You can find the Collective List as well as all our Best of 2022 content including contributors’ individual lists, podcasts and radio DJ shows here: CGCM’s Best of 2022 (Year in Review)
BEST OF 2022 – Kryfar (Writer) 🇺🇸
Yes!! I finally get to do my Top 10! I’ve been looking forward to this since I started writing for CGCM. But, it wasn’t as easy as I thought it would be to narrow down my list from ~35 to 10 but I think I have some great ones for ya.
Here it goes…
10 – KARDANG – We Ain’t Dead Yet 🇳🇴
Here’s a debut album that definitely needs to be heard. The guys in Kardang have put together a hell of a compilation of catchy rock songs that you will want to have on repeat. I think this band is going places. Give “We Ain’t Dead Yet” a spin and you’ll hear why. Three must-hears “We Ain’t Dead Yet”, “Guilty Pleasures” and “Touchdown”.
CGCM Rock Radio Album Review: KARDANG – We Ain’t Dead Yet (Ivan Galesic)
09 – SHIRAZ LANE – Forgotten Shades of Life 🇫🇮
It actually took me a while to get into this one. I was shocked because Shiraz Lane is a band that typically grabs me right away. I’m glad I kept coming back to it because it’s a really great step forward for them. There’s a different more evolved vibe to Forgotten Shades of Life compared to other Shiraz Lane albums. I like the vibe. I think this album really showcases the massive talents of this band. Three must-hears “Scream” “Disconnect from the Matrix” and “Beat of Your Heart”.
CGCM Rock Radio Album Review: SHIRAZ LANE – Forgotten Shades of Life (Jut)
BUY
08 – DEGREED – Are You Ready 🇸🇪
I love this album. I started listening to it on my way over to Germany to see Degreed live at Indoor Summer Fest and it hooked me in right away. Then to my surprise, as I was sitting in my hotel room in Hamburg, I was treated to a live preview performance as Robin Eriksson warmed up in the room above mine. It was a fabulous way to get introduced to this new-to-me band. Three must-hears “Into the Fire“, “Are You Ready” and “Burning”.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE / FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM / TWITTER
07 – KISSIN’ DYNAMITE – Not the End of the Road 🇩🇪
I don’t know how, but this one flew under my radar for several months. However, the power of social media brought it to my attention & it quickly became a favourite. It’s a mighty release with a great variety of addictive, hard-hitting tunes. Three must-hears “Not the End of the Road”, “All for a Halleluja” and “Voodoo Spell”.
CGCM Rock Radio Album Review: KISSIN’ DYNAMITE – Not the End of the Road (Tom Cornell)
06 – THE CRUEL INTENTIONS – Venomous Anonymous 🇳🇴
If you’re like me and you love your music to be sleazy and glammy then this album is for you. It is fast-paced, energetic & fun! Brings you right back to the incredible bands off the Sunset Strip. Give this one a spin and crank it up. You may just learn some Swedish as you rock out! Three must hears “Sunrise Over Sunset”, “Reapercussion” and “Casket Case”.
CGCM Rock Radio Album Review: THE CRUEL INTENTIONS – Venomous Anonymous (Rachel Leigh Vendetta)
05 – CAPTAIN BLACK BEARD – Neon Sunrise 🇸🇪
I’m so happy to add this one to my Top 5! I was really hoping Neon Sunrise would impress me as much as Captain Black Beard did at Sweden Rock and then at Indoor Summer Fest and it did! This band is as incredible in the studio as they are live. Check them out. You will be hooked, too. Three must-hears “Flamenco”, “Physical” and “Wasted Heart”.
04 – SKID ROW – The Gang’s All Here 🇺🇸
Wow! Can you say “Resurrected”? As I said in my review, snagging Erik Gronwall as their lead singer, has breathed new life into Skid Row and The Gang’s All Here proves it. It IS the album that Skid Row fans have been waiting for all these year! Three must-hears “Time Bomb” “October’s Song” and “The Gang’s All Here”.
CGCM Rock Radio Album Review: SKID ROW – The Gang’s All Here (Kryfar)
BUY: AMAZON.ca / AMAZON.com / AMAZON.co.uk
03 – H.E.A.T- Force Majeure 🇸🇪
Kenny Leckremo is back behind the mic and kicking ass! Force Majeure is solid from start to finish. It has immense anthems that demand to be spun on repeat with choruses that are loudly chanted back to H.E.A.T at live shows. I think Force Majeure puts to rest any unease H.E.A.T fans may have had in 2020. Three must-hears “Back to the Rhythm”, “Hollywood” and “Paramount”.
CGCM Rock Radio Album Review: H.E.A.T. – Force Majeure (Kryfar)
02 – CRASHDIET – Automaton 🇸🇪
Automaton was love at first listen for me. It’s an album that I challenge anyone not to like. The songs are powerful sleaze metal at its finest. It’s on heavy rotation at my house. I’m not the only Automaton addict in our household, my kids love it too. Whole family approval on this one. Three must-hears “No Man’s Land”, “Darker Minds” and “Together Whatever”.
INSTAGRAM / FACEBOOK / TWITTER
01 – HARDCORE SUPERSTAR – Abrakadabra 🇸🇪
Abrakadabra solidified its number 1 spot on its release day in March 25, 2022. Other bands fought hard to knock them out but the bar was set too high. This album was just what the Dr. ordered after a shitty 2 years of the virus that shall not be named. The songs are hard-hitting, energetic and catchy with awe-inspiring guitar solos! Appropriately named Abrakadabra – it’s pure magic. The first release “Catch Me if You Can” hooked me in. I also, became moderately obsessed with the ballad “Fighter”, but each and every song on Abrakadabra kicks some serious ass! If you haven’t heard this one yet, you MUST. And, in fact, I’m not even going to do three must hears, because there’s 10 songs and I’m not choosing!
CGCM Rock Radio Album Review: HARDCORE SUPERSTAR – Abrakadabra (Rachel Leigh Vendetta)
Find more of my album reviews here: Kryfar
