2020 was a very dramatic chapter in the book of life. As dark as its pages may have been, we are looking forward to what 2021 brings to the table. This year teased us with some bands who are working towards a 2021 release or bands that have just gotten started in 2021. Here is an overview of bands from Finland to look out for in 2021.
Wheel
Progressive metal act WHEEL has turned the Finnish metal scene upside down with their debut record, “Moving Backwards.” Praised for their refreshing take on progressive music, with influences ranging from TOOL to KARNIVOOL, WHEEL spent autumn 2019 touring with SOEN. Even though they had a lot of shows planned in 2020 – and as a consequence of COVID-19 saw them all canceled or postponed – the band has kept themselves busy writing and recording new music. The four-piece just presented their new single, “Movement” and will release their sophomore full-length in March 2021.
Frosttide
Only having heard from FROSTTIDE because of their in 2018 released EP, “Decedents – Enshrined,” we have been waiting eagerly for a follow-up to these intricate melodic death metal tracks. The band released a brand new single, “We Will Be Gone“ some weeks ago and it has made us very much excited for the next chapter. Given that the band has had a recent lineup change, with two members joining the lineup, Paul Thureau (guitars) and Taneli Jämsä (bass), we’re curious to see how the death metal act will develop their sound with their upcoming release, coming in 2021.
Blame Me!
Alternative rock act BLAME ME! has recently released a brand new single. The song had everything a motivational rock anthem should have: it’s modern, poppy, blends in progressive elements, and has a surprisingly uplifting feeling. The better news is that the band promised that there is more where that came from and are planning to release some new songs next year.
Psychework
PSYCHEWORK surprised us in 2018 with their album, “Karelian Hills.” For 2 years, it has been a bit quiet around the band, up until they released their single “Enemy Inside the Wire” towards the end of 2020. Instead of a full-length album, the band is releasing an EP in April 2021, which we are definitely looking forward to!
Arion
With two perfect albums released so far, Finnish symphonic power metal act ARION have been working on their third record in 2020. Near the end of the year, we got a first taste with the single, “Bloodline” featuring Noora Louhimo of BATTLE BEAST, which seems to be a fine illustration of what the album might sound like and a logical step forward after the critically acclaimed “Life is Not Beautiful.”
True Cult Club
TRUE CULT CLUB was a mystery, up until the band revealed their identities and their music with the release of their first single, “Empty Alley.” While the band wouldn’t necessarily identify themselves as a supergroup (the band consists out of some well-established musicians in the Finnish scene), their tracks do sound super. The five-piece so far have released a handful of singles, diverse in nature and we can’t wait to hear more.
Simulacrum
Once upon a time, SIMULACRUM was one of the prog sensations of Finland. It’s been a bit quiet around the band during the last couple of years, however, towards the end of 2020 the band hinted at a 2021 release and released their first single, “Nothing Remains.”
Shereign
Many know vocalist Sara Strömmer from acts like END OF AEON and FEAR OF DOMINATION, but did she know she is singing in a brand new hard rock/heavy metal band? SHEREIGN released their first single, “Losing Sight,” in autumn and we couldn’t have been more thrilled by the result. Long may SHEREIGN!
Mercury Circle
MERCURY CIRCLE was originally founded by SWALLOW THE SUN‘s Jaani Peuhu and now houses musicians from CHILDREN OF BODOM and SLEEP OF MONSTERS. The band released their debut EP in 2020, but are working towards an album release in 2021. After the magical listening experience that is “The Dawn of Vitriol,” we can’t wait for new material to entrance us!
Fireproven
Progressive metal act FIREPROVEN surprised us with their new singer, Sanna Sola joining their ranks. They recently released a new single, “The Addict” and promised us they are releasing more material in 2021. We’re looking forward to see what the band has in store for us.
