This is something I plan to do weekly for those who are interested. My pick of the week's best "singles", if such a concept exists in the Spotify era. I'll pick a handful of songs, 3 to 5 and I'll add a video where available and a Spotify link if not. I'll also give a brief description / caption.
Lacuna Coil - I Wish You Were Dead
Gothic Metal goodness with a pop sensibility.
Scowl - B.A.B.E.
Grunge meets punk with a pop streak a mile wide.
Istapp - Grýla
Deliciously cold, melodic Black Metal from the Swedish sun-haters.
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Saturday, 15 February 2025
Tuesday, 11 February 2025
Top 20 Albums of 2024 - Part 4: 5 - 1
I'll start off by apologising for the tardiness of this post. When I resurrected the blog back in November, I thought that I had found my passion and spark for writing about music again. Sadly this was quickly derailed by life. Work got a bit on top of me, I had spent months struggling with a maths course and the along came Christmas and mew year. Of course, life continues to throw various trials and tribulations my way (as it does to us all), but I feel ready to get back to it. Not only that, but I will do my very best to update this blog at least a couple of times a week. Hopefully.
Anyway, here it is and of course, it definitely ISN'T going to be worth the wait.
5: Marilyn Manson - One Assassination Under God - Chapter 1 (Goth / Industrial Metal)
I have genuinely struggled with my conscience about including this album on my list, but after much soul-searching I decided that I would for a couple of reasons. First, I always try my best to seperate the art from the artist and second, despite numerous allegations, Brian Warner has not been been charged with any crimes. For these reasons, I believe that this album deserves it's place here.
The reality is, that based on the music alone, this is the comeback that Marilyn Manson fans have been waiting two decades for. There have been hints of former greatness on recent albums, but this time arond, they / he really have delivered the goods. With, arguably, only one weak track on it, this is easily the best Marilyn Manson album since Holy Wood. When the last couple of years are taken into account, perhaps it's not surprising that Marilyn Manson (the man) is cearly angry and in attack mode. He clearly feels victimised and regardless of what has or has not happened, he has the right to his side of the story.
Stamdout track(s): Nod if you Undertand, Raise the Red Flag, As Sick as the Secrets Within
4: Wormwood - The Star (Progressive / Melodic Black Metal)
Since arriving on the scene back in 2017, with their relatively unremarkable debut, Ghostlands, few could have guessed at the heights that they would reach with subsequent releases. Rarely has a band improved so much from album to album in such a short time. Despite this, the band is still relatively unknown and desperately underrated. If you like your Black Metal overflowing with meoldies and with noticable, yet not overbearing progressive / folk elements, then look no further. The word folk when applied to Folk Metal can too easily conjour up an image of stereotypical, raucous, bearded Vikings raising a mead horn by a roaring fire while a twee melody plays on a violin. Where Wormwood are concerned, however, the folk elements are taken from the darker, melancholic side of traditional scandinvaian folk. Korpiklaani, this is not.
Standout track(s): Stjärnfall, Liminal
3: Kittie - Fire (Groove Metal)
When Kittie appeared on the (Nu-) Metal scene at the tail-end of the 1990s, they were relatively lacklustre, musically. What made them stand out from the Nu-Metal sausage-fest and got them a lot of media attention, was that they were an all-female group (of teenagers), which, L7 excluded, was pretty much unheard of in the heavy music scene at the time. In that respect, they were trailblazers and helped pave the way for women in Metal. Over the following two decades, the band has released a clutch of solid albums, but never a great one. That is until now. After a few years away, the reunited and reinvigorated Kittie are back. Fire is the album that Kittie always had the potential to make. Heavier than anything they have released previously, and with the much-improved clean singing of Morgan Lander and musical confidence of her bandmates, this is Kittie 2.0 and the future looks bright.
Standout track(s): I Still Wear This Crown, Fire, Eyes Wide Open
2: Cemetery Skyline - Nordic Gothic (Gothic Rock / Metal)
Comprised of members of Amorphis, Dimmu Borgir, Insomnium, Omnium Gatherum, Sentenced and Dark Tranquillity, you'd be forgiven for expecting a collection of Progressive Melodic Death Metal from Cemetery Skyline. What you get, however is more akin to the Goth Rock of 1980s Britain. Nordic Gothic chanels the spirit of the like of The Sisters of Mercy and The Cult, but with more than a sprinkling of modern Metal influrnces and Nordic darkess. Each and every track is an absolute banger and in any other year, this might well have made the top spot. Cemetery Skyline are a supergroup genuinely deserving of the label.
Standout track(s): Violent Storm, Torn Away
1: Judas Priest - Invincible Shield (Trad / Heavy Metal)
The absolute standout album of the year in 2024 was the masterful, Invincible Shield by Metal royalty, Judas Priest. Easily the band's best album since Painkiller and truth be told, it's a far more varied and interesting listen than that, admittedly classic, album. Effortlessly and seamlessly taking cues from every stage of their 50 plus year career (and adding a few modern twists), Invincible Shield had no realistic competition. No band has any right to sound this good and career-affirming an astonishing 55 years after they were formed. Invincible, indeed.
Standout track(s): Just listen to the whole thing - It's a banger from start to finish.
Anyway, here it is and of course, it definitely ISN'T going to be worth the wait.
5: Marilyn Manson - One Assassination Under God - Chapter 1 (Goth / Industrial Metal)
I have genuinely struggled with my conscience about including this album on my list, but after much soul-searching I decided that I would for a couple of reasons. First, I always try my best to seperate the art from the artist and second, despite numerous allegations, Brian Warner has not been been charged with any crimes. For these reasons, I believe that this album deserves it's place here.
The reality is, that based on the music alone, this is the comeback that Marilyn Manson fans have been waiting two decades for. There have been hints of former greatness on recent albums, but this time arond, they / he really have delivered the goods. With, arguably, only one weak track on it, this is easily the best Marilyn Manson album since Holy Wood. When the last couple of years are taken into account, perhaps it's not surprising that Marilyn Manson (the man) is cearly angry and in attack mode. He clearly feels victimised and regardless of what has or has not happened, he has the right to his side of the story.
Stamdout track(s): Nod if you Undertand, Raise the Red Flag, As Sick as the Secrets Within
4: Wormwood - The Star (Progressive / Melodic Black Metal)
Standout track(s): Stjärnfall, Liminal
3: Kittie - Fire (Groove Metal)
When Kittie appeared on the (Nu-) Metal scene at the tail-end of the 1990s, they were relatively lacklustre, musically. What made them stand out from the Nu-Metal sausage-fest and got them a lot of media attention, was that they were an all-female group (of teenagers), which, L7 excluded, was pretty much unheard of in the heavy music scene at the time. In that respect, they were trailblazers and helped pave the way for women in Metal. Over the following two decades, the band has released a clutch of solid albums, but never a great one. That is until now. After a few years away, the reunited and reinvigorated Kittie are back. Fire is the album that Kittie always had the potential to make. Heavier than anything they have released previously, and with the much-improved clean singing of Morgan Lander and musical confidence of her bandmates, this is Kittie 2.0 and the future looks bright.
Standout track(s): I Still Wear This Crown, Fire, Eyes Wide Open
2: Cemetery Skyline - Nordic Gothic (Gothic Rock / Metal)
Comprised of members of Amorphis, Dimmu Borgir, Insomnium, Omnium Gatherum, Sentenced and Dark Tranquillity, you'd be forgiven for expecting a collection of Progressive Melodic Death Metal from Cemetery Skyline. What you get, however is more akin to the Goth Rock of 1980s Britain. Nordic Gothic chanels the spirit of the like of The Sisters of Mercy and The Cult, but with more than a sprinkling of modern Metal influrnces and Nordic darkess. Each and every track is an absolute banger and in any other year, this might well have made the top spot. Cemetery Skyline are a supergroup genuinely deserving of the label.
Standout track(s): Violent Storm, Torn Away
1: Judas Priest - Invincible Shield (Trad / Heavy Metal)
The absolute standout album of the year in 2024 was the masterful, Invincible Shield by Metal royalty, Judas Priest. Easily the band's best album since Painkiller and truth be told, it's a far more varied and interesting listen than that, admittedly classic, album. Effortlessly and seamlessly taking cues from every stage of their 50 plus year career (and adding a few modern twists), Invincible Shield had no realistic competition. No band has any right to sound this good and career-affirming an astonishing 55 years after they were formed. Invincible, indeed.
Standout track(s): Just listen to the whole thing - It's a banger from start to finish.
Saturday, 25 January 2025
Eluveitie live in Gothenburg, Sweden, January 24th 2025
It’s been five long years since the mighty Eluveitie graced the beautiful city of Gothenburg, Sweden with their presence, the last time being in 2020 and pre-pandemic, a time almost unimaginable after those strange few years. The long wait was finally over and I know it’s a well-worn cliché, but the atmosphere was tangible as support act, Ad Infinitum played the last note of their unremarkable set. The crowd filling Pustervik that night wasn’t there for them. We wanted Eluveitie.
Eluveitie have been consistently great, both on record and live, for 20 years now and have only been improved by the relatively recent addition of Fabienne Erni (Celtic harp, mandola and female vocals) back in 2017. In the intervening eight years, she has slotted perfectly into the band and has become an integral part of their sound. You can hear this on 2019’s Ategnatos (her debut album with the band), but it is on the stage in a live setting where she really shines. With her commanding stage presence and powerful voice, she absolutely steals the show. Chrigel Glanzmann might be the band’s founder, chief songwriter and lead vocalist, but he plays second fiddle to Fabi in a live setting. And I’m absolutely certain that he is more than happy with that arrangement.
After a very short interval, the lights went down, and the cheers went up as the band trooped onto the stage. For the next 90 or so minutes, Eluveitie were untouchable. They delivered hit after hit without missing a beat or pausing for breath. There were no lengthy monologues and little between songs banter. Not tonight. The band merely got on with the job at hand. And that job was to deliver a blistering set of Folk Metal bangers from every era of their history. The crowd were equally as ecstatic to hear new material in the form of The Prodigal Ones and Premonition as they were to hear established classics such as the one-two punch of The Call of the Mountains and Ambiramus and the all-conquering fan-favourite and show closer /stealer, Inis Mona. As the lights went up and the crowd filed out into the frigid winter evening, there wasn’t a disappointed face to be seen.
Setlist:
Helvetios
Ategnatos
Tarvos
The Prodigal Ones
Exile of the Gods
Slanias Song
A Rose for Epona
Epona
Ànv
Aidus
Deathwalker
The Call of the Mountains
Ambiramus
Havoc
King
Premomotion
Inis Mona
Eluveitie have been consistently great, both on record and live, for 20 years now and have only been improved by the relatively recent addition of Fabienne Erni (Celtic harp, mandola and female vocals) back in 2017. In the intervening eight years, she has slotted perfectly into the band and has become an integral part of their sound. You can hear this on 2019’s Ategnatos (her debut album with the band), but it is on the stage in a live setting where she really shines. With her commanding stage presence and powerful voice, she absolutely steals the show. Chrigel Glanzmann might be the band’s founder, chief songwriter and lead vocalist, but he plays second fiddle to Fabi in a live setting. And I’m absolutely certain that he is more than happy with that arrangement.
After a very short interval, the lights went down, and the cheers went up as the band trooped onto the stage. For the next 90 or so minutes, Eluveitie were untouchable. They delivered hit after hit without missing a beat or pausing for breath. There were no lengthy monologues and little between songs banter. Not tonight. The band merely got on with the job at hand. And that job was to deliver a blistering set of Folk Metal bangers from every era of their history. The crowd were equally as ecstatic to hear new material in the form of The Prodigal Ones and Premonition as they were to hear established classics such as the one-two punch of The Call of the Mountains and Ambiramus and the all-conquering fan-favourite and show closer /stealer, Inis Mona. As the lights went up and the crowd filed out into the frigid winter evening, there wasn’t a disappointed face to be seen.
Setlist:
Helvetios
Ategnatos
Tarvos
The Prodigal Ones
Exile of the Gods
Slanias Song
A Rose for Epona
Epona
Ànv
Aidus
Deathwalker
The Call of the Mountains
Ambiramus
Havoc
King
Premomotion
Inis Mona
Sunday, 22 December 2024
Top 20 Albums of 2024 - Part 3: 10 - 6
10. Better Lovers - Highly Irresponsible (Hardcore Punk)
Often a so-called supergroup is much less than the sum of it's parts. Thankfully, that's not the case with Better Lovers. Featuring former members of Every Time I Die and Dillinger Escape Plan (and a current member of Fit For An Autopsy), the band's debut album is everything you could wish for, and much more. Every song delivers a punch and has a melody that gets into your head, with Greg's impeccable vocals stealing the show. The production is crisp and clear, wchich just helps to underscore the talent involved. Fans of DEP or ETID will be overjoyed by this.
Recommended track: Your Misplaced Self
9. Linkin Park - From Zero (Alt / Nu-Metal)
At the risk of coming across as being deliberately contrary, I can honestly say that I never rated Linkin Park. While there have been songs that I've liked (One Step Closer, Papercut, Numb, War), I could never really get on board with Chester Bennington's voice. By comparison, new co-vocalist Emily Armstrong has a serious set of pipes on her, with a charm and swagger to match. Since she was announced as they new singer, I have seen some (mainly misogynistic) backlash and whining online, but hey, there will always be crybabies and trolls out there. While it falls slighly short of being essential listening, Linkin Park hasn't sounded this vital or hungry since it's debut, way back in 2000.
Recommended track(s): Twom-Faced, Heavy is the Crown, The Emptiness Machine
8. Ministry - Hopiumforthemasses (Industrial / Metal)
After a career spanning over 40 years, what is there left to say about Ministry? If you are a fan of the band, then you already know what Hopiumforthemasses sounds like. That may sound like faint praise, but it isn't. Ever with his finger on the political pulse, main man and band leader Al Jourgensen tackles up to date subjects such as climate protest (Just Stop Oil), the MAGA mob (Goddamn White Trash) and toxic masculinity (B.D.E.) with aplomb and with his trademark cynicism. While Ministry have been relatively consistent for the last 30 years, it's been quite some time since they sounded THIS good. Recommended track: Goddamn White Trash
7. Thermality - The Final Hours (Melodic Death Metal)
Do you like classic late 90s / early 2000s Gothenburg Melodic Death Metal? Of course you do. Well, this bunch of young upstarts could just be the your new favourite band. They might not stray too far from the tried and tested formula of their idols (In Flames, Dark Tranquillity, et al), but they have the talent and the passion of youth to make their music sound fresh and contemporary. 2024 has been a strong year for Melodic Death Metal and Thermality can more than hold their own with the best of them.
Recommended track: Thorns of Salem
6. Unto Others - Never, Neverland (Goth / Metal)
Unto Others have been on my radar since they released their debut album, Mana in 2019 (under the moniker Idle Hands) and I have been championing them ever since. The band combines 80s Goth Rock and classic heavy metal to create a unique style of their own, while at the same time managing to sound comfortingly familiar. That's quite some feat.
Recommended tracks: Butterfly, Fame, Suicide Today.
Recommended track: Your Misplaced Self
9. Linkin Park - From Zero (Alt / Nu-Metal)
Recommended track(s): Twom-Faced, Heavy is the Crown, The Emptiness Machine
8. Ministry - Hopiumforthemasses (Industrial / Metal)
7. Thermality - The Final Hours (Melodic Death Metal)
Recommended track: Thorns of Salem
6. Unto Others - Never, Neverland (Goth / Metal)
Unto Others have been on my radar since they released their debut album, Mana in 2019 (under the moniker Idle Hands) and I have been championing them ever since. The band combines 80s Goth Rock and classic heavy metal to create a unique style of their own, while at the same time managing to sound comfortingly familiar. That's quite some feat.
Recommended tracks: Butterfly, Fame, Suicide Today.
Monday, 9 December 2024
Top 20 Albums of 2024 - Part 2: 15 - 11
15. Zeal & Ardor - Greif
Swiss prodigy Manuel Gagneux has gone from strength to strength with his (ostensibly) one-man project, Zeal & Ardor, since it's inception in 2013. With each successive album, the band has moved progressively further away from the Black Metal meets Gospel / "Slave music" roots of it's debut to the avant-garde act it is today. Each song is so stylistically unique that it's close to impossible to describe this album in a few lines. This is an overview rather than a review, so I'll let the music speak for itself.
Recommended track(s): Hide in Shade, Sugarcoat, Thrill.
14. Korpiklaani - Rankarumppu (Folk Metal)
For most of you, I imagine that Korpiklaani need absolutely no introduction. Having been mainstays on the Folk Metal scene for more than two decades, they have more than earned their status as scene legends. I'm usually fully supportive and engaged when a band pushes it's boundaries and experiments with it's established sound, but for the sake of complete transaprency I have to admit that I have struggled to bond with Korpiklaani for the last couple of albums. Rankarumppu finds them back on the form of their early releases, albeit with a hint of the experimental edge of the last decade. The result is a potent and vibrant combination of old and new. Korpiklaani are back where they belong at the top of the Folk Metal tree.
Recommended track(s): Aita, Saunaan.
13. South of Salem - Death of the Party (Goth / Sleaze Metal)
On this, their sophomore record, Bournmouth rockers South of Salem take the Sleaze Metal meets Punk of their debut and infuse it with a Goth sensibilty. From start to finish, Death of the Party is an all-out aural orgy of melodic riffs, infectious hooks and stadium-worthy choruses. This is good old-fashioned, good time hard rock, albeit with a dark edge. Turn it up to 11 and go along for the ride.
Recommended track(s): A life Worth Dying For, Vultures, Left for Dead
12. Earthtone9 - In Resonance Nexus (Alt Metal)
Earthtone9 have been mainstays on the British Metal scene since 1998 (albeit with a six year break between 2002 - 2008) releasing three brilliant and critically acclaimed albums between 1998 and 2000. In Resonance Nexus is only the second album the band has released since their comeback in 2008 (following on from 2013's IV), but yet again, it finds the band on impeccable form. From the opening salvo of The Polyphony of Animals, it is clear that this is a band revitalised. Karl Middleton's voice retains it's distinct roar / soaring power, the choruses are as luscious and memorable as ever and the riffs as deliciously dischordant. Long time fans will be delighted and newcomers to the band will have a top-tier back catalogue to discover. Just don't leave it another 11 years, guys.
Recommended track(s): The Polyphony of Animals, Oceanic Drift
11. Apocryphal - Facing the End (Melodic / Progressive Death Metal)
Coming a mere 25 years after it's predecessor, Apocryphal's second album is an absolute triumph. I wasn't aware of the band before, so had no pre-concieved expectations about this record. Well, what an album! This is top level Melodic Death Metal with a real flair for the progressive side of things. Admittedly, I may have buried the lead here, as the standout element of this album, the thing that really elevates it, is the vocals. And said vocals are provided by none other than Melodic Death royalty, Björn "Speed" Strid (Soilwork, Act of Denial, Coldseed, etc). That said, I only realised that after I had already fallen in love with this album. The songs speak for themselves and Björn's involvement (as a session band member) is just the icing on the cake.
Recommended track(s): All is Empty, My Hero Inside
Swiss prodigy Manuel Gagneux has gone from strength to strength with his (ostensibly) one-man project, Zeal & Ardor, since it's inception in 2013. With each successive album, the band has moved progressively further away from the Black Metal meets Gospel / "Slave music" roots of it's debut to the avant-garde act it is today. Each song is so stylistically unique that it's close to impossible to describe this album in a few lines. This is an overview rather than a review, so I'll let the music speak for itself.
Recommended track(s): Hide in Shade, Sugarcoat, Thrill.
14. Korpiklaani - Rankarumppu (Folk Metal)
For most of you, I imagine that Korpiklaani need absolutely no introduction. Having been mainstays on the Folk Metal scene for more than two decades, they have more than earned their status as scene legends. I'm usually fully supportive and engaged when a band pushes it's boundaries and experiments with it's established sound, but for the sake of complete transaprency I have to admit that I have struggled to bond with Korpiklaani for the last couple of albums. Rankarumppu finds them back on the form of their early releases, albeit with a hint of the experimental edge of the last decade. The result is a potent and vibrant combination of old and new. Korpiklaani are back where they belong at the top of the Folk Metal tree.
Recommended track(s): Aita, Saunaan.
13. South of Salem - Death of the Party (Goth / Sleaze Metal)
Recommended track(s): A life Worth Dying For, Vultures, Left for Dead
12. Earthtone9 - In Resonance Nexus (Alt Metal)
Recommended track(s): The Polyphony of Animals, Oceanic Drift
11. Apocryphal - Facing the End (Melodic / Progressive Death Metal)
Recommended track(s): All is Empty, My Hero Inside
Saturday, 30 November 2024
Top 20 Albums of 2024 - Part 1: 20 - 16
20. Powerwolf - Wake Up the Wicked (Symphonic Power Metal)
German Symphonic Power Metal plonkers, Powerwolf deliver the goods yet again. Yes, the whole Christian Werewolves concept is ridiculous, but musically these boys have found their niche and they can undeniably write a catchy tune. Wake Up The Wicked is chock full of absolute bangers and will please the band's existing fans as well as those of you who are partial to a bit of cheesy Power Metal silliness.
Recommended track(s): Bless 'em With the Blade, 1589, Kyrie Klitorem.
19. Fu Manchu - The Return of Tomorrow (Stoner Rock / Metal)
What is there to say about Fu Manchu other than they are absolute legends in the Stoner Metal scene. The Return of Tomorrow, the band's 13th album, finds them on classic form and is another solid addition to their already exceptional back catalogue. Whereas many bands in the genre go in for longer songs, Fu Manchu are more partial to a punchy sub-three minute stomper.
Recommended track(s): Dehumanize, Loch Ness Wrecking Machine
18. Kvaen - The Formless Fires (Melodic Black Metal)
When it comes to Melodic Black Metal, Sweden's Kvaen are head and shoulders above the rest. As always, The Formless Fires is packed to bursting with memorable riffs, soaring melodies and blistering solos. Don't worry though, this one-man powerhouse haven't forgotten about writing great, epic tunes. Kvaen deeserve a place at the top table of Black Metal and The Formless Fires moves them one step closer to earning it.
Recommended track(s): The Wings of Death, The Formless Fires.
17: Deicide - Banished by Sin (Death Metal)
Floridian Death Metal royalty, Deicide are arguably on their best form in three decades. Banished by Sin delivers the stomping swagger of the band's early albums, but minus the filler of recent releases. Deicide rarely go in for all out brutality, but rather opt for a nore considered mid-paced melodic approach. As always, the solos are wailing and sumptuous, the riffs are proper neck wreckers and Glen's vocals are guttaral and dripping with filth and malice. Lovely stuff.
16: Torchia - Arcane Magicae (Melodic Death Metal)
As everyone knows, Finland is the spiritual home of Metal and the latest prospect to emerge from the teeming Melodic Death Metal masses is the rather brilliant, Torchia. I found the first couple of albums to be a litte forgettable, but now on album three, the band have stepped up to the oche / plate (insert weird sporting reference of your choice) and have dropped an absolute belter. The crisp production really adds weight to the bands, Bodom-esque histrionics and lifts this album ip to a whole new level.
Recommended track(s): La Magra, There's a Witch Among Us
Recommended track(s): Bless 'em With the Blade, 1589, Kyrie Klitorem.
19. Fu Manchu - The Return of Tomorrow (Stoner Rock / Metal)
Recommended track(s): Dehumanize, Loch Ness Wrecking Machine
18. Kvaen - The Formless Fires (Melodic Black Metal)
When it comes to Melodic Black Metal, Sweden's Kvaen are head and shoulders above the rest. As always, The Formless Fires is packed to bursting with memorable riffs, soaring melodies and blistering solos. Don't worry though, this one-man powerhouse haven't forgotten about writing great, epic tunes. Kvaen deeserve a place at the top table of Black Metal and The Formless Fires moves them one step closer to earning it.
Recommended track(s): The Wings of Death, The Formless Fires.
17: Deicide - Banished by Sin (Death Metal)
Floridian Death Metal royalty, Deicide are arguably on their best form in three decades. Banished by Sin delivers the stomping swagger of the band's early albums, but minus the filler of recent releases. Deicide rarely go in for all out brutality, but rather opt for a nore considered mid-paced melodic approach. As always, the solos are wailing and sumptuous, the riffs are proper neck wreckers and Glen's vocals are guttaral and dripping with filth and malice. Lovely stuff.
16: Torchia - Arcane Magicae (Melodic Death Metal)
As everyone knows, Finland is the spiritual home of Metal and the latest prospect to emerge from the teeming Melodic Death Metal masses is the rather brilliant, Torchia. I found the first couple of albums to be a litte forgettable, but now on album three, the band have stepped up to the oche / plate (insert weird sporting reference of your choice) and have dropped an absolute belter. The crisp production really adds weight to the bands, Bodom-esque histrionics and lifts this album ip to a whole new level.
Recommended track(s): La Magra, There's a Witch Among Us
Friday, 8 November 2024
A Brave New World?!
Recently, while I was compiling playlists requested by friends, I decided to look back at my old blogs for inspiration and to jog my (worryingly, fading) memory. While I was doing so, I was surprised to see that I had posted more than 200 blogs over a 10 year period. That it was so long and that I posted my first blog in 2010 is unfathomable to me. I'm not just saying that. It's true, it's just how my memory works.
Anyway, that isn't my point. I realised just how much I enjoyed writing, regardless of how many people read them or how much feedback I received. I genuinely enjoyed sharing my opinions and getting my thoughts out there.
This got me thinking that maybe it's time for me to revive this tired old blog. I've been through some tough times over the past 4 or 5 years (as have most of us) and I need an outlet for my passion for music and my creativity, such as it is.
2024 has been a fantastic year for music and it feels fitting to honour the bands, old and new, who are keeping Metal and music, in general, alive. To those bellends who claim that Metal peaked in the 80s, I pity you and your blinkered little lives. Music has never been more vibrant and creative and I'm glad to be an aging rocker in this brave new world.
Anyway, that isn't my point. I realised just how much I enjoyed writing, regardless of how many people read them or how much feedback I received. I genuinely enjoyed sharing my opinions and getting my thoughts out there.
This got me thinking that maybe it's time for me to revive this tired old blog. I've been through some tough times over the past 4 or 5 years (as have most of us) and I need an outlet for my passion for music and my creativity, such as it is.
2024 has been a fantastic year for music and it feels fitting to honour the bands, old and new, who are keeping Metal and music, in general, alive. To those bellends who claim that Metal peaked in the 80s, I pity you and your blinkered little lives. Music has never been more vibrant and creative and I'm glad to be an aging rocker in this brave new world.
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