No I'm not referring to a group of fictional supernatural high-schoolers, but rather bands that don't quite fit into any specific mold and shine through their weirdness and experimentation :
1.) Chat Pile - God's Country :
The most unsettling and upsetting album to come out of 2022, straight up.
2.) Crippling Alcoholism - When the Drugs That Made You Sick Are the Drugs That Make You Better :
Not far behind Chat Pile's claim to most unsettling release ; prepare for a gloomy and depressing journey into the darkest corners of Man's psyche.
3.) GGGOLDDD - This Shame Should Not Be Mine :
Upsetting and uncomfortable due to the intimate nature of its topic; yet ultimately this record feels like a triumph over adversity and shines through its experimental electronic sound design.
4.) Holy Fawn - Dimensional Bleed :
Finally something more positive and uplifting on this list, with a cohesive mix of a multitude of modern alternative music genres that build a lush and gorgeous ensemble.
5.) Gilla Band - Most Normal :
The most abrasive entry of their discography for a band known for the harshness of their noise rock sound; if you have sensitive ears this one ain't for you.
6.) black midi - Hellfire :
Not as cohesive as last year's Cavalcade imo, but black midi's unpredictably chaotic musicianship remains a marvel.
7.) Ho99o9 - SKIN :
Horrorcore, noise, industrial hip-hop/metal, hardcore punk... Yeah, this is the sonic equivalent of a molotov cocktail tossed in the middle of a grimy moshpit.
8.) KEN mode - NULL :
More on the slow-burn side of things but my god does this record feel menacing and oppressive.
9.) Zeal & Ardor - Zeal & Ardor :
One of the most original and refreshing experimental acts blending styles that would never have met otherwise and manages not only to make it work but make it appealing to a wide, varied audience.
10.) Imperial Triumphant - Spirit of Ecstasy :
Definitely didn't click with me the way Alphaville did and to be completely honest, I'm still not sure whether I even actually like the record but I can't help but admire the mastery behind the maddening cacophony.
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