My Top 6 albums of the second half of 2022

Keeping up the tradition of publishing the top favorite albums every six months, although with a little delay, I publish the best albums of the second half of 2022.

A-Z — A-Z#

A-Z is a revival of the classic Faith Warning. The eleven tracks are hard rock songs with prog elements, and Ray Alder as the vocalist. All the songs are very diverse, energetic and absolutely melodic.

A-Z in the band name and the eponymous album translates as Alder-Zonder (Zonder is the drummer of the band), or Apple-Zebra, whichever one you prefer.

Favorite tracks:

• Trial by Fire
• The Far Side of the Horizon
• Run Away

Celldweller — Satellites#

The new album from the Celldweller project by American multi-instrumentalist and producer Clayton. The album features a blend of genres, including industrial rock, electronic, and alternative metal. Overall, "Satellites" is a well-crafted album that displays Celldweller's musical range and ability to create powerful and dynamic songs.

Favorite tracks:

• Into the Void
• My Disintegration
• Soul Parasites

Mechanical Man — Alter Ego#

The first album of the progressive metal band from Moscow, with one of the top vocalists of Belarus Yann Zhenchak on vocals. I've been following his works for a long time and look forward to the release of his project Nitroverts.

Here it is classical melodic prog, with not too complicated instrumental part. But Yann's vocals are revealed in their fullness on this album. Fans of progressive metal should definitely listen to this album.

Favorite tracks:

• Under the Dome
• Alter Ego
• House of Cards

Jason Richardson — II#

"II" is a powerful and technical metal album that showcases the impressive skills of american guitarist Jason Richardson. With its blend of progressive, technical, and melodic elements, the album is sure to impress fans of instrumental music. The orchestration elements and synth work are particularly impressive on this album.

The album also features guest appearances from notable musicians such as drummer Luke Holland and guitarists Jeff Loomis, Tim Henson.

Favorite tracks:

• Polyrhythmic Pug
• Behold 2.0
• Upside Down

The Korea — Vorratokon (instrumental version)#

I usually don't enjoy listening to instrumental versions of albums, but I made an exception for this one.

The album by the band The Korea from St. Petersburg shows the technical skill of the musicians and their unique approach to music composition. The combination of complex rhythms and original guitar riffs with the use of pitch shifter, as well as loads of synths and samples creates a special atmosphere of the album. This album is definitely worth listening to.

Favorite tracks:

• Сабаки
• Миллениум
• Крысы / Астродилер

Cold Night for Alligators — The Hindsight Notes#

"The Hindsight Notes" is a combination of progressive metal and experimental rock. The album features intricate instrumentation, powerful and emotional vocals, and thought-provoking lyrics, making it a standout release in the progressive metal scene.

Overall, it is a well-crafted album that combines technical musicianship with emotionally charged songwriting.

Favorite tracks:

• Behind Curtains
• No Connection
• Nostalgic

In this period of time there were two more releases that I can mention. The first album is almost a reincarnation of the classic Pink Floyd, and if it weren't for the weak lyrics, it would surely make it to this top. The second album is a new release by the well-known Swedish band, combining many genres from hard rock to death metal.

• Bjorn Riis — A Fleeting Glimpse
• Soilwork — Övergivenheten

Read also album review of the first half of 2022