30) Conan, Evidence Of Immortality (Napalm)
Jon Davis said it himself in an earlier interview; the pandemic gave the group more time to formulate and perfect, Evidence Of Immortality. It’s an example of using the extra time to one’s fullest potential. It’s definitely a stronger record than 2018’s Existential Void Guardian and entraps you from the first listen.
Key Track: “Grief Sequence”
29) Ereb Altor, Vargtimman (Hammerheart)
The list order has fluctuated several times, especially Ereb Altor’s placement. The top thirty-five list, including the extensive honorable mentions, definitely proves this was a strong year for new tunes. Ereb Altor’s Vargtimman marks the final record with and possibly of bassist Mikael Kristofer Elemyr, who left the band in April and died unexpectedly on December 12th. Musically, these Swedish vikings have made one heavy emotive record that captivates your interest from the first listen.
Key Track: “I Have the Sky”
28) Nocturna, Daughters Of The Night (Scarlet)
Italy’s Nocturna’s debut effort, Daughters Of The Night, gives us hope for the future of symphonic metal. Their music does give you that Tarja-Nightwish era but is also mixed with original dark fantasy tales. Daughters of the Night is an impressive album, and I hope they continue to blossom.
Key Track: “Daughters of the Night”
27) Wolfheart, King Of The North (Napalm)
Unfortunately, Wolfheart’s King of The North didn’t do it for me as much as their prior efforts. But that doesn’t say it’s a bad album. It made the list, so that says something. These Finnish melodic death metallers sure know how to master their craft. It’s mesmerizing, near-flawless, and they’re always finding new ways to experiment.
Key Track: “Skyforger”
26) Behemoth, Opvs Contra Natvram (Nuclear Blast)
I expected Behemoth’s Opvs Contra Natvram to be placed within my top five albums of the year. I’m unsure if it’s because I was so attached to 2018’s I Loved You At Your Darkest or 2014’s The Satanist. However, while this record remains brilliant, I feel the envelope could have been pushed further. Please don’t take this critique the wrong way. It’s still one of the best albums of the year and definitely worth a listen in a purchased physical format.
Key Track: “The Deathless Sun”
25) Bloodbath, Survival Of The Sickest (Napalm)
From someone who loves Paradise Lost and Katatonia, feeling such sadness in musical excellence morphing into one brutal death metal sound will never get old. Survival Of The Sickest is sometimes predictable, but an extraordinary and well-needed prediction. It’s energetic while holding portions for progressive diversity, making it another must-listen in physical formats.
Key Track: “Malignant Maggot Therapy”
24) Wiegedood, There’s Always Blood At The End Of The Road (Century Media)
This record nearly has me speechless. It’s so good. The first track, “FN SCAR 16,” will leave you with goosebumps asking for more. There’s so much ferocity in this album, making it stand out more than albums I initially thought would be included on this list.
Key Track: “Now Will Always Be”
23) Therion, Leviathan II (Nuclear Blast)
I remember speaking with Christofer Johnsson in early 2021 about the Leviathan trilogy. He told me the first one would be more of a fan-favorite hit album. Which, of course, he was right, that was definitely a record I personally connected more with and landed at #14 for 2021 albums. As Johnsson did explain, Leviathan II is a darker and more melancholic album. A bit slower-paced in my opinion but still holds that high production quality and consistent perfection.
Key Track: “Alchemy Of The Soul”
22) Dark Funeral, We Are The Apocalypse (Century Media)
I know; why isn’t Dark Funeral, We Are The Apocalypse, in the top 10? Well, 2022 had so many albums, and there’s just a lot of incredible music to sort through. We Are The Apocalypse sucks you in faster than 2016’s Where Shadows Forever Reign. It’s clear the latest formation works. You can literally hear the musical chemistry.
Key Track: “Nightfall”
21) The Halo Effect, Days of the Lost (Nuclear Blast)
Dark Tranquillity’s Mikael Stanne has a distinct voice, which will be difficult to separate. When The Halo Effect formed as another new band/project that was born in the aftermath of the pandemic, the initial reaction was this is Dark Tranquillity meets old In Flames. While that may still be true, is it really such a bad thing? Whatever these guys are doing, it’s working. I hear more Dark Tranquillity, especially with the opening track, “Shadowminds,” and I’m more than OK with it. A solid record.
Key Track: “Shadowminds”
