2019…a year of ups and downs, but at least the music has been good! Here’s my picks of the best shows and albums from the past twelve months.
Albums
1. Vorna – Sateet palata saavat
I’ve been eagerly awaiting album number three from Vorna ever since hearing their new song Aalloista back in 2016, and they certainly didn’t disappoint. Whilst yes, their debut Ajastaika is still the most important release in their discography to me, Sateet palata saavat is by far the band’s strongest album. Vorna is a constantly evolving beast, tweaking and refining their sound from release to release, and it’s refreshing to hear – it would be so dull if they just released the same album three times over. It’s been a pleasure to have been a part of this journey of Vorna’s success, and I already can’t wait to hear where they go from here! Nummirock 2020 is going to be a treat.
Tracks to check out: Tyhjyys on tyyni, Maa martona makaa
Our review
Purchase link
2. Phlebotomized – Deformation Of Humanity
I’d not actually heard of Phlebotomized prior to the release of their Deformation Of Humanity album, but it was an absolutely fantastic introduction to this talented band for me. I only needed to hear a few seconds of this album before I knew that I was going to love it, and I’ve kept revisiting it over the course of the year despite having heard it right at the start! I’m a sucker for death/doom so hearing it done as well as this – with a couple of surprises mixed in as well! – is awesome. Phlebotomized are truly back in style, and hopefully it won’t be another 20 years before the next studio album from them.
Tracks to check out: Desideratum, Proclamation of a Terrified Breed
Our review
Purchase link
3. King Satan – I Want You To Worship Satan
I had high hopes for the second album from King Satan after seriously enjoying hearing a performance of their new track Fuck Yoga in Bucharest about a year and a half ago. Of course they came through, and their second album I Want You To Worship Satan is a powerful and memorable bit of work to get you talking for all the right reasons. Packed full of earworms, you’ll be hungering to witness the tracks in a live environment by the time you’re done listening to the album. Make sure you keep an eye on this band, and be sure to check them out live if they’re playing near you!
Tracks to check out: Transgression, Psychosadomasochism
Our review
Purchase link
Gigs
1. Bleed From Within – Phase One, Liverpool
Live shows that leave you hungering for more are definitely a sign of a band doing something right, and that’s exactly what Bleed From Within have achieved with their live shows. After seeing them play a blistering set in Manchester the day before, I was hungry for more BFW shows so decided to see if there were any other shows on the tour I could potentially get to. To my surprise, they were playing Liverpool the day after – so I duly booked a hotel and a gig ticket on my train ride home! And incredibly…the Liverpool show wound up being even better than the show in Manchester (which, to be honest, probably still would have wound up on my picks list)! Face melting from start to finish, I was blown away once again. BFW have their live show absolutely nailed, and with their new song The End Of All We Know building on what made their previous album so good, I’m already excited for the new songs that will be added to their set in 2020.
2. Metalite – Pub Anchor, Stockholm
I probably wouldn’t have wound up going to this show if it wasn’t for our own writer, Dave, who essentially told me I needed to check out Metalite’s Heroes In Time album – and after falling in love with it, I knew I had to see this band live at some point. I’m always one for going overseas to see smaller bands, so after my shifts aligned nicely for me to make it to Stockholm, I finally got to see Metalite live. It was their first live show with their new singer Erica, but you’d have never guessed it because she looked like she’d always been a part of the band – it was a seamless transition and her voice complemented the older songs perfectly. The show was exhilerating and enjoyable, and with them coming to the UK for a few shows early next year, I’m already counting down the days.
3. Funeral For A Friend – Cardiff/London
Okay, well I didn’t review this one, but seriously. There was no way I couldn’t include these shows on the list. FFAF was a very important band to me when I was younger, and I cried when I saw them play their final show in Manchester a few years ago, so when it was announced they were getting back together to raise some money for the family of superfan Big Stu, I knew I had to bag some tickets. Somehow managed to get some for both the Cardiff and London shows, and oh boy. They were very special, and highly emotional, especially with the return of ex-members Ryan and Darran – the harsh vocals were never the same after Ryan left, and I honestly felt myself welling up when I heard Ryan’s vocals kick in during the first track. It was so good to see the community come together for such a good cause, and I feel so privileged I got to be a part of those special shows. Thank you, FFAF.
