1. Metallica (pictured above): 72 Seasons
The band’s eleventh studio effort debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200. It also ruled the Top Rock Albums, Top Hard Rock Albums, Top Album Sales and Vinyl Albums charts.
Key Tracks: 72 Seasons, Screaming Suicide, Lux Æterna and If Darkness Had A Son
“40 years of Metallica and still rocking, glad to have been a part of it from the beginning.” Ken Roberts
“This album blows me away. Definitely one of my all-time favorites.” Metallica. Wow!” Dashin’ Dave
“I’m in shock. Always thought they were good at what they did, but nothing they’ve never done has hit me like this. Just floored.” Erik Dorman
2. Foo Fighters: But Here We Are
The band called it “a brutally honest and emotionally raw response to everything the Foo Fighters have endured over the last year.”
Key Tracks: “Rescued,” which went to #1 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart, “The Teacher” and “Under You.”
“One of the most Foo-sounding albums ever. Just what we all needed: to be rescued by the Foo Fighters. Thank you, guys.” Wilo C.
“Guitar riffs. Drums fills. The lyrics. The tempo. The love. The band. The perfect moment. Just love every song on it. Thank you Foo Fighters.” Yvonne Gilbert
3. Paramore: This Is Why
“(This album) summarizes the plethora of ridiculous emotions, the rollercoaster of being alive in 2022, having survived even just the last 3 or 4 years,” explained frontwoman Haley Williams of the band’s sixth album.
“What a perfect blend of classic Paramore vocals with current Paramore style.” Sandra Weis
“I never heard Paramore before but now I am listening to all their songs and can’t stop!” Savannah Montgomery
“Leave it to Paramore to speak to all of us on such a personal level, once again.” Paige Shulte
4. Queens Of The Stone Age: In Times New Roman…
The album went to #1 on Billboard’s Top Rock & Alternative Albums, Top Rock, and Top Alternative charts.
Key Tracks: Emotion Sickness, Paper Machete and Carnaveyeur
Vintage Queens meets modern Queens. Perfection” Mark Colby
“I wanted to say thank you QOTSA. Your music got me through so much shit that I don’t even want to think about what would have happened without it. Pam Hurd
“What a time to be alive, long live the Queens.” Ted Frawley
5. Nita Strauss: The Call Of The Void
Nita’s sophomore solo album has guest vocalist (Dorothy‘s Dorothy Martin, Distubed’s David Draiman, Arch Enemy‘s Alissa White-Gluz) and Alice Cooper).
Key Tracks (w/ guest vocalists): “Victorious” (Dorothy‘s Dorothy Martin), “Dead Inside” (Distubed’s David Draiman), “The Wolf You Feed” (Arch Enemy‘s Alissa White-Gluz), “Winner Takes All” (Alice Cooper) and “The Golden Trail” (In Flames’ Anders Fridén).
“I love Nita like a sister. Girls – go for your dreams! The sky is the limit. Sheila Mader
“Nita, Dorothy and Alissa together… that’s happiness.” Christine Gilbert
“I feel fortunate to be able to hear such a kickass songs. Everyone did so well, it sounds so stellar!!!” Cathy McKenzie
6. Butcher Babies: Eye For An Eye…/’Til The World’s Blind
The double set celebrates the tenth anniversary of Butcher Babies‘ debut, “Goliath,” released in ’13. “Eye For An Eye…” and “…’Til The World’s Blind” are the band’s fourth and fifth albums.
Key Tracks: Beaver Cage, Red Thunder and the ballad Last December
“I love how it blends the Metal and dance elements and takes a few unexpected twists it might be my new favorite.” Sheryl McKenzie
“Best female screamers. Plus the instrumentals are paired up perfectly, one of the greatest bands these days.” Barb Allen
“Loved this band since I was 14, and still do.” Cindy Skeers
7. Greta Van Fleet: Starcatcher
“’Starcatcher’ is our perspective and sums up where we are as a group and individually as musicians,” stated guitarist Jake Kizska.
Key Tracks: Meeting The Master, Sacred The Thread and Farewell For Now
“Greta Van Fleet the best thing that could have happened to music in 20 years. I love your passion, creativity and message.” Marianne Jensen
“Wow I’m impressed. You’ve found that creative vein and tapped into it. Stay right there boys.” Jon Clinton
Josh’s voice is an instrument unto itself. Best group to come along in a looooong time ! Epic music back.” Patty Rouse
8. Buckcherry: Volume 10
“The formula for us is to have no fillers — having a great record from beginning to end. That’s what we want,” explained frontman Josh Todd referring to the band’s tenth album.
Key Tracks: Let’s Get Wild, Shine Your Light and Good Time
“Definitely freaking love this record and makes me rock every time.” Susan Effler
“Loved these guys back in the day. Saw them live in Sturgis 2022 – fucking amazing! Killed it.” Daniel Werkhoven
Bad ass album. Love it! They hit the nail on the head! Great party record!! Jeanie Poster
9. Smashing Pumpkins: Atum – Act Three
Frontman Billy Corgan has stated that the “Atum” trilogy is a concept album that serves as a sequel to “Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness” and “Machina/The Machines Of God” albums.
Key Tracks: Spellbinding and Beguiled
“The Smashing Pumpkins will never die. All my childhood, and still listening to them since the late 90’s.” Markaum Lister
“Can’t stop listening to this album, it’s mesmerizing!” Melissa Stevens
“I’ve been a fan since 91 at 13 now I’m 44 and still love this band.” Jim McDaid
“Corgan’s fearless with his art. I love him for that. I love the band for continuing to subvert expectations and be freaky and genuinely original! The risk taking always brings reward with this band. Legendary.” Michael Hess
10. Rancid: Tomorrow Never Comes
The band’s tenth studio album, “Tomorrow Never Comes,” was their first since “Trouble Maker,” which topped Billboard’s Independent Albums Chart, in 2017.
Key Track: Tomorrow Never Comes
“This album is cheaper than therapy.” Phil Stanley
“People used to think I was weird because I was the only Black kid in my school who loves Rancid. But seriously you can’t beat how good they are.” James Jackson
“I am just glad to see Rancid still going and doing what they love. People never stop changing and we should not criticize when they do.” Jody Heber
