This year I spent a lot of time buying, listening old(er) records. This reflects on my year list since I surely missed a lot of releases. But in my humble opinion quality always endures. This means that a lot of records will find their way into my home eventually, and if not so be it.
I have visited a lot of concerts and festivals in 2022. Partly, because that is what I (like to) do. On the other hand I had a lot of tickets which were re-scheduled because of the pandemic. I saw a lot of excellent gigs, both metal as non-metal.
But without further ado, here is my year list. Deal with it ;)
Top Albums:
- Boy Harsher – The Runner
I like (synth) wave, goth, and Industrial as much as I can appreciate (Black) Metal.
The records of Boy Harsher always managed to enthrall me with its lush, sensual and highly danceable tunes. “The Runner” is no exception. This album is as short as its bittersweet and finds its way out of my speakers over….over….and over, and that is enough to make it on top of my year list.
- Lord Belial – Rapture
As I said in the review: I’ve fond memories when it comes to Lord Belial, and with “Rapture” they are back in excellent form. I have listened this album countless times and it never seems to get to dull for one second.
- Watain – The Agony and Ecstacy of Watain
With this album Watain offers soul consuming darkness and proofs us that they are still a force to be reckoned with. The songs are top notch and will haunt you time after time. So a notation in my year list is more than justified.
- Of The Wand And The Moon – Your Love Can’t Hold This Wreath Of Sorrow
I always have been fond of OTWATM. But I’ve seemed to have lost touch with their mesmerising music during the last few years. But with “Your Love Can’t Hold This Wreath Of Sorrow” I got re-acquainted with this superb neofolk act. If you have even a pinch of love for the genre this album is a must have.
- In Aphelion – Moribund
In Aphelion managed to sweep me of my feet with its impressive debut. Their aggressive yet epic and melodic riffs make utterly enjoyable songs and show that this international bunch of musicians are in top form!
- Dark Funeral – We Are The Apocalypse
With “We Are The Apocalypse” Dark Funeral creates a more than worthy predecessor of their superb “Where Shadows Forever Reign” album and sees to it that the gates of hell are wide open. A majestic and excellent album which is sheer fun to listen to.
- Wrang – De Vaendrig
I’ve almost missed this album, and that would be a pity since this raw, fast and aggressive piece of work proves that The Netherlands, and Utrecht in particular, offers plenty of chills and thrills in the Black Metal genre.
Biggest disappointment:
Abbath – Dread Reaver
This album contains a few cool tracks but lacks the spirit of its previous albums. I praise Abbath for choosing its own path, away from its Immortal roots, but have to admit that this just isn’t my cup of tea anymore.
Top Live shows:
- Boy Harsher – Melkweg, Amsterdam
- Cradle of Filth – Hedon, Zwolle
- Of The Wand and The Moon – Rijn Theater, Arnhem
- Wolvennest – Eindhoven Metal Meeting
- Einsturzende Neubauten – Tivoli, Utrecht
- Perturbator – Graspop Metal Meeting
- Cult of Fire – Unholy Congregation
- Clan of Xymox – Little Devil, Tilburg
- Emperor – Into The Grave, Leeuwarden
- Watain & MGLA – Graveland, Hoogeveen
- Afsky – Unholy Congregation, Oudenaarde
Biggest disappointment:
Laibach – Luxor, Arnhem
