In twenty years of mxdwn being a magazine, never before has such rank frustration abounded in the American populous. Almost three years of the death, fear, politics and existential angst of the COVID-19 pandemic has the people of this world running veritably on empty. You can feel it everywhere, traveling from one place to another, seeking local goods and services, customer service phone calls, the pride in anyone’s work; the citizens of this country appear dangerously close to hitting the “Fuck It” switch. That fatigue has been further exacerbated by soaring inflation and the cost of goods. This is leading to unease in the markets that support nearly everything and have begun to threaten the revenue streams of the majority of people who make up the music economy/business. Unless the band/artist is an absolute giant selling out arenas, the rumblings that it might not really be economically feasible to make or perform music are absolutely everywhere. And while that all happened, the best and brightest of music now expressed their brilliance and our collective fury and exhaustion with incisive creativity. It is a proud thing for us to say that any year where a band as incredible as Failure comes in #18 on an Album of the Year list such as this one is an amazing year for music indeed. Join us now as for the twentieth time we chronicle the forty best albums in 2022. This year, rising stars Ghost and Demi Lovato proved their own visions for their careers were stronger than any angle forced upon them (in one case making less heavy music and the other making heavier music), but you will find sterling examples of everything that was awesome in 2022, going all the way to the bottom of this list. Enjoy our annual Top 40 Best Albums for 2022 and here’s to hoping 2023 will be a better year for each and every one of us.

– Raymond Flotat

40. Lights – PEP

Lights’ catchy, electropop album features the dreamy liveliness and gloominess of youth. PEP’s playful ode to love, magic and feminism is expressed through shimmering ‘80s synths.

-Jayna Celi

39. Taylor Swift – Midnights

Taylor Swift released her 13-track album Midnights in October. It immediately topped the pop charts with catchy lyrics and poetic pop anthems. The album showcases her songwriting talents while still topping the Billboard charts. Many fans believe it is one of her best albums, bringing together her different sounds and vibes from the past few albums to create one cohesive work. 

-Stephanie Pratt

38. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Cool It Down

Yeah Yeah Yeahs gave a few words with many meanings. Cool It Down combined the worlds of making you want to dance and crying in the bathroom. With a haunting effect to almost every song, it draws you in to discover what each song means to you.

-Melanie Stewart

37. Afghan Whigs – How Do You Burn?

American Rock Band Afghan Whigs released their album How Do You Burn? on September 9, 2022. The album consists of fervent guitar licks and heavy drum undertones. Afghan Whigs collaborate with the late Mark Lanegan and Christopher Thorn among others. The band creates a strong introduction for listeners with the opening track “I’ll Make You See God”; a title and sound that clears the way for Afghan Whigs to mold, burn and cement their ingrained sound all the way up to their final track “In Flames.”

-Kayla Bell

36. The Regrettes – Further Joy

Back again with their third studio album, Further Joy, The Regrettes gave us the ‘dance around the room’ music we all needed this year. This alternative masterpiece was upbeat, with many hints of perplexing sadness and drowning out the noise.

-Melanie Stewart

35. Wargasm – Mixxxtape

At number 35 is The Mixxxtape by electronic rock duo Wargasm. Their sophomore album has many different stylistic influences, the most prominent being nu metal, electro punk and dubstep.

-Audrey Soetermans

34. Tove Lo – Dirt Femme

Tove Lo released her fifth studio album Dirt Femme in mid-October featuring collaborations with rapper Channel Tres, fellow Swedish folk duo First Aid Kit and famed record producer SG Lewis. The album is unique, standing as a distinct yet welcome piece to her already top-notch discography.

-Skyy Rincon

33. Russian Circles – Gnosis

Chicago, Illinois heavy metal band, Russian Circles, prove some music simply does not need any lyrics. The instrumental heavy metal band tells stories without saying a single word. Everything is said within the aggressive post-rock vibrancy.

-Conny Chavez

32. Metric – Formentera

Formentera is the eighth studio album from rock band Metric. The album, while cynical about the present, presents new realities in the future that do not make it delve into hopelessness. Formentera brings people together, as friendship is the only way to maintain a sense of sanity in supposedly senseless times.

-Gracie Chunes

31. Boris – Heavy Rocks

At number 31 is Heavy Rocks by the Japanese experimental band Boris. This is their twenty-eighth studio album. Heavy Rocks consists of heavy metal and experimental instrumentals with dramatic vocals.

-Audrey Soetermans

30. Rolo Tomassi – Where Myth Becomes Memory

This Metalcore album hits hard! It’s like a nice tasty loaf of white bread. You always skip the first slice! Skip the first song and go straight for real hard hitters: “Cloaked” and “Mutual Ruin.” For fans of Kittie and Black Ops Zombies 2011 OST.

-Christopher Aguilar 

29. Pale Waves – Unwanted

Pale Waves’ new album Unwanted expands into something greater than the 7 stages of grief. It entails the story of a breakup, and all the stages that come with it. Its alternative rock sound, beautifully adorned with Heather Baron-Gracie’s piercing vocals, and tasteful storytelling, really wraps the album into a satisfying alternative piece.

-Priscilla Flores

28. The HU – Rumble of Thunder

The Hu’s Rumble Of Thunder album strikes a serious tone and a seriously American country metal folk sound like most Mongolian metal does. This kind of metal is really fun to listen to especially on long road trips down Route 66.

-Christopher Aguilar 

27. Cult of Luna – The Long Road North

With thunderous drums and distorted guitar, the singer Johannes Persson’s powerful voice shrieks with emotion. The Swedish band succeeds at staying on tempo while creating a bittersweet vibe with their vocal and instrumental performance. The Long Road North is a headbanging hit.

-Jayna Celi

26. Sharon Van Etten – We’ve Been Going About This All Wrong

Sharon Van Etten’s We’ve Been Going About This All Wrong is a cinematic masterpiece. Its main power lies in its storytelling and sound design, a bold and outstanding approach in a world of singles. Its instrumentation distinguished elements, apart from her vocals, include guitars, soft percussions, and the most paramount element; otherworldly synths.

-Priscilla Flores

25. Maya Hawke – Moss

Maya Hawke is typically best known for being the daughter of Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke and for her role as the lovely awkward Robin on Stranger Things. Hawke’s other major accomplishment is a lucrative music career. Released on September 23, Moss is an album full of gentle folk sounds.

-Bailey DeSchutter

24. The Smile – A Light for Attracting Attention

A Light For Attracting Attention by The Smile is a brilliant album showcasing the artistic genius of Radiohead’s Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood and Sons of Kemet’s drummer Tom Skinner. This debut album, produced by Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich, mirrors Radiohead’s best work of synth, eerie vocal manipulation and ambiguous lyricism. The album radiates ingenuity, confidence and creativity.

-Gracie Chunes

23. Perfume Genius – Ugly Season

At number 23, is the album Ugly Season by American singer/songwriter Perfume Genius. This 10 piece album consists of avant garde, experimental instrumentals containing elements of classical, jazz, electronic music, and art pop. These instrumental characteristics along with the gentle whispering vocals make for an album with immense artistic variation.

-Audrey Soetermans

22. Crippled Black Phoenix – Banefyre

Crippled Black Phoenix’s Banefyre is another step in their amazing sonic evolution. The band has always eschewed standard convention in terms of genre association and has always used a beautiful tapestry of genres fed through a darker filter. Bandleader Justin Greaves’ vision takes the listener through a hypnotic journey on this, their twelfth album, as singers Belinda Kordic and Joel Segerstedt punctuate each climatic composition.

-Raymond Flotat

21. Rina Sawayama – Hold The Girl

In September, Rina Sawayama released her third studio album Hold the Girl. This album comes in at 21 with electro-dance and pop beats. She leans into sounds from rock to retro pop and punk. Her impressive collection is full of catchy pop tunes that keep listeners singing long after they’ve finished listening.

-Stephanie Pratt

20. Melody’s Echo Chamber – Emotional Eternal

Melody Prochet, professionally known as Melody’s Echo Chamber, released her third studio album Emotional Eternal back in April. The record is an enigma, Prochet’s vocals are perfectly balanced, powerful yet gentle, soothing yet invigorating, elegant yet catchy. The lyricism is delightfully introspective and the instrumentation is psychedelic and complementary. Overall, Emotional Eternal has quite a bit to offer fans and critics alike.

-Skyy Rincon

19. Weyes Blood – And in the Darkness, Hearts Aglow

Boasting 14 tracks, the album was released on November 18 this year and truly exemplifies Weyes Blood’s unique mixed styles of chamber pop and experimental rock. The album’s lead single “It’s Not Just Me, It’s Everybody” was inspired by the Buddhist religion and provides a narrative about human connection vs. isolation. Weyes Blood recently debuted the album’s songs live for the first time at a show in California and gave a beautiful performance with the elegance and soothing tones of her vocals. And In the Darkness, Hearts Aglow has a theme of love between people without the traditional “love song” styles often heard. The song “Grapevine” in particular had a cinematic music video released that exemplified the lyrics about a difficult relationship that Mering was determined to make it through. Mering’s unique, sweet vocals and her ability to not just tell a story but make a listener feel the story through her lyrics is what helped to bolster And in the Darkness, Hearts Aglow’s success.

-Bailey DeSchutter

18. Failure – Wilde Type Droid

Wild Type Droid, Failure’s third studio album since their grand return in 2014 proves just how unique the sound of this band really is. The post-grunge alternative band creates a luring ambience with their distorted yet clean guitars and of course intriguing vocals by Ken Andrews. The first portion of the album focuses on the band’s roots and 90s sounds with songs such as “A Lifetime of Joy” and “Submarines.” The band also included newer elements in tracks such as “Undecided” which carries a groovier and funky rhythm. Despite their near 20-year absence, the Los Angeles-based trio does an exceptional job of reminding their audience once again that they truly make one-of-a-kind music.

-Conny Chavez

17. Billy Howerdel – What Normal Was

14 years passed since Billy Howerdel’s first attempt to break out of A Perfect Circle’s shadow, and he has wisely foregone the dated, moody alt-metal and stopped trying to emulate Maynard James Keenan by sticking to his foreboding lower register. The result is a brooding slab of electronic rock that merges the oily rhythm guitar of APC with eerie keyboard melodies and waves of synth. It’s such a natural fit for his vocals and musical abilities that it’s a crime it has not happened yet, delivering the same mix of funereal and majesty of the best APC song with a whole new musical palette.

-Blake Michelle

16. Slipknot – The End, So Far

Slipknot released their seventh studio album in September, titled The End, So Far. The long awaited album certainly did not disappoint. This album is heavy, with distorted guitar dancing on the track, and rough screaming at some moments, yet almost elegant at other times, as exemplified in lead singer Corey Taylor’s vocals and the softer moments like the opening song “Adderall.” The soft quiet moments seem to act as a calm before the storm. An auditory liminal space waiting for the drama to build and the song to explode. The opening to the seventh track, “Medicine for the Dead,” sounds almost alien. A great snapshot of this is how the music builds in the album’s fourth track “Yen.” As the piece begins seductive and draws you in to it, before unleashing passion behind their music, and yet keeping the sensual side of it present.

-Keller Corrield

15. Greg Puciato – Mirrorcell

Greg Puciato doesn’t need The Dillinger Escape Plan to create an album as fierce as its singer, and Mirrorcell is irrefutable proof. “In This Hell You Find Yourself” opens with gritty distortion and a haunting guitar solo that sets the stage for an album best described as un-abating and unapologetic, and with good reason. Although Mirrorcell’s inaugural track is solely instrumental, Puciato’s message is clear: metal wasn’t made for the faint of heart, and his second track, “Reality Spiral,” rips fans from their reverie. Listeners are immediately greeted by high-octane guitar riffs and an intentional drum beat that’s powerful without being all-encompassing, a perfect blend of bass and high hats. Mirrorcell’s relentless tracks showcase Puciato’s hot-blooded hold on all-things metal and leave no room for disappointment.

-Kelly Catlin

14. L.S Dunes – Past Lives

Fresh punk band L.S. Dunes came out with their debut album, Past Lives on November 11. Their album consists of 11 tracks, including pre-released singles “2022,” “Bombsquad,” and “Permanent Rebellion.” The record reflects on mortality and perseverance, themes fitting of our era with a backdrop of well-executed instrumentation and dynamic vocals. Anthony Green plays with vocal quality, jumping between raspy yells and smooth singing to give listeners a taste of his range. The tracks are passionate, riveting and polished, each dripping with poetic lyricism for an overall crisp and exciting album.

–Maddie Pimlott

13. Samanta Liza – Days of E.N.D.

Samanta Liza’s Days of E.N.D. ranked number 13 on the Album of Year list. A “ global citizen,” Liza is a Brooklyn-based DJ, multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter, composer and producer who was born in Hawaii and has lived in multiple countries throughout the world, including England, China, and Sweden. Her work integrates electronic music with indie, dance and pop. Days of E.N.D. is a prime example of this fusion, bringing together sounds from all over the world to create a sensual, danceable feel throughout. The music is technically eclectic and the instrumentation, moods and lyrics, with songs like “Why Do You Love Me?” and “I Don’t Regret You” bringing multiple emotional perspectives to the album.

-Madeleine Thezan

12. Dead Cross – //

Hardcore punk supergroup Dead Cross (featuring Michael Crain, Mike Patton, Dave Lombardo and Justin Pearson) released II in late October as their sophomore album. Thrashy and vibrant, II is perfect for anyone ready to head bang for half an hour. The nine tracks of II are fast-paced and full of throaty screams. A shrieking electric guitar rings through each song on II, contributing heavily to the album’s energetic edge. Prior to their record’s release, Dead Cross dropped three singles: “Christian Missile Crisis,” “Heart Reformer” and “Reign of Error.” Each single along with other tracks are compelling and intense in their own right, distinctly capturing every listener’s attention.

-Maddie Pimlott

11. The Hellacopters – Eyes of Oblivion

Rock is not dead with The Hellacopters. A mix of the classic metal of the ’80s with the added bonus of modern garage rock. The album from which Eyes Of Oblivion receives its name is just as impressive as the song. The album bounces from fast and heavy to slow and soulful. Its guitar solos and strong vocals have definitely earned this album’s rank as number 11 on this list. The song ‘Eyes of Oblivion’ carries the same passion and sound of classic rock in a new-age package.

-Hannah Boyle

10. Devin Townsend – Lightwork

Devin Townsend is not one to shy away from music fueled by emotions and creative impulses. Although previous albums may have a more unhinged quality to them, Lightwork comes together in a calm, collected way, reminding fans that Townsend is as talented a musician as he is multifaceted. Lightwork opens with “Moonpeople,” Townsend’s strong vibrato effortlessly melding with the tranquility behind each purposefully layered element. Townsend lays the foundation for an album as inspiring as it is inventive, his lyrics complete with ubiquitous imagery that transports the listener into his creative headspace. The song’s abrupt ending is a stark contrast to its sauntering emergence on the album, a reminder that everything Townsend does is intentional. Listeners searching for an exhilarating album will find a sense of belonging in Lightwork, with killer songs such as “Dimensions” enmeshing a heavy vibe while refusing to quit. Although the music is rife with melodic undertones, there’s no denying the thrasher genius behind the curtain. As the relentless beat and frenzied vocals overlap, the result is a restless yet polished track and an album that leaves fans wondering what Townsend will birth next.

-Kelly Catlin

9. Dawes – Misadventures of Doomscroller

Los Angeles based band released album Misadventures of Doomscroller on July 22, 2022 incorporating funky solos and organic sounds meant to pique the listening ear with hopes of slashing the stigma of short attention spans. Consisting of brothers Taylor and Griffin Goldsmith, along with Wylie Gelber and Lee Pardini this group have made a point to make an album that acts as an escapism of the undeniably nail biting definition of “doom-scrolling.” This group has a renewed purpose to come back roaring with all the newly discovered epiphanies and ideas that were birthed, planted and sought after stemming from the knee-jerk reaction that most humans reverted to as a natural reaction to a lockdown pandemic era. Dawes are meticulous in their staging over the course of these seven lengthy tracks, each song is similar enough to a chapter full of surprising sounds and insurmountable vigor.

-Kayla Bell

8. Danger Mouse and Black Thought – Cheat Codes

In August of this year, Brian Joseph Burton, also known as Danger Mouse, partnered with Black Thought, lead MC of the Roots to create this banger of an album. Burton’s variety of musical styles and beats from years in the industry mixed with Black Thought’s lyricism makes listening to this album feel timeless. The album includes featured credits from some of the biggest names in hip hop. Burton and Trotter have a long collaborative history in the hip hop industry, and have worked with many of these artists in the past such as Run The Jewels and A$AP Rocky on “Strangers,” and MF Doom on “Belize.” Even without the featured credits, Danger Mouse and Black Thought produce some stand out tracks such as “Close to Famous” and the title track “Cheat Codes.”

-Keller Corrield

7. Amanda Shires – Take It Like A Man

Singer-songwriter Amanda Shires added Take It Like A Man to her discography in late July. Her voice is full of energy and twang, as she sings over a grinding fiddle. Her lyricism is poetry full of strong imagery and alliteration. She sings of warblers and wrens, and how the environment reflects the human condition. Shires sings about her sexuality, singing evocative lyrics like “The spurs of hip bones and you pressing in / Come on, I dare you, make me feel something again.” This album is about a woman who knows what she wants, and her outspokenness shines through. At times it is poignant, reflective, and introspective. She stays true to her country roots, while still creating a more rock-influenced production style. The title ‘Take It Like A Man’ is a phrase often used to subjugate women, but Shires’ record does the opposite: it empowers women instead.

-Elias Etten

6. Alvvays – Blue Rev

A shimmering clash of guitars and synths, Blue Rev creates nostalgia as easily as a record spinning on a teenager’s summer break. With an altogether quick, driving pace and well-placed moments of clarity, there’s something in this album that inspires reflection. 80s-Esque synthesizers and growling, chorused guitars meet with acoustic instruments, creating a sound reminiscent of the early 90s. Glide guitar playing and clever production moments are showcased beautifully by full, punchy, high-fidelity mixing. Songs like “Tile by Tile” present a vintage, synth landscape full of emotion, while “Pomeranian Spinster” sounds like a Ramones-era punk track beside the lo-fi and synth-driven “Very Online Guy”. The majority of the songs, including “Pharmacist” and “Easy on Your Own?”, bring back the lovable synth rock sound Alvvays fans have come to know and love. The album keeps plenty of momentum from start to finish and offers up very drive-worthy tracks. Already a tremendously successful next step for Alvvays, Blue Rev introduced some of the band’s strongest tracks this year.

-Caroline Birmingham

5. Alison Sudol – Still Come The Night

The field of hazy indie rock is more overcrowded than ever, and it takes something special to stand out among the clouds of reverb. The artist formerly known as A Fine Frenzy does not do much outside the box. Right from the opener, “Bone Tired,” Still Comes the Night lays its cards on the table with a twangy main lick, a spacious mix, and Sudol’s melancholic delivery. Yet that’s all she really needs as she effortlessly conjures one intoxicating atmosphere. The production is immaculate, so pristine that other artists would kill to have it, as everything is given room to breathe yet there’s still enough bite to the guitars and Sudol’s delivery to keep listeners from zoning out. Inhabiting these beautiful spaces are a series of love songs that range from the playful “Playground” to the poetic “Wasteland,” with the title track capping it off and reflecting the en vogue, “Grief is simply love carrying on,” theme. In Sudol’s hands, love feels like the answer to everything and the most devastating thing to lose. Any innovation lost in the music is transposed in the writing as Still Comes the Night breathes life into the most familiar topic.

-Blake Michelle

4. Kendrick Lamar – Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers

Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers is a long-awaited album by Kendrick Lamar. Released five years after his last project, Damn., this album fulfilled all expectations set by his previous work. It is an apex of masterful storytelling and shows Kendrick Lamar in a more reflective state. Rather than focusing on mostly his environment and how it affects him as he did in previous albums, he delves into his mistakes, choices, and regrets. Each song on the album is purposefully chosen and the tracklist is beautifully curated to tell his story. The production on the album is easily some of the best of 2022 and as always with Kendrick Lamar, the lyricism is of the highest tier. The features on the album, as surprising as some of them might be, all serve a purpose and none of them seem like filler. They all add to their respective tracks and fit well onto them. Kendrick Lamar successfully met the hype surrounding the wait for the album and delivered an amazing project for fans. This album is a great addition to Kendrick Lamar’s already impressive discography and is a great listen for any fan of hip-hop.

-Aditya Rohilla

3. The Mars Volta – The Mars Volta

The Mars Volta is a band hailing from El Paso, Texas. They are made up of the mainstay duo Omar Rodríguez-López and Cedric Bixler-Zavala, as well as a plethora of other rotating musicians. After the release of their last album, Noctourniquet in 2012, it was unclear if we would see another project by the band again. Luckily, ten years later, the band decided to reunite and release their self-titled seventh studio album The Mars Volta. The band’s innovation is clear to see, as well as their commitment to creating a unique sound that has never been heard before. Almost twenty years after their formation, fans are still excited and energized by The Mars Volta’s sound. The Mars Volta is raw, animated, and full of vigor. The instrumentation fluctuates from aggressive to melodic in a heartbeat, and always keeps the listeners on their toes. It is safe to say that this album was worth the wait. The Mars Volta is one of the strongest records in their discography, and it makes sense that this is the album that has the honor of being the band’s self-titled record. It is thoroughly enjoyable to listen to, with exciting melodies and well-crafted tracks. The band does a great job of creating a cohesive record, and does a superb job of making creative and interesting sounds that are not overused in rock music.

-Elias Etten

2. Demi Lovato – HOLY FVCK

Demi Lovato’s struggles are not kept hush-hush; the pop singer has battled trauma, addiction, and life in the spotlight can be hard on anyone. Holy Fvck starts to break through all that; Lovato appears to be having fun for the first time in their life. Holy Fvck sits comfortably amidst what seems to be a current trend of pop artists delving into heavier pastures, abandoning those R&B elements and re-embracing the pop-punk of her earlier work. Importantly, this never feels forced, likely due partly to their long-known love of rock and metal. Holy Fvck achieves its promise of sweaty, aching abundance. Throughout the album, Lovato’s idea of transgression is to implement aggressive sounds into songs about gratification and satisfying hooks into songs about pain and death, with the occasional exuberant “fuck!” tossed in for extra relief. Barreling, percussive drums, reverberating electric guitars, and bridge breakdowns have regained currency in recent years, as pop-punk has gained new mainstream popularity. This album was positioned not only as Lovato’s pop-punk album but also as her return to her “roots.” Multiple tracks on the album show Lovato is having a good time; she experiences the adrenaline rush of sexual interest, fantasizes about a sexual fantasy through Los Angeles, and discreetly applauds to a nice climax (no pun intended). Instead of bowing to label pressures, there’s a sense of freedom, and their voice throughout is as powerful as ever. Holy Fvck is a raw and honest reflection of a struggling star whose time in the spotlight has hurt them badly, and they’ve finally found freedom.

-Cassandra Alese

1. Ghost – Impera

While the secret of who the creators of the band Ghost may be have long been out– the mantle of Papa Emeritus I – IV has always been singer and main songwriter Tobias Forge—the lack of mythology has done nothing to stunt the band’s ascendant growth in popularity. The Swedish metal band has slowly evolved their sound away from the blacker side of black metal into more and more anthemic poppier rock. Their brilliant records Meliora and Prequelle respectfully crafted stories of the absence of God in our world and the coming of a great plague, the latter of which looks amazingly prophetic given what we all just went through with the COVID-19 pandemic. They return in 2022 with Impera, an album that promises to push them to the stratosphere that has been elusive for any metal band since the emergence of the famed Big Four of thrash metal from the U.S.A. in the early ‘90s.

The album starts with a killer trifecta of songs that are almost impossible to deny in their scope and memorability. Opener “Kaisarion” takes speed metal and pop metal and melds them into the set opener of most bands’ dreams. “Spillways” follows suit having staccato piano lines and blow them up into Abba-esque glee. Not to be outdone, hit single “Call Me Little Sunshine” brings the doom and proves faster BPM doesn’t necessary mean heavier hitting songs. It just keeps getting better and better from there, “Hunter’s Moon” is the horror soundtrack opener few have ever aimed at and accomplished while “Watcher in the Sky” takes all the enrapturing skills the band has amassed and pulls it all together into an glorious anthem for the ages. It all ends beautifully with the solemn decrescendo, “Respite on the Spitalfields,” a requiem for civilization and possibly mankind as a whole. “Nothing ever last forever / We will go softly / Into the night,” Forge sings as a luminous piano line and drum fills bring the song to a close. There is no doubt about it, heavy metal has found its new champion, and the heir apparent is now the king. All hail Ghost.

-Raymond Flotat

Featured Image Photo Credit: Ekaterina Gorbacheva