From power trip to butcher babies, and more, 2022 has been a year of thrashing guitars, headbanging riffs, and haunting vocals. In this article, we’re counting down the best metal albums of the year.
January Metal Releases
Metal music enthusiasts, get ready to dive headfirst into the uncharted territories of January’s most anticipated album releases! This month, we’re thrilled to present to you a diverse array of genres, styles, and sounds that promise to shake up the metal scene.
Power Trip – “Open Blair Witch, Volume 1 (A Grim Initiation)”
Power Trip’s latest endeavor, “Open Blair Witch, Volume 1 (A Grim Initiation)” is a brutal and unforgiving assault on the senses. This Texas-based thrash metal band has mastered the art of crafting dissonant, yet eerily hypnotic riffs that transport listeners to a realm of sonic chaos. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself lost in the vortex of their abrasive rhythms and in-your-face growls.
Butcher Babies – “Survival Hills”
The Los Angeles-based duo, Butcher Babies, brings forth “Survival Hills”, an album that blends aggressive metalcore with pop-infused melodies. Sounding akin to a thunderstorm brewing on the horizon, their forthcoming release promises to be a sonic explosion of rage and introspection. With their unique blend of gruff vocals and infectious choruses, Butcher Babies is sure to captivate fans of both metal and alternative music.
Veil of Maya – “Age of Cleansing”
Veil of Maya, masters of djent and progressive metal, present “Age of Cleansing”, an album that defies conventions and pushes the boundaries of sonic experimentation. This album is not for the faint of heart; its intricate polyrhythms, atmospheric soundscapes, and growled vocals will challenge even the most seasoned metalheads. Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of sonic complexity, where the familiar and the unknown blend together in perfect harmony.
February Metal Releases
In February, metalheads around the world were treated to a plethora of new albums from both established and up-and-coming bands. One of the most highly-anticipated releases of the month was Ghost’s “Seven Inches of Satanic Panic”. This album marked a significant departure from the Swedish band’s earlier work, featuring a more refined and experimental sound that showcased their ability to craft infectious, hard-hitting tracks with a dark and mysterious edge.
The Black Dahlia Murder – “Verminous”
But for those who craved a return to the genre’s traditional roots, The Black Dahlia Murder’s “Verminous” was a welcome addition to the metal scene. With its blast-beat-heavy rhythms and piercing guitar riffs, this album was a masterclass in modern death metal, boasting both technical precision and raw, guttural intensity.
Lacuna Coil – “Black Anima”
Meanwhile, Italian outfit Lacuna Coil returned with “Black Anima”, an album that continued their exploration of the darker side of metal. With its soaring vocal harmonies and crunching guitars, this release cemented the band’s reputation as one of the leading lights of gothic metal, delivering a collection of songs that were both beautiful and brutal.
Must-Hear Debut Albums
Some of the most exciting music comes from new artists, full of energy, creativity, and a fresh perspective. These debut albums will transport you to a world of heavy riffs, soaring vocals, and infectious beats. Get ready to discover your new favorite bands!
Oni – “Chaos Reigns”
Oni’s debut album “Chaos Reigns” is a pulverizing assault on the senses, a masterclass in technical precision, and a testament to the band’s relentless passion. With a drummer like Joe Greulich, who can lay waste to a kit with ease, and vocalist Jake Oni’s razor-sharp vocals, this album is a force to be reckoned with. From the opening notes of the title track, it’s clear that Oni means business, delivering a relentless onslaught of aggression and melody that will leave you breathless. With “Chaos Reigns”, Oni sets the stage for a bright future in the world of metal.
All Hail the Yeti – “The Art of War”
When metalcore and stoner metal come together, magic can happen, and that’s exactly what occurs on All Hail the Yeti’s debut album “The Art of War”. With a wall of guitars, pounding drums, and growls that’ll make your ears bleed, this album is a must-listen for fans of both genres. The band’s vocalist, Matt Atkins, commands the mic with authority, his roars and screams intertwining with the crushing riffs and pounding drums like a perfectly crafted puzzle. With “The Art of War”, All Hail the Yeti stakes their claim as a force to be reckoned with in the metal scene.
68 – “Love and Other Things to Burn”
In a world where metal often gets a bad rap for being heavy-handed and overly aggressive, 68’s debut album “Love and Other Things to Burn” is a refreshing breath of fresh air. With their unique blend of post-hardcore and heavy metal, this album is a sonic tapestry of contrasts, weaving together delicate guitar work and pounding drums with anguished vocals and introspective lyrics. From the opening notes of the first track, “Through It All”, it’s clear that 68 has crafted something special – an album that’s both heavy and emotional, loud and quiet, chaotic and beautiful. With “Love and Other Things to Burn”, 68 sets the stage for a remarkable career in the world of metal.
Melodic Metal Masterpieces
When the month’s arrived, and the metalheads scrambled to find their new fix of sonic delight, melodic metal breathed life into the soundscapes. Among the plethora of releases, a few albums stood out for their melodic prowess, crafting compositions that would melt the coldest of hearts. Let’s explore some of the most impactful and melodic metal masterpieces released in recent months.
In This Moment – “Mother”
On a mission to bridge the gap between genres, In This Moment conjured up a hauntingly beautiful masterpiece with “Mother”. Maria Brink’s distinctive vocals weaved a tale of darkness and light, as the band seamlessly blended crushing riffs with soaring melodies. With “Mother”, In This Moment proved that they could evolve without sacrificing their signature sound.
Miss May I – “Unleashed”
Miss May I, known for their aggressive and technical deathcore sound, surprised fans with the release of “Unleashed”. This album saw the band embracing more melodic elements, injecting a newfound sense of depth and range into their music. With tracks like “Fed to the Wolves” and “No Symptoms”, Miss May I demonstrated their ability to craft hooks and melodies that lingered long after the music faded.
Trivium – “The Sin and the Sentence”
Trivium’s “The Sin and the Sentence” marked a triumphant return to form for the Florida natives. Matt Heafy’s guitar work soared, as Travis Smith’s drums provided the perfect foundation for the band’s trademark blend of melodic and aggressive elements. Filled with anthemic choruses and crushing riffs, “The Sin and the Sentence” solidified Trivium’s status as one of the leaders of the modern metal scene.
Thrash Metal Revival
The thrash metal genre, born in the 1980s, has undergone a renaissance of sorts in recent years. As if the gods of metal had decided to bestow upon us a second wind, a flurry of new releases has breathed fresh life into this fiercely aggressive style. Let’s dive into some of the most notable releases in this resurgence of thrash metal madness.
Overkill – “The Wings of War”
Overkill’s 19th studio album, “The Wings of War”, is a testament to the band’s ability to maintain their signature level of intensity while still pushing the boundaries of their sound. With a career spanning over three decades, Overkill has seen it all, and their latest effort is a masterclass in thrash metal songwriting. From the opening riffs of the title track, “The Wings of War”, to the blistering pace of “Welcome to the Boarder”, this album is a must-listen for any thrash metal fan.
Kreator – “London Apocalypse”
German thrash metal icons Kreator have also made a triumphant return with their 14th studio album, “London Apocalypse”. This album is a tour-de-force of aggression, with Mille Petrozza’s snarling vocals and the band’s razor-sharp riffs conjuring up images of a post-apocalyptic wasteland. From the crushing opening track, “Age of the Joker”, to the pounding, mosh-inducing rhythms of “Impaled”, “London Apocalypse” is an unrelenting assault on the senses.
Exodus – “Persona Non Grata”
Last but not least, Exodus has made a welcome return with their 11th studio album, “Persona Non Grata”. This album is a nostalgic trip back to the glory days of thrash metal, with the band’s signature blend of aggression and melody. From the thrashing opening track, “The Beatings Will Continue (Until Morale Improves)”, to the epic, 10-minute closing track, “The Falling Doom”, “Persona Non Grata” is an absolute must-listen for any fan of classic thrash metal.
Progressive Metal Fusion
In an era where musical boundaries are constantly being pushed and blurred, Progressive Metal Fusion is thriving. Characterized by its eclectic blend of genres, intricate instrumentation, and conceptual themes, this sub-genre is redefining the metal landscape. As we explore the latest releases, you’ll discover a world where complexities meet creativity, and where the norms of traditional metal have been delightfully upturned.
The Pineapple Thief – “Dissolution”
The Pineapple Thief, with their latest offering “Dissolution”, is a prime example of Progressive Metal Fusion’s mastery. This British quintet weaves together elements of progressive rock, ambient textures, and heavy riffs to create a hauntingly beautiful soundscape. Vocalist Harry Collier’s emotive delivery is reminiscent of a gentle stream meandering through an otherwise turbulent storm, as the band tackles themes of disconnection and isolation in the digital age. With “Dissolution”, The Pineapple Thief cements their reputation as one of the most innovative forces in the Progressive Metal scene.
Protest the Hero – “Palimpsest”
Protest the Hero, the Toronto-based quintet, has long been a staple of Progressive Metal Fusion. Their latest release, “Palimpsest”, is a labyrinthine exploration of intricate instrumental passages, soaring vocal harmonies, and profoundly introspective lyrics. This album is a testament to the band’s boundless creativity, as they mine the depths of human experience to produce a work that is both technically dazzling and emotionally resonant. For fans of complex, boundary-pushing metal, “Palimpsest” is an absolute must-listen.
Caligula’s Horse – “In Contact”
Australian Progressive Metal powerhouse Caligula’s Horse brings their unique blend of soaring melodies, crushing riffs, and atmospheric soundscapes to the table with “In Contact”. This album is a masterclass in dynamic range, effortlessly transitioning from tender introspection to unbridled aggression and back again. With vocalist Jim Grey’s powerful vocals and the band’s deft musicianship, “In Contact” is a triumph of Progressive Metal Fusion, showcasing the genre’s ability to craft compelling narratives and transport listeners to new sonic realms.
