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2022 yielded a fantastic array of music, so much so that this was a difficult list to compile. As always I’ve tried to keep it diverse and hopefully, I’ll introduce some of you to something new.
Alter Bridge – Pawns & Kings
It’s crazy to think Alter Bridge have been a band for nearly twenty years now. Once written off by many for just being the guys from Creed with a different singer, Alter Bridge have defied the odds and risen to become one of the premier hard rock bands out there. With their uncompromising attitude, solid riffs, soaring vocals, and dazzling guitar solos they have released seven albums. “Pawns & Kings” delivers much more of the Alter Bridge we know and love with a slightly heavier feel to the music.
Architects – The Classic Symptoms Of A Broken Spirit
Nobody could have predicted the meteoric rise British metalcore band Architects would have had after their last album “For Those That Wish To Exist”. Suddenly being thrown from small gigs to headlining arenas, the band comfortably transitioned into this newfound stardom with frontman Sam Carter appearing to command bigger crowds with ease! Choosing not to rock this success the band have released an album using the same winning formula as the last. Big choruses, slamming breakdowns and no-nonsense songwriting are crammed into the record. Tracks like “ Deep Fake” “Doomscrolling” and “A New Moral Low Ground” are guaranteed to drive crowds wild at the show!
Arctic Monkeys – The Car
I was never an Arctic Monkeys fan but a chance hearing of the first single on this frankly incredible album had me hooked. Ten tracks that take inspiration from the pop crooners of the Sixties, Scott Walker vibes are all over “There’d Better Be a Mirrorball” and “Body Paint”. Well-crafted songs are wrapped in lush string arrangements making this the perfect soundtrack to your late-night sophisticated parties or long drives in the dark.
Author & Punisher – Kruller
Author & Punisher is Tristan Shone, a one-man band and mechanical engineer, with Shone actually building many of the instruments that he uses from discarded mechanical and electrical equipment. Sounding like something you would expect to hear on a Terminator soundtrack and looking like a trap from a Saw movie, Shone’s instruments look like his music sounds. Dark, menacing, and industrial. For this, album number seven Tristan was joined by Tool’s Danny Carey and Justin Chancellor. With Carey guesting on “ Misery” and Chancellor on “Centurion”.
Lari Basilio – Your Love
Virtuoso Brazilian guitarist Lari Basilio may not be a name mentioned alongside the likes of master shredders Paul Gilbert, Steve Vai, and Joe Satriani but that is bound to change. Her songwriting and knockout chops on the guitar collide with a crisp billowing guitar tone and soulful phrasing. Just a quick listen to opening tracks “Fearless” and “Alive and Living” will confirm that she is a player to take notice of. She is backed by session giants Leyland Sklar and Sean Hurley on bass, and Vinnie Colaiuta on drums. Definitely one for the Jeff Beck fans.
The Black Keys – Dropout Boogie
American garage blues duo The Black Keys serve up some more of their brand of juke joint music following their album of hill country blues covers “Delta Kreme”. It’s a return to the fuller sound they experimented with on “Turn Blue” and sees the duo stretch out musically again to incorporate a blend of styles from soul, pop, funk, and blues.
Cardinal Black – January Came Close
Welsh quartet Cardinal Black released their hotly anticipated debut album to critical acclaim. Fusing soulful melodies and pop hooks with some of the smoothest guitar playing I’ve ever heard. Guitarist Chris Buck is the player’s player having been praised by the likes of Slash and Alter Bridge’s Myles Kennedy. His vocal-like guitar lines are reminiscent of Derek Trucks but he is no copycat, creating a style that is unique to him. The real surprise is singer Tom Hollister, whose vocals are nothing short of breathtaking.
Church Of The Cosmic Skull – There Is No Time
Nottingham’s Church Of The Cosmic Skull are a seven-piece progressive pop rock band that delivers well-crafted songs without all the unnecessary self-indulgent extended solos. “There Is No Time” is the band’s fourth album. More than a band though, The Church Of The Cosmic Skull see themselves as a religious movement exploring the 7 objects. A belief that people can be united by music. Musically, think Queen, Thin Lizzy, Kate Bush, and latter-day Beatles.
Clutch – Sunrise On Slaughter Beach
Clutch have done it again! This is the third time I have featured the band in an end-of-year review. The Maryland rockers are nothing short of consistent when it comes to dishing out driving hard rock that is both smart and humorous. All the key ingredients are there, solid bass, pounding drums, fuzzed-up riffs, and Neil Fallon’s unmistakable baritone pipes!
Ali Ferguson – The Contemplative Power Of Water
Scottish guitarist/singer Ali Ferguson is a busy man. When isn’t backing Ex Stiltskin/Genesis frontman Ray Wilson, Folk troubadour Dougie Maclean or eighties pop band Red Box, he is usually working on his own material. “The Contemplative Power of Water” is Ferguson’s third solo offering of progressive rock. It’s a hypnotic collage of field recordings and densely layered instruments that serve as a backdrop for his soothing voice and cavernous lead guitar. Definitely one for fans of Steve Rothery.
Ghost – Impera
The last time Swedish theatrical metallers Ghost gave us an album it was a concept album about a coming plague. Shortly after its release, we were thrown into chaos with the covid-19 pandemic. When Impera – an album that focuses on the rise and fall of empires – was released, it was a few short months before Russia invaded Ukraine and the world was thrown into economic disarray. Nostradamic tendencies aside this album is glorious! ABBA-Esque songwriting seamlessly merges with grandiose guitar work that would make Iron Maiden jealous. A breath of fresh air in what can sometimes become a stale genre. Whilst many are still arguing as to whether Ghost are even a metal band I say does it matter when the music is this good?
The Interrupters – Into The Wild
L.A. Ska Punks The Interrupters may have released the most fun, energetic record of the year. Punk enough that you won’t be ostracized by your hardcore mates but pop enough that they could break through to the mainstream. Singer Aimee Interrupter has the Gwen Steffani charm and the Brody Dalle snarl in equal doses. This album was the soundtrack to my summer. If you don’t move whilst listening to “As We Live” you must be dead!
Kendrick Lamar – Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers
“Mr. Morale” could be Kendrick’s most personal album to date. If 2015’s “To Pimp A Butterfly” was Lamar’s observation of the world around him, this release definitely sees him looking inward and exposing himself to us. Themes of childhood trauma, toxic masculinity, gender identity, infidelity, fake news and cancel culture are all laid bare. At times it can be an uncomfortable listen but not all art is meant to be pretty. With the closing track “mirror”, there is a sense that Kendrick may be pulling away from the fame and spotlight to focus on himself and his family. The repeating motif “I choose me I’m sorry” signaling this may be the last we hear from one of the most impressive rappers of all time, at least for a while.
Oceans Of Slumber – Starlight And Ash
Progressive metal band Oceans of Slumber perfect their brand of American gothic on “Starlight and Ash”. A hard band to pigeonhole, there are elements of “Blackwater Park”-era Opeth and Tori Amos. The music for the most part is not heavy but the vibe most definitely is. Singer Cammie Beverley has a hauntingly beautiful voice that adds a wealth of drama to the music. Definitely one of the most exciting discoveries of the year for me when I heard their cover of “House of The Rising Sun”, a song that has been covered countless times yet sounds like it was written for these Texan goths.
Polyphia – Remember That You Will Die
Instrumental band Polyphia seem to be on everybody’s lips these days and for good reason. “Remember That You Will Die”, the band’s fourth album may be their most diverse and impressive so far. Opening with “Genesis” featuring some New Orleans-Esque brass and funky wah-wah guitar before launching into “Play God” with its classical guitar shred that makes Yngwie Malmsteen seem boring. The interplay between guitarists Tim Henson and Scott Le Page is quite incredible and their approach to the instrument seems completely unheard of before. Steve Vai guests on “Ego Death” and it feels like one master passing the baton to the new guard of guitar legends. Standout track has to be “ABC” feat. Sophia Black. If you had told me I’d be hooked on a pop song like this a year ago I would have laughed at you.
Rammstein – Zeit
The Teutonic juggernaut that is Rammstein doesn’t work fast but when they do put out an album you can be sure it will be an epic affair. “Zeit” is the band’s eighth studio album since 1994. Muscular riffs, industrial beats, and a dollop of Depeche Mode are all in place on tracks like “Armee Der Tristen” and “Giftig”. Bryan Adams didn’t make this year’s list, however, he did shoot the album artwork.
Thorbjorn Risager & The Black Tornado – Navigation Blues
If you like your blues smooth and soulful you will love Thorbjorn Risager. Hailing from Denmark, Risager will suit anyone with a fondness for B.B. King, John Lee Hooker, Bonnie Raitt, and even the likes of John Hiatt. It’s blues with a focus on the song and not the guitar solos. “Something To Hold On To” is a real stand-out track.
Tedeschi Trucks Band – I Am The Moon
The soul/blues rock band fronted by husband and wife Derek Trucks (lead guitar) and Susan Tedeschi (vocals/guitar) have undertaken their biggest challenge yet. A four-part album released over four months that takes inspiration from the same poem that inspired Derek and the Dominos’ “Layla”. The musicianship on this offering is impeccable but naturally, the highlights are Susan’s rich soulful vocals and Trucks’ vocal-like slide guitar playing. Maybe not the album to listen to if you’re new to this group but a sublime listen nonetheless.
Devin Townsend – Lightwork
Canadian musical genius Devin Townsend never fails to find inspiration and has a staggering back catalogue of records since the 90s. “Lightwork” may be his most optimistic-sounding record yet. An album with a beautiful message of positivity and optimism in the face of mounting negativity. Its timing was impeccable given the state of the world right now.
Zeal & Ardor – Zeal & Ardor
Swiss blues/black metal crossover act fronted by mastermind Manuel Gagneux released their eponymous third album this year. Three albums in Z&A seem to have perfected their sound. The blues elements are still in place but there seem to be soul influences and a heavy leaning towards more electronic influences too.
Colin Plumb
