Where does the time go? 2022 can be called the comeback year of all time, with virtually every band on the planet getting back on track post-COVID. So it was one helluva year for heavy metal as the releases started to pour in and the bands started to hit your town after nearly three years of madness. It is time to unveil our annual BravePicks countdown, where the devout scribes at BraveWords cast their votes at the hits and misses of the year! So who will be our #1? You’ll find out as we count down the BravePick Of 2022 each day in December! 

Everybody has an opinion and it’s time for ours! And stay tuned in January for the writers’ individual Top 20s (new studio albums ONLY), Top 5 Brave Embarrassments (a fan favorite!), What/Who Needs To Stop In 2022? and Metal Predictions For 2022. All will be showcased come the New Year!

First up, the best of the best for 2022 begins NOW! And we begin with the six releases bubbling under our top 30. 

BravePicks 2022

27) SCORPIONS -Rock Believer (Vertigo)

 

A sting with deadliest venom. Germany’s greatest export the Scorpions still have potency in their tail as the legendary rockers returned with their first album in 7 years, Rock Believer. And there’s much to believe in as the Scorps bring vibrant rockers like “Gas In The Tank” and “Hot And Cold” along with electric doomsday in “Seventh Sun” and “Call Of The Wild” that hearkens back to their smoldering ‘80s material. Mikkey Dee infuses much needed energy behind the kit as he fits in seamlessly with the group.

Rock Believer rightfully takes its spot at #27. 

Scribe Nick Balazs wrote in his review:

 Engine sounds begin opener “Gas In The Tank”, a cruising rocker to set the stage and contains self-referential lyrics and the guys out to prove they do indeed have much more to give musically. “Roots In My Boots” and “Knock ‘Em Dead” continue the theme of rock ‘n’ roll being in their blood and living that lifestyle. The former has a drab chorus, but musically rips while the latter contains screaming solo work. Single and title track is made for the live crowd; an anthem for all those who supported them and their music for all these years. Can easily seeing Klaus beckoning the crowd to scream, “I’m a rock believer!”

Rock Believer spreads its wings on the middle tracks and really takes off. “Shining Of Your Soul” begins with an eerie, almost sinister main riff that bounces into a laid, back reggae rhythm reminiscent of Lovedrive’s “Is There Anybody There?” Fantastic way they meld both aspects together. It becomes even better with “Seventh Sun” coming in with that “China White” vibe. A thumping bass opens up into a mammoth, huge riff with Meine’s vocals almost haunting in the chorus. This is Scorpions at their best! Maybe Dee’s influence gave them a kick in the ass! “Hot And Cold” holds that classic Scorpions swagger and would fit right on Love At First Sting.

BravePicks 2022 Top 30

27) SCORPIONS - Rock Believer (Vertigo)
28) CORPSEGRINDER - Corpsegrinder (Perseverance)
29) SLASH FEATURING MYLES KENNEDY & THE CONSPIRATORS - 4 (Gibson / BMG)
30) NORDJEVEL - Gnavhòl (Indie)
31) WITCHERY – Nightside (Century Media)
32) ABBATH - Dread Reaver (Season of Mist)
33) AMON AMARTH - The Great Heathen Army (Metal Blade)
34) RECKLESS LOVE – Turbo Rider (AFM) 
35) GOATWHORE – Angels Hung From The Arches Of Heaven (Metal Blade)
36) CAVE IN – Heavy Pendulum (Relapse)