Our last gig of the year was Stam1na and Stoned Statues at Tavara-Asema in Tampere. The venue was packed and the mood was sparking with anticipation – welcome warm from the biting frost outside. Stoned Statues earned their place and were a magnificent opening act for Stam1na. Jenna even came on stage and joined Antti on vocals for one song during Stam1na’s set.
It had been a while since I’ve seen Stam1na and the aesthetic of their newest album “X” was a lot more profound and visible in their live show than I expected. In their background animation and shirts but also in their presence and sound. It definitely felt different for them in a really quintessential way, even more honed in and focused than previous albums and live shows. It was an honor to be there when Sakara Records presented them with their platinum albums for “X” and Tuomo Saikkonen (Mokoma/founding member of Sakara Records) joined them on stage for a few songs!
I couldn’t have imagined a better way to end the 2023 gig year. On to the next!
Our core staff of 2023 has chosen their top 10 album releases of this year, although there are a few overlaps, it seems our favorites hit almost every corner of the heavy, dark and alternative music world!
Samuli’s Top 10
Marduk – Memento Mori
Arkona – Kob’
Primordial – How it Ends
And Oceans – As In Gardens, So In Tombs
Azaghal – Alttarimme on luista tehty
Twin Temple – God Is Dead
Kanonenfieber – U-Bootsmann (EP)
Russkaja – Turbo Polka Party
Stoned Statues – Guardian
Aara – Triade III:Nyx
Carina’s Top 10
In Flames – Foregone
Insomnium – Anno 1696
Soen – Memorial
VV – Neon Noir
Metallica – 72 Seasons
Hellripper – Warlocks Grim & Withered Hags
Sylosis – A Sign Of Things To Come
Obituary – Dying Of Everything
Katatonia – Sky Void Of Stars
Within Temptation – Bleed Out
Serena’sTop 10
Saturnus – The Storm Within
Tenhi – Valkama
Before the Dawn – Stormbringers
Arkona – Kob’
Grave Pleasures – Plagueboys
Katatonia – Sky Void of Stars
Mephorash – Krystl-Ah
Marianas Rest – Auer
And Oceans – As In Gardens, So In Tombs
Osi and the Jupiter – Cedar & Sage (Riders of the Gallows Vol.1)
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