Now you've had time to digest our favorite albums of the last year, plus heard what artists and record labels made of 2022, it's over to Scene Point Blank's writers to review the year just finished, and tell you about the things you might've missed.
Learn about Europunk, the music scene in Asia, horrorpunk and Riot Grrl and also the best album artwork of the year. Our staff writers will let you know below what you missed last year, and where to go to find out more.
5 Metal Albums to Look Forward to in 2023
Aside from a couple of the obvious big hitters - Metallica, In Flames, Enslaved, for example, there are a handful of albums to be released in 2023 that are well worth looking out for.
These albums have all been confirmed by the band/label for a (hopeful) 2023 release.
1
Dødheimsgard - Black Medium Current (maybe)
Peaceville Records
The bizarre Norwegian cult of Dødheimsgard will be putting out their newest opus, which may, or may not, be called Black Medium Current (a short video uploaded on their facebook page didn't make it clear) via Peaceville in March. Expect the unexpected.
March 10th 2023
2
Entropia - Total
Agonia Records
It's been five long years since Vacuum and Polish entity Entropia are following it up with Total which is already promising to be a mania inducing record if the lead singe "Retox" is anything to go by.
March 17th 2023
3
Katatonia - Sky Void of Stars
Napalm Records
The first singles to have come from Sky Void Of Stars are classic Katatonia, which is basically all anyone wants. Huge songs, incredible vocals and beautiful pain.
January 20th 2023
4
Ulthar - Anthronomicon and Helionomicon
20 Buck Spin
Not content with releasing one album in 2023, Ulthar are going ahead with a double release. Anthronomicon and Helionomicon promise death metal in spades and with insane artwork from Ian Miller on each cover, this will be an event to watch out for.
February 17th 2023.
5
Vemod - Unknown Title
Prophecy Productions
The new Vemod album was promised two years ago so perhaps we are lucky enough to get it in 2023? The wait will surely be worth it. 2012s Venter på stormene is still in rotation in these parts which shows just how good Vemod are.
Unknown release date.
- Cheryl
Best Art Of 2022
The artwork that accompanies a record is important to me. It can make my enjoyment of a record even greater and sometimes it makes me want to check something out (even if the description already tells me it is not for me). I am happy we can share the best artwork we have spotted this year (in no particular order).
1
Vorga - Striving Towards Oblivion
A big chunk of the artwork I loved last year was scifi-themed. That was no coincidence, I love that theme in art. Adam Burke made a really beautiful piece of art for Vorga's space-themed black metal record Striving Towards Oblivion. I would love to view this on a big canvas!
2
Crime Of Passing - s/t
Cassidy McGinley delivered some stunning artwork for Crime Of Passings self titled debut LP. The black and white, slightly blurry picture speaks very loudly to me. The framing of the main picture gives it the vibe of a comic. I am a bit less happy with the frame on the right side of this cover. It slightly different texture feels distracting. However, looking at the big picture here, I am stunned by this strong image.
3
GGGOLDDD - This Shame Should Not Be Mine
Szilveszter Mako is responsible for this amazing cover for GGGOLDDD's amazing album This Shame Should Not Be Mine. The albums lyrics tell the story of singer Milena Evas personal experience with sexual assault. This photo is so fitting for the title of the album. The armor is a visual metaphor for the emotional armor she has worn for so long. To me, this pictures her both very strong, ready for combat, but also vulnerable in her loneliness. It fits the album title, but also the lyrics in which I read/hear the same combination of a very strong woman that also deals with loneliness due to trust issues.
4
In my column Table Talk #9 I already mentioned how I loved the artwork for Ritma, the debut full lengt for Piri Reis. Just look at it. It looks kinda simple, but yet so strong. I was surprised I could not find who made it. The band was happy to tell me though. Great work from the bands own bassplayer Jaka Abdullah Hashim.
5
The Algorithm - Data Renaissance
The Algorithm has had a string of excellent covers since 2021. All of these are made by Adrien Bousson. This work fits in right with the others he made for The Algorithm and is a sight to behold. The technological scifi theme fits the music like a glove. I love this work for Data Renaissance especially. The vibe it gives of makes me imagine how the Technopriests graphic novels (if you don't know what I am talking about, do yourself a favor and start investigating the jodoverse!) could look if it was to be rewritten (or redrawn if you like).
6
Third Ego - Nothing (single)
Third Egos debut single is graced with an amazing piece of art by Sam Andrea (who you might know as the singer for Need and The Local Spastics). This piece oozes urgency. The only criticism I can think of is: I expected some way harsher music after seeing the cover art. I also recommend watching the video for the song in which you this painting come to form (and be destroyed, sadly enough).
7
10.000 Years - III
Last year I included the artwork of 10.000 Years album II in my list of best artwork. The band must have liked the artwork as much as I did as they again asked Francesco Bauso of Negative Crypt Artwork to create artwork for their next album III. And it hits home again. It fits the storyline to a T and is just another gorgeous sci-fi masterpiece.
8
An Abstract Illusion made one hell of a record with Woe. An album this intense and beautiful deserves artwork that not only suits the mood, but matches it in beauty. Adam Burke delivered just that. Look at it, it is dark, it is haunting and a really strong image. Hang this in a museum and I will stare at it for ages. This is a match made in heaven!
Ok, to be fair, I doubted if I wanted to include this masterpiece in this list. Why? Because it is the second Adam Burke art this year. So at first I made up a rule that said: limit yourself to one art piece per creator. Then I decided to not follow that rule.The vibe of this is so much different from Vorga's! So my current rule for art-list mania is: maximum two pieces by the same creator.
9
The Holophonics - Lavos
I had never heard of The Holophonics before, but one look at the album art and I just had to check them out. I am not here to talk to you about music though, so let's focus on the art. Gilbert Armendariz made an excellent eye-catching piece of work. It evokes a comic book style atmosphere. A comic book I might just read. I absolutely love it.
10
Clutch - Sunrise On Slaughter Beach
I received this album too late to be able to judge if it should be in my yearlist (which I am sure I will feel sorry about in a month or so), but I have it long enough to know the artwork deserves a spot in this list. Again an album that reminds me of something that could be in a graphic novel. In fact, it reminds me of Invisible Kingdom (it's the hat that points me in that direction mostly). Great work by Jared Muralt!
- Dennis
Best Euro Punk EP's Of 2022
Last year I listened to so much music I could probably make a top 10 (or 5 at least) for every genre I listened to. There is however one genre I listen to most and that’s punk. In my yearlist I have limited myself to full length albums, but punk would not be punk if there would not be a ton of great EP’s released as well. To limit myself a bit I decided to be a bit chauvinistic and limit myself to the Euro-scene. By doing this I excluded brilliant EP’s from all around the world. The scenes in South and Middle America seem to be booming now with brilliant hardcore and punk. However, I have to write a little something to explain why this is the best punk EP of the year and writing is time consuming, so perhaps we can dive into those scenes when we meet again at my kitchen table? We’ll see. Here however are the best eleven punk and hardcore EP’s from the Euro scene. Why eleven? Because I couldn’t choose, so you get your top ten, plus one bonus pick!
1
This is easily the EP I listened to the most this year. It is incredibly catchy punk in the vein of Green Day in their prime. This band did not release a lot of music, which makes it extra sad to see them say their farewells already.
2
Utopie - Fonce / Tensions
T.S.H. Records
Only two tracks, only five minutes of music, that ain’t much. It is enough to rank high in this list though. This French band selected two tracks from their demo and remixed and remastered them. What do you get? Punk with OI! influences or, as they call it themselves: cold punk. So I am cheating a bit perhaps to include them here, but hey, you don’t make the rules. And I make them up as they suit me. So here we are.
3
Blessure - Ekaitza / Sabaté 7"
Discos Enfermos
This Basque OI! Band is pretty new, with only one split, two contributions to compilations and now this single. Like Utopie, only two songs, only five minutes. Those five minutes will make you want more though. I really do hope they can keep up this level of writing music and release a killer LP someday soon. This coming from someone who doesn’t listen to too much OI! should be telling you something about the quality on offer here.
4
Cuir - s/t EP
Offside Records
Cuir plays fast paced Ramones-core with added synths. This is fast paced punk with a focus on songwriting. Something that sould not come as a surprise if you consider this is the solo project of the singer of Sordid Ship. The imagery chosen by this band, a pink leather mask, is kind of remarkable, but don’t let that distract you from what this EP has to offer.
5
Grief - Construire Le Vide
Stonehengerecords, Seitan's Hell Bike Punks
The most metal opening with ominous chords introduce you to something that I can only describe as post-hardcore with some almost black metal influences in it. This last ingredient really amps up the intensity here. The post-hardcore base makes sure this sits firmly in the punk realm and adds a sense of desperation to it. The vocals have, at times a Celeste type of intensity which really sells it to me.
6
Gurs - s/t EP
Symphony of Destruction, DDT Banaketak
This EP is the debut from four dysfunctional friends (before you accuse me of anything, this is a loose translation of their Bandcamp profile). They labeled themselves as a punk/post-punk band. I agree with that description; punk takes the drivers seat while post-punk rides shotgun. There is so much drive in these tracks! Another band I look forward to hearing more from.
7
Mausoleo - Refugio Transitorio EP
Humo
If I would have to compare this band to another I would say it reminds me of Rope Sect, but a bit more post-punk. This sound is thriving at the moment, and Mausolea have decided to join in on it and they do it well. The music paints a bleak picture that fits with a bleak outlook on the world. I don’t speak Spanish so I could not tell you if the lyrics fit this subject, but the music sure does feel very bleak.
8
Zanjeer - Parcham Buland Ast
Symphony Of Destruction
If you picture how a political uncompromising hardcore band should sound I would not be surprised if you came up with something like Zanjeer. I picture a band like Nightstick Justice if they would focus more on their punk side. Their sound signals one thing: these folks have strong opinions and are not here to make compromises. In six songs and eight minutes they tell you how it is.
9
Montaña - s/t EP
Colilla Records, Andalucía Über Alles, Producciones Tudancas, Malmai Records, Malditos Vinilos, Frontal Distribución, Tormenta de Ideas, DDT Banaketak
This Spanish band plays a slightly nervous kind of post punk. Especially when things get more upbeat (of course). This EP is their debut and it holds much promise. The opening track drags you in and the EP doesn’t let you go until it is finished. Another highlight? The second track is characterized by a steady and really strong build up. Anything to do better? Yeah, a bit more steady vocals would have landed them a higher spot on this list.
10
This list really needs some crossover thrash. Just to make sure I don’t drown you in post-punk. Inhuman Nature delivers this in spades. They add a slight death metal flavor to it through more gruff vocals and the very metal sounding guitar solos. Excellent stuff.
11
Mižerija - s/t EP
Doomtownrecords
Can I include demo’s in this list? Oh wait, I make the rules here. So yes! Yes, I can do that! And that is why you are now reading about Mižerija. This Croatian band reminds me a bit of early Bernays Propaganda, but more post-punky. What they definitely do share is the intense drive. This definitely sounds like a band that wants to see changes to the world around them. That translates to urgent music, but also a style of vocals that focusses more on translating that urgency, almost screaming their lyrics into your face. You gotta love it!
- Dennis
Best Splits Of 2022
I love split albums as they usually are a great introduction to a new band. You see, usually I will pick up a split album because I like one of the bands playing on it. That split will then serve as an introduction to the other band(s) featured on the split. Or in other cases I will pick it up because it is an easy introduction to bands that might be interesting to me. Over the past year I have listened to my fair share of splits and I present to you the best five I have heard.
1
Naedr really impressed me with their debut full length album. I was so curious to see if they could match that level of intensity and song-craft on this split. I was not disappointed. It was also my introduction to Crowning, who, in my opinion, are not at the same level as Naedr. Their side of the split was simply less memorable. It was a pleasant introduction nonetheless and I will follow the releases of this band in the future.
2
Again a split where I know one band and was so curious to see if they could deliver again. This split is something special though. Both bands wrote two songs and then handed over one of the two songs to the other band for them to complete. The end result is a very coherent EP that is one big explosion (lasting about ten minutes). Both bands have some excellent releases under their belt and Pena is a brilliant addition to both discographies.
3
This split album is an introduction to two starting Italian death metal bands. Both play their own take on the cavemen style death metal. I am a sucker for that style of Death metal. Both bands deliver the goods with only three songs each. I am looking forward to more material from both bands!
4
Nathr / Ordo Cultum Serpentis - Shadows Crawl
Signal Rex
Another split from two bands I had never heard of before. On this split, both bands play blackened funeral doom. This basically means things are slow and brooding. This split is basically the dark and broody stranger of the bunch. It takes its time, but it will drag you in. Slowly but surely. Nathr delivers the most appealing song of the two, but I also enjoy the b-side.
5
Deiquisitor / Phrenelith / Taphos / Undergang - Tetralogy Of Death
Extremely Rotten Productions
Look at the name of the label releasing this. Bear in mind that “tetralogy” means a set of four related symptoms or abnormalities frequently occurring together. Now guess the genre? Yes, we are back in disgusting death metal land. I stumbled upon this four way split because of Undergang. I love their dirty grooves. The debut of Phrenelith also left a big impression. Their second album not so much, so I was curious to see if they still had it (based on their song on this split: they do!). And after listening to this split I just had to add two bands to my list of bands to check out. In other words, a lovely split to play at parties if you feel like clearing the room.
- Dennis
Cheryl's Favourite Black Metal Splits of 2022
Splits are a great opportunity for a band to release some new music if a full length is not yet forthcoming as well as introduce fans to another band that may appeal. Splits can be used for more experimental takes or for bridging gaps in sound that may not have been so obvious before Splits are fun.
1
Crucifixion Bell / Krieg - Split
Krieg's first new music in four years and Crucifixion Bell's fifth EP since their debut full length in 2021. Opposites attract.
Listen here.
2
Grinning God / Spider God - Split
The God's come together to meld post-punk influence metal with the best of the UK underground.
Listen here.
3
Lamp Of Murmuur / Ebony Pendant - Plenilunar Requiems
Lamp Of Murmuur's raw black metal goes against Ebony Pendant's own take on the genre in this heady split.
Listen here.
4
Nightmare Ecstasy / Celestial Sword - The Wails of Winter Resound Through Desolate Eternity
Raw ambient black metal meets..... raw ambient black metal with a healthy dose of spectral synths to keep things interesting.
Listen here.
5
Blackened death doom at its finest in long-form compositions that incorporate the same motifs throughout - can you find them all?
Listen here.
- Cheryl
Five horrorpunk bands that totally killed it in 2022!
2022 has welcomed a bit of a horrorpunk revival and what a year it has been. We have seen new releases from Calabrese, Jerry Only, Mourning Noise and Wednesday 13 to name a few. Not only this but thanks to social media, YouTube and even TikTok, underground horrorpunk bands are pushing their way the fore front. Through their own dedication and passion they are bringing us the best that this vast and varied genre has to offer. The biggest advocates for horrorpunk this year have been radio shows like Horrorpunks Not Dead (Uk), Horror Punks USA and Horrorpunk Radio (NZ). Facebook groups like Horror Punks USA Spirit Squad, Horrorpunks Germany and Horrorpunks A.D becoming important platforms for bands to showcase their music and make release announcements. The biggest help for horrorpunk music and bands is us the fans...our passion and dedication to seek out and listen to as much as we possibly can is second to none so keep up the good work ghouls and keeping doing what you're doing to help get the horrorpunk infection spread worldwide!!
Here is a little list of some horrorpunk bands that I think have really gone above and beyond in 2022.
1
The Deathtones
I don't think any other band out there this year has managed to pull off as much as The Deathtones have! This year they have independently released not one, not two... but eight records over the course of 2022. That's 4 EPs and 4 singles. That in itself is impressive but not only can The Deathtones knock out quality horrorpunk tunes, keeping everything dark and macabre but seasonally themed too. They have brought out an EP in tribute to serial killers with "American Monster" but they have also dedicated an EP to Stephen King "Hail To The King", a single for thanksgiving with "Thankskilling" and even a Christmas album "Horrordays". They have done all that and still found time to spread the good word of horrorpunk in numerous interviews even taking time out to feature in our very own Upcoming Talent in August this year. 2022 has been a great year for Horrorpunks finest horror villains!
2
Lex Luger
Spains answer to Brandon Lee and Davey Havok, Lex Luger is the solo project of one of the members of Spanish band Los Lugers. It's the spooky 80s synthwave meets 90s punk rock that creates layers of mind blowing, indulgent horror movie themed music that is just great to listen to. I know very little about the man behind Lex Luger, he seems pretty elusive but that just makes him all the more interesting. Rey Del Terror is his first album (I think) and is completely dedicated to Stephen King. As well as this he released three singles this year. Two in homage to some great horror movies "Childs Play"and "Maniac" then his version of "Temple Of Love" by The Sisters Of Mercy.
3
Boogeyman
Unique and quirky band Boogeyman from Arizona not only ran with the horrorpunk idea but went to extremes by not only writing their debut self titled album about their very own horror story but also created a book to accompany it. The 49 page book "The Devils Song" breathes even more life to the story we are already familiar with from the album, that's true dedication to the cause!
4
Von Boldt
It's been a full on year for Las Vegas horror movie heavy metal band Von Boldt. Off the back of their "The Nightstalker Demos" EP the band are gaining momentum and have a brand new full length album in the making for the new year. Track 3 "The Night is Dark and full of Terrors" is a wonderful horrorpunk style tune, spooky, haunting and ridiculously catchy this track opened up my ears to Von Boldt and I like what I heard!
5
Creeper
Southampton based goth/glammers welcomed back their horrorpunk vibe with the release of brand new spooky singalong single "Ghost Brigade" coupled with the announcement that they have signed to Spinefarm Records. I have missed hearing Will Gould blasting his unique theatrical vocals as loud as he can making you wanna dance like no one is watching! Welcome back Creeper.
- Sarah Jane
Top 5 Best Records From Asia Region In 2022
I would assume that no one's gonna write for some Asian band's releases in this webzine so I think it would be awesome for me to throw out the idea and I hope that this article would broaden out some readers about this small Asian music scene.
The year 2022 is pretty much a mixed taste of the Asian scene. Some bands were putting out a good record during the pandemic and some bands also "tend to state a hiatus" (Yes you know life is hard sometimes). These are some good records I would assume are worth checking and getting a highlight for being Best Records of the year
1
Singapore is believed for being a place that always producing good emo bands since year 2000's and I guess that's not a hyperbolic word to say. As a matter of fact that Singaporean bands never stopped to impress everyone. So glad that Xingfoo&Roy put out something new this year and honestly I've been taking a notice of this band since they put out the EP Late To The Party. The band has put out cool tracks ever since and one of them is the awaited "Green Around The Gills".
Among so many twinkle bands around the globe, I would say that only a few of them were good at songwriting. Xingfoo&Roy putting what's best for them to write songs on this LP which resulting heavily rotated songs compiled on "Green Around The Gills". These are songs that'll get you shed tears during the solitary pandemic days.
2
I'm not a big fan of indie pop or city pop music but Sobs' "Air Guitar" is a perfect record. So perfect that even a person like me, who's not into indie-pop or city pop music, would love this record. Sobs is a band that has been existing since 2017 and I remember the first time I listened to the band's song "Girl". I found this band via youtube recommendation after streaming into Forest's live recorded performance! Yes I know it's weird indeed.
The band took a break for 4 years to produce a new album and I did assume that this band has gone forever! This year Sobs produced an infecting city pop album that anyone should check out. No wonder a label like Topshelf Records would get this band a release offer and I think the label has just done the right thing. The LP comprises 8 new songs with one 1 cover song from Gwen Stefani. This album offers you non-stop sweet melodies and city pop tunes that'll get you to play them over and over again. I'm not bullshiting about this.
3
I guess what makes the Japanese emo scene a bit different than any other place in Asia is that the scene has always been consistent in maintaining its songwriting and musical style. One of the examples is without. We know that twinkle emo music style is an emo music style that has its biggest fan today and without's "Be Corny" is a record that is worth getting a highlight for its consistency bringing a mixture of emo sound and punk rock.
Two bands that I would like to take compare for this album are Jawbreaker and Hot Water Music. I wouldn't say this band sounds alike to those two bands but without, on this album, totally knows how to put a good mix between punk rock and emo.
4
Well, I never know how everyone would get a definition of Eggpunk, or at least I discovered it through word of mouth from friends on the local scene. The Jansen is one of the biggest and most favorite local acts on the Indonesian scene today. And by the qualities of the songs they write, I guess the album "Banal Semakin Binal" is stuff that is worth checking by everyone around the globe.
Through "Banal Semakin Binal", The Jansen has been successfully emulating the velocity of punk 77 with some Buzzcocks/The Undertones heavy-driven melody vocals. The album contains 12 tracks that'll get you non-stop dancing and singalongs.
5
Among many subgenres of punk music, American early 80's hardcore punk style is a music style that grows vast and major in Indonesia's music scene. So I would like to put out the stuff from the scene on this list and both bands are 2 of my favorite bands on the local hardcore punk scene, Hong! & Toast.
Hong! is a band that is recognized by its intensity and velocity among all the songs it produced. Let's say you could hear Circle Jerks singing in Bahasa as you take to listen to their songs. And their splitmate on this release, Toast would present more straight punching tunes on this split compared to their previous stuff which incorporates a bit of emotive element. You will 100% get mosh to this one I promise you!
- Rizkan A.M.
Top 5 Concerts of 2022 I Saw From the Cheap Seats
As I get older, I grow tired and sometimes just want to sit back and enjoy the show. I also hate the idea of spending hundreds of dollars for a few hours of entertainment. To top things off, the major ticketing clients have opted to use a sliding scale system for their tickets. Miss out on the first thousand tickets or so, and you're stuck staring at over-priced "Platinum" tickets. However, for some shows, I don't really care where I'm at and I just don't want to miss the show. That's where the cheap seats come into play. 2022 was the year when I stopped caring where I was sitting and decided to just get some seats up in the nosebleeds so as to not miss a show I was interested in. Often, I even just bought the tix a few hours before the show through third parties at a major discount. Here are the top 5 concerts I saw from the cheap seats.
1
Iron Maiden @ Honda Center
My dad and I always talked about seeing Iron Maiden together. Unfortunately, he passed before we had a chance to see them together. This year, when Iron Maiden announced their Legacy of the Beast Tour, I knew I wasn't going to miss it. It just so happened to roll through town on the anniversary of my dad's death. This show was everything I could hope for and more. Loaded with mindblowing stage props and setups and even full-stage transformations between songs. One moment there was a giant samurai Eddie roaming around the stage and a few moments later there was a giant airplane hovering around the stage. It made watching the show from the nosebleeds every bit as entertaining as if I had been on the floor. If you have not seen Iron Maiden yet, take any opportunity that comes up.
2
Ghost/Volbeat/Twin Temple @ Footprint Center
Just before Ghost released their 5th studio album, Impera, earlier this year, the band toured across the states with Volbeat and Twin Temple. Twin Temple's Satanic Doo-wop ditties were the perfect warm-up. While I'm not really into Volbeat, it was fun to watch their projection show and hear their fans sing along, but of course, Ghost were unmatched. Full of costume changes, guitar duels, and spectacle, It's the type of show Ghost are built for and the production can only continue to grow.
- Aaron H
3
My Chemical Romance @ The Kia Forum
Two years after it was initially supposed to happen, My Chemical Romance finally embarked on their reunion tour this year, with it all culminating in 5 nights at LA's Kia Forum. All the stars aligned the night my wife and I attended. I nabbed some decent seats under face value from a third-party site about 3 hours before showtime. What wasn't originally announced was that they would be focusing on each album in the band's career each night, and I was lucky enough to land on the Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge night.
- Aaron H
4
Orville Peck @ The Greek Theater
I saw Orville Peck 3 times this year, but the best had to have been this past November for his Annual "Rodeo" at The Greek Theater. The production was ramped up with a unique lighting setup, which made watching from further back more entertaining. The highlight was when he tapped into his punk roots and played a Country-cover of Rancid's "Olympia, WA."
- Aaron H
5
Danzig/Tiger Army @ Toyota Arena
I had never seen Danzig before, and when he announced that he'd be playing Lucifuge in full, I knew I had to see it. It was a huge bonus that Tiger Army, a band I spent much of my teens seeing often, would be the direct support. Half the fun of seeing Danzig was playing "how many fights are gonna break out?" I believe I counted 8 that night.
- Aaron H
I encourage you to browse the resale sites for cheap tickets on the day of the show. You may end up in the boonies, but there's a certain camaraderie amongst everyone up there. People just looking to have a good time and enjoy a show, or people who love the band as much as the privileged on the floor front and center but don't want to miss their chance to see them. At the end of the night, odds are you won't be disappointed.
Top 5 Riot Grrrl Releases of 2022
While the message has evolved in the last three decades to parse a more inclusive take on the original Riot Grrrl values, the medium has remained the same- electric guitar, a DIY mindset and staunchly feminist lyrics. Despite Sleater-Kinney’s and Le Tigre’s best efforts Riot Grrrl was delegated to the morgue of long dead genres by the 2010s along with Nu-Metal and Ska. Bikini Kill founder and Riot Grrrl legend Kathleen Hanna’s 2013 documentary "The Punk Singer" rekindled interest in the genre, along with artists like The Coathangers and Slutever. Today in 2022 the genre and surrounding subculture are alive and well. Here are the best examples of Riot Grrrl this year:
1
Big Joanie- Back Home
Kill Rock Stars, 2022
Legendary, and oft troubled, label Kill Rock Stars released Big Joanie’s second LP this past November. Punk energy and ethos mixes with 60’s era harmonies and spacey strings to create the trio’s strongest release yet. Poetic lyrics and soaring melodies keep the LP feeling fresh. The group risked a more electronic sound on this record in a move that not only paid off but spoke volumes of their creativity.
2
The Regrettes- Further Joy
Warner Records, 2022
More pop than their previous releases, The Regrettes’ Further Joy, doesn’t lose its Riot Grrrl bite. The album is packed with emotional complexity around dense topics like body dysmorphia and sexuality. Shiny riffs and twinkling guitars may not sound like the Riot Grrrl trademarks of the past but The Regrettes aren’t scared of rewriting the genre in their image.
3
The title speaks for itself on the most straightforward Riot Grrrl album of the year. Although, straightforward doesn’t mean boring, look no further than scream along romp Girl Sports if you need evidence. Teen Jesus preach feminist enlightenment with snarling guitars, hard drums and snarky lyrics.
4
The Linda Lindas- Growing Up
Epitaph, 2022
The Linda Lindas catapulted to fame earlier this year with their viral video for “Racist, Sexist Boy” which garnered praise from the likes of Thurston Moore, Hayley Williams and Kathleen Hanna. After opening for Bikini Kill on a string of tour dates this year, The Linda Lindas covered Riot Grrrl anthem "Rebel Girl". Growing Up was released in April of this year on Epitaph. Teenage angst mixes with power chords and raw anger on the critically acclaimed album.
5
Petrol Girls- Baby
Hassle, 2022
Intelligent chaos-punk at its finest, Petrol Girls released their third EP this year. Laced with lyrics about immigration and sexual violence that burn alongside fuzzy riffs and massive drums. The scorching vocals would sound as natural on an original 70s punk dirge as they do here.
- Delaney
Along with these vibrant new releases, Sleater-Kinney reminded us why we should respect our elders with "Dig Me In: A Dig Me Out Covers Album"- featuring acts like The Linda Lindas and Big Joanie alongside them. 2022 didn’t disappoint with singles from Dream Wife, Girl Friday and Margaritas Podridas. Lauded grunge/Riot Grrrl act Skating Polly are also back in the studio working on their next album. This year featured a mix of past, present and future Riot Grrrl royalty with 2023 looking just as promising.
