Another year has gone by. And 2022 saw the return of many bands after the pandemic has lessened. Many excellent groups have released new material this year. Including: Ghost, Megadeth, Lamb of God, Ozzy Osbourne, King’s X, Def Leppard and others. Many albums charting well. However, not making the Billboards Top 100 sales of 2022. Either way, it’s been a fruitful year for many metal and hard rock veterans/acts. Here’s a look at some of the years best.
Dream Theater – Lost Not Forgotten Series: ‘Falling Into Infinity Demos,’ ‘Live: Old Bridge New Jersey (1996),’ ‘Live: New York, New York (1993),’ ‘Live At Budokan (2017)’
Dream Theater have continued their ‘Lost Not Forgotten’ archival series. Some are stronger than others. There’s some truly great gems in the collection. Including the full release of ‘Falling Into Infinity.’ Yes, they’re demos. But the recordings sound as good as the official album. And we get six unreleased tracks. The way the album was intended to be. Finally giving fans a proper studio release of ‘Raise The Knife.’ The New York show is full of youthful prog metal energy. On this set, recorded during the ‘Images and Words’ tour, 1993, we get a glimpse into the passion of what Dream Theater were doing. Combining progressive rock with insane instrumentals and a Pantera-esque metal edge was a brand new concept. But the best release of all has without a doubt been the New Jersey show from 1996. When DT were warming up for the ‘Falling Into Infinity’ release and tour. We get live versions of demos that became almost entirely different songs in a mere two months or so. A primitive version of the first official live release (‘Once In A Livetime’), ‘Live In New Jersey’ captures Dream Theater at their 90’s finest.
Lamb of God – Omens
Lamb of God stormed back this year with their strongest album in years. Maybe even a decade. The kings of the new wave of American heavy metal stake their claim as one of the greatest heavy metal bands ever with this collection of ten ton brutality. Break down after break down. Riff after riff. Lamb of God hold the listener through the entirety of the album. The opening ‘Nevermore’ sets the tone. While it’s follow up ‘Vanishing’ is sure the get the wall of death going at the bands live shows. ‘To The Grave’ is classic Lamb of God groove. As is the now eponymous title track. But the fun doesn’t stop there. Because ‘Ill Designs’ and ‘Grayscale’ are next to pummel the listener into submission. The record closes out with ‘September Song.’ Which could be considered an epic. Certainly for what Lamb of God do. Either way, it’s a strong album through and through. Hands down one of the years best.
Ozzy Osbourne – Patient No. 9
Ozzy returned in 2022 with his second album in 18 months. An impressive feat for any hard rocker in their 70’s. This time around he’s brought his veteran buddies along for the ride. Featuring performances by Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, Tony Iommi and of course, Zakk Wylde. Each contribution adds it’s own element to the album. While still maintaining a cohesive and consistent sound. This is NOT 2020’s ‘Ordinary Man.’ Which saw the Prince of Darkness fall into some pretty strange collaborations. No, ‘Patient No. 9’ is yet another high quality inclusion in the Ozzy catalog. The title track is catchy as all hell. ‘Immortal’ is a throw down, kick ass track featuring Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready. The ballads, as per usual, are strong as well. ‘Mr. Darkness’ and ‘Nothing Feels Right’ are worthy of the ‘No More Tears’ standard of Ozzy balladry. While the album closes out with some epic bangers. ‘Patient No. 9’ not only saw the return of classic Ozzy. It held up with some of his best work as well. An all in all classic.
Megadeth – The Sick, The Dying…And The Dead
Dave Mustaine and co released their first studio work since 2016’s ‘Dystopia.’ An album that garnered their first ever Grammy win. And the ball is kept rolling on ‘The Sick, The Dying…And The Dead.’ The album title featuring the return of the ellipses. There’s even a guest appearance from Ice-T on the third track ‘Night Stalkers.’ Which is a killer thrash song. The title track opens the album with vibrance and energy. Sticking to the traditional metal tropes of medieval hardships, death and disease. ‘Dogs Of Chernobyl’ brings in the progressive metal groove. An element Mustaine has flirted with for decades. ‘Junkie’ is a timeless metal track. Bordering on the hard rock edge that’s present from ‘Cryptic Writings’ and ‘Risk.’ ‘Killing Time’ lays down a killer groove. And that’s only the eighth track. The rest of the album is consistently good. Solid riffs, solos and guitar acrobatics. This time around Mustaine laid off the political subject matter a bit. Which helps the albums strength in such divisive times.
Journey – Freedom
Yes, the title is lame. Yes, it’s Journey. But ya know what? The songs are pretty damn good. ‘Let It Rain’ is one of the sickest riffs that Neil Schon has ever written. Arnel Pineda’s vocals are right on point. Making the band sound like their 80’s heyday. ‘Don’t Give Up On Us’ is as arena ready as anything that’s been released this year. Why should that surprise anyone really? The ballads are, of course, top notch. As always. The rockers hold up. However, the production isn’t the best. Not as bad as some folks make it out to be. But not nearly as crisp as ‘Trail By Fire.’ And the album is really long. If you’re a mega fan that’s great. But to most it seems a bit long winded and unedited. But, it’s certainly solid enough to make the years best. As the highlights are really really strong. Some of the best material ever done by Neil Schon and co..
