MUSIC REVIEW: Song Watch - April & May 2024
So perhaps you’ve noticed that I didn’t write an New Song Watch for April. The reason for that was largely because there just weren’t enough nice new songs and I was very tired. So I figured I would make up for it in May if there were enough nice new songs and I do feel like I have something to say this time around!
Thanks for reading and don’t forget to check out my Best of 2024 and Finndie playlists down below if you’re looking for more new or local music!
Varjola ft. Juhis Kauppinen - “Dissonanssi”
I’m not super familiar with Varjola beyond having seen them once at Hoarsefest a couple years back, so this is probably a biased inclusion, but if it’s not yet clear, I’m a big fan of Merta and Juhis Kauppinen (singer/songwriter) by proxy, so I tend to pay attention to what he’s doing. If I’m perfectly honest, I actually didn’t notice what exactly he had contributed to this track (most info is in Finnish, like the song itself), but nevertheless, it follows a chill tempo but has power surges and emotional moments that give it a certain potency in the right moments. Released on April 26th, this track is taken from Varjola’s newest album, “100 Ruma Tunnetilaa” [trans: 100 ugly moods], which was released on May 24th, so if you like this track, do check out the rest of the album!
Lastout - “Make Amends”
Somewhat crushing guitars pair with melodic vocals in this track from Lastout that was released on April 26th, 2024, which is probably why it stood out to me. There’s something nostalgically reminiscent of old Nemesea in their sound, which is perhaps another draw to this music. And, especially in a world where life seems to only get harder, despite technology making things easier, these songs that speak to and reflect the heaviness of existence can be very powerful. With regard to this particular song, making amends (in many cases) can be a huge thing. An interesting listen and definitely hits just right at times.
SulfuriS - “Shatterpoint”
SulfuriS appeared on my radar sometime last year, I think, and I was happy to get the chance to see them live earlier this year at Playhouse Bar because their music really comes to life on stage. Between classic heavy metal guitars and brutal gutteral growls, they manage to cover a lot of bases with “Shatterpoint,” which is one of two singles coming out in preparation for them to play at Tuska Festival this year! If you’re going, definitely don’t miss out on their set, I can attest that it’ll be a fun one.
Timo Kurkela - “Nuori Sydän”
If you don’t know who Timo Kurkela is, you might know the name Altamullan Road, where he’s been singing and playing guitar in support of his older sister, Johanna Kurkela. As that band is full of the most lovely people in the world, I was naturally very excited to hear that he was going to be releasing a new single. Prior to now, the only song available has been what seems to be an intro track—beautiful, but missing something out of context. “Nuori Sydän,” or “young heart” is a lovely song that gets to forefront Timo’s tender vocals and soft guitar work—very lovely!
Nightwish - “Perfume of the Timeless”
Whenever a new Nightwish song is released, it always falls under a great deal of scrutiny, which is an unfortunately natural result of the band’s massive fame. However, it also goes without saying that Tuomas Holopainen is a brilliant composer. Many complaints seem to step from the fact that Nightwish has moved away from the shorter, punchier, radio-hit bangers of yore (esim: “Everdream,” “Dead to the World,” “Wishmaster,” “I Wish I Had an Angel,” “Nemo”), yet if Tuomas were to continue writing those songs to appease the masses and not write what’s in his heart, that would be a betrayal of his own artistry. If he wants to write bigger, more progressive and orchestral songs… well, complaining ain’t gonna change him. While there are perhaps some production nit-picks, on the whole this is a really beautiful song and I personally appreciate the addition of more folky instruments (is that a hurdy-gurdy in the beginning!?) and as a cosmic space hippy myself, I’m pretty pleased with the overall vibe and think this is still brilliant work. I look forward to hearing the rest of “Yesterwynde.”
Frozen Factory - “Can’t Fight the Spiral” & “Interstellar”
New Frozen Factory songs are always exciting for me, because I truly never know what to expect from them and I’m almost always impressed. Their most recent release was a dual-single (an A-side and a B-side), “Can’t Fight the Spiral” and “Interstellar” respectively. The former is opened with driven guitar work and a catchy melody that’s a little reminiscent of Iron Maiden in production sound, though not necessarily in melody, paired with really intriguing lyrics. Then, “Interstellar” is a more ballad-esque song, slow and a bit moody, and appropriately a bit spacey as well, driven by lovely piano lines. Don’t miss out on these two!
Awa - “Yliluonnollista”
Mysterious and soft, “Yliluonnollista” is a startling new track from indie vocalist Awa, whom I’ve only ever seen so far via her work with artists like Helena Haaparanta, Emmy June, and (Salla) Saarisalo. The song is short, not even 3½ minutes, but it’s very atmospheric and soft. It has a rather standard Finnish melancholy to it, paired with a good dynamic rise and fall in the vocal sound. I’d be very curious to hear this song in the context of a full album.
Simone Simons - “Aeterna”
In case you’ve been under a rock for a month or so, Simone Simons (Epica) has announced her first solo album, which has been made in partnership with none other than Ayreon’s Arjen Lucassen. You can certainly tell from the music, which feels like Ayreon went to ancient Egypt. According to my recent (upcoming) interview with Arjen, Simone has been a fan of his since she was a young teenager and has been asking him to write an album with her for ages. Based off this song, I’ll certainly be curious to hear more of what they have in store for us.
Helena Haaparanta - “Armoton Mestari”
Speaking of the most brilliant local indie artists, whenever Helena Haaparanta announces a new song coming up, I get a chill of excitement. This new track—whose name translates to “merciless master”—is easily the most unexpected of the new songs on this list, as it’s got a focus on haunting backing vocals that begin to layer and overlap as the song goes on. The piano is ominous, there are gorgeous high wails in the background that turn to an almost Viking-like wail (think Witcher 3 OST), and the forefronted vocals are more in the vein of spoken word poetry than song. This was certainly not what I was expecting but let’s be honest, that’s exactly what I love these days. I’ll be very interested to hear how this plays out in a live context…
Rabbit Cult - “Cute AF”
Speaking of surprises, the band formerly known as Saruru have changed their name to Rabbit Cult and now have their first single under this name: “Cute AF.” I was only familiar with one of their earlier songs, 2023’s “Girls,” so needless to say, the first impression was indeed that it’s very cute, until the heavier instruments and growls kick in and suddenly my face was on the back of my head. This shouting of “fuck you,” combined with the cutest little giggles and pleasure shrieks is exactly what juxtaposition is all about! I really need to interview these two one of these days.
Dead End Finland - “Saint & Sinner”
Combining mild electronica with heavy metal is nothing new these days, which is why I get so interested when I hear a song blending the two that catches my attention. I don’t know much about Dead End Finland beyond that they share a vocalist with the new Emperage, but I’ll be damned if this new track, “Saint & Sinner” isn’t catchy as hell. This is a nigh-perfect mixture of gentle pop bounciness and heavy force. I dig it!
Fear of Domination - “Monsters”
If catchy and heavy are your jam, definitely don’t miss out on the latest fresh release from Fear of Domination, “Monsters.” These guys are already known for blending vocal styles, as well as music styles, mixing harsh and clean vocals from both Saku Solin and Jessica Salmi, as well as metal and some electronica, these guys are extremely reliable when it comes to fulfilling the needs of their fans. Also… shout-out to the speedy little solo in there, even if it’s short. This is a pretty bangin’ track!
Thanks for following along! Here’s the backlog of articles from 2024:
New Song Watch - January 2024
New Song Watch - February 2024
New Song Watch - March 2024
Enjoy Bear’s writing? Consider joining her mailing list to keep up-to-date!
