Top Albums of 2022: A Retrospective
Happy New Year! This is going to be a long introduction but, rest assured, it’s a Top Albums of 2022 list. It just seems necessary to explain exactly how much these albums mean to me.
In November 2021—one week before I married the love of my life—a good friend (and groomsman) invited me to a GWAR show.
For those who don’t know, GWAR is an art collective-turned video production project-turned band-turned traveling music show. They play music, yes, but they also dress up like sex demons, perform skits on stage and have an elaborate stage setup. Oh yeah—they also spray concertgoers with fake blood, slime and… other bodily fluids. It’s a funny and absurd metal experience.
So of course I went and, of course, GWAR delivered on everything they’re known for. The overall live music experience, however, delivered on much, much more.
There’s something about attending a heavy show (metal, punk, hardcore) that’s comforting for a guy like me. I’m naturally anxious, but I discovered a sense of refuge in loud, heavy music at a formative age. While all types of music can be soothing, an assault on your eardrums can center you like nothing else. It demands your attention and, if you’re lucky, will provide you with some sick, heavy riffs alongside thundering breakdowns. If you know, you know.
At a show, it’s a shared refuge—physically, emotionally and spiritually. Likeminded folks bask in a group experience, share an emotional and physical response, have fun and… just shoot the shit. People become friends. Existing friendships—like the one shared between my good friend and I at GWAR—become stronger. We talked about the insane show, yes, but we also talked about my upcoming marriage, his relationship, his new job and more.
It’s an important part of who I am and have always been, no matter how much I “mature,” and pick up new hobbies.
So after two long, miserable years of being stuck inside thanks to COVID-19—years filled with socializing in backyards, driveways and random outdoor patios—a return to this ritual was nothing short of a godsend. It was something I had wanted to do since February 28, 2020 (two weeks before the pandemic shut everything down) when another good friend (and groomsman!), my wife and I saw Cult of Luna for my birthday.
“I should do this more often,” I said, a sweet summer child that was unaware of what was about to happen. “I think I’m going to get back into doing this. This is nice.”
While we’ve all had to wait until late 2021 to once again enjoy the sick riffs, blast beats and groovy bass lines of a heavy metal, punk or hardcore show, I think it’s been well worth it. Bands are touring now like they never have before. Those that were broken up are reuniting. Legends are coming out of retirement and putting out great work. There’s almost too many shows now. And while the world seems to be falling apart on a daily basis, these shows are once again giving us a space to scream into the void, bang our heads and... just shoot the shit.
Since that GWAR show, I’ve gone to too many shows. I’ve spent way too much money on adult beverages, patches and t-shirts this year. But its given me so much more in return, including a sense of community, new friendships and deeper connections with friends I already had. Despite the music being extreme and chaotic, these shows have been a place of calm amid the chaos of a new marriage, job insecurity, and personal growth. They’ve inspired me to do some introspective searching and question what makes me happy and how much of my passions I want to incorporate into my life on a regular basis.
So when you look at my Top 42 Albums of 2022, know that the folks who made these records played a big role. They’re a part of that shared refuge and sense of community, as I’ve hung out with a lot of these bands. I’ve shared a beer and with guys in Vimur, learned do’s and don’ts for Psycho Las Vegas from guys in Spiter, gotten tips on Philly from Devil Master’s vocalist, screamed with the boys in Tómarúm (twice), been schooled on bass stances with the lady in Yatra, and (in moments) feared for my life with Sadistic Ritual, Allegaeon, and Exhumed (who also covered everyone in fake blood). I've screamed "Nazi Punks Fuck Off" with both Napalm Death and Dead Kennedys!
For a New Years resolution, why not listen to one or two? Let’s talk about them—how they sound, how they make you feel, whether anything I’ve said rings true for you, too—and keep that sense of community thriving. Check out these bands’ back catalogues or their record labels. In 2023, go to a metal show or two—or any other place that gives you refuge. I’ll go with you. We'll shoot the shit.
If you liked this article — good news! There’s more listing for 2023 and 2024.