“You haven’t lived until you’ve heard an Australian recite Dante. Once a niche ritual available only to the geographically privileged, everyone’s somethingth-favorite Australian prog-death band Xenobiotic are using their aptly titled third LP to democratize access to this sonorous phenomenon, and some other sonorous phenomena to boot, familiar to those acquainted with much-lauded sophomore effort Mordrake. The band’s adventurous efforts are well-suited to epic literature, and, as for the subject matter, recall that this is a death metal record.” Hell is here.
Kardashev
Kardashev – Alunea Review
“Kardashev’s return has been the most eagerly anticipated in a year, and so far, it has been full of returning favorites. Since I discovered their stunning 2020 EP, The Baring of Shadows, they’ve been a firm favorite. Their progressive, blackened “deathgaze” was both haunting and beautiful in its ferociously emotive stylings. Although 2022’s Liminal Rite suffered a bit from its production, that didn’t stop me awarding it a 4.5 and placing it at #5 on my end-of-year List, both decisions that I stand by. Upping their progressive tendencies and leaning into longer form storytelling, I hoped the Arizonan quartet would carve their own little niche just a little deeper on fourth full-length, Alunea.” New directions.
Stuck in the Filter: November and December 2024’s Angry Misses
2024 will not die (because we won’t let it). Now you must sort through the flotsam and detritus of the November and December Filters before you can properly experience 2025. Embrace the suck pumps.
Unreqvited – A Pathway to the Moon Review
“Unreqvited and I have history. The excellent Mosaic I: L’Amour et L’Ardeur (2018) was just the third review I wrote here and also my first 4.0. Since then, I’ve reviewed the slightly creaky Mosaic II: La déteste et la détresse (3.0) and the very good Beautiful Ghosts (3.5). Now back with seventh album, A Pathway to the Moon, Unreqvited are the band I’ve reviewed more than any other, and the bright, expansive synth work, paired with post-black explosions and howled, wordless vocals feel almost like a comforting hug at this point.” Like a comfortable shoe(gaze).
Gaerea – Coma Review
“Gaerea has risen to the upper ranks of atmospheric black metal, evolving beyond its confines while maintaining a strong focus on emotional expression. Unsettling Whispers and Limbo explored existential anguish, while 2022’s Mirage channeled personal struggles. Now, Coma takes another step forward, unveiling a more vulnerable side to Gaerea’s distinctive intensity. This evolution highlights their continued ability to blend raw emotion with haunting soundscapes.” Come, see the wreckage that is our Score Safety counter.
Monolith – Lord of the Insect Order Review
“Monolith is the herald of Earth’s new overlords: the insect swarm. Insects outnumber humans an estimated 1.8 billion to 1, so it was only a matter of time Once united by a hive mind, the planet doesn’t stand a chance. The twist though is that the master race, the Lord of the Insect Order, so to speak, is giant space caterpillars.” How are we even here?
Stuck in the Filter: January’s Angry Misses
It’s becoming apparent that our filtering systems work quite well! The crew has done a fine job pulling filth from the workings and releasing the pressure to the system. A second too late and the toilets would have backed up.
Pandrador – Seiðr Review
“I’d hazard a guess that few cultures are represented so completely across metal’s myriad sub-genres as Norse mythology. Even bands flung far from Scandinavia write on the subject, including in this instance the less distant Poland. While Midgards and world serpents more typically feature in black metal and its derivatives, Pandrador have returned in 2023 with a release steeped in Norse mythology but channeled through death metal.” Death and bravery (and glory).
AngryMetalGuy.com’s Aggregated Top 20 of 2022: The Never-ending Quest for Listing Perfection (ft. Plebeians)
You’ve seen all the lists, now see what the data nerds have to say about the top albums of 2022. NERDS!!!!
El Cuervo’s and GardensTale’s Top Ten(ish) of 2022
El Cuervo and GardensTale have lists. You’ll need to study them carefully to get maximum value. Get started!



















