As we've done every year since 2004 (except, for some reason, in 2017), SPB's hard-working staffers have beavered away around the clock to deliver you a set of lists to help you review the year just finished. Not a list of our favorite albums—you can peruse that here—but all kinds of other things we discovered in 2023.
Read on to hear about the best artwork, musicians we lost, live shows, covers, Europunk, and of course, "Canadian releases to phone your mom about". Don't say we don't spoil you here at Scene Point Blank.
— The SPB team
Best Art of 2023
This list has become a returning feature that I really enjoy making. As we are doing this for the fourth time I can start to see a couple of trends. What I noticed first is the absence of space themed cover art. In previous years I included loads of that kind of art. I wondered about the cause and came to the conclusion that a) there was less art in that category and b) the art in this category was less brilliant than in previous years. This year art that reminds me of graphic novels/comics are hot. Perhaps that correlates with the amount of comics I have read this year, but I like to think that doesn't influence me that much.I do feel that 2023 was not the best year when it comes to artwork. Overall a lot of art left me unimpressed. Luckily, the pieces that really caught my attention compensated for that. I also discovered more than one band because I wanted to check what music came with the beautiful art, which speaks for the importance of a good cover.
Anyway, you are not here to read my elaborate thoughts on trends, so without further ado I am proud to present the best artwork of 2023. The list is in random order, but to me, Deadly Carnage (or, more precise: Alexios Ciancio for Ciancio Graphics) is a clear winner with their beautiful cover.
Deadly Carnage - Endless Blue
This year I discovered Deadly Carnage because I really, really wanted to know what the band that has this amazing artwork sounds like. Singer Alexios Ciancio (Ciancio Graphics) can take credit for getting me on board. Luckily for me the music did match up with the gorgeous artwork. I return to the album often and always marvel at the art. I am a sucker for a good drawing of magnificent animals such as a whale. The Japanase feeling matches with the Japanese myths that are dealt with in the lyrics. The muted color scheme is near perfect. This is by far the best art I've seen this year.
Bankrupt - Illiberal Holiday
Vass Richard did some amazing work on this cover for Bankrupt. If you think this is it, you are absolutely wrong. Every track on the album has it's own cover and they are all good or great. Amazing stuff!
Deep Space Destructors - Voyage To Innerspace
As I read a lot of graphic novels/comics I am a sucker for artwork that reminds me of that hobby. Markus Räisänen got exactly the right vibe to combine that graphic novel feel with some spacey, slightly psychadelic stoner like Deep Space Destructors. It is a mariage made in heaven.
KENmode - Void
Randy Ortiz made the art for Void, the latest KENmode album. Where his work for the previous album was already pretty good, he outdid himself on this album I appreciate this for two reasons. Firstly, it is absolutely horrifying. It scares me every time I see it as it really is the stuff of nightmares. Secondly, it truly encapsulates the dark sound of the album. It is this combination of music and artwork that lifts it above the rest.
Hoy Es Siempre Todavía - El Mapa de Mi Albedrío
The Braves Church made the artwork for Hoy Es Siempre Todavía's album El Mapa de Mi Albedrío. An album title that (Google translate tells me) translates to The Map Of My Will. It is no more than logical that this translates to a map. And it is and isn't and I just love this kind of playing around with your perception. Once you see it you can't unsee it. Or well, I can flip back and forth in what I see, but you catch my drift. An excellent piece of work that brings that little bit of extra to put in on this list. I also need to compliment the choice for the font chosen and the placement. It really blends in and adds some depth (opposed to what we see too often: (pretty) artwork with loveless bandname/album title smacked on it).
Satón - A La Espera Del Momento
This one is intriguing to me. This picture is serene and threatening at the same time. At first I thought: poor bird! It dawned on me then that the bird showed no signs of pain or despair. It appears to me more as a display of a serene beauty, it is flaunting it's golden fiery wings and confidently so. At the same time that beauty is kind of threatening. Not the beauty itself, but the fire. Fire, no matter how beautiful it can be, is a source of danger. That combination is perfectly captured by Daniel Vega for Satón's album A La Espera Del Momento, an album that combines the same two qualities as the artwork.
Decadencia - Demo
I can not say I am a big fan of tattoo art as an album cover. Except when it is done exceptionally well. Lourdes Santonja did just that for Decadencia's Demo. It is not too crowded, which is for the best if you ask me. It also nicely contrasts something hard (the glove) with something more soft (the flower). On a second thought: perhaps that glove is needed because of the thorns? Anyways, what makes it stand out is the use of color. To be more specific: to use only one color. This brings a certain dynamic to the art that is priceless.
Mountain Caller - The Archivist
Mountain Caller is a band I discovered because their artwork called to me. I really enjoyed the art of their debut album. On the EP that followed the band used a different artist, who also delivered something amazing, but it did not speak to me as Hannah Templers work did. I am delighted to see their second album (which will be released early next year) will be adorned with her beautiful work again. I am cheating a bit to include this already on my list, but since the single The Archivist (which uses the same artwork) is released this year I do not feel too guilty about it. This type of artwork oozes graphic novel vibes (not very strange considering Hannah Templer works on comics as well). It feels as though it is part of a story. As Mountain Caller is telling a grand tale with their music that feels as a perfect match. It is a shame that the album art is only part of the whole picture. I encourage you to look for the whole picture.
Allochiria - Commotion
A small part of my job is interviewing people. During those interviews I've found that silence is an exceptionally important part of the art of interviewing. When I started I wanted to fill the silence, so I talked and talked. Over time I learned to use silence as a tool to let the other person speak, elaborate on their previous answer without directing them into a certain corner. I think the same can apply to art. I mean: give someone a blank page to fill with art and what do they do? They fill it to the brim. Sometimes, less is more though. Ultragrim Dis-sign understood that and played around with empty space in his design for Commotion, Allochiria's third album. Combined that with the use of a very limited color set and you get this absolute gem of an album cover!
Summer Haze '99 - Inevitable
Fany Sejati designed this albumcover for Summer Haze '99, one of the many projects of Erech Leleth. This project is a strange concoction of post-black, blackgaze and some kind of pop-music. It is a strange brew, but it works well, especially closing track "Voy Con Libertad" is a real gem. The music invokes a kind of hazy, warm atmosphere. An atmosphere Fany Sejati converted to a beautiful visual. It is warm, yet also just vague enough encourage your imagination. The colors used are brilliantly chosen and add further warmth and depth to the art.
- Dennis
Best Europunk EPs and splits
Every year I listen to many quality releases and I only have room for 25 full lengths in my yearlist. So every year I am looking for ways to secretly expand my list. Combine that with a heapload of great EP's and split records that are released every year and you can see why I wanted to also pay attention to these releases. Most of these releases went without proper review on this site, which saddens me. Let's see if I can do better next year. For now, let's focus on introducing you to a couple more gems.
1
Grisaille - Entre Deux Averses
Symphony Of Destruction
This EP is the debut for Grisaille. Yet, this band is home to a lot of experience, as it is founded by Jacky and Fab, founders of Syndrome 81 and Mentalité 81. This release is characterized by a slighly different sound and great introspective lyrics. As I said in our song of the day feature: It appears to me the French OI! scene is not afraid to experiment a bit with different sounds and the crystal clear guitar sound Grisaille chose for this EP is slightly different from what you might expect, but just perfect. It creates the perfect atmosphere for these introspective lyrics.
I really do hope we will hear more from this project!
2
I got this EP because I dig Litovsk and got introduced to another great band: Hinin. Both play kind post-punk inspired oi!. Both offer one new song and a cover. As I said in my review of this EP: I figure it is a brilliant introduction to two hard working good sounding post-punk bands and an encouragement to dig deep in your music collection (or steaming service of choice) to enjoy the originals of the two excellent covers.
In addition I would also like to encourage you to delve into the discographies of both bands. Trust me, you won't regret it!
3
Blessure - Blessure
Polze de la Mort, Dirty Slap Records.
Blessure is a band that caught my attention with last years single. This year I was happy to see the release of their self-titled EP. I can't help to think that a self-titled release is sort of a statement of intent. Something along the lines of: "This is us, this is what we stand for". I hope that is the case for Blessure, as I really dig what they have going on. As I said at my kitchen table: The recipe is the same so you can still expect oi! that is based on the French scene from the ‘80s. The end result is a very catchy EP. It is powerful and melodic.
4
Crime Scene - Dark Tidings
RealityRecords
What happens when a songwriter of a cross-over band (like PC from Toxic Shock for example) would write slightly more thrash oriented stuff and ask a well known punk singer (like Jerry A of Poison Idea for example) to sing those tunes? This is not a hypothetical question, this is exactly what happened and it is every bit as good as it sounds. A bit more thrash than Toxic Shock, but pulled back into the hardcore realm by that oh so familiar voice of Jerry A. To me, this band (or project? I don't know) came out of the blue, but their promise that this is only the beginning sparks joy.
5
Eyeteeth - State Funeral
Atomic Breath Records
I mostly associate straight edge with youth crew. Most bands claiming the edge that are in my collection are part of that scene. I am well aware that there are countless other scenes that home some talent, but they generally do not speak to me like the youth crew bands. And then there´s Eyeteeth. "You like straight edge music, you might like this" I was told. I was blown out of my chair when I put this on, as this is nowhere near the youth crew I expected. I mean, the bandname should have been a hint, the Bandcamp tags another, but I was oblivious to those hints. Eyeteeth play a blend of grindcore, powerviolence and hardcore. It grabs you by the throat and won't let go until they're done. With six songs with a maximum duration of 35 seconds Eyeteeth is not overstaying their welcome, but they stay long enough to leave a lasting impression. The band is also very productive with no less than three releases this year.
6
STiCKFiGS - Former Glory
White Russian Records
White Russian Records is a label with a keen eye for Dutch punk talent. With a roster that includes bands like Third Ego or Call It Off they clearly show they know what they are doing. This debut EP by STiCKFiGS is a testament to that talent. This band looked at the punk rock landscape and set up camp in the pop punk corner of the map. There is a certain seriousness to be found in their sound, while at the same time it is just pure fun. A very nice EP that makes me look forward to their next release.
7
The Mocks - Do Me Good / Sticks and Stones
Wap Shoo Wap Records
This year I discovered Wap Shoo Wap Records and as a part of that discovery, I also discovered The Mocks. Their sound is very retro; retro done well I would like to add. As I said at my kitchen table: Do Me Good/Sticks And Stones can be described as The Kinks or The Who with a punk vibe. The sound is extremely ‘60s. Everything sounds old school. While a lot of bands who strive for this sound forget the drum-sound, The Mocks worked hard to get this right too.
8
Ultha, Karloff - Split
Vendetta Records
If you know these bands you might think: "wasn't this a euroPUNK list?". No worries, both bands are still doing what they do best (playing black metal and metal with some punk influences respectively). I do feel they belong on this list as they both cover a song from Samhain. I like that band, although I always feel their music would benefit from a thicker production. And guess what: this split is expertly produced. It is a great split that offers good fun. The biggest downside is it leaves me wanting more!
9
The Crimson Ghosts, Hellgreaser - Greensleeves
Sunny Bastards Records, Soulfood
I am still not sure how this flew under my radar, but thanks to the interview I did with Jackal of The Crimson Ghosts this lovely split caught my attention. Not long after the vinyl fell on doormat. I like it when bands go the extra mile on their releases and recording a song together on a split does feel like putting in that extra effort. Greensleeves is a brilliant collaboration. Next to that we are offered four songs where the two bands cover songs from each other. I am happy to see Hellgreaser picked "Nightbreed", one of my favorite tunes of The Crimson Ghosts.
10
Terminal - Θύμα Προπαγάνδας
Terminal Records
This Greek band is a late discovery. It is a one man band, something we don't see a lot in punk and hardcore. Everything is recorded with the help of friends. It is a four song tornado of anarcho punk, d-beat and hardcore. Represented here are four of the fourteen tracks recorded for a debut. I am not 100% sure if the band can capture my attention for ten songs, that release would need a bit more diversity. An EP is the perfect length for something as hardhitting as this.
- Dennis
Delaney’s Top 5 Concerts of 2023
2022 was an all time high for my concert attendance- 2023 was… not that. Between moving, starting a new job and many other boring adult activities, I’ve spent significantly less time at my local dives and arenas this year. Despite my decidedly not punk setbacks (sorry I’m not living off PBRs and couch surfing) I still managed to see some killer acts.
1
Seattle’s Bumbershoot 2023 did a lot of things for me. It increased my step count exponentially, gave me a true appreciation for $12 beers and let me see several of my favourite bands perform for the first time. I’ve loved Sleater-Kinney since I was a nascent Riot Grrrl in 10th grade. While they’ve weathered the test of time, I expected a nostalgic set from a band that hit their stride 20 years ago. What I got was most certainly not that. The only way I can describe their headlining set at Bumbershoot is seething with energy. It was raw, spontaneous and playful. They were backed by the roar of their hometown crowd and performed under a starry sky as the night’s closing act. Carrie ran the length of the stage several times and seemed to take great joy in teasingly picking at Corin. She didn’t leave the comedy set at home, joking the entire way through. The set was energetic and jovial in a way only the best performers can pull off. A Riot Grrrl band that expanded past the genre, with longevity to boot, Sleater-Kinney pelted the city like a Seattle storm. Track after track assaulted the senses in the most pleasant way possible. Their signature guitar tone cut through the crowd and brought even the stragglers to their feet.
Photo: Travis Trautt
2
I’ve seen Skating Polly twice and been a fan since they were a duo. I feel a bit bad, but I try and stay honest in these reviews. The first time I saw them live, they weren’t fantastic. Not bad by any means, but not the raucous punk show I was expecting. They were opening for THICK at my least favourite Vancouver venue. I won’t name names but it draws an obnoxious crowd and the stage itself is raised too far above the audience to encourage much moshing or stage diving. My sour experience comes mainly from the audience who, at one point, moved a table and chairs into the burgeoning mosh pit. Thankfully, I had the opportunity to see Skating Polly again this year at a different Vancouver venue on their own tour. They were loud, gritty and high energy; this time the crowd was too. Kelli’s recent vocal cord surgery didn’t slow down the group; in fact the training she did post surgery only enhanced her harmonies and screams. While they reeled off several hits from their new album, Chaos County Line, they played the old favourites as well. As the first notes of 'Camelot' rang out, the woman in front of me genuinely started to cry. Suffice to say it was a great time.
3
Le Tigre
I won’t make you read through 500 words of painful preamble. I will make you read through about 100 words of it though. I purchased tickets to see Bikini Kill in 2021 in Victoria, Canada with friends. I live in Vancouver and figured the two hour commute was well worth it to see my favourite living band. Due to Covid the date got pushed back six months. Understandable- it’s a global pandemic after all. I cancelled my ferry tickets and accommodation. Six months later and it was pushed back another year due to concerns about, Bikini Kill front woman, Kathleen Hanna’s autoimmune disease. Again- very understandable. I cancelled my ferry tickets and accommodation. One year later and I’m on the ferry to see my favourite living band with my two best friends; one of them pulls me aside and says she has horrible news. The venue in Victoria where Bikini Kill was supposed to be playing was shut down as the building didn’t reach code. I resisted the urge to throw myself from the ferry and into the sea. The show was not rescheduled. In 2023 Le Tigre, another Kathleen Hanna fronted band, toured North America. I got tickets to see them in Vancouver. Despite my skepticism it was not cancelled. In fact, it ended up being one of my favourite shows of the year. Performing with an injury that left her entire left eye bloody, Hanna danced around on stage in technicolour costumes while doling out searing guitar riffs. The three members swapped out instruments and even slid in a costume change half way through the show. I myself wouldn’t have minded a change in clothes as I was drenched with sweat from an hour of nonstop dancing. Thankfully my friends, the same ones who had been with me on the ferry, didn’t mind. Hanna spoke on community and the importance of supporting local musicians and venues. Flashing graphics interspersed with the songs’ lyrics towered behind the band and turned the evening into an all out karaoke session as even casual fans were able to participate in the scream-singalong taking place. On the bus ride home I felt vindicated after finally seeing Kathleen Hanna live, sure, but mostly I felt thankful for the friends I got to spend the evening dancing with.
4
Zimbabwean rock met Seattle grunge at The Black Tones midday set at Bumbershoot 2023. After hearing their sound check blare over another band’s performance I knew they were a band I didn’t want to miss. Loud and unapologetic, the group, lead by twins Eva and Cedric Walker, took stage presence to another level. Dancing, wailing guitars and even a cameo by the twins’ mother kept the stage, and audience, electrified. Crunchy bass drops and righteous head banging studded their set. Before laying into their hit single, ‘Ghetto Spaceship’, the group played a few lesser known cuts and a Zimbabwean hard rock cover that got the crowd moving. The Black Tones brought an infectious energy to the festival that made everyone forget they paid $14.99 for parking.
5
I debated putting this one on here. After all, what’s fire without gasoline, Coke without Mentos, Pixies without Kim Deal. Due to, let’s say Personal Issues, Deal did not join Pixies on their 2023 tour. Being a massive Breeders fan I was highly disappointed, but not surprised, by her absence. More than 20 years down the road I can’t really complain when band line ups don’t stay the same. Playing at the Thunderbird Arena at UBC, the concert was fraught with 50 year old dads and collage students in vintage band shirts that cost more than my rent. After playing a few new songs the band reached back in time and dug out the hits. The crowd rose to their feet as the vocals on 'River Euphrates' threatened to deafen us all in one jubilant burst. Several classic songs were reworked, packed into medleys or slowed down. While Pixies were touring on their past work more than current name recognition, they crafted a thoughtful experience for old and new fans alike. I still wish Kim Deal was there though.
Pogues frontman. I had the opportunity to see the Pogues in the 80's. Shane and Spider had a few in them. Perhaps one of the top shows I have witnessed. The energy abounded that night. I saw Shane with the Popes later in the 90's.
Big fan of The Nips and Nipple Erectors as well.
https://www.shanemacgowan.com/
I saw Killing Joke a few times. Perhaps one of the most memorable times was at a sparsely attended show. Jaz had audience members sit in a circle while he danced and sang around us.
https://www.killingjoke.co.uk/
Met Scott briefly once at a Dictators gig. Never had the opportunity to see The Del-Lords. Both great bands!
Big Television fan. His solo records are great as well. Saw Television once. Was a highlight to have finally seen them.
- Christopher D
Records I Discovered Too Late To Include in my Year End List
Making a list of best records for the year is hard labor. Especially when you keep in mind you will probably regret a couple of choices later on. With the incredible avalanche of music being released each year there is always the category: had I heard this record in time, it would have made it to my list. Well, here are a few choice cuts I heard too late for them to be included in my year list. I do think that at least a couple of these records might just have been on my list had I only heard it earlier.
Blood Command - World Domination
Hassle Records
First impression: I only discovered this band last year and it was love at first sight. However, despite my love for them, this band managed to fly under my radar once again. Part of why I like them so much is how they combine influences from all over the place into catchy, coherent hardcore-punk tunes. This album again sounds like my vinyl-collection mixed together. There's influences from all over the spectrum. I do feel slight disappointment that there is separate techno-track and a separate hip-hop track. This band is so strong in mixing all those influences into one seamless whole, so why the separate tracks? Perhaps the focus was more on the flow of the whole album (because, believe it or not, that still sounds amazing). The energy is still there and it is still catchy as hell!
Tetem - Tetem
Self-released
First impression: Once upon a time, in an era we now know as the past, a friend of mine exposed me to Vengeance, the second Tragedy album. It was my first introduction to crust and I loved it. I am a bit picky when it comes to that scene though. It must have enough melody and enough grit to keep me onboard. These Hungarian crusties appear to walk that edge perfectly and the album scratched an itch I didn't even know I had. Upon first listen I was at the edge of my seat immediately. I contemplated a bit of including it in my yearlist, but to be completely honest, it is a bit too early for that. I will spend some more quality time with this album and probably regret not having included it in my yearlist. We'll see.
Allochiria - Commotion
Venerate Industries
First impression: This Greek band is new to me. I only found out about it when I found it in someone elses yearlist. After a quick spin I understand why it was included there. The band plays sludge with some post-metal influences. So you know what we get: music that sounds like a land-slide trying to kill you. Not too fast, but incredibly dangerous. What separates them from the flock are the vocals that have great range from deep grunts to high pitched screams, all used to evoke more emotion, and great bass presence. This really is an album I need to spend more time with to fully grasp what is going on.
Aortes - Devouring Gloom
Self-released
First impression: I do enjoy doomy and gloomy music and one of the scenes that does this best is the post-metal scene. Aortes can be found in that dark corner of that scene where bands like Amenra dwell (vocal-wise especially, but music-wise I am reminded a bit of Mass IIII). Aortes is a bit more (post) hardcore oriented though, think adding a bit of Celeste influences. This album sounds harsh and unforgiving. Once it has its claws in you it will drag you down with it. Wether it is with slow build ups or by harsh explosive music or the almost hidden melodies.
Tomáš Palucha - Rauš
Day After Records
First impression: Like Blood Command this album sounds like a music collection mashed together. It is a different music collection though, as this one is more focused on post-hardcore, but adding in math rock, post-rock and psychedelic rock. These styles are mixed together not so much throughout the album and not so much throughout the songs. The end-result is gripping and beautiful. I only found out about the existence of this album this week, so I am in no place to judge the replay value, but I am guessing that's just fine!
Accidente, Nightwatchers - Split
Stonehenge Records
First impression: Out of the blue (for me at least) this split was released late December. It is really too short notice for me to really appreciate what we have here, but my expectations are high. This split is a match made in heaven with two energetic and highly melodic bands. I have listened to this a couple of times already and it filled me with joy. I did not have enough time with it yet to make an estimated guess about it's staying power, so I am happy to be able to include it in this list. I will for sure spend some extra time with it here.
- Dennis
The Best Covers of 2023
Do you like covers? I do. Sometimes. Especially when the cover really adds something to an album or really surprises me. It is a nice excuse to list a couple of great covers that were released last year!
Aortes - Something In The Way (Nirvana cover)
Taken from the album Devouring Gloom
Aortes is post-metal band that tried its hand on "Something In The Way", a song I would say is iconic. The slow and brooding mood of the song fits them like a glove. As a good and proper post-metal band they use the song structures to built up to an explosive finish. It gives the song a more harrowing feel that seems to fit like a glove. The way they do this makes it a perfect fit for the album. So perfect that it matches the flow of their album perfectly, even though it is included halfway the album.
- Dennis
Darkher - Like Suicide (Soundgarden cover)
Taken from the album Superunknown Redux
Soundgarden wasn't the most happy of bands and "Like Suicide" was not exactly their most happy tune ever. Give that tune to someone like Darkher and you can be sure the depression is not only made even more tangible, but also more dreamy. To me, this song in this version reaches almost the same heights as "Hurt" performed by Johnny Cash. Both songs will haunt you long after the song is finished.
- Dennis
Taken from the Litovsk and Hinin split EP
When I first spinned this EP I hadn't figured out both bands had recorded a cover. Litovsk covered Bérurier Noir. I don't know the original, so this flew right by me. When I came to Hinins side I perked my ears thinking: "Hey, I know this!". I am a bit ashamed to admit I didn't immediately recognize it as a cover of "Teenage Kicks" from The Undertones. I blame the translated lyrics. Those put me on the wrong track. Once I figured that out there was no denying: Hinin made a great cover filtering the original through their oi! with post-punk lense.
- Dennis
Taxi Caveman - Don't Blame Me (Taylor Swift Cover)
Taken from the album Ugh!
When it comes to covering songs, you can go two ways. Either you cover something from a band that plays the same type of music and you just replay what they already did. Or you pick a song from someone (or from a band of course) that is in a (whole) different field than you are. I usually like those covers best. Or I should say: I find those covers more interesting. Taxi Caveman is a stoner doom band, which is a long way from the pop Taylor Swift creates. It is a testament to her songwriting that this song is fun in a stoner version. It also tells me Taxi Caveman know what they are doing. It is a fun listening experience, but I also think it is a good thing that this song is added to the end of the album as it would hinder the flow of the rest of the album.
- Dennis
Taken from the album Living Proof
Drain playing Descendents? I would have never guessed it. And doing it so well too. They power it up a bit and it makes them sound more fun. This cover is great, but it taught me one thing: the importance of flow on an album. I really like this song, but the placement of it on Living Proof hinders the flow as it is something different from their own stuff. It would have been so much better had they included it at the end of their album, perhaps even as a bonus track.
- Dennis
Flying Raccoon Suit - Missionary (Operation Ivy cover)
Part of the 33-song Mooorree Than Just Another Comp, “Missionary” manages to change genres without changing the vibe. Op Ivy is probably the perfect band for this, as they seamlessly blended punk, ska, and hardcore -- so if you stick with one of those, it fits the mood. Flying Raccoon Suit adds some swinging horns and punchy singing that make the song a little more vibrant, but without losing the meaning. Here you get a ska backbeat and jazzy horns, which give the song new life while amplifying a timeless and potent social message: proving that both its message and melody are timeless 30-plus years later.
- Loren
Top 5 Bands That Got Me Through 2023
2023 has been a bit of a strange one when it comes to releases vs tours. The music industry is still trying to get back on its feet properly since the pandemic. Well, at least it feels like that is what it is trying to do and seemingly successfully. A lot of bands have been touring and touring relentlessly in 2023. This is great to see, however, I am certainly noticing the rise in ticket prices and merchandise plus the fact that more and more bands are moving up in the world and playing bigger venues. This is great for them however not so much for us the fans and gig goers. I'm pretty sure it is because I am that age now but I dont really want to travel to the big cities and venues anymore and the inflated ticket prices do nothing to help this so I found myself staying home more this year than I ever have. This is, of course, my loss entirely but it has meant that I have gone back to more DIY music and music more local to me which not only has been more affordable it has also opened up my ears to a lot of great new music. The internet and sites like Bandcamp have also made music from all over the world more accessible plus internet radio stations deserve a mention as well, if it were not for them a lot would have passed me by. 2023 has been a year of ups and downs, so for me, if it were not for these bands mentioned plus a few more it would've been even more difficult to get through.
1
Alestorm
So, Alestorm, may not have released anything new in 2023 instead choosing to tour their asses off to promote 2022's album "Seventh Rum Of A Seventh Rum". They toured the US, Europe and Australia not to mention playing pretty much every metal festival in the world this summer. These guys just dont stop. Learning that they will soon be on the road again and will be coming to my home town this February plus their new EP "Voyage Of The Dead Marauder" is due out in March is certainly something to be looking forward to!
2
Dance With The Dead
Having rediscovered Dance With The Dead this year after nominating their single "Kiss Of The Creature" as Song of the Day about 5 months ago they have not left my playlist and have got me through some tough times recently. You can't be sad when your imagination is racing thanks to the synthwave feels, 80's vibes and awesome metal induced guitar!
3
Ghost
Another band who have spent the majority of 2023 touring only they did bring us "Phantomime". An EP of epic covers that, as usual brought about the backlash from the haters but once again proved to be a great collection of nostalgic classics that needed a revamp for a new audience. Rumour has it that 2024 promises new original material from Ghost and as always more spectacular arena shows.
4
Pretty With The Lights Out
Nate Laff is the mastermind behind horrorpunk band Pretty With The Lights from Indianapolis. Pretty were featured in Augusts Upcoming Talent here on SPB and as much as I have enjoyed interviewing all the bands for this feature so far, learning all about and chatting to Pretty With The Lights Out was a real highlight for me last year. Pumpkin Spiced Formaldehyde came out in March 2023 and since then we have had a couple of singles plus some live shows and what horrorpunk fan of a certain age can resist joining their fan club and getting a bunch of cool stuff, I know I couldn't and it's well worth it!
5
The Tomb Tones
I had not heard about The Tomb Tones before 2023 and thanks to some top horrorpunk radio shows like Horrorpunk's Not Dead (UK) I got introduced to them via their single "Wormhole" which is just too catchy to ignore. This led me onto discover their debut album Ghost Of Toast which is an eclectic mix of more catchy riffs, spooky tales and a fabulous fusion of 50s style Rock n Roll and modern day punk rock.
- Sarah Jane
The bands mentioned in this list have all helped me through the good times and, more importantly, the bad times in 2023 and if it were not for theses bands I would not be facing 2024 as positively as I currently am. The good thing about this list is that none of the bands featured show any signs of stopping and I cannot wait to see what they have in store for us this year!!!
