be covering these bands, songs, albums, etc if I did not love them.
2.) The lists will be formatted with the subject, FFO (For Fans Of), and a blurb (roughly a paragraph) about said subject. The FFO section is subject to change if the list is entirely about one particular subject (the genre for example)
3.) This will be a weekly series. Every Wednesday unless otherwise stated. Delays and postponements are entirely possible, but I will be keeping this up until my mind tells me to stop.
4.) No negative lists. I know that’s cool, and the clickbaity thing to do is to make lists that people can tear apart, argue over, let me know how wrong I am for including or excluding a band, etc. That’s just not me. I may occasionally make a funny title for humor’s sake, but never to just get clicks with no substance. My integrity still means something to me even if that makes me less popular.
5.) A Spotify Playlist will always accompany each list. 1 song to accommodate every point listed so 10 songs in total, unless otherwise stated in the list(s).
6.) I will still be doing my monthly album reviews and my year-end lists per usual. This is just a bonus.
7.) All thoughts are entirely my own. No paid sponsorships, no begging or pleading from any label or band. Just me and my thoughts.

So, Let’s Begin!

*These songs are NOT in any particular order other than what sounded good for a nice ebb and flow over a 10 song playlist which you can check out in the Spotify link at the end*


Freedom Call- Metal is for Everyone
FFO- EVERYTHING AND EVERYONE (but seriously, Power Metal)

Freedom Call is one of the happiest sounding bands I’m aware of in metal. Be it when I hear them on record or the one opportunity I’ve gotten to see them live at ProgPower 2016, They just have a way of making you feel happy and positive. It can be cheesy as hell, but I think that’s the real, not-so-secret, sauce on display. When you go out and write a song like Metal is for Everyone, you are flat out saying you don’t care if your message is cheesy. You just want everyone to be included. No matter who you are, what you listen to, your lifestyle, or your upbringing; everyone should be allowed to check out metal. And wouldn’t you know it? There is a metal band, if not a whole genre of metal that anyone can enjoy. No matter how dark, how scary, how fast, how slow, how catchy, how abstract, how many musicians and instruments are in the band, whatever criteria you are looking for, there is something for you. While this song is firmly in the Power Metal genre, it’s a message that anyone can appreciate. It’s so hard to feel crappy when you are listening to Freedom Call. They just have a way of making you smile or even laugh (cheese is subjective). This is a message everyone should get behind. We are divided enough as it is, let’s bring back metal to the masses!

Omnium Gatherum- Be The Sky
FFO- Melodic Death Metal

Omnium Gatherum is a complete anomaly in the melodeath world. When you normally think of melodeath, you think of very dark riffs, personal life struggles, catchy as all get-go choruses, and music to showcase that death metal can be melodic. Omnium Gatherum is all of those things, BUT, the message is positive. Rather than focusing on the dark sides of life; they write very inspirational lyrics and topics that whi9le don’t sound happy, sound positive, and above all, authentic. Be The Sky is the perfect example of that message. Be The Sky, be endless, be limitless, be free, and go as far as you possibly can and do the best you possibly can. While the band has always been known for some of the most melodic riffs you can hear in their genre, this song really lays it on thick to almost feel triumphant. Of course, for first-time listeners, you will hear death growls and double bass that could easily throw you off from the message (that is, of course, you are completely unfamiliar with the source material) but once you let it sink in and let the earworm stick in your brain, you will be so glad that you gave it a proper chance. I have absolutely no problem saying that not only is Omnium Gatherum my favorite band from Finland, but they are also my favorite melodeath band. And it’s for great reason. They cover all the ground I love and they are inspirational not only in their musicality but just the life lessons they give in every song. We need more of that in the world of metal. We simply do. Don’t be afraid of who you are, be the sky!

Demon Hunter- The Last One Alive
FFO- Melodic Metalcore, Hard Rock

Demon Hunter is a band that I can fully put my support behind. While I don’t normally listen to secular music; Demon Hunter is an exception in the metal world where their message of being a band is based on Christianity, which is far from being preachy. I mean they took their name from the video game series, Devil May Cry if that says anything at all. I chose this song over others from their catalog as it is undeniably catchy and I love the message of no matter if you are the last one standing or you die too soon, always push yourself to be the best YOU that you can be. This also showcases the band at one of its most mainstream points. The band has gone from so close to death metal to top 40 rock radio to everything in between. Sometimes even showing off both sides on the same album! Like I talked about so much in last week’s top 10 list; none of us are making it out of this world alive. Whether you are someone of faith, someone of science, someone of both, or someone who has no idea where they stand in life; Just be the best person you can be. Do what you can to be a good person to others. No matter how much life can and will hurt you, why spend it feeling miserable when you can try to better yourself while you’re still here. So many adversities come in life, don’t be your own downfall. Be strong, be brave, and simply...try.

Trollfest- Happy Heroes
FFO- Fun Metal

Trollfest...probably the other happiest metal band I have on this list. They are just an absurdly fun band that is not only preposterous in their instrumentation and music, but their lyrics simply leave you with a smile, laugh, and/or giggle that you be hard-pressed to be able to remove for quite some time. I’ve seen this band dress up as bees, I’ve seen them dress up as doctors, and with the EP that this song shows up on; they are just about having a fun, happy time. While they have undergone so many musical changes (sometimes on the same release) from absurdly heavy to stupidly fun;l they are just about having a good time while they are still here. Happy Heroes almost acts like a biography song for the band. While it feels like a superhero theme song, the lyrics are so slapstick and funny they will make you want to watch an animated series based on this ragtag team of happy trolls that are both good in nature, but mischievous at the same time. It feels like a paradox, but it makes so much sense in context (especially when you hear the full EP). Overall, Trollfest is known for just wanting you and me to be...happy. In life, that’s all you can really ask for. So go forth and try to be happy!

Devin Townsend Project- Offer Your Light
FFO- Mid Tier Progressive Metal (not my words, but the words of one of their t-shirts)

I could have easily gone with the Devin Townsend Band song, Sunshine & Happiness off the album, Synchestra, and I have been going back in forth wondering if I should have added that one instead as it fits the mold of this list seamlessly. I ultimately chose this song as I feel like this song is much more heartfelt in its message and so much less tongue in cheek. Plus you have Anneke van Giersbergen singing the lead on this song and how could you not include her on a list of positive music? Offer Your Light is a song that is about no matter how down, mad, angry, sad, or negative you are feeling, you still have something to offer the world and those around you. It is so easy to fall into the trap that when you are feeling down that you are of use to no one, but that simply isn’t true. Sometimes your negative feelings are exactly what someone else needs to see or hear to get through the day so they feel less alone. Sometimes it just takes knowing that your positive feelings are still a part of you no matter how down you feel and being able to shine a light on anything that you do in life can help you as much as it helps others. It’s a lesson I need to remember myself. You matter, we all matter. Help each other, help yourself, just help!

Killswitch Engage- I Am Broken Too
FFO- Metalcore, Hard Rock

 KSE is a band I mentioned in my top 10 bands at the moment list and for good reason. No matter if you have Jesse Leech or Howard Jones doing lyrics and vocals; their messages are so filled with hope that people like myself really need to hear. I am a broken guy, seriously just read the top paragraph of last week’s list just for a tip of the iceberg reasoning for pain in my life that feels everlasting. In this song, it feels like Jesse is sitting beside me and talking to me and telling me that he is here for me and will do anything he can to be there for me just to be able to stay alive and not take my own life. Sharing his pain so I feel like I’m not the only one who feels the pain that I feel. Of course, Jesse doesn't know me from a hole in the ground, but that is really the point of the song. Everyone can have someone like Jesse in their life, someone who has been through their own personal hell, either self-created or created by circumstance, and can be there to help tell their tales to help relate to you and help you feel less alone in life. The first time I heard this song, I cried so hard, that it hit me harder than almost any other band has done (except for Woods of Ypres). This is a song Where I am on both side4s of the narrative. While I am dealing with so much mental hell; over the years, I have been able to help people both close to me and others I’ve never talked to before, by sharing my stories, listening to their pain, offering my condolences, advice, and simply letting them know I am there for them. None of us make it through this world unscathed. We will all feel the pain that we feel like no one else could possibly understand. And while some people will absolutely have it worse than you in life, that does not make your pain any less real. This is why I HATE the expression that things can always be worse. Of course, things can be worse, they will be worse as life goes on either physically, mentally or both, that’s not the issue at hand, and just a cop-out instead of offering any real help. If you are hurting, reach out to someone you feel you can trust, but it is a hotline, website, an online friend, or someone you know personally. If you are on the opposite end, offer to help others, even if it just means listening to them. Letting someone know they are not alone is a lifesaver. If I had people in my past that I could trust, my suicide attempt count would be a lot less than 9, maybe even 0. Above all, just stay here for as long as you can, don’t die feeling miserable.

Suicidal Tendencies- You Can’t Bring Me Down
FFO- Crossover Thrash

The band name and the song title are shown back to back feels like such a paradox if you are not familiar with the band. This is the ultimate song of overcoming adversity, no matter what it is and telling the world of naysayers and all obstacles in your life to fuck off. ST is a band that was at the forefront of the crossover thrash genre and when you look at their backstory, you can see how much adversity they have had to go through to get to where they did and where they are now. It's a song of knowing the world is not a positive place for so many of us and so many people will either tell you that you will fail or will want you to fail or will try to make you fail. This is a song of overcoming all of it to be who you really are and doing what you have to do to survive or simply just be happy in life. It’s a real battle anthem for the downtrodden. Listen and feel its power.

Woods of Ypres- Don’t Open The Wound/Skywide Armspread
FFO- Doom Metal, Gothic Metal, Black Metal

This song is 100% why I did call this list ten happy metal songs. Woods of Ypres were the masters of the dark, depressing, and saddest of songwriting when it came to metal music. They make bands like Type O Negative, Swallow The Sun, and Mournful Congregation sound like the band that wrote Walkin’ on Sunshine (I know they have a name, but it’s funnier for the joke to not say their name). This is song is possibly their most positive song. It’s a song about knowing how horrible the world is, how wretched things can get, how life may never get better, but if you insist upon the pain, you let it fester and take over your well-being, it will destroy you. While things in life can wreck all of your sensibilities, when you decide to hurt yourself, no matter how you hurt yourself, physically, internally, if you cut yourself if you keep telling yourself that you are worthless, if you just give up; then life will never get better. It’s a real outlier of the band’s career as even on the same album that this song appears on, it includes some of the saddest songs about love loss, hopelessness, and giving up. It’s that brief breath of life that even the saddest of us all need to be able to push forward and move on. Don’t get it twisted, just a positive attitude will not be the only thing that can keep you from falling, but it can be the biggest thing to prevent the fall, to begin with. From what might be the saddest band the earth has ever heard; it’s amazing to hear a positive song like this about not giving up and to stop or stopping hurting yourself, realizing what you needed didn’t happen, and accepting that you need to move forward. This song is a therapy session in and of itself.

Helloween- I Want Out
 FFO- Power Metal, Hard Rock

 In a true sense of rebellion, Helloween wrote an anthem of breaking out of what you are told you are supposed to be to become what you need to be. Arguably the best-known song from the band, I Want Out is not only catchy, but it is also inspirational to all of the wayward civilians of this planet. You get one chance at life on this planet, if you don’t live it the way that you want, you will either have to settle for what you will never have, or you will fall into a spell of depression and what could have been. Much like the song talks about, you are the one responsible for what you will do in life. Can you overcome the adversity or will you fall in line? You need to realize what you need to do, no matter what it is. Make your own happiness. It may work, it may not, but at least trying is better than simply giving up. It’s simple, catchy, and full of heart. It just might be what you need to make it through and tough times you may face. Plus, how cool of a name is Helloween? Right?

Ad Infinitum- Unstoppable
FFO- Symphonic Metal, Modern Metalcore

Ad Infinitum is the newest band on this list and even with just 2 full LPs to their name, they have written some spectacular, catchy, and memorable anthems that are sure to stand the test of time. With their latest album, Chapter II: Legacy, parts at a time can feel like you are playing a SoulsBourne game and overcoming the challenges of those impossible bosses you will face, but to flip the coin, especially on a song like Unstoppable, it feels like the heroic anthem you need to get through this thing we call life. When you fall, you will fail, and you will get beaten, but it’s important to be able to rise again and slay your demons (internally and externally) to be able to push forward. Its a song about finding your inner strength but reaching out to the universe hoping they hear your cries as you come back from what you may fear is your death (ok, maybe this song is about Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, but still), it’s a great message of no matter how often you fall, you can rise up and persevere. We all have to or else we may never get another chance to survive this life. Be it a video game or real life, never surrender!


And there you go folks, 10 positive metal songs from so many different backgrounds. I hope at least one of them can connect with you and show you that others do feel the pain you feel, even if they ventured another path to feel the same. This felt like such a great counterbalance to last week’s list. The real yin-yang of life in the span of a week. I hope you enjoyed this list as much as I did create it, be sure to check out the Spotify playlist below to hear these songs and let them sink in your soul and I will return with another list next Wednesday. I have so many I’ve created already it’s hard to choose which one will be next, but I’ll make sure it’s a doozy.

 I Will Return! Same Heavy Time! Same Debriefings Channel!

 - Josh Rundquist- (Heavy Debriefings)