Ah! In the blink of an eye, 2023 has passed. Every year, hundreds of metal and rock acts release new material and this year was no different. We had to check out which albums from the epicenter of heavy metal (re: Finland) are albums that we’re going to take with us to 2024. Introducing our selection of 25 Finnish metal albums from 2023 that promise to remain on our playlists well into 2024. From the northern landscapes that have inspired some of the most iconic bands to the innovative sounds emerging from vibrant cities, this list celebrates the diverse and enduring contributions of Finnish metal. Whether you’re into melodic death metal, atmospheric black metal, or the various subgenres in between, these albums encapsulate the essence of Finnish metal craftsmanship, guaranteeing a powerful and memorable listening experience for years to come.
Bloodred Hourglass – How’s the Heart
Finland has many iconic metal bands that have made the country a landmark on the heavy scene and the wave of upcoming bands isn’t too shabby either. Regardless if we’re talking about BALANCE BREACH, MERCURY CIRCLE, LUNA KILLS, I AM YOUR GOD, or BLOODRED HOURGLASS, the musicianship and quality of their craft is undeniably there as a trademark of their musical heritage. With their sixth full-length, the wonderfully titled “How’s the Heart?,” Finnish melodic modern metal unit BLOODRED HOURGLASS (BRHG) is poised to become a torch bearer of the genre and a staple of the Finnish metal scene. The album was slated for release on October 20th, 2023, via Out of Line Music. (AC)
Omnivortex – Circulate
OMNIVORTEX is responsible for presenting one of the most pleasant surprises so far this year with their new album, “Circulate”; upon embarking on this reviewing assignment, I was not familiar with the band’s music at all. At best, the moniker ”tech death” that popped up in the press release might have slightly stirred up some prejudices that I must admit having toward this genre as a whole. (JL)
Damnation Plan – The New Horizon
For a bunch of progressively tinged rogues that have been around since 2004, the Finnish metal outfit, DAMNATION PLAN, has somehow managed to stay under my radar. Yeah, I probably saw their name scribed on the wall of a bathroom stall somewhere once, because it vaguely rings a bell, but I never bothered to check them out until now. Shame on me! Released on September 8th, 2023, via Inverse Records, their third studio album “The New Horizon” really does fire on all cylinders! (JL)
Anima Hereticae – Descended from the Mountains
With strong singing and emotional storytelling, this album solidifies ANIMA HERETICAE’S position as an innovative force in the music world. If you’re looking for music that breaks the rules and goes beyond the usual, “Descended from the Mountains” is a must-listen. It offers more than just music; it promises an unforgettable adventure—a captivating story told through sound that will deeply touch your heart and soul. (PJ)
Vorna – Aamunkoi
Hailing from Tampere, VORNA introduce “Aamunkoi,” an album that weaves atmospheric black metal with a touch of Finnish folklore. Since their formation in 2008, the band has carved a niche for themselves in the metal scene, and this album stands as a testament to their ability to create immersive soundscapes that capture the essence of the northern landscapes.
Psychework – Spark of Hope
“Spark of Hope” is probably my favorite of all the PSYCHEWORK albums at this point! It’s dramatic without being over-the-top, the vocal and instrumental quality is top-notch and in no way outshadowed by the backing symphonics… it left a very strong mark and is definitely one of the best local releases of this year – definitely recommended for fans of power metal and epic/theatrical metal! (BW)
Warmen – Here for None
Following the dissolution of the legendary melodic death metal act CHILDREN OF BODOM in 2019, keyboard maestro Janne Wirman redirected his focus, embarking on a new journey at university to become an architect. Yet, fate had other plans. His WARMEN bandmates (Jyri Helko and Antti Wirman) thought it was a mistake to let such talent lie dormant. Thus, WARMEN‘s resurgence to the Helsinki metal scene came to fruition, like a phoenix rising from the ashes. With a brand new lineup, featuring Seppo Tarvainen on drums and Petri Lindroos on guitar and vocals, WARMEN add a new dimension to the band’s soundscape and completely change direction in sound. The band released their latest album, “Here For None,” via Reaper Entertainment on August 18th, 2023. (LT)
Before the Dawn – Stormbringers
After having released albums with DAWN OF SOLACE and WOLFHEART, Finnish multi-instrumentalist Tuomas Saukkonen is back with a new album from a resurrected band. “Stormbringers” is BEFORE THE DAWN’s newest release since 2012’s “Rise of the Phoenix,” and features a new line-up with Paavo Laapotti on vocals, Juho Räihä on lead guitar, Pyry Hanski on bass, and himself on drums, keyboards, and vocals. The album came out on June 30th, 2023, through Napalm Records. (AC)
Balance Breach – ABYZMAL
Finnish up-and-coming metalcore unit BALANCE BREACH are back for round two with their sophomore album, “ABYZMAL.” The follow-up to their well-received debut, “Dead End Diaries” (2020), sees the Mikkeli-based band continuing to hone their craft to perfection by delivering hooky and dynamic metalcore bangers. “ABYZMAL” was released on May 26th, 2023, via Out of Line Music, and it is as melodic as it is heavy. (AC)
Kalmah – Kalmah
Northern Finland’s swamp metal connoisseurs KALMAH released their ninth studio album on May 26, 2023, via label Ranka Kustannus. This is their first album since the 2018 release of “Palo.”
I Am Your God – SINister
The city of Rovaniemi is not just home to Santa Claus and his busy workshop, but also to Finnish up-and-coming metalcore/melodic death metal band, I AM YOUR GOD. The quintet released their debut album, “The Resurrection,” in October 2020, only 2 months after signing a deal with German record label Out of Line Music. A couple of singles later, the band released their sophomore studio effort, titled “SINister,” on May 5th, 2023, again through Out of Line Music. (AC)
Grave Pleasures – Plagueboys
Paraphrasing the press release, GRAVE PLEASURE‘s “Plagueboys” sure does ”blow up the promise of the band’s cult-classic 2017 album ‘Motherblood’ into a danceable Gothic-pop feast of existential disintegration for the roaring ’20s.” I couldn’t have said it better myself. (JL)
Hexvessel – Polar Veil
HEXVESSEL, formed in 2009, explore black metal, folk, and psychedelic influences in “Polar Veil.” The album transports listeners into a mystical journey, combining enchanting melodies and poetic storytelling that encapsulate the band’s distinctive approach to their blend of experimental music.
Suotana – Ounas I
“Ounas I” is a deceptively heavy album, it is just that this heaviness is overshadowed by the light and bright feel of the keys. I know I keep coming back to this instrument, but the way in which the keyboard comes across here, and the ambiance that it creates, is the key to SUOTANA’s rich sound. The excellent songwriting is also a big part of this album’s appeal and smooth flow, while the clean production allows for every instrument and arrangement to stand out both on its own, as well as part of more complex passages. A strong addition to the meloblack/melodeath catalog, “Ounas I” is easily recommended to fans of the genre. (AC)
Alase – A Matter of Time
Finnish atmospheric proggers ALASE are a relatively new bunch to start making waves in the scene, having released their debut album, “Vastaus,” just a few years ago in 2019. They did make quite a good first impression with their entrée, which nicely echoed the haunting melancholy of more established household names in the pantheon of alternative rock and metal, such as A PERFECT CIRCLE, KLONE, and KATATONIA. So, I knew to expect something spectacular from their sophomore studio endeavor, “A Matter of Time,” released on April 14th, 2023, via Inverse Records. (JL)
Marianas Rest – Auer
Finnish MARIANAS REST have returned with chilly atmospheric death/doom metal with their new release, “Auer.” MARIANAS REST‘s world is a place of beauty and brutality, and they extend an irresistible invitation to join them on their journey. This album is sure to leave a lasting impression and solidify the band’s position as a rising force in the metal scene.
Pressure Points – The Island
Pressure Points impresses with “The Island,” offering a powerful blend of progressive metal. There’s an interesting conflict of extreme metal aesthetics and more plaintive, atmospheric prog conduct throughout the album – and that’s exactly what makes this endeavor so bloody excellent! (JL)
Insomnium – Anno 1696
There are a handful of bands on the Finnish metal scene that have reached untouchable status, simply because their musical legacy is of the highest rank. Undoubtedly, one such band is INSOMNIUM, who are continuing their streak of great releases with another concept album. Titled “Anno 1696,” the Finns’ ninth full-length deals with sorrow, unrest, witches, religion, and superstition and was released on February 24th, 2023, via Century Media Records. (AC)
The Abbey – Word of Sin
THE ABBEY is a 5-piece progressive doom ensemble from Finland, whose debut album “Word of Sin” was released on February 17th, 2023, via Season of Mist. “Word of Sin” does not sound like a mere album, it feels rather like an all-encompassing experience. Let’s hope THE ABBEY would delight us with a second chapter, because I am already looking forward to it. (LM)
… And Oceans – As In Gardens, So In Tombs
Finland’s …AND OCEANS have released their second album with their fully reformed lineup on January 27th, 2023, through Season of Mist. If you’re in the mood for some symphonic black metal with intoxicating themes that explore the relationship between philosophy and psychics, “As in Gardens, So in Tombs” manages to eclipse and recontextualize …AND OCEANS‘ trademark and adventurous songwriting with the sound of a band seizing every advantage in every way. (PJ)
VV – Neon Noir
Haunting juxtapositions of words, sounds, and moods make “Neon Noir” a masterstroke of superb songwriting and lush sonic diversity tied together by a polished production, which establishes VV as a unique individual that has once again created something that is wonderfully its own universe. (AC)
Silver Bullet – Shadowfall
One could almost call “Shadowfall” to be a well-crafted homage to the legendary power metal bands that crafted the foundation of the genre, as SILVER BULLET explore all of these classic sounds superbly. (BW)
Polymoon – Chrysalis
POLYMOON, formed in 2018, unveils “Chrysalis,” an album that delves into the realms of progressive and experimental rock. The band’s latest work showcases their musical versatility, creating a hypnotic and immersive listening experience. (LT)
Rootbrain – Breakwater
ROOTBRAIN presented their debut album, “Breakwater,” featuring members of bands like TRIPTYKON, SPIRITRAISER, and KUOLEMANLAAKSO, the band brought a little bit of Seattle’s grunge scene to Finland.
Bjørkø – Heartrot
Tomi Koivusaari, most known as the guitarist of Finnish metal act AMORPHIS finally released this debut solo effort under the moniker BJØRKØ, which offers a collection of songs that are deeply rooted in Koivusaari‘s musical history, ranging from black metal to progressive metal.
Article by Laureline Tilkin
