Best of 2022

 4) The Antichrist Imperium - Volume III Satan In His Original Glory

"I would very much like to play live to be honest, logistically it would take some work and unfortunately with life/jobs/mortgages etc… It comes down to money, but fingers crossed in the future we can align the planets and make it happen."

This is Matt Wilcock, lead guitarist of The Antichrist Imperium describing the unlikelihood of playing live with his band because of logistical issues. Those logistical issues are simply their drummer David Gray lives in London and Matt lives in Melbourne. Listening to this album it's a somewhat unbelievable revelation that these men are very rarely in the same room together. There's a very intimate presence here, like they've painstakingly sweated over little details to make a more cohesive whole together.

In reality The Antichrist Imperium is an example of professional musicians at the top of their game doing what they need to do to produce honest music. David Gray is an atomic clock blasting in perfect time. Matt Wilcock's tremolo speed puts a hummingbird's feeble attempts at levitation to shame. These men are incredible artists who will never be honored with a Grammy, will never be able to earn a living from their life's ambition, will never be able to retire comfortably enough to teach their talents to the next generation. Those listening now better listen well because no matter how offended you are by the album art, this is the absolute bleeding edge of musical ability. Anyone not paying attention is going to lose their chance when these men find themselves too tired to keep giving status quo the middle finger.