Lexx's Top 10 Rock & Metal Albums of 2022

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It's finally here: the final weeks of 2022. This past year brought us the total return of live music, music festivals, and a flood of new albums. The creative efforts made during lockdown were finally shared with us all.

Although I made the controversial statement in a previous post that I felt there weren't many good albums this year, I did find a handful of rock and metal standouts worth mentioning to you, my loyal readers.

This year, instead of boring you with a full breakdown of every album, I'm going to list the best records of 2022, pick one standout track from each that you need to check out, and tell you why.

Before we dive in, I want to thank everyone for checking out my page and sharing my posts. I do this for fun, but you all make it completely worthwhile. Let's dig in!

The Top 10 Albums of 2022

• #10: Slipknot – The End, So Far

• #9: Lamb of God – Omens

• #8: Dorothy – Gifts from the Holy Spirit

• #7: Eddie Vedder – Earthling

• #6: Architects – the classic symptoms of a broken spirit

• #5: The Black Keys – Dropout Boogie

• #4: Parkway Drive – Darker Still

• #3: Jack White – Fear of the Dawn

• #2: Bad Omens – THE DEATH OF PEACE OF MIND

• #1: Ghost – Impera

#10: Slipknot – The End, So Far

I previously reviewed this album, and while I don't think it's the best record they’ve ever made—nor do I think it lives up to the years-long hype of being "the next Iowa"—one track stands out. "Heirloom" embodies their core sound better than anything else on the record. (Honorable mention: "Adderall")

#9: Lamb of God – Omens

I didn't get a chance to review this album when it dropped, but I've had it on heavy rotation. It's a rock-solid effort from start to finish. My absolute favorite track is "Vanishing." There’s so much raw energy packed into this song that it makes me want to jump out of my car and scream. I love it.

#8: Dorothy – Gifts from the Holy Spirit

She may be the only woman on this list, but she 100% deserves her spot. Dorothy's vocal range and delivery are unbelievable—do not sleep on her if you haven't checked her out yet. My track pick is her hit radio single, "Rest In Peace." Her songwriting abilities are truly next-level.

#7: Eddie Vedder – Earthling

Anyone who knows me knows I love '90s rock and that Pearl Jam is one of my all-time favorite bands. Vedder's solo record released earlier this year embodies everything that makes him a rock icon. My pick off this album is "Long Way." Trust me, it rocks.

#6: Architects – the classic symptoms of a broken spirit

After having to postpone and eventually cancel their North American tour, Architects released another huge record following the success of For Those Who Wish To Exist. This album keeps that same energy and songwriting magic that Sam and the boys captured on the last record. My pick is a toss-up between "tear gas" and "when we were young."

#5: The Black Keys – Dropout Boogie

My love for The Black Keys really flourished mid-year, and now I'm completely hooked. I actually heard my song choice for this album on the radio while visiting Chicago (shoutout to Q101!). "Wild Child" has a bluesy, infectious groove that is undeniably catchy.

#4: Parkway Drive – Darker Still

Ah, my Aussie boys. My history with Parkway Drive goes all the way back to my high school years in the 2010s. Darker Still was an experimental turn that completely blew me away, and I really hope they keep leaning into this new arena-metal sound. My pick off this album is "Ground Zero." When Winston says, "Drop the beat..."—it's the best.

#3: Jack White – Fear of the Dawn

Once again, Chicago's Q101 got me hooked on this record. Both this album and Entering Heaven Alive (his second release this year) were massive standouts, but I picked Fear of the Dawn because it felt heavier, faster, and more complex. Jack White is a musical genius; everything he touches is creative, wacky, and unique. He pushes the envelope every single time. Check out the title track, "Fear of the Dawn."

#2: Bad Omens – THE DEATH OF PEACE OF MIND

What a phenomenal year these guys have had! I love absolutely everything coming out of this camp right now. While they’re currently achieving massive viral success with "Just Pretend" (which is a fantastic song), I’m going with "The Grey" as my top track. (Honorable mention: "Like A Villain")

#1: Ghost – Impera

It should come as a surprise to no one that this album made the list—and took the top spot. Ghost has 100% done it again. Tobias Forge achieved massive crossover success this year with Impera, backed by the viral TikTok movement around "Mary On A Cross." The band even took home their first AMA award and snagged a second Grammy nomination. I love every single track on this record, which made choosing just one tough, but my pick is "Griftwood." (Honorable mentions: "Watcher In The Sky," "Spillways," and "Call Me Little Sunshine")