Top Ten Albums of 2022 / Rob "The Metal Guy" Awards

Well everyone, another year has gone by and it is now time for me to reflect upon all the releases that helped keep me from completely losing my sanity and turning into Mel Gibson circa 2006. I do believe that this was another solid year for rock and metal music, and although this type of music might not get featured on the TikTok, at least it isn't getting used by braindead bimbos doing moronic dances whose data is being monitored by the Chinese government. I always knew sorority girls would be the reason for America's downfall...Anyway, moving on before I rant any further, I need to thank all the hard working labels out there, especially the independent extreme music labels like Sentient Ruin, Shadow Kingdom Records and Hells Headbangers. Without these labels all of us fans would be struggling to get physical releases from our favorite artists. Gone are the days when you could easily go to a record store and buy albums. Where I live we do not have any record stores and the only place that seems to survive and not get turned into a housing development is the damn In-N-Out Burger! So I would like to thank all the bands and music labels, because without them we would all be suffering and 2022 would have been a complete disaster just like Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen's marriage...Alright then, here it is people, the Top Ten Albums list you all have been waiting for...

10. Low Moments “Picked Dead Last in the Dodgeball Game of Life” 

Some people might be scratching their heads wondering why I am including a synth/new wave band on my top ten list, but those people can just get over it and go throw a tantrum in their momma’s basement while listening to their kvlt black metal albums looking like a mix between Gaahl and a Juggalo. “Picked Dead Last in the Dodgeball Game of Life,” is a very enjoyable album, especially if you like ridiculous song titles and catchy synth wave music. One of the songs off of the album that I really liked was, “Asthmatic Around Ladies,” which is an amazing track and not simply because the title of the song had be laughing on the floor. The band perfectly captures that haunting melancholy like sound which reminded me of of bands like Joy Division, Depeche Mode and Bauhaus. I don’t know why young people spend so much time on that TikTok bullshit when they could be listening to this album.  

Link to my full review of the album :

https://rockandmetaltemple.blogspot.com/2022/04/low-moments-picked-dead-last-in.html

9. Project Pain “Faster Disaster” 

If you are a thrash metal fanatic then you definitely want to check this album out! Project Pain is a band that I have been covering for a decent amount of time now and the band’s most recent album, “Faster Disaster,” ups the ante in terms of ferocity and sheer brutal force. These metal musicians based out of the Netherlands capture that old school thrash spirit extremely well and the songs never sound gimmicky, or painfully repetitive. I just really enjoy how this band deals out some juggernaut sized riffs with massive amounts of raw energy.

Link to my full review of the album : 

https://rockandmetaltemple.blogspot.com/2022/10/project-pain-faster-disaster.html

8. Anticreation “From the Dust of Embers”

Anticreation’s debut album is a sinister offering and the band’s blackened death style is unfathomably insidious sounding. No surprise that they teamed up with Sentient Ruin for the release of this album, especially given the band’s devastating overall sound. From the ruthless arrangements to the hellish vocals that sound like a demon roaring from out of the abyss, Anticreation is a truly sadistic band. This is a group that I would definitely wish to see live someday, and I hope they keep releasing more merciless sounding releases.  

Link to my full review of the album : 

https://rockandmetaltemple.blogspot.com/2022/07/anticreation-from-dust-of-embers.html

7. Woods of Desolation "The Falling Tide"

Usually I start thinking about my top ten list around November, so very rarely will a band enter the list if they release an album in December, unless for some reason an album really catches my attention. Well, such was the case with the new Woods of Desolation album, "The Falling Tide." Over the years I have always respected Woods of Desolation, although I was never a diehard follower of the band. Still, I listened to this new album and was just down right impressed with the quality of the musicianship, the production and the album's haunting yet comforting sound. I've heard a lot of bands try and do this mix of black metal with post-metal elements, but they usually end up failing to really hook me in the end. I really felt that this album conveyed such raw and profound emotion from start to finish, which is why I highly recommend it. 

Link to my full review of the album : 

https://rockandmetaltemple.blogspot.com/2022/12/woods-of-desolation-falling-tide.html

6. Moonlight Haze “Animus”

Arguably one of the best new power/symphonic metal bands that I have heard in the last few years, and the band’s third studio album, “Animus,” is a phenomenal release. The songwriting, the production and just the pure rush of epic sounding emotion that the bands delivers on each track is truly exceptional. The band’s singer Chiara Tricarico is an amazing vocalist with an extremely profound devilry. Her vocals matched with the triumphant sounding compositions creates such powerful pieces of music. This is a band that I hope continues to rise with each new release and I do hope they get more recognition for their unbelievably impressive talents. 

Link to my full review of the album : 

https://rockandmetaltemple.blogspot.com/2022/02/moonlight-haze-animus.html

5. Black Fucking Cancer “Procreative Inverse”

Black Fucking Cancer is without question one of the most savage and sinister bands around, so I was extremely impressed with their brutal sophomore release, “Procreative Inverse.” Based out of San Jose, CA, the city where I was born, Black Fucking Cancer shows no mercy when pertaining to their hellish black metal sound. The amount of vile raw energy that can be heard throughout the album is astounding. Black Fucking Cancer offers up six blistering tracks of malevolent sounding destruction while also unleashing a blackened onslaught of punishing riffs. The band's dynamic approach to writing such vicious pieces of music makes this album a definite listen for anyone in search of a truly evil sounding release. 

Link to my full review of the album : 

https://rockandmetaltemple.blogspot.com/2022/03/black-fucking-cancer-procreate-inverse.html

4. Vanishing Amulet “Nocturnal Heritage”

For those of you who follow the blog, you know by now that I am a huge fan of dungeon synth. So when I heard Vanishing Amulet’s, “Nocturnal Heritage,” I was instantly hooked by the magnificent sounding atmospheres and haunting yet tranquil melodies. The album tells a captivating tale without using any lyrics by blending together these soothing ambient noises. The classic dungeon synth sound is prevalent for sure, although the album also features some very tranquil elements that gives the album this fantasy driven cinematic like vibe. 

Link to my full review of the album : 

https://rockandmetaltemple.blogspot.com/2022/08/vanishing-amulet-nocturnal-heritage.html

3. Eric Wagner “In the Lonely Light of Mourning”

This is a very special release and one that I appreciate every time I listen to it. Although Eric Wagner passed away last year, this album was able to be completed before his passing and serves as a farewell to all the diehard doom fans who cherished his contributions. The songwriting on this album is extremely deep and Eric’s ability to write such meaningful songs is on full display. Also, the musicians on this album who worked with Eric sound amazing, which is why this album was so refreshing to hear. Although Eric Wagner is no longer with us, I am glad that he was able to record this album as a farewell to all his fans and the music will live on just like all his other musical contritions that fans have come to hold in such high regard. 

Link to my full review of the album : 

https://rockandmetaltemple.blogspot.com/2022/02/eric-wagner-in-lonely-light-of-mourning.html

2. Assumption “Hadean Tides” 

Assumption’s, “Hadean Tides,” is a monumental release and one that extreme metal fans should definitely check out if they have not already. From start to finish this album pulls you into this behemoth sounding death/doom realm where you become completely possessed by the devastating riffs. These musicians hammer out some wicked sounding and also experiment with some mesmerizing sounds. Also, the drumming is utterly deafening throughout this release and adds so much to the band's cataclysmic style of songwriting. This album was without doubt the strongest release to be released on Sentient Ruin this year, which is saying something given the amount of great releases I reviewed from the label this year. 

Link to my full review of the album : 

https://rockandmetaltemple.blogspot.com/2022/04/assumption-hadean-tides.html

1. Lustre “A Thirst for Summer Rain” 

When I heard the news that Lustre was going to be releasing a new album this year, I was beyond excited and could not wait to hear it. I have been a fan of Lustre for many years, so this album was something that was highly anticipating. Titled, “A Thirst for Summer Rain,” I can honestly say that this album sonically is one of the best sounding Lustre releases. The production is exceptional and the compositions coney such powerful emotion. Nachtzeit, the creative force behind Lustre, is a true atmospheric black metal/ambient music genius and in my opinion he is one of the best modern composers around. When listening to Lustre I have always admired how much effort he puts into the arrangements. The new material from Lustre is simply flawless and I look forward to hearing how Nachtzeit can build off of the momentum from this most recent release. 

Link to my full review of the album : 

https://rockandmetaltemple.blogspot.com/2022/09/lustre-thirst-for-summer-rain.html

Rob “The Metal Guy” Awards

EP of the Year: Spectre "Omen" 

Split Release of the Year: Goathammer & Empty Chalice “From the Chalice of the Goat” 

Up and Coming Artist of the Year: Yellowcake 

Album Cover of the Year: Lustre “A Thirst for Summer Rain” 

Label of the Year: Sentient Ruin 

Biggest Douche of the Year: Sam Bankman-Fried that crypto scumbag who deserves to rot in jail

Assumption "Hadean Tides"

    If anyone thought 2022 was starting off slow in terms of the amount of strong new releases, Assumption comes bursting out of the nightmarish void to capture your attention by pulling you into a mind altering realm of punishing extreme sounding creativity with their new album, “Hadean Tides.” This death doom band from Italy has proven over the years that they do not wish to simply make stereotypical sounding extreme metal music, and instead sets their sights on exploring instrumental arrangements that leave listeners feel as though they are being pulled through a gateway into a inhuman hellish dimension. 

    I have been following this band since they released, “The Three Appearances,” back in 2014 and they have really become an act that understands how to write behemoth sounding albums. The ability to compose such monumental landscapes that deviate from some of techniques used by most modern death metal bands, definitely helps Assumption standout from the rest of the bands around. Working with Sentient Ruin and Everlasting Spew, two exceptional extreme music labels, Assumption is focused on unleashing a decimating and mesmerizing release that will instantly hook listeners. The album is extremely dynamic and you are left in sheer amazement as the band journeys into this explosive, yet sinisterly hallucinogenic sounding world. 

    The start of the album definitely reminded me of previous works by Assumption, and the band holds nothing back as they introduce listeners to their cataclysmic sounding world with the first track, “Oration.” You feel completely overwhelmed by the juggernaut sized drum parts that are followed up by some monstrous sounding guitar riffs. Everything about this band’s artistic vision is precise and presented with a malevolent confidence to drag listeners down into this unholy dominion. On the second track, “Submerged by Hadean Tides,” the guitar playing had me listening with great interest from the start of the song until the very end. The band’s unconventional approach to composing by starting out with a very slow and ominous sounding riff and then transitioning into that blistering old school death metal style, is perfectly recorded to create such a profound atmosphere. 

    Throughout the album I continued to recognize how this band is extremely talented when building up an arrangement and not getting carried away with frivolous sounding technical riffs. The vocals, the guitar playing and the drumming all sound tight and establish this colossal wall of distorted destruction. On the track, “Breath of the Dedalus,” the band ventures into this insidious sounding cinematic world to create ambience one might expect to be used in a horror film. Similar to what I have heard from this band in the past, they are masters at composing ominous and surreal sounding atmospheres. 

    One track that I felt ventured into a more hypnotic direction was, “Triptych.” At first I thought that the band OM had somehow contributed a song to the album, as the vocal delivery reminded me of how Al Cisneros sounds on all those Om releases. The song was a bit of a head scratcher when I first heard it, but after a few listens I started feel as though that this might be the best song off of the album. The song may be an anomaly compared to the previous songs, however, I find that it plays a significant role looking back at this entire album. Assumption creates a world of true unpredictability, allowing listeners to experience a plethora of haunting and surreal sounding moments. 

    “Hadean Tides,” in my opinion is an album that brings together a variety of elements and reaffirms my respect for this band. I believe fans will recognize similar musical themes that have been explored in previous releases, as well as some unique variations to what one might expect. Also, the metal world should definitely take notice of this band, because the skillful musicianship and songwriting talents are something that I personally find to be lacking amongst young modern metal bands. Assumption is not writing sloppy riffs and recording their drums in such a manner that you wonder if the band was huffing paint during the recording of the album. In the end, this band continues to show a relentless drive and will hopefully keep pushing the boundaries of extreme music on future releases. 

Check out the song "Submerged by Hadean Tides" : 

Sentient Ruin Bandcamp:

https://sentientruin.bandcamp.com/

Everlasting Spew Bandcamp:

https://everlastingspewrecords.bandcamp.com/

Assumption “The Three Appearances” to be Released on Vinyl

    When Assumption first released, “The Three Appearances,” back in 2014, the album took listeners on a fiendish joyride into dimensions of unfathomable death doom terror. The Italian based band constructed a monumental sounding release full of behemoth sized riffs and deafening drumming, thus establishing themselves as an act to be reckoned with in the extreme metal world.

    Originally only released on CD, the band is now working with Sentient Ruin Laboratories and Everlasting Spew Records to release this monstrous sounding album on vinyl. The release date is scheduled for February 14th with the option to preorder currently available through both labels. Fans of course will be pleased to have the opportunity to possibly own the album on vinyl, however, I see this a chance for extreme metal fans to discover an absolute juggernaut of an album. “The Three Appearances,” explores the death doom world in bludgeoning fashion, while also taking listener’s on a mind bending journey into profound sounding atmospheres.

    The four tracks on this album seamlessly flow together as if you are being pulled into a vortex of endless oblivion. “Moribund State Shift,” is an introduction into Assumption’s catastrophic vision that begins with a burst of malevolence that suddenly slows down into an ominous sounding doom like tempo. Track number two, “Veneration of Fire,” hammers out a haunting chord progression and then about midway through the song morphs into a hypnotic trance like sounding section that I find very creative. The entire atmosphere is constructed in a unique manner to where you never know what to expect next from the band.

    Track number three, “The Three Appearances - Snang Gsum,” is a long piece of music containing a variety of bombastic sounding riffs and drum parts along with these sheer brutal death growls which add a boost of tremendous aggression. Also, the song features an eerie sounding intro piano composition like something out of a horror film. Some of the guitar effects used during the song along with the style of lead guitar playing sound truly out of this world. The final track, “The Non-Existing,” hits the brain with unapologetic force and leaves you listening in awe to the massive sounding assault upon your ears.

    In all honesty, I pre-ordered the album once I saw that Sentient Ruin put it up on their page. Yes, I am biased when it comes to Sentient Ruin releases, but having heard this album when it was first released in 2014, I knew I needed to get a copy of it on vinyl right away. If you want a tremendous and well produced piece of death doom in your collection, I recommend that you get yourself a copy of, “The Three Appearances.” In the end, Assumption recorded an album that I believe will stand the test the time and is without question the band's greatest release to date. 


Listen to the album below:

Sentient Ruin Page:
https://sentientruin.bandcamp.com/

Everlasting Spew Records Page:
https://everlastingspewrecords.bandcamp.com/

Assumption Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/assumptiondoom/