This year has brought a lot of change to our society in the wake of the pandemic. One of my favorite aspects of 2022 was the resurgence of great rock bands and the noticeable growth in indie bands. A lot of music material that was put on hold has been released this year and will continue next year. Additionally, the Christian metal scene has also had a fantastic year for new music. Honorable mentions this year also include Manafest, Stryper, Collision of Innocence, Demon Hunter, and Honor & Glory.
As we see the end of the year near, I wanted to take some time to highlight some of my favorite rock songs of 2022. I hope you have found some bands that you love throughout 2022 with the Christian Rock Recaps, and through our Rock playlists on Spotify and Apple Music, with plenty more to come next year–right here at NewReleaseToday.
Kutless - "Words of Fire"
One of the most exciting releases of this year was Kutless' comeback to their rock and roll roots with "Words of Fire." This single may not break the mold for the rock scene but it promises more rock to come from Kutless which will shake up the Christian rock world. "Words of Fire" is a prime example of Kutless' commitment to Biblical truths while making rock music that competes with the best bands in Christian rock. This is a promising release; we are very excited to see more rock music from Kutless in 2023!
Skillet - "Surviving The Game"
The legendary rock band Skillet launched in 2022 with a great rock album titled Dominion. A unique song on the new record is "Surviving the Game." While most of the album continued the modern rock formula that Skillet has cemented into their style, this single showed off an exciting stylistic change to their sound. It kicks off Dominion with a great start and the rest follow suit in expected Skillet rock and roll excellency. Modern and long-term fans of Skillet will find some songs on Dominion that they will love; maybe "Surviving the Game" will be your favorite, like it is mine. Here's to many more years in Skillet's iconic rock music future.
Bayless - "Searchlights"
The husband-wife duo of Bayless is garnering a lot of well-earned attention in the last few years. Their 2019 EP, Ready, Aim, demonstrated an outstanding style of melodic hard rock. They continued to grow in this musical style with the 2021 single "Sojourner" and a Christmas cover. Their single "Searchlights" which was released earlier this year continues to prove that they have a sound that fans are loving. Rising to #1 on the Christian Rock Billboard charts is no small feat, thanks to the solid mix and melodious hard rock that the band is mastering. Bayless' music is certainly something to pay attention to and support.
Chaotic Resemblance - "Fairest Jesus"
Reminiscent of the hard rock of decades past, Chaotic Resemblance brings a modern flair to a sound forgotten to time. The soaring vocals, the flurry of guitar riffs, and Biblically-driven lyrics all combine to create an excellent musical journey in the new record: Nazarites. Believers will resonate with the messages within and feel empowered and encouraged in their spiritual walk. Their aggressive style of rock and roll delivers the messages well and showcases continued musical growth from the band. "Fairest Jesus" is an older single, albeit softer than most of the record, but showcases their talents well. Chaotic Resemblance is one of my favorite bands in the modern rock scene because they are different and excel at what they do.
Relentless Flood - "In Your Wake"
Relentless Flood is a very consistent Christian rock band; continually improving its musical excellence over the last decade. Their music explores some of the most difficult and dark times of a spiritual journey while pointing to hope throughout it all. They continue to impress with their clean mixes, solid production, and writing of relatable rock songs. "In Your Wake" is from the recent EP Echoes. Their southern influence from North Carolina blends into their hard rock grit with skillful musicianship. Every release from Relentless Flood is great and I expect the best is yet to come.
Nate Parrish - "God Knows"
Modern rock and roll music is one of my favorite genres to listen to, but I love when someone comes along and makes an outstanding record with a different genre in this rock-dominated scene. Nate Parrish released his sophomore record titled Soul Surgery–a fantastic punk-rock album. Throughout this album, Nate tackles some of today's polarizing issues and the divide we often feel and see in America. From politics, and social media, to petty divisiveness, Nate brings these topics to light and offers mature and hopeful solutions. "God Knows" is one of the best songs, showcasing the dissonance we feel and the truth we know in our hearts. Comparable to the likes of bands like MxPx and Rise Against, Nate Parrish knocked it out of the park with this one.
Behold The Beloved - "Playing With Fire"
If you grew up listening to bands like Disciple and Kutless, you'll love the new album from Behold The Beloved titled No Surrender. The sophomore album is a huge improvement over their debut and definitely deserves its spot in this best-of-the-year list. Behold The Beloved takes rock music infused with gritty guitar riffs and captivating vocals to deliver Jesus-focused messages to all who listen. Every song is focused on the Bible in some way. I love their lyrical style, as it often shifts from the perspective of us to God and vice-versa. Their rock and roll is high-energy and their passion for Jesus shines in every song. I am anticipating a lot of encouragement and growth in their fanbase in the future.
NRT's Ryan Adams is a resident rock reporter. He lives in Montana with his family and works from home.
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