What a year for music. For the first time in a long time, I discovered new bands this year that have quickly become favorites. I also enjoyed music from past bands that continue to release fresh, engaging tracks. Read on for my favorite songs of 2022, in alphabetical order. There are so many more that I could have included. Reach out to me on social media and give me your picks!

• Alter Bridge, "Sin After Sin"

  I can always count on Alter Bridge to deliver with new music. “Sin After Sin” is one of my favorite songs off their new album, “Pawns & Kings,” because it has a cool, dark and moody character. Myles Kennedy sounds fantastic on the song, as always, and the rest of the band members are also in top form.

• Bad Omens, "Concrete Jungle"

  I have a problem. I can’t stop listening to Bad Omens. Their new record, “The Death of Peace of Mind,” is one of the most special releases I’ve heard. “Concrete Jungle” is a standout, with haunting, atmospheric textures and a breakdown so heavy it will rip your heart out.

• Bad Omens, "The Death of Peace of Mind"

  Yep, I’m putting Bad Omens on this list twice. It’s my list, and I can do what I want with it! In all seriousness, the band deserves to be on my list twice, because they are definitely the band I’ve listened to the most this year. Their latest album’s title track, “The Death of Peace of Mind,” is a sonic masterpiece, slowly building from a soft, eerie electronic ballad to a hard-charging metal-core anthem.

• Falling in Reverse, "Voices in My Head"

  I have yet to hear a Falling in Reverse song that I don’t like. These guys always are tight and deliver rousing heavy music. They’re incredible live, too. I would be remiss to not mention that their touring guitarist, Max Georgiev, plays an awesome guitar solo on my band Upon Wings’ 2021 single, “Eternal Way.” But, back to Falling in Reverse. “Voices in My Head” is another fantastic song for them.

• Halestorm, "Back from the Dead"

  Lzzy Hale and Halestorm always deliver strong music, and the title track off their latest album is a shining example of that. It’s great to see how Lzzy and the crew have evolved throughout the years, and while they started out strong, they’re only getting better.

• Megadeth, "Dogs of Chernobyl"

  I was so impressed by Megadeth’s new album, “The Sick, the Dying…and the Dead.” Every song on there is a banger. “Dogs of Chernobyl” is a favorite, with its epic textures and unique storyline.

• Metallica, “Lux Æterna”

  Truth be told, “Lux Æterna” isn’t my favorite Metallica song. But, it’s one of my favorite of the year because of what it represents: Metallica aren’t going anywhere. I hope they have some more melodic tracks on the upcoming record, but this one still rocks.

• Red Hot Chili Peppers, "Black Summer"

  The Red Hot Chili Peppers were one of the first rock bands I really got into. I think the first stuff I heard from them was actually off “Californication.” What a great record. “Black Summer” reminds me of classic Peppers, and I heart it.

• Shinedown, "Planet Zero"

  Shinedown is one of the first bands I ever played on the radio. They’re still one of the most popular bands in active rock radio, too. The title track off their new record, “Planet Zero,” is another chart-topper from Brent Smith, Zach Myers and the guys.

• The Devil Wears Prada, "Broken"

  I’m so happy that The Devil Wears Prada are still making music. They’re one of the “last bands standing” when it comes to those early, Christian metal-core type artists on the Solid State label. At least, that’s how I see it. “Broken” is so different for them and very melodic.

• Upon Wings, "Last Love"

  Totally shameless self-promotion here. I’m putting “Last Love,” the title track off my band’s latest EP, as one of my favorite songs of the year, because I’m so proud that I was able to get new music out this year. The song features Kevin Jardine on guitars and Pepe Clarke Magaña of Kyng on drums. Check it out!

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