Stories
2022 | ElektroSpank Editors Favorite Albums
The sounds that ElektroSpank editors have listened to, the most, in 2022!
2023 is here but 2022 gave so many things in the music scene we love. A year that has been marked from events that will be valued in later time and from the history. Events that affected everyone. Events that affected society and every day life.
However, regarding the music and our passion, 2022 was a year that had given a variety of things, feelings, surprises, etc. There were releases that will, perhaps, define the future, in a way, first for the artists themselves and then for the genre. Releases that stood out and impressed. Releases that disappointed the listener. Albums that pushed the lines and crossed lines. Legendary bands that returned with some really great albums. And all these will be the legacy of 2022 to us.
Furthermore, 2022 had the return to the live shows and concerts. A music celebration that it was, so much, missed during the years of pandemic and lock-downs. All sides, bands, artists, crews, labels and of course the audience gave their best to gain some of the lost time and get back in touch with each others.
For ElektroSpank, 2022, was a year that took our blog to another level. We had the beginning of our collaboration with Maria Leon Papadaki, a strong asset for us. We had the honor to be among the 5 best industrial blogs in the world. And, of course, we ended the year with the most important event for us, our anniversary and charity event, "ElektroSpank In Concert -For Kids Cancer", where all proceeds was given to support children with cancer and their families. A live show with three of the best projects in the scene, Night Haze, The Man & His Failures and Night In Athens.
So, the time has come for ElektroSpank editors to sit and make their selections and to decide. A difficult work since there are so many good releases. A list that could be read from top to bottom and vice versa. All albums included in here are unique at their own way and mark the hard work, the strong emotion and the love of the people behind them. Therefore we would all like to thank the bands and the artists for these beautiful moments in 2022.
This is also an opportunity for me to thank my friends and partners here in ElektroSpank for all the hard work through the year. And of course a big thank you to all of you that you made ElektroSpank what it is today.
Dear friends I present you the favorite albums list of ElektroSpank - Online Music Magazine editors!
Marlen Moisidou & Thomas Karigas (Geisterwelt Nights)
1. HOCICO - HYPERVIOLENT
The dark electro duo from Mexico who always success.
2. DUCTAPE - RUH
When emotions are expressed through cold melodies in a unique way.
3. PRIEST - BODY MACHINE
The mysterious band Priest will throw you into the neon lights of 80´s sci-fi mixed with gothic soundscapes.
4. A PROJECTION - IN A DIFFERENT LIGHT
Pure post punk from the 80's, so powerfully addictive
5. SUGAR FOR THE PILL - WANDERLUST
Extremly good melodies and vocals!
6. LIA HIDE - THE MISSING FORTH GUEST
'A dark romantic and at the same time melancholic dream takes you on a journey to another era'
7. NOROMAKINA - VILE VORTEX
Dark and mysterious atmosphere with a lot of power
8. SEXTILE - Modern Weekend / Contortion(2 tracks)
The party is here Dance with them!
9. KITTIN & THE HACKER - THIRD
Like the good old Miss Kittin & The Hacker recipe, sensual lazy voice and atmospheric electroclash beats!
10. DEAD LIGHTS - DOOM DOOM TRASH
Electronic dance sound with punk energy and catchy lyricism!
1. VANDAL MOON - QUEEN OF THE NIGHT
What makes a top 1st album ? Its refined quality of multidimensional sounds ? Its darkly emotional lyrics based on a concept of being young in a world that falls apart? Perfectly delightful Vocals? Sure, especially when these traits are met in all 12 tracks. One of the best purchases one could make this year.
2. EUROPEAN GHOST - NO PEACE, NO SLEEP, NO SHELTER
Dark, mystical,edgy but ethereal at the same time could be a short description for the last European ghost excellent album. Least I can say is that listening to it is an utterly exciting experience .
3. KILL SHELTER - ASYLUM
Kill Shelter,a well known master of the electronic darkwave sounds could give us nothing less than a killer album. Collaborations with some of the finest artists of the dark scene make it an instant attraction and a confirmation of another artistically mastered outcome from Pete Burns.
4. MINUIT MACHINE - 24
Their name brings to mind dark explosive electronic music full of emotions and passion. This album is no exception to what we're used to getting from the French band.. They give us 7 new reasons to get once more addicted to their sounds.
5. THE SECRET FRENCH POSTCARDS - LIFE GOT CLAWS
Another brilliant release of 22' is definitely this album from the great Swedish band. "We strive for a happy life,but life has its claws" they claim,but rest assured that listening to these brilliant dark pop punk sounds can only bring blissful emotions.
6. IAMTHESHADOW - THE WIDE STARLIGHT
When this beloved Portuguese band releases an album it's almost certain to make it to a lot of yearly top lists. Always giving us something fresh while never changing the emotional journey they take us on with the lovely sounds and lyrics, let alone Pedro's voice which is a masterpiece on its own.
7. MIDNIGHT COMPUTERS - ROMANTIC DISASTER
Coming back with their second album; describing it as dark electronic adventures at the heart of human weaknesses,gives us a hint of what to expect. All that wrapped up in coldwave , vigorous and danceable sounds challenging us to follow the rhythm.
8. OCTOBER BURNS BLACK - TWO WORLDS COLLIDE
One of the most favourite gothic bands finally released a new full album which has all the right traits to make it a classic. Powerful and genuine gothic sounds to uplift your spirits. Lyrics to make you think and deep vocals to spoil your ears.
9. REVENGE BODY - CHIRON
This is a case of a quite new artist who must have been around for some time. His last album though really made a difference. When all 8 tracks tick the boxes of great danceable , electronic sounds, beautiful lyrics and dark, delightful vocals ,I have a good reason to add it to my list.
10. SUGAR FOR THE PILL - WANDERLUST
Last,but not in any case least,a mainly shoegaze, dream pop sound from the Greek band's debut album which made quite an impression for its lavish melodies,soul deep lyrics and vibrant energy.Worth taking your time to bask in it.
1. A PROJECTION - IN A DIFFERENT LIGHT
Radically different from their previous full length album, the Stockholm based band manages to give an amazing LP choosing to dive more into the 80s-like synths and wave, built onto their strong post-punk roots. Rousing sounds filled with emotions, lyricism, tense and dressed with solid arrangements and beautiful vocals.
2. L'ARME BLANCHE - EGOTRIPES
A unique dark industrial project from France giving a different view on the beats with its rap influences.
3. OTHER VOICES - UNDER CONTROL
Post-punk that balances perfectly between dark synthesizers, melancholic bass lines and gothic rock riffs.
4. MISFORTUNES - THE BRILLIANT ENDINGS
Misfortunes are taking us into a space trip with the amazing sci-fi synth sounds in the new full length album, "Brilliant Endings".
5. OCTOBER BURNS BLACK - TWO WORLDS COLLIDE
"Two Worlds Collide" is actually two gothic eras united. Gloomy traditional goth rock arrangement in modern lines.
6. INCIRRINA - LIP LED SCREAM
Incirrina released their second full length bringing even more power in their analogue darkness.
7. PARADOX OBSCUR - MORPHOGENESIS
First album via Metropolis and the dark synth duo releases an elegant electronic album filled with dancefloor hits.
8. SYDNEY VALETTE - HOME ALONE
Sydney Valette returns with a really strong album. Strong in performance, interpretations and emotions. A solid album, intense, which it maintains even in its most melodic parts.
9. STRANGER DREAMS - AFTER THE RAVEN HAS DIED FOR THE DOVE
Atmospheric gothic rock built on electronic elements.
10. GOSPELHEIM - RITUAL & REDEMPTION
One of the best debut album in 2022 comes from Manchester and the UK based quartet, Gospelheim. With a variety and a blend in their sound that could take you from dark rock to extraordinary gothic metal keeping a mystery and an intense ambience.
Marlen Moisidou & Thomas Karigas (Geisterwelt Nights)
1. GRIMDELUXE - DONKER
Favourite tracks: "Fire Walk With Me" , "No Love", "One Night Away"
2. MISFORTUNES - BRILLIANT ENDINGS
Favourite tracks: "When The Night Falls", "Android", "Burdens"
3. THEN COMES SILENCE - HUNGER
Favourite tracks: "Rise To The Bait", "Ticket To Funerals", "Worm"
4. SILENT RUNNERS - STATUES & ORMAMENTS
Favourite tracks: " Go On","Nothing Stays The Same", "My Truth"
5. THE GATHERING - PARADE
Favourite tracks: "Love Songs","Empires","Teardrop Parade"
6. LEFT FOR PLEASURE - HUMAN CONTRACT
Favourite tracks: "Blue Eyes", "Hinter Schweren Gedanken", "Angeldust"
7. FALSE FIGURE - CASTIGATIONS
Favourite tracks: "Sadist Lament", "Plexus", "Faim"
8. VANDAL MOON - QUEEN OF THE NIGHT
Favourite tracks: "Sweet Disaster", "Young.Deadly.Beautiful","Queen Of The Night"
9. THEY DIE - EMPTINESS PREVAILS
Favourite tracks: "Absolution", "Done done done", "Everything That Burns"
10. OCTOBER BURNS BLACK - TWO WORLDS COLLIDE
Favourite tracks: "Divide and Conquer", "The Grand Leveller", "Black Veil"
11. PRINCIPE VALIANTE - BARRICADES
Favourite tracks: "I Am You", "Tears In Different Colors", "Porcelain"
12. AGE O.P.F - 7
Favourite tracks: "A Secret Smile", "Hirnkastriert", "You Leave Me Bleeding"
13. CLOSED MOUTH - UNRELEASED
Favourite tracks: " Another Life", "No movement" , "Toxic Face"
14. A PROJECTION - IN A DIFFERENT LIGHT
Favourite tracks: "No Control", "Darwin's Eden", "Careless"
15. DEAD SOULS RISING - MIROIR ILLUSIONS
Favourite tracks: "Triangle", "House Of Love", "Falling Down"
16. INCIRRINA - LIP LED SCREAM
Favourite tracks: "Dance Of The Dark", "Careworn Face", "Not Live"
17. PARADOX OBSCUR - MORPHOGENESIS
Favourite tracks: "Animal Reactor", "Wild Silk", "Evo-Devo"
18. MALEFIXIO - MAGIA CEREMONIAL
Favourite tracks: "La Sombra", "Behind You", "Éter"
19. PAURA DIAMANTE - TANGO
Favourite tracks: "Vampires", "Berlin", "Tango"
20. WHEN THE ROSES DIE - LOVE UNTIL DEATH
Favourite tracks: "My Heart Dies", "Second Of You", "Go To The Moon"
