MUSIC 2022: TOP 6 non-album releases

Before I get to the big main category post you are for sure all desperately waiting for. *harrumph* Here is the "best of the rest" music ranking of 2022!

In consideration for this list were basically all physical items, which aren't albums (studio, live or reissues). Arguable exceptions are split and compilation releases, which some might define as albums, but which I included here nonetheless, because my list, my rules. Other stuff considered were EPs and singles, even though no seven inch ultimately made it here.

I actually didn't buy a lot of any of those formats, so in relation to the total it would already feel excessive to rank more than these six favorites.

TOP 7 NON-ALBUM RELEASES 2022:

1. MIZMOR - Wit's End
   
   
   
   While the atmospheric experimental drone of the B side "Paradolia" scores as an interesting deviation from Mizmor's usual sound, it obviously is the quarter-hour long title track which (of course in slow motion) catapults this EP to the top of this little ranking. "Wit's End" is a sludgy, blackened Funeral Doom threnody, which not only stands out in the subgenre, but is hands-down one of the best things ever in Doom Metal as a whole. A beautifully bleak and hopeless masterpiece!
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. TEMPLE FANG - Jerusalem / The Bridge
   
   
   
   Yes, I've only just refused to write a proper detailed review about this EP a couple of days ago. And the fact that these epic twenty-two minutes of fantastic Motorpsycho masterclass Psychedelic Blues Prog Power Rock tells you more in moments of listening yourself than any of my attempts to capture this greatness in words ever could - that hasn't changed one bit. With their first actual studio release the Dutch band spectacularly proves that they are not only among the greatest live acts around today, but can also capture their magic off stage. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. ELONMUSK / ELECTRIC MOON / KUNGENS MÄN / KANAAN - International Space Station Vol. 1
   
   
   
   Is it a compilation or 4-way split? Who really cares! What matters is that this extends far beyond one hour (digitally even longer) with just four magnificient tracks for zoning out. The international crew of psychedelic / space rock bands curated by Electric Moon / Worst Bassist Records' Komet Lulu compliments each other perfectly and creates a continuous great flow. Ultimately this double album possibly is among the best of any kind of this year's releases in the genre. Fly, Space Station, fly!
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. LUSTMORD - The Others [Lustmord Deconstructed]
   
   
   
   You don't necessarily need to know Lustmord's original 2008 album "Other" to tremendously enjoy this mammoth 130 minutes tribute by a staggering gathering of artists from Årabrot to Zola Jesus. Sixteen bands and artists give these dark ambient compositions new spins in their respective languages. A compilation which features Mono, Godflesh, Bohren & der Club of Gore, Ulver, Steve von Till, Jo Quail... That alone should raise expecations. "The Others" exceeds them by far.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. QRIXKUOR - Zoetrope
   
   
   
   Ok, please cut me some slack with my "only physical items" rule! This one is superimposed over the picture above, because it's a December release and I'm still waiting for the CD. But of course I already know that it will be worth the wait, because this one track / twenty-four minute behemoth of overwhelming chaotic cavernous Blackened Death Metal continues just where the brilliant 2021 album "Poison Palinopsia" left off - but now with even a lot more sick symphonic Classical elements. A reeking maelstrom of cosmic madness. Flush me to hell!
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
6. OTTONE PESANTE - ...And The Black Bells Rang
   
   
   
   Between relentless Grindcore, frantic Sludge, Mathcore, Jazz, majestic Neo-Classical Post Rock, Blackgaze and brutal Prog Ottone Pesante take us on quite a rollercoaster in the not even twenty minutes of this EP. That the Italian trio does this solely with drums and brass instruments - as "a lovechild of Sons Of Kemet and Naked City staring Into the Pandemonium" - is of course a bonus, which makes this also awesome live band extra special. This release is the ideal starting point for digging into their discography.