Now that 2023 is coming to a close, we at Tuonela Magazine want to share the releases that we have most enjoyed. Each of our staff members will share their own list, so here is the list of Jana De Boeck.
In general, I think 2023 was a great year for metal. Even though, personally, there weren’t any releases that I would call groundbreaking or life-changing, the big picture has proven to be very bright. My biggest surprise was how fast a cult band like SLEEP TOKEN rose to international renown. Even though I’m not a huge fan myself, I can see why. They have created a truly unique sound with such contrasts that metal fans from all over the genre spectrum might find an element they appreciate. The genre shifts feel organic, not engineered for the sole purpose of “being different,” which, in my opinion, could be one of the reasons for their surging popularity. I am curious about what the future holds in store for them, and I will certainly keep an open mind.
We were also treated to some massive new releases from the likes of METALLICA and AVENGED SEVENFOLD, which I reckon were long anticipated by many. METALLICA‘s “72 Seasons” was widely praised for its vulnerability and showcase of the band’s stylistic evolution throughout the decades. I can agree on that, but I have to admit I haven’t revisited “72 Seasons” much. Then again, AVENGED SEVENFOLD is more up my alley. The way they crushed boundaries with a record like “Life Is But a Dream…” was overwhelming and even a bit off-putting at first, but I have come to appreciate how it stayed with me afterward and made me want to make sense of what I was hearing.
Last but not least, there was the return of Ville Vallo (under the moniker of VV), one of my childhood “heroes” so to speak. H.I.M. was one of the bands that accompanied me through my angsty teenage years, and even though my relationship with love metal has grown somewhat apart, VV still knows how to effectively pull at my heartstrings with “Neon Noir.” It was a welcome nostalgic trip during a year that, for me, was all about looking towards the future.
Top 10 International albums
10. Revocation – Netherheaven
9. August Burns Red – Death Below
8. HEALTH – Rat Wars
7. Avenged Sevenfold – Life Is But a Dream…
6. Haken – Fauna
5. In Flames – Foregone
4. Powerwolf – Interludium
3. Bury Tomorrow – The Seventh Sun
2. Myrkur – Spine
1. Orbit Culture – Descent
I took quite a liking to ORBIT CULTURE since I first saw one of their impressive live shows. Their recognizable brutal melodeath sound has remained consistently powerful across all releases, and I can’t get enough of the rock-solid drums and raging riffs on “Descent.” If I had to give only one concert recommendation, I would confidently say ORBIT CULTURE.
Read more: Interview with Haken — “We did just have a lot of fun with the writing.”, REVIEW: In Flames – Foregone, REVIEW: Powerwolf – Interludium, REVIEW: Myrkur – Spine, REVIEW: Orbit Culture – Descent
Top 10 Finnish albums
10. Ville Valo – Neon Noir
9. Rootbrain – Breakwater
8. Turmion Kätilöt – Omen X
7. Bjørkø – Heartrot
6. Balance Breach – ABYZMAL
5. Marianas Rest – Auer
4. …And Oceans – As In Gardens, So In Tombs
3. Warmen – Here For None
2. Bloodred Hourglass – How’s the Heart?
1. Insomnium – Anno 1696
INSOMNIUM’s latest effort is truly a work of art. The concept of “Anno 1696,” dark stories about the medieval era filled with witch trials, murder, and famine, really intrigued me. The way they put together this gem of an album is inspiring, with beautiful guitar work and their signature genre blend evoking a mood of deep melancholy.
Read more: REVIEW: VV – Neon Noir, Interview with Turmion Kätilöt — “‘Omen X’ is about the future.”, Interview with Bjørkø — “When I play guitar, I think about the atmosphere and what kind of emotions it needs.”, REVIEW: Balance Breach – Abyzmal, REVIEW: Marianas Rest – Auer, REVIEW: …And Oceans – As in Gardens, so in Tombs, REVIEW: Warmen – Here For None, REVIEW: Bloodred Hourglass – How’s the Heart?, REVIEW: Insomnium – Anno 1696
Top 3 EPs
3. Atreyu – The Moment You Find Your Flame EP
2. Spiritbox – The Fear of Fear
1. Ghost – Phantomime EP
Simply amazing how GHOST takes timeless classics and turns them into something refreshing without losing the original vibe. Especially the Genesis cover “Jesus He Knows Me” hits the spot, but taking on Tina Turner is very ambitious as well.
Read more: REVIEW: Spiritbox – EP: The Fear of Fear
Top 5 music videos
5. Avenged Sevenfold – Mattel
4. Bloodred Hourglass – The End We Start From
3. Tenside – IMPENDING DOOM (feat. John Henry from Darkest Hour)
- Insomnium – White Christ (feat. Sakis Tolis)
1. Electric Callboy – Everytime We Touch
What can I say? It’s silly and makes me happy. The intimate Dirty Dancing-esque moment in this video never fails to make me chuckle. Cascada‘s dance classic has always been a guilty pleasure of mine, and ELECTRIC CALLBOY did a great job injecting it with their own distinct style.
Top 5 international songs
5. Powerwolf – No Prayer at Midnight
4. Slipknot – Bone Church
3. Bury Tomorrow – Abandon Us
2. Myrkur – Valkyriernes Sang
1. Orbit Culture – Vultures Of North
I can imagine everyone being sick of me praising ORBIT CULTURE by now. *insert GIF of Homer Simpson slowly disappearing into a bush*
Read more: REVIEW: Powerwolf – Interludium, REVIEW: Myrkur – Spine, REVIEW: Orbit Culture – Descent
Top 5 Finnish songs
5. Balance Breach – Heart Like Siberia
4. Ville Valo – Neon Noir
3. Marianas Rest – Light Reveals Our Wounds
2. Insomnium – White Christ (feat. Sakis Tolis)
1. Bloodred Hourglass – The End We Start From
I’ve read a lot of mixed reviews about BLOODRED HOURGLASS‘ latest record, “How’s the Heart?.” I quite enjoy the experimental phase they seem to be in right now, and “The End We Start From” is a great example of why I believe this band’s name has become more and more important in the scene. The heartfelt lyrics combined with aggressive yet melodious riffs, the subtle nuances Jaredi Koukonen puts into his harsh vocals… Everything simply clicks.
Read more: REVIEW: Balance Breach – Abyzmal, REVIEW: VV – Neon Noir, REVIEW: Marianas Rest – Auer, REVIEW: Insomnium – Anno 1696, REVIEW: Bloodred Hourglass – How’s the Heart?
Top 5 best last-minute songs
5. Architects – Seeing Red
4. Powerwolf – Bark At The Moon
3. Enterprise Earth – Casket Of Rust
2. HEALTH – DSM-V
1. Orbit Culture – While We Serve
HEALTH is a band that only recently appeared on my radar due to the release of their latest record, “Rat Wars.” They are an LA-based industrial rock trio whose sound seems to have become heavier and more genre-defying over time. I find myself coming back to this artfully crafted album and discovering new nuances every time, so I would definitely recommend checking it out if you are into an absorbing and engaging listen.
Top 5 Cover Art
5. TesseracT – War of Being
4. Insomnium – Anno 1696
3. Ne Obliviscaris – Exul
2. Avenged Sevenfold – Life Is But a Dream…
1. Haken – Fauna
Best collaboration
Nita Strauss & Alissa White-Gluz – The Wolf You Feed.
Girl power is very much at work here. Nita Strauss‘ infectious riffs immediately draw you in and don’t let go. What I found especially interesting is that this track showcases Alissa White-Gluz as a more multidimensional vocalist, as both the signature harsh and clean vocals are right on point.
Best concert
MALEVOLENCE, OBITUARY, TRIVIUM, and HEAVEN SHALL BURN, January 31st, 2023, at Ancienne Belgique in Brussels, Belgium. Heaven Shall Burn & Trivium Tour.
This was my first concert of 2023 and still the most memorable one. I had never seen any of these bands live, but it was TRIVIUM that blew me away. They had my complete and utter involvement right from the start and never let go of their grip throughout the entire show. Their high-energy, engaging performance ended up being such a big contrast to the other bands that played that night that my respect for TRIVIUM as a band grew exponentially.
Most promising act
ORBIT CULTURE
I have mentioned them a lot and with good reason. This band has gained more than deserved renown, hitting big international stages with their tight live performances. They have worked hard and deserve all the credit they can get.
Top 5 most anticipated releases of 2024
5. Enterprise Earth – Death: An Anthology
4. Myrath – Karma
3. Blacktop Mojo – Pollen
2. While She Sleeps – Self Hell
1. Green Day – Saviors
With a year in front of me that will most likely completely change my life (for the better, I hope), I find myself revisiting small but heartwarming reminders of the past. With that in mind, what could be more perfect than a new record from one of my favorite childhood bands, GREEN DAY? It’s due out on January 19th, and from what I have already heard (like “The American Dream Is Killing Me”), I have high hopes for this album. Fingers crossed!
Want to share your lists with us? Comment below with your lists.
The whole Tuonela Magazine team wishes you an inspirational 2024 filled with a lot of new music to discover. We hope to see you back next year!
