Our Top 10 EPs of 2022!

What an incredible year 2022 was for music. So many great EPs from so many great bands. From the biggest bands in the world to the single person projects, there have been some incredible EPs this year. We have narrowed down a list of 100s to just 10. Below, you can read both Brendan and Carl’s top 10 EPs of 2022. Enjoy. We sure did.

Brendan – 10 – Rotting Christ – The Apocryphal Spells, Vol 1 (Century Media Records)

Late entry that I am absolutely loving here with one of my favourite bands in Rotting Christ. I reckon if this had come out earlier than the 16th of December, it may have pushed up towards the top of the list. It has plenty of content, with 5 tracks on it (if you include a couple covers) but it is what you would expect from the Greek icons. Heavy, mystical, chock full of crunchy riffs, powerful solos and a nice touch of newer, occasionally cleaner vocals that show the band still evolving and progressing after all these years. There is much groove on offer too, some proper head-banging sections mixed in with the darkness, it is, almost as expected from these guys now, a release of the utmost quality.

Carl – 10 – Nealix – The Antagonist (Self Released)

Similar to Destinations, your connection to this EP is going to be stronger should you have lived the experience that the story is expressing. That being said, such is the talent of Chris Neal, that anyone and everyone can connect to and feel what is being said here. All through the incredible medium of instrumental post-rock.

Yes, once again, Nealix has produced a record that can simply be called mind-blowing. A work of genius that brings so many feelings to the surface across its runtime. Ignore the 4-track length, this is not a short EP and that’s before you take into account the exhaustive nature of such an electrifying journey.

Brendan – 9 – Abysmal Dawn – Nightmare Frontier (Season of Mist)

Los Angeles death metal titans Abysmal Dawn released a new Bloodborne inspired EP called Nightmare Frontier on February 4. Nightmare Frontier is an uncomplicated release, just a punchy and top-quality death metal release with maybe just a few flourishes that help them stand out from the crowd. The band obviously have a lot to offer and as long as they can keep the output regular and of this sort of quality, these guys will be the death metal band on everyone’s lips, not just their loyal fanbase. Nightmare Frontier is refreshing in its simplicity – this is music that requires little introspective moments or deep thinking, just let loose, bang that head and enjoy.

Carl – 9 – Grimgotts – Ignite the Flame (Self Released)

Now, the focus on this EP is Ignite the Flame but don’t let that give you the impression that the overall product isn’t simply brilliant from beginning to end. More people need to know about Grimgotts, more people need to be talking about them and more people need to find themselves lifted up by listening to releases like this.

Brendan – 8 – Deathrite – Delirium (Into Endless Chaos Records)

Germany’s blackened death metal band, Deathrite released their latest EP, Delirium on the 9th of April. Delirium is a wicked EP that is raw, it’s heavy, its dirty and it’s rough. I love the overall suffocating feel, like a thick blanket that drops over you as you listen. Even more so, I love the sudden piercing guitars that poke holes in that shroud offering small rays of light within the gloom. Blackened death, it certainly is but expands into doom, gaze and even gets a bit thrashy in a couple of solos. A dark and dirty but clever and effective release.

Carl – 8 – Great American Ghost – Torture World (MNRK Heavy)

A raging and snarling beast, Torture World is a frothing mania of head-crushing, body-beating and soul-rendering hardcore heaviness. An EP that sees Great American Ghost spitting furious bile at the injustices of the world in captivating fashion.

One hell of an EP. It’s going to be hard to top the rage that exudes from this release this year, that’s for sure.

Brendan – 7 – Xenobiotic – Hate Monolith (Unique Leader)

And another Aussie band make it to the list in progressive death metallers, Xenobiotic, who returned with this new EP, Hate Monolith on the 2nd of September. It’s a release chock full of absolutely killer music. Intensely heavy, extreme and aggressive with little to no respite from the attack. Hate Monolith is an angry album and you get that message and feeling from the first note to the last. Xenobiotic’s powerhouse vocals and insane drumming really standing out across the release which was easily one of the heaviest slabs of metal I listened to, and listen to still, this year.

Carl – 7 – À TERRE – Traversée (Self Released)

As melancholic as always. As haunting and destructive as always. À TERRE offer up a 3-track release that is as belligerent as it is emotionally affecting.

A brilliant release that leaves you feeling cold all over but grateful for the experience.

Brendan – 6 – Vikvanir – On the Shoulders Of Gods (Self Released)

Australian black metal project, Vikvanir, released their new EP titled On the Shoulders of Gods on October 22nd. Born from pandemic isolation during 2021, Vikvanir is the black metal project of Zachary Carlsson, an Australian musician, vocalist, and composer. Musically, On the Shoulders of Gods features raw organic drums, dual waves of blackened guitars, buzzing analogue synthesizers and varied vocals, from emotional blackened howls and guttural growls to sombre choirs and chants. What that can’t possibly describe is the intense emotional feeling that comes from the heavily layered and intricately composed songs. Its oppressive at times, but also all-encompassing making it very easy to become lost in the music and lose track of time and surroundings. As a debut, On the Shoulders of Gods is extremely strong and a record to be very, very proud of.

Carl – 6 – Alpha Omega – Crows of Golgotha (Self Released)

It’s so good to have Alpha Omega back and thrashing as hard as possible. The fellas proving that they are just getting stronger and tighter as a modern thrash unit with an EP that is downright spiritual regarding the compelling head-banging nature of it.

Banging. Modern thrash with an old-school vibe. It doesn’t get much better than this.

Brendan – 5 – Rituals – Show Me the Signs (Unique Leader)

UK Based, Newcastle to be specific, contemporary metallers Rituals released their new EP, Show Me the Signs on the 2nd of September. I didn’t know an awful lot about Rituals before listening to Show Me the Signs. I knew the name and had seen positive press about them so went in excited and wanting to see what all the fuss was about. I came out very impressed by what I heard. I love that a band can offer such a huge amount of variety in such a short release. It showcases them so well, showing their ability to write beautiful, clean melodic catchiness but then also that they know how to ramp things up and let their anger and frustrations out. It’s strong EP with Oceans Subside standing out for me as the track that you must not miss. I can see why they are being championed by so many. Me now too.

Carl – 5 – Sugar Spine – Mirror Talk (Self Released)

Whatever your expectations are for Sugar Spine’s sound, dismiss them now as they’re sure to be completely wrong.

Sugar Spine deliver a debut EP that combines emotionally focused rage with modern metalcore elements, in-your-face ruthlessness, and old-school nu-flavours. It’s a fresh concoction that will knock a lot of people on their asses once they hit play.

Brendan – 4 – Icarus Lives – Scorched Reprise (Self Released)

Perth melodic metallers Icarus Lives released their brand new EP, Scorched Reprise, on April 22nd, 2022. Icarus Lives is a phenomenal release, showcasing a tantalising blend of traditional metal and melodic rock elements. There is obviously something in the water out in Australia – they are on a roll, churning out some of the most exciting bands in metal over the last 5 years or so and you can add Icarus Lives to that list. Scorched Reprise is an exciting release that balances heavy and melodic perfectly to create a captivating listen. The EP, I think, works really well as an introduction to the band showcasing their different styles and ideas.

Carl – 4 – Zorya – Escapism (Self Released)

Dark and mood-altering atmosphere and the harsh sound of blackened metal. Zorya sound in pain. The vocal howls in particular, really make things colder and harsher. However, the instrumental section, is clean and melodic. It makes for a drawn-out slice of suffering that oozes atmosphere and holds an underlying prettiness.

It’s a triumph of an EP. One that delivers an incredible, bitesize chunk of brilliance.

Brendan – 3 – Cogadh – Runetongue (Self Released)

Canadian black metal duo, Cogadh, unleashed their debut EP titled Runetongue on the 7th October. A debut EP from a black metal band that honour the traditional but refuse to be shackled by the genre boundaries. Runetongue is a wonderful release with plenty of heaviness and plenty of progression. It hits you hard, soaks you in atmosphere and packs more than enough rhythm to have your neck working. The additional touches, the thrashy riffs, the cleans in The Familiar Cold, these are the moments you will remember. Moments where strong black metal tracks become elevated into intelligent, creative numbers to leave a lasting memory. All elements that make Runetongue so memorable for me, so regularly played and do high up the list of the best Eps of this year.

Carl – 3 – ATLVS – The Wound, The Blade (Self Released)

Holy hell, have ATLVS returned with a bloody great big bang.

It’s important to say that any complaint about length when it comes to a release like this is purely based on the fact that the music is so good, you naturally want more. The creativity ATLVS are showcasing is unbelievable and the end result is simply outstanding.

Brendan – 2 – V/Haze Miasma – Nebula (Supreme Chaos Records)

The German post black metallers, V/Haze Miasma were a completely unknown entity to me before this EP dropped on the 8th of January this year but are now firmly on my radar, V/Haze Miasma are armed to the teeth with talent and creativity creating a glorious soundscape to lose yourself in that perfectly balances the heaviness with the melancholic beauty the genre is so well known for. Make no mistake about it, this band are phenomenal and this EP, my intro to them offers a bit of everything for old and new fans alike. From the exciting title track, Nebula to one of my favourite songs of the year in Hypocrite!…Another Vicious Grimace and even a piano ballad cover of an older song called Hubris. 3 tracks but 3 three tracks of immense variety and quality that sees them so high up my list for this year.

Carl – 2 – Pathos & Logos – Cult (Self Released)

It’s so secret that we think Pathos & Logos are an excellent band. An instrumental duo that have wowed us with their detailed, complex and meaningful music. An instrumental duo that continue to impress as this EP features some of the band’s best and most creative work to date. It’s time for everyone to start talking about their talents.

Brendan – 1 – Haunted by Silhouettes – No Man Isle (Eclipse Records)

So to my favourite, my personal best EP of 2022 and that title has to go to the one that gets the most regular play, that excited me the most and still does to this day. Norway’s Haunted by Silhouettes released this banger, No Man Isle back in early May and hardly a day has passed where a track or two haven’t been played since. On release, I was absolutely blown away by what Haunted by Silhouettes had created here. An EP I claimed as being one of the best melodic death metal releases I had heard in years. A bold claim, but I still stand by that today. It is a phenomenal release, ticking all the boxes for a melodeath fan but also offers plenty more, especially in the intelligent piece of art that is the title track. Comfortably my favourite EP released in 2022.

Carl – 1 – Grief Ritual – Spiritual Disease (Self Released)

There’s a real sense of excitement around Grief Ritual. A sense that this is a band about to break through that glass ceiling. A sense that once the world properly gets wind, few won’t be talking about them. The proof? This debut EP.

Now, lets get this out of the way first. This Grief Ritual is a band reborn. The Grief Ritual that we covered back in 2019 is dead (so to speak) and their earlier work is seen as demos now. Why? Because Grief Ritual have found their sound and what works for them. They have evolved into something truly awe-inspiring and a little bit terrifying.

Spiritual Disease is a triumph of a release. Not only because the five tracks are genre-defying but because it shows just how focused Grief Ritual are. There are a lot of reasons to be excited about the forward movement of this band and this EP features five damn good ones.