This week’s song comes about from one inescapable fact- Life goes on. Music is a huge part of my life, as evidenced by this blog, the shows I go to, even many of the friendships I’ve formed and kept over the years. I have enjoyed some truly exceptional music over the years. Here’s the thing though… bands age, musicians die (as we saw this past week with the passing of Asia & King Crimson’s John Wetton at just 67), and before you know it your playlists are occupied by ghosts.
This doesn’t make their music any less amazing or cease to touch my heart. However, over time one misses the anticipation of a new album from a favorite band and the excitement of a live act, especially an act introducing and passionately performing fresh music, not simply trotting out their greatest hits list. Mind you, I love the hits, bring on those classics. Still, with 2016 being such a devastating year for musicians (we just lost so damn many good ones) my dear concert-going friend, Michelle, and I came to one inescapable conclusion… we needed fresh meat. Time to find some new bands to augment our musical, metal storm of joy.
Turns out, that’s not so easy. The 1970’s produced some amazing hard rock, the 1980’s were the glory days of metal, and the 1990’s saw plenty of innovation. Nowadays, sure metal is being made, but less so than some other genres.
God bless northern Europe!
Power metal is enormously popular there. Thanks to strong concert attendance, merchandise sales, musical downloads, and a thriving festival scene (I so want to attend Wacken) bands can survive, even thrive. Consequently a number of bands are carving out impressive careers. So much so that they can afford to travel the United States. *huge grin* Last year Mitch (yes, I call her Mitch) and I went to see Delain, Nightwish, Blind Guardian, and Sonata Artica. (Not all on the same bill.) These bands are actively composing and touring with passionate, complex, melodic music.
I’m sharing with you a favorite, I Have A Right by Sonata Artica out of Finland. Yep, Finland. Man, do I love northern Europe. Thanks, guys.
This song was written about child abuse (as the video shows), but considering the vaudevillian antics of American politics I believe it works well for the rights of the American electorate. And that’s all I’m saying about that right now.
Please enjoy their video here.
This post was written by Erika Gardner. She’s a native Californian, lifelong lover of fantastical adventures, and a dedicated Whovian. If you enjoyed it, please sign up to receive updates on www.erikagardner.com Or you can follow Erika on Twitter @Erika_Gardner, “Like” her Facebook page Erika Gardner- Writer and Storyteller.Or check out her contributions to the BBB Blog.
Coming through #MondayBlogs…
I try to participate as often I as can remember too, as much as visit the blogs whose content inspires me to visit as much as comment. I call this kind of musical sound ‘melodic metal’ as that is how my Finnish friend introduced it to me. She used to give me a route of songs to look out for via Sonata Artica & Nightwish whilst I talked to her about Savatage, Evanescence and Metallica. The latter of whom I hadn’t realised I preferred until the DJ of a Classic Rock station finally did a spotlight on the band and I sat back in the wonderment of finding “wow!” I so dig Metallica!! Who knew!?
I agree with you. Sometimes even after the initial reason behind a song’s purpose to be shared can be repositioned and reattached to a new reason which alights down the road. Thanks for the clever s/o about the politico situation stateside. I, myself, have become bit more vocal in this regard on my Twitter feeds whilst maintaining my bookishly joyful presence. Sometimes you feel motivated to rise and shine a light on issues which are important to you and everyone else.
I never heard of Delain or Blind Guardian before — which albums should I look out for by them!? I would love to find more of these kind of Metal to appreciate as one day I’d like to expand my personal collection esp if I could seek out albums on *vinyl!* rather than merely on CD.
Due agree w/ your sentiments about N. Europe! They have such a wicked sweet ‘sound’ in their musical landscapes. Ooh, another band I truly felt moved by in recent years was … oh dear, I went through my Twitter feeds seeking all the videos I’ve shared, and despite finding one for Nightwish, the band I’m trying to reference is just on the tip of my tongue! Hmm.. might try to Google it for you — Ha! It’s Of Monsters & Men – when I saw “Little Talks” I was captured by their artistry, style and vibe.
Unsure which genre of music they belong but it was such a great beginning to get into their music.
Thanks for sharing!
Rock on!
Oh, my friend! You are in for such a treat! I love Blind Guardian! A good place to start would be their compilation CD “Memories of a Time to Come.” Some particularly favorite songs of mine are “The Bard’s Song,” “Valhalla,” “Bright Eyes,” and “Mirror, Mirror.” They are harder than Nightwish but amazing live- Youtube some of their performances. Singing along to their show was a magical moment. If you love NightWish- you MUST check out Delain- their bass player and their singer are women which I adore. We need more women in rock! They’ve done a couple of duets with Marco Hietala from Nightwish- “Sing to Me” and “Control the Storm” plus lots of live performances with him and sometimes Floor, too. I LOVE Delain- check out their EP “Lunar Prelude.” Nice to meet you!!!
Have you listened to Rival Sons? Maybe a little more on the bluesy side of what you and Michelle like, but they did open for Black Sabbath on their latest tour. I think they are LA boys
I’ll have to check them out- thanks!