God damn, was this year in music good. I had so much to listen to just about every week, which was a treat for me. Here is my list of the best heavy albums of 2022!
1.) Coheed & Cambria – Vaxis II: A Window of the Waking Mind
Coming in at #1 are the prog-rock masters, Coheed & Cambria. Vaxis II is a masterful concept album delivering a genre-bending assortment of songs that translate from metal to electronic in an incredible way. Another chapter in their ongoing series The Amory Wars, they are setting up the story, and the music, beautifully. Go give it a listen if you haven’t already!
2.) Counterparts – A Eulogy For Those Still Here
Counterparts outdid themselves on their newest release A Eulogy For Those Still Here. Metalcore instrumentals that are fronted by singer Brendan Murphy’s poetic lyricism and violent screams give the listener a look into the mind of someone who has lost a dear loved one. In this case, Murphy’s cat Kuma. It’s a heartbreaking listen filled with existential dread, but one that puts the band at the highest point in their career. Kuma forever.
This supergroup formed by members of Thursday, Coheed & Cambria, Circa Survive, and My Chemical Romance came in hot and ready to deliver a mean album. Past Lives is a scathing listen by legends in the post-hardcore scene. The album is full of emotion and energy, and it is one that you won’t soon forget. Drop whatever you’re doing, and go listen to this album if you haven’t.
4.) Animals As Leaders – Parrhesia
Animals As Leaders always make great music, and Parrhesia is no different. Their brand of instrumental metal takes you on a journey where you don’t know the destination. Yet, the way to the end is intriguing, mysterious, and you’ll have a good time getting there. This may be one of the best albums they’ve made, and revisiting it through the year was a treat every time I listened to it.
I feel like people either love or hate the Foo Fighters. Whatever your stance is, there’s no denying that the band playing thrash metal isn’t cool as hell. The album was made for their movie, Studio 666, but make no mistake, this isn’t a cash grab. It’s a love letter to thrash metal. Every track is filled with an energy that must have come from hell. Check this album immediately.
