Best of 2022: The EPs
- The Wrecked Neck
- Dec 28, 2022
- 6 min read
I must preface the start of my annual best-of's by saying there can really be no such thing as a "definitive" list at the end of every calendar year. The fact is, there's simply too much music released each year and far too little time to listen to all of it. I rarely have time to scratch the surface(s) of other genres, so if you're familiar with the site (a kind thanks for tuning in), you'll know that The Wrecked Neck peddles in metal. There can be a beauty and passion found in this genre that I've simply found to be unrivaled throughout the years. 2022 in particular was absolutely astounding in its breadth of quality and diversity. I was treated to some incredible work from seasoned bands that I've held near and dear for years (or even decades) as well as a handful of newcomers that I was elated to discover. This thrill of discovery is what remains at the heart of The Wrecked Neck. I'll never be content to simply sit and wait for "the big hitters" to put out another record: I'll always endeavor to seek out new and exciting material/artists to share with the masses. Who knows, if you stick around long enough, you might even discover a new favorite band of your own. So without further ado, lets get down to business.
I was delighted this year that my FIVE favorite EPs of 2022 was as diverse as it was. As with any year end list, there may be albums more deserving of placement on a 'best-of", but these five EPs were the ones that really made me feel something in 2022.
5.
Morokh - The Triumph of Death
I was relieved. My EP list for 2022 was finally completed. Sitting on my bed, laptop in hand(s), I smiled to myself contently as i cracked my knuckles and rolled up my sleeves. A playlist of backlogged Apple Music additions (as said above, there was simply too much music released this year) serenaded me as my fingers began to dance on the keys. I was in the zone.
That is until Russian blackened hardcore quintet, Morokh, kicked in my door and --tossed in a Molotov cocktail of riffs. Draped in a blistering, blast-driven aesthetic of Black Metal and punctuated with some well placed moments of duck-and-weave hardcore, 'The Triumph of Death' whips up a delightfully malevolent firestorm of sound. From the fire-breathing fury of opener, "Decay" to the groove-fueled intensity of the title track, "The Triumph of Death", Morokh demonstrate a frightening ability to simultaneously melt faces, tenderize flesh and snap necks. An unexpected and thrilling discovery in 2022, "The Triumph of Death" reaffirms the importance of diving into the rabbit hole head first. Fans of Wolf King, Dodsrit and HEXIS should grab ahold of this petrol bomb posthaste.
Standout Tracks: "The Triumph of Death", "Pale Widow"
4.
Greyhawk - Call of the Hawk
Grab your swords, your staves and your favorite piece of chainmail, because Seattle WA's Greyhawk returned to battle in 2022 with another standout collection of trad metal hymns. Infused with the same magic found on 2020's 'Keepers of the Flame' (which placed at #6 on my Best of 2020) 'Call of the Hawk' showcases a band at the height of their creative powers. The song writing remains as catchy as ever (see the excellent title track and the almost Broadway-ish flair of mid EP highlight "Demon Star") and the lyrics are steeped in the same high quality fantasy laced tincture. Ronnie James Dio would be proud. Every member of this motely band of warriors contribute heartily to this 22 minute war effort, but its once again vocalist Rev Taylor that invokes imagery of a fearless, scale clad commander, spearheading the charge. He shines as brightly as ever here (see his incredible performance on "Demon Star" and the magnificent album closer "Take the Throne") and has only further cemented himself as one of the modern day greats. With 'Call of the Hawk', Greyhawk continue to prove that they have mastered the art of creating and distilling heavy metal in its purest form. Keepers of the Flame, indeed.
Standout Tracks: "Call of the Hawk", "Demon Star", "Take the Throne"
3.
Kanonenfieber – Yankee Division & Der Füsilier
Links, Zwo, Drei, Vier!
Like a hulking Panzer IV rolling thru a dark and desolate battleground, the black metal enigma known as Kanonenfieber returned in 2022 with a pair of short EPs that both achieved nothing less than leaving scorched earth in their wake. Comparisons to Ukraine’s equally monstrous 1914 are apt (both artists write almost exclusively about war), but ‘Yankee Division March' and ‘Der Füsilier’ sees the one-man project drawing sonically and structurally from Hellenic masters, Rotting Christ. In fact, the material here easily stands shoulder to shoulder with some of RC’s best work. The percussion rolls and crunches (see “Yankee Division March”) like a tank's treads over so much flesh and bone while any unfortunate souls left alive will surely be gunned down by the rapid, MG-42 guitar fire of “Die Fastnacht der Hölle” or “Der Füsilier I”. Both works have a darker and moodier sense of atmosphere then 2021’s full-length ‘Menschenmühle’ (which is an assured as a debut as you’re likely to find) and it’s all the better for it.
Affix your bayonet soldier, and jump into the trenches with of 2022’s best melodic/black metal offering(s).
Standout Tracks: “Die Fastnacht der Hölle”, “Der Füsilier I” “Yankee Division March”
2.
Dark Forest – Ridge & Furrow
Much like they did with 2020’s ‘Oak & Ash & Thorn’, UK trad-metal darlings Dark Forest prove that when it comes to penning and performing music that can shoot a bulls-eye straight to the heart, the competition is thin. ‘Ridge & Furrow’ builds on the many strengths of OAAAT (which placed high on my 2020 year end list) and sees the quartet pulling off some incredible song writing acrobatics. This is truly some Robin Hood type shit. They still drink heavily from the well of previous UK metal/rock greats
(namely Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin) but infuse the music with an identity that is uniquely their own. Warm and uplifting guitar harmonies remain at the core of ‘Ridge & Furrow’s’ sound (see the endorphin releasing album opener, “Skylark”) and Josh Winnards voice is as inviting as it’s ever been. Much like country mates Fellowship (who also put out a cracker of an album this year), Dark Forest seemingly have a simple missive: to write sick riffs and turn frowns upside down. Mission fucking accomplished. This is a 25 minute dopamine fix I turned to heartily in 2022.
Standout Tracks: “Skylark”, “The Golden Acre “, “Under the Greenwood Tree”
1.
The Corps - From Oblivion
At the risk of sounding like a total fanboy, could there have been any doubt? There were few releases this year that filled me with as much genuine warmth and sense of belonging than this one. Vancouver’s
favorite defenders came to our aid at the mid way point of 2022 with ‘From Oblivion' delivering what is arguably their strongest collection of songs to date. You’d be forgiven for thinking they’d ride on the strengths (and popularity) of their more pop-punk oriented cuts off of ‘Tales from 2814’ (“Spell It Out”,
“Breakfast at Pamela’s”). From the opening chords of ‘From Oblivion' it’s clear that this heroic foursome are pulling from the harder and speedier tools in their utility belts. Both the driving, galloping riff that anchors “Dear Detective” and the diamond hard, almost metallic skate-punk shred that accelerates thru early album highlight, “Mockingbird”, made me pine for long hair again. You can all but guarantee that both songs will become/remain pit starting staples of the bands live set. It doesn’t hurt that both songs (as well as the whole of ‘From Oblivion') feature the infectious and sing-along-able lyrics/melodies that have become synonymous with The Corps over the years. And how could they not be when you have the velvety vocals of one Mr. Danny Velvet….er…Garrison at the helm? No track exemplifies this, perhaps, as much as “The Pocket” For an all too brief 3:17 you’ll be looking for someone’s shoulder to put your arm around. It’s an anthemic representation of what makes the Vancouver punk scene so great: hopefulness, togetherness, community and inclusiveness. It’s really just the cherry on top of an already tremendous quintet of songs.
‘From Oblivion’ is such a treat. It’s a great sign of where The Corps are poised to go (hint: it’s upwards) but more importantly, it’s a certifiable mood enhancer. An unfiltered blast of endorphins that forces our brains to conjure up the memories we’ve made together over the years as well as the prospect of the exciting new ones we’ve yet to create. It’s a quality that only the very best bands possess and the reason I kept coming back to it in 2022. Because we all need those reminders from time to time. And if you’re new to the sector and haven’t listened yet? There’s a ring waiting for you, fellow defender. You are always welcome.
On ‘From Oblivion’, The Corps nail the superhero landing.
Standout Tracks: “Dear Detective”, “Mockingbird”, “The Pocket”
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