I’m very far from organised for Christmas this year, but I’ve just written the last Update, the wine bottle hasn’t given out yet, and although I could be wrapping some stuff up I thought I’d get the annual music blog done. You don’t even read this, and I don’t even care because I’ve done one every year since the lang cat started and it’s a memorial of sorts and also it’s my website not yours. This year is particularly metallic; I think I’m regressing or something. But there wasn’t much other stuff that really took my fancy. And there were SO MANY good metal records this year…

10. KING’S X – THREE SIDES OF ONE

King’s X were such a big band for me back in the day. Out Of The Silent Planet, Faith Hope Love, Gretchen…all huge records. I lost track for a long time and then here came this new one after 15 years or so in the wilderness. It’s not flawless but it sounds like King’s X and that’s good enough for the list.

9. SAOR – ORIGINS

Scottish black metal is it? A bit of a cheeky soundtrack for the opening sting of the Edinburgh event, was it? Yes, yes it is and yes, yes it was. This is AWESOME.

8. WORMROT – HISS

I got turned onto this by a baldy beardy platform guy and I’m oh so glad that happened. Not the easiest listen of 2022 but still approachable (by grindcore standards) and just brullllliant.

7. EVERGREY – A HEARTLESS PORTRAIT (THE ORPHEAN TESTAMENT)

Well it’s not a very good title for a record, even a Swedish power metal one. But that doesn’t matter because it’s pure adrenaline and a great, great listen. One that even non-metal fans might like.

6. SUEDE – AUTOFICTION

This is the best Suede record since the third one. Personality Disorder alone is worth the price of admission. Not bad for a bunch of old guys.

5. THE HALO EFFECT – DAYS OF THE LOST

You know how you always wanted a Gothenburg melodeath supergroup? Well have I got good news for you, Sven. This is literally what you get when you combine In Flames and Dark Tranquillity. WHO I SAW PLAY GLASGOW THIS YEAR, please see below.

4. MARILLION – AN HOUR BEFORE IT’S DARK

Yeah so it’s Marillion, so what? Come over here and say that.

3. AMORPHIS – HALO

Tight at the top. Amorphis were responsible for one of the greatest gigs of my life, along with Eluveitie and Dark Tranquillity in November. But this still isn’t quite as good as Queen of Time so it only makes third. If you can see Amorphis live, do it.

2. HALESTORM – BACK FROM THE DEAD

So close to being number one. And the lang kittens love it too. What 2022 needed was old school metal and it got it from Lzzy Hale. And that voice! Highest banger per minute ratio of the year.

1. GHOST – IMPERA

The first Ghost record I’ve liked to be honest, but never off the Turntable Ov Kvltiness for most of the year. Also: very funny. [MESSAGE FROM THE CLERGY]

Disappointment of the year was Hate Uber Alles by Kreator, so we won’t talk about that. Also the new Metallica song isn’t as good as people say it is.

Gig of the year: Amorphis, Eluvetiie, Dark Tranquillity at the QMU in Glasgow. Hoooooft. Oh, and Consumer Duty at the PFS Festival, obviously.

And that’s it.

Happy New Year

Mark