Best Of 2022: Top 20 Albums Of 2022

We’re officially at the end of 2022, and what a year it has been — especially in the alternative music world. The releases this year have been nothing short of phenomenal and narrowing it down to a top 20 was nothing short of a battle. From the come ups and breakouts, to the returns of some of our all time faves, here are our picks for the top 20 albums of 2022. 

20. Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows – ‘Destroy Rebuild’

“The second album by post-hardcore band Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows released this year following their incredible debut in 2011. While the instrumentals and production of the album are both solid and undoubtedly worth praise, one of the highlights of this album overall are the incredibly vivid lyrics that come with it. The album deals with themes of terrifying nightmares, coping with the horrors of depression and so much more — making it painfully relatable to those who struggle with the same things or know anyone who may be.”
— Gina

19. State Champs – ‘Kings Of The New Age’

“The pure definition of a fun summer pop punk record, and by the band who does the best at it right now. No fluff on this album, and a more refined album than the last filled with the catchiest choruses and hooks.”
— Mathew Abraham

18. Oceans Ate Alaska – ‘Disparity’

“This record feels like a nice return to form to follow after what they were going for on their first record. Stupid heavy, catchy when it needs to be, and lo-fi in the best spots. This band is not here to play, and this record really shows why they’re a step ahead of most of their peers in the scene.”
— Mathew Abraham 

17. Greyhaven – ‘This Bright And Beautiful World’

“With their most recent output, Greyhaven has further established their identity within the post-hardcore/metalcore scene, proving that they are worthy of being at the top. Their impressive combination of the beautiful and the chaotic provides great balance to their music, giving listeners a fresh take with each new track they endure.”
— Tyler White

16. Norma Jean – ‘Deathrattle Sing For Me’

“‘Deathrattle Sing For Me’ is an intense album. With a reported over 200 individual audio tracks across the 13 songs, The album is weighted down by its sheer length and density. The record is structurally chaotic, adapting various styles such as sludge, grunge, punk, and alternative into the band’s already harsh metalcore sound. Despite this, the entire album feels incredibly cohesive, with many of it’s tracks leading into the next with dynamic production and passionate, emotive vocal performances from frontman Cory Brandan.”
— Mateo Ottie

15. Tallah – ‘The Generation Of Danger’

“After emerging on to the scene with ‘Matriphagy,’ Tallah proved to be one of the greatest forces in the nu-metal(core) revival in recent years. Embracing the wacky, chaotic elements of nu-metal, Tallah continues to show why they remain at the top. ‘The Generation of Danger’ expands upon the talents of the group, pushing forward with their intense, yet catchy, riffing, frantic vocals, and ferocious drumming. In the midst of burners like “Telescope” and “Thistle,” Tallah showcases their aggressive, abrasive side by mixing heavy breakdowns with gritty riffs. However, in the shadows of all this heaviness lie tracks like “Shaken (not Stirred)” and “Stomping Grounds” which feature some of the hardest hitting melodic choruses of the year. Combined with a loosely-based concept revolving around a mad scientist, Tallah’s ‘The Generation of Danger’ establishes itself as one of the front-runners of not only the nu-metalcore scene, but also as one of the best albums this year.”
— Tyler White

14. The Devil Wears Prada – ‘Color Decay’

“‘Color Decay’ is a solid release from the metalcore veterans. It is an enjoyable and engaging record full of passion and moments of lyrical depth. The album’s name is a fitting one, with most of the tracks revolving around relational and emotional decay with matching instrumentation. 17 years into their career, The Devil Wears Prada are showing no signs of slowing down and ‘Color Decay’ is proof of that, and the offering will certainly please most of the band’s long-time fans despite its short-comings.”
— Mateo Ottie

13. L.S. Dunes – ‘Past Lives’

“If a supergroup of Circa Survive, My Chemical Romance, Coheed and Cambria, and Thursday members didn’t catch your attention, the first play-through of ‘Past Lives’ just might have you hooked. Bringing a familiar yet refreshing sound to listeners, L.S. Dunes’ debut album falls nothing short of spectacular in the realm of post-hardcore. Between the frank and introspective nature of “2022”, “Permanent Rebellion” and its passion that can’t be contained, or the fusion of ambient guitars and a punk cadence behind the bitter “Grey Veins”, the album translates in a way where each moment feels carefully crafted and genuine.”
— Serene

12. Chelsea Grin – ‘Suffer In Hell’

“With ambition and a nod to deathcore nostalgia, Chelsea Grin reintroduce their brutal sound on ‘Suffer In Hell’. “Origin of Sin” begins with a theatrical march and makes a quick descent into the album’s no-holds-barred heavy hellscape. Rebellious rager “Crystal Casket” builds its tension by following a groove, while “The Isnis” commands itself to be an undeniable standout. The closing track is an homage to the band’s respectively-titled double album. Tom Barber’s delivery and range show a broader spectrum of his intensity and there’s a palpable sense of instrumental synergy from start to finish, making “Suffer In Hell” some of Chelsea Grin’s best work yet.”
— Serene

11. Underoath – ‘Voyeurist’

“The scene legends Underoath returned in 2020 with their most experimental record to date, ‘Voyeurist’. Full of ambience and dripping with intensity, the record sees the six-piece explore previously uncharted sonic territory, while feeling the perfect culmination of the band’s last few records wrapped in a cohesive unit. “I’m Pretty Sure I’m Out Of Luck And Have No Friends” encapsulates the nuances and experimentation showcased on the record, led by droning synths and thumping bass lines before exploding in its final moments. The slow builds into massive payoffs is one of the things UØ is best at, and this record has plenty of them. “Numb” and “Thorn” are the catchiest tracks on the record and remain massive standouts with incredible vocal and drum performances from Aaron Gillespie. ‘Voyeurist’‘s most progressive moment however is the dark climax of it’s 8-minute closing track “Pneumonia”, detailing the journey of death and the final moments of life in gripping fashion.”
— Mateo Ottie

10. The Callous Daoboys – ‘Celebrity Therapist’

“The Callous Daoboys may very well be the biggest newcomer of this year. With their debut ‘Die On Mars’ and a couple of EPs under their belt, the group remained rather under the radar in the metalcore/mathcore scene. However, with their newest record, ‘Celebrity Therapist,’ The Callous Daoboys have begun to make ripples in the scene with their supporting acts on tours with bands like Rolo Tomassi and Greyhaven. Their mix of chaotic mathcore elements with catchy riffs and melodic passages, the band’s latest album seamlessly transitions between a multitude of styles and influences. Tracks like “A Brief Article Regarding Time Loops” and “The Elephant Man In the Room” feature intense riffs and frantic passages characteristic to mathcore, while “Title Track” and “Field Sobriety Practice” showcase the more melodic moments that are full to the brim of epic climaxes and infectious melodies. No matter which style, ‘Celebrity Therapist’ delivers on all facets, making it easily one of the best albums of the year.”
— Tyler White

9. The Wonder Years – ‘The Hum Goes On Forever’

“‘The Hum Goes On Forever’ really shows just why this band are pioneers and influences amongst all their peers for the past decade or more. I urge people to give it the love and attention it absolutely deserves. Long live one of the best bands to ever fucking exist, long live The Wonder Years.”
— Mathew Abraham

8. Lorna Shore – ‘Pain Remains’

“Lorna Shore’s ‘Pain Remains’ is exactly what you expect it to be, and that’s all it needed to be. Following the success of their last EP, ‘…And I Return To Nothingness,’ the band continues to expand on their immersive sound. Powerful symphonic elements, intense and melodic riffing, explosive drumming, and Will Ramos’ incredible vocals are found dispersed throughout ‘Pain Remains.’ While continuing to show the band’s technical ability to create captivating compositions, Lorna Shore delves even deeper into their intense heaviness by crafting jaw-dropping breakdowns in tracks like “Wrath” and “Apotheosis.” However, the record’s true crowning achievement is the three part conclusion, “Pain Remains.” With this nearly 20-minute finale, Lorna Shore shows off their songwriting talent and creates a powerful, epic, and melodic finish to an already impressive record, placing ‘Pain Remains’ at the top of albums released this year.”
— Tyler White

7. Darko US – ‘Oni’

“For fans of the previous efforts, ‘Oni’ doesn’t shy away from the sheer brutality that Barber and Miller set out to create. With Miller’s ability to produce a beautiful cohesion between low-tuned guitar chugs and double-bass laden drum work and Barber’s wide range of harsh vocal intricacies, tracks like “Looking Glass” and “Dragon Chaser” blaze with fierce aggression that is both unrelentingly heavy and catchy. Darko US goes above and beyond expectations. Without sacrificing their signature style, Barber and Miller have amplified their sound to an even greater level, further establishing themselves as masterminds within their scene.”
— Tyler White

6. Spite – ‘Dedication To Flesh’

“It was no secret that 2022 was a massive year for Spite, and just three years following the release of their hit record ‘The Root of All Evil’, the California based deathcore powerhouses signed to Rise Records with their fourth release ‘Dedication to Flesh’. Needless to say it was hands down one of the best deathcore releases not only this year, but maybe in the last decade. The first track on the album “Lord of the Upside Down” sets the stage flawlessly for the experience this album is going to give you-  a disgusting, dreadful, and overwhelmingly brutal sound that deathcore fans everywhere crave when it comes to the genre. It is a perfectly executed thematic horror record that progressively gets better as you listen track by track with a production that sets the unsettling and disturbing atmosphere better than an actual horror film. ‘Dedication to Flesh’ is undoubtedly one of the best albums of the year not only amongst the deathcore music community, but overall.” 
— Gina

5. Static Dress – ‘Rouge Carpet Disaster’

“Static Dress surpassed their own hype on ‘Rouge Carpet Disaster’, crafting one of the strongest debut albums released in recent memory. Full of inspiration and a youthful energy throughout, the album’s frantic genre switch-ups and penchant for theatrics make for a fresh take on the band’s nostalgic 2000s post hardcore sound, making for a highly enjoyable listen. Frontman and creative genius behind the band Olli Appleyard has established himself as one of the scene’s best songwriters, with an intricately-woven narrative binding together each track on ‘RCD‘ like scenes from a film. From the spasmatic metalcore attack of “Courtney, Just Relax” to the chill atmospherics of “Marisol“, ‘Rouge Carpet Disaster‘ is a fully cohesive creative effort that further establishes them as one of the most intriguing rising acts in the scene.”
— Mateo Ottie

4. Counterparts – ‘A Eulogy For Those Still Here’

“The band exposes their vulnerabilities and expresses them through the burning lyrical themes amplified by the intense and overwhelming instrumentation and vocal performances. Even after over a decade into their career, Counterparts constantly looks to improve their sound and be even more open with their fans, revealing more of their personal selves within the music for others to hear. It’s not often that a band releases their best and most visceral record seven albums deep into their discography, yet Counterparts’ ‘A Eulogy For Those Still Here’ is just that.”
— Tyler White

3. Dayseeker – ‘Dark Sun’

“For some, vulnerability is a challenge; for Dayseeker, it’s an admirable strength. Soft and spacious, ‘Dark Sun‘’s gloomy, melodic atmosphere pairs with poised anecdotes of losing a beloved family member, weathering stages of grief, and heartbreak. Whether it’s chorus-of-the-year contender “Neon Grave”, synthwave-fueled ballad “Crying While You’re Dancing”, or heartfelt closer “Afterglow (Hazel’s Song)”, the nuances of ‘Dark Sun‘ show how a great album can be hard-hitting and memorable without needing to be particularly heavy.”
— Serene

2. Bad Omens – ‘The Death of Peace of Mind’

“The band have taken their influences and crafted their own unique identity from them. Being the only band to throw all of these specific influences and sounds on the same album, creating a diverse record that is their best to date and feels like the final step before they reach their full potential and distinct identity as a band, with each member showcasing massive growth and maturity from their previous efforts in major ways.”
— Mateo Ottie

1. AVOID – ‘Cult Mentality’

“AVOID are dedicated to being authentically themselves on every second of its runtime. It’s the primary reason the album feels so refreshing… it’s fun, because it’s authentically who AVOID are. There’s a confidence in how the band carries themselves… a swagger, if you will… and that confidence goes a long way in making ‘Cult Mentality’ one of the most enjoyable albums of the year.”
— Mateo Ottie