These songs are some of my favorite songs I've run across in 2022. That doesn't mean I listened to every album from all the major bands..but I think I listened to enough to get a pretty good represenation of what was released. So before everyone whines about Devin Townsend, Within Temptation, Therion Stratovarius not being included they all released good CD but none of the songs stuck with the way these 15 did.
1. Scorpions - Rock Believer
Sue me. Scorpions are one of the favorite bands of all time and this was far and away my favorite song from 2022. There wasn't even a debate between 1 and 2. Klaus Meine still sounds fantastic for 74 and Rock Believer is one of the best songs the Scorpions have written since Savage Amusement.
2. Visions of Atlantis - Legion of the Seas
Far and away the best thing Vision of Atlantis has done. They've separated themselves from the pack of female fronted Nightwish/Within Temptation clones and written a song that's incredibly catchy.
3. Wind Rose - Gates of Ekrund
I have to admit when these guys were announced for ProgPower USA I was less than thrilled but I decided to give it a listen...any the rest they say, is history. Dwarven Metal never sounded so good. Gates of Ekrund is as catchy as they come.
4. Madhouse - Down n Dirty
Sleazy metal never sounded so good...Madhouse is one part Ratt, One part LA Guns and all things fun from Hair Metal and the output is one of best songs of 2022.
5. Cleanbreak - Coming Home
James Durbin put together an all star cast featuring bassist and drummer from Stryper, the guitarist from Riot V and penned a classic ready for radio hit that is better than that the average Frontier Records Release.
6. Brymir - Voices In The Sky
Brymir really rocked my world with thier 2019 release Wings of Fire which is a unique blend of Symphonic, Melodic Death and Pagan metal. Fast forward to 2022 and Voices in the Sky picks up where Wings left off. Not for everyone but I love the symphonic elements and harmonies.
7. Wilderun - Passenger
Prog Metal isn't my favorite genre but when something this good comes along it's hard to pass it by.
8. Ozzy Osbourne - Patient #9
Ozzy is right up there with The Scorpions and Iron Maiden as one of my favorite artist and he defies all odds by not only living but releasing some absolutely killer music. Patient #9 features some great guitar playing by the late great Jeff Beck and is just a catchy tune.
9. Kate Nord - Dream of Daylight
If I'm being completely honest, there's about 5 songs that could have made my favorite songs of 2022 list which is a pretty good indicator where this album falls in my favorite releases of 2022. Kate contribution to the Symphonic Metal scene went largely unnoticed due to late December release but make no mistake, this is a monster song on a monster release. The backing band is none other than Noveria so you know there's talent galore on this record and the solo on this song really gives the song a beautiful but powerful kick in the pants. Here's to hoping it gets put to CD in 2023 but for now it's only available in digital format on bandcamp.
https://katenord.bandcamp.com/album/compass-to-your-hearts-desire
10. Deathless Legacy - Ora Pro Nobis
I guess if Ghost had a female sister it would sound something like this. Seriously though it seems like everything coming out of Italy is frickin awesome. Deathless Legacy are no exception.
11. Kissin Dynamite - Coming Home
I'm a fanboy and I don't care, Kissin Dynamite are another guilty pleasure. This just consistently puts out great albums and fantastic singles that in any other market besides the US would be monster hits. With a motto of "Their Mission is to bring back Stadium Rock" you've got to have the chops and vocalist to back that up and Kissin Dynamite check all the boxes
12. My Soliloquy - The Great Polarity
For whatever reason Pete Morten has not achieved the same notariety as his ex bandmates in Threshold however this single should have turned a lot of heads and had him mentioned in the same breath...however, that doesn't seem to be the case. Regardless, The Great Polarity is a great melodic Prog Metal single and caught MY attention. Gotta start somewhere right?
13. Lords of The Trident - Acolyte
Lords of the Trident are trying to carry the US Power Metal baton and their last album The Offering was a great release and should put them on the map. Acolyte was one many many great songs from this Minnesota based band.
14. Raptore - Triumphal March to Hell
Oh Hell Yes, who doesn't like a little in your face Speed Metal. Raptore remind me a lot of Enforcer and that's as big a compliment as you can get in my opinion. Far from a one song wonder, Raptore shows on Triumphal March to Hell they are ready for the big leagues.
15. Confidential - Devil Inside
Coming to us from Norway, Confidential kind of flew under the Symphonic Metal radar but make no mistake this band could hold their with other great bands of the genre.
