Blog Post // 2022-01-02

WTF Moments & My Top Albums of 2021!

Anyone have a good year? I am really experienced at trying to find the positive in situations I find myself in, so I can keep putting one foot in front of the other. But I am being honest here, this year has been hard! I have been crashing hard, and grasping for the good. The win, really, is the music. It has been an exciting year for music! I am glad that, at times, it is what kept my mind afloat.

It is that time of year in my part of the world (Canada) when things get really cold! I am a cold person anyways, but now I have layers of sweatshirts and blankets on; the seat warmer is on at all times in my car, and I am wearing a hood whenever I can. I am chilled to the bone. 

And this year I am looking longingly at the winter wonderland. I am afraid my snowshoes will have to wait. My third time out snowshoeing this season, I wiped out, down the side of a rock, and smashed up my knee. I was blacking out, and my beast proved his devotion by making sure I made it out of the bush. I have to say, being over a month with such an injury has made me appreciative of the fact that I normally have very strong legs.

Covid, covid... It is still a thing, and it is really plentiful in the small area I live. I think it is just a matter of time before we get it.

I can't deny that there were some surprising moments in music this year, and figured I may as well share some that stuck out to me.

WTF Moments

- I am a fan of Vicky Psarakis. She puts her whole self into all she takes on. I think she is having fun! This new band she is a part of is definitely not my style. If you are a fan of nu-metal, check out Sicksense. An interesting direction to go. (And I am glad The Agonist released Days Before The World Wept, too.)

- Vildhjarta - när de du älskar kommer tillbaka från de döda, I enjoyed the song, but this video was brilliant. To me, what stood out was how uncomfortable I felt watching a man on a pole. It would have felt different if it was a woman cause that is what I am used to seeing. WTF?

- Lorna Shore - ...And I Return To Nothingness. I have heard a few songs from this EP. I just felt the urge to smack the vocalist at times and move him forward. Those long held words... And I am over the breakdowns.

- Spiritbox, Spiritbox... WTF? Seems all too common for bands to change when they become popular, or for them to get popular when they change. I think I am not into popular music. Feels like Eternal Blue held onto the aspects of metalcore I don't like and mixed in some pop. Not digging it!

- Rivers of Nihil - The Work, one of my most anticipated albums and nothing like what I was expecting. Some people are loving the change and some people are taking a pass on this one. It was a sure WTF moment any way you look at it.

- Zao - The Crimson Corridor. I thought I should check out what this band was creating these days. I really enjoyed their albums between 1998 and 2001, but this material fell short. Really, I think somewhere along the way they should have changed to a different band name. The style changed so much, and I really don't want to hear Scott sing.

- Avatar has been releasing some videos and singles, and I have to say, nothing is impressing me. Some of this is complete garbage... WTF!

- Devin Townsend is creative, no doubt, but I do not claim to understand him. The Puzzle and Snuggles are parts of more than just music, but as I haven't read the book or seen the movie, I am only basing my thoughts on what I heard in the music. It is, well, weird, and I really didn't hear much of Devin's voice. I think it is meant to be calming, but that quirkiness is not my idea of relaxation. WTF

- Insomnium has released a new EP, but it is failing to lure me in. And the wandering woman with her butt cheeks out, doing the splits doesn't draw me in either...

- Iron Maiden is still making music, and no matter what they put out, they will have a large following. When I heard The Writing On The Wall, I thought it wouldn't be a strong song on their new album. Kinda wondered why they picked it for a video, then, try as I might to get that out of my head, the very mention of the name of the song - it is there. Just maybe it speaks to their writing ability.

- Gojira's new album wasn't at all what I expected, but I have to say Into The Storm made me borderline tearful because it felt so encouraging and relevant to our current times. 

- Andrew and Aaron of Nechochwen were really easy to interview. They were passionate about what they do, and open people. It was a pleasure interviewing them, and was a highlight this past year, for me. And I am looking forward to hearing their album!

Top 6 Albums of 2021

I have made my top albums of 2021 list, and it wasn't easy to choose. I think all of the bands I picked really put their full selves into the material, even though there were some great challenges specifically with releasing music during a pandemic.

Here they are, in no particular order: (drum roll...)

Harakiri for the Sky - Maere
This album is thoughtful, from the artwork, names of songs, layers of sound, and atmosphere. Not many covers can reinvent a song in a way that is better than the original.

Swallow the Sun - Moonflowers
This album is honest, a work of reflection; both memorable and collaborative.

In Mourning - The Bleeding Veil
This album is interesting, moving through emotions, groovy, and resolute. A new band to me.

Be'lakor - Coherence
This album has an immersive, storytelling nature, calming to the body. A very full sound, with a tone of melancholy.

Khemmis - Deceiver
This album has the right stoner vibe and singability mixed with growls that keep my attention. They put it all out there with their lyrical themes. Another new band to me.

Vexed - Culling Culture
This album is self-determined and forward, has singability and just the right amount of catchiness. And a healing journey for the band. Again, another new band to me.

This year had so many songs and albums to check out, and there will be more from 2021 to come.

If there is one thing that has been driven home this year, it is that I am not in control of much, and that one step in front of the other, whether it be an injured step or an easy one, is a step. Hope your steps are not on icy or treacherous paths, or at least on a path with a railing to hold onto!

Cheers to a better year!

(I love sarcastic shirts)