Sleep Theory

Best Songs of 2024


It’s that time of year, y’all! Time for my annual “Best Of” lists for both albums & singles. I used to just do albums but since the consumption of music is now heavily weighted toward streaming, many artists are focusing more on singles than albums. Part of me finds that sad but I also understand the logic & realize we must adapt with the times or else get left behind. In order not to ignore the many excellent songs that are either stand alone singles or on yet to be released albums (or are part of an album but I either didn’t love the rest of the album or never got around to checking it out), it only seems fair to make two different posts nowadays. Keep in mind that this post (& the forthcoming albums post) will be heavily weighted toward rock/metal since that’s my favorite genre of music. Also keep in mind that music is my favorite hobby but it IS just a hobby- I’m not a professional music reviewer with all the time in the world to check out every new album/song/artist. So without further ado, & in no particular order, here are my choices for best songs of 2024!

  • Bleeders by Black Veil Brides: It’s no secret that BVB is one of my all time favorite bands. I saw them live twice in 2024, which makes for a total of four times now, & I’d still pay to see them again in a heartbeat. I’ll never understand the hate they’ve received over the years because they are truly talented musicians. Bleeders was inspired by vocalist Andy Biersack’s obsession with Sweeney Todd, as you can easily tell by the incredibly well done music video. During the Bleeders tour this past Spring, Andy even had a microphone with an imitation razor blade on it to fit the Sweeney Todd theme. Genius. Did I mention this is one of the band’s heaviest songs to date? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AThcMJmiTXI&ab_channel=BVBArmyVEVO
  • Paralyzed by Sleep Theory: This quartet from Memphis can seriously do no wrong. These guys have never made a bad song but this might be their best one yet. It does an excellent job of, at various times, featuring all 3 vocalists- lead singer Cullen Moore as well as bassist Paolo Vergara & guitarist Daniel Pruitt. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXK3zww_k6U&ab_channel=SleepTheory
  • The Emptiness Machine & Heavy Is the Crown by Linkin Park: Linkin Park was one of the first rock bands I ever liked but I cannot claim to be a “super fan.” Nonetheless I was intrigued to see the band make a return this year. To be perfectly honest, I haven’t checked out the full album yet but these two singles are without a doubt fantastic work (I’ve heard a few of the other songs & was less impressed with those). I for one am happy to see Emily take on the lead singer role in such an iconic band for my generation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRXH9AbT280&ab_channel=LinkinPark
  • Mud by Dorothy: Ah, Dorothy, yet another artist who is incapable of producing a bad song. But I’ll confess that her last album or two didn’t speak to me the way her first two albums did. This song, however, is probably my favorite of hers to date. It’s heavy, it’s fun, it’s incredibly catchy, & it features some killer screams from Dorothy. What’s not to love? As the lyrics say ” You ain’t living life ’til you’re down in the mud/Now if your crown ain’t bent & your halo ain’t crooked/You might as well be six feet in dirt, yeah/Some call it danger, some call it trouble/I call it digging deep without a shovel.” Yes, girl!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBmbb2d84VE&ab_channel=DOROTHYVEVO
  • Rockstar by Hardy: I’ll also confess that Hardy’s 2024 album just didn’t do it for me like his previous album did. But this song is a certified banger. And the music video is brilliant, featuring Hardy & his band dressed up as & paying homage to various classic bands, everything from AC/DC to Queen to Limp Bizkit. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQ_xpKAjOS8&ab_channel=HARDYVEVO
  • Indifferent by Megan Moroney: I don’t keep up with modern country very well but I did come across this song this year & was immediately impressed. From what I can tell, it’s the ladies who are doing the best work on the country side of things these days. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwbSy6Wr0kE&ab_channel=MeganMoroneyVEVO
  • Creating Monsters & Fake Ass Friends by Set It Off: Set It Off have been going strong for over a decade but I was late to the game & only discovered them through Octane in 2023. They had multiple fantastic releases that year & did the same this year. Creating Monsters honors vocalist Cody’s jazz background & even pays homage to the classic tune It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing. Former band geeks like me, yes, you will swoon when you hear it! Fake Ass Friends is incredibly catchy & now that I’ve seen SIO in concert, I can attest that both songs go hard live. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9vQw1cB0MI&ab_channel=SetItOff
  • Live Not Fantasize by Tetrarch: Tetrarch is very open about being heavily influenced by nu metal & the likes of Korn & Slipknot. Those influences are very easy to hear in their music. What I love about Tetrarch is that I am more intrigued by their take on those influences than by the original bands (not that I don’t appreciate Korn & Slipknot- I do). This song might be their best release yet & has me very hungry for their upcoming album this year. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THNrPzS8I2M&ab_channel=NapalmRecords
  • A Banger a Day Keeps the Doctor Away by Solence: I discovered this song thanks to Octane’s test drive. I just happened to be driving when it came on & I was immediately entranced. Solence are a Swedish band who have plenty of serious songs but also aren’t afraid to cut loose & be silly – a la Electric Callboy. This song is a play on the old phrase “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” You absolutely MUST watch the music video to appreciate the full comedic value of the song. But don’t get me wrong, the MUSIC is seriously good too. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-nZ9L057Js&ab_channel=BetterNoiseMusic
  • Hang Tight Honey by Lainey Wilson: Lainey’s album probably deserves a full listen- I really need to get around to that. But in the mean time, I can attest that this song is loads of fun. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIzEdmRgu14&ab_channel=LaineyWilson
  • Pray by Old Flame/Jonny Craig: Yes, Jonny Craig is a former addict who did some terrible things while addicted to heroin. BUT he has now maintained long term sobriety & shown true remorse for his previous sins, so I for one am happy to give him another chance. There’s nothing I like better than seeing people conquer their demons, & I truly believe Jonny is doing that. I actually never listened to any of his older music anyway. But his voice is no doubt stellar & this song does an excellent job of showcasing it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yU2uNfDpKKI&ab_channel=SBGRecords
  • Say What You Will by Myles Kennedy: Myles is another artist who can do no wrong if you ask me. Alter Bridge was one of the first rock bands I ever loved & are still a favorite of mine. However, this song comes from Myles’s solo album & it’s a great one for when you feel discouraged. Video is fun too. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_LXR96kh9s&ab_channel=MylesKennedy
  • Soft Spine by Spiritbox: “Soft spine! You all deserve each other! Your god will sort you when you die!” Courtney held nothing back with the rage in this song, & I AM HERE FOR IT. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80VTmBAnTSE&ab_channel=riserecords
  • Ghost by Minute After Midnight: I know nothing about this band (or solo project?) but I discovered this song on Octane & have been addicted to it ever since. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZYUN3FDylA&ab_channel=%E9%A0%AD%E5%B4%A9%E5%A3%8A
  • New Way Out by Poppy: I have mixed feelings about Poppy but this song is a certified banger, no doubt about it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqVNYcaS-3E&ab_channel=Poppy
  • Pretend by The Plot In You: Here’s a band I’m only just now getting into, even though I know they’ve been around for a long time. If you’ve never listened to them before, this song is a good place to start. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlY8qK1A9Ls&ab_channel=FearlessRecords
  • Hollywood Forever by Hollywood Undead: Hollywood Undead is a band that I frankly did not take seriously until I saw them live in 2022. Suddenly I could not ignore their talent any longer. These guys put on an incredibly fun show that you should absolutely be sure to see someday if you haven’t. Their latest song features three full verses- each performed by a different band member- & reflects on their career, all the way from the dirty streets of LA to where they are today. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0trg8w9Wtsw&ab_channel=HollywoodUndead
  • Going Places by Sick Puppies: 2009’s Tripolar by Sick Puppies was a phenomenal album but I’ll confess I’ve not followed them closely since then, especially once the original lead singer left the band. However, this song has me back in the fold, so to speak. I’ll be the first to admit that this was a slow burn for me. The first time or two I heard it, I honestly didn’t like it. But it kept getting stuck in my head & after a few more listens, I couldn’t help myself- it’s just fun! Also the second verse talks about growing up in a small town & longing for a bigger world- I can’t help but relate to that! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_tLQrNZyKk&ab_channel=SickPuppies
  • Good in Goodbye by Catch Your Breath: This one is a real tearjerker, something Catch Your Breath have quite a knack for it seems. It was partly inspired by the death of guitarist Teddy Herrera’s grandmother who was influential in supporting the band in their early days. Unfortunately Teddy was not able to get to Mexico to see her in person before she died. As the chorus says,
    • “Where’s the meaning in a heartbreak? Where’s the lesson in the loss? Darling, through all the pain what have we gained? ‘Cause I’m still searching for silver lines/ Maybe the scars you gave Make me strong one day Down the line/I guess I’m trying to find The good in goodbye.” Whew, heavy stuff.
  • Mayday by Three Days Grace: Say what you want about this band but they were definitely a gateway band for me & many others as teenagers/20 somethings. To have original vocalist Adam Gontier return to the band alongside current vocalist Matt Walst is something fans have been clamoring for for ages but never thought we’d actually see. With a bass line intro that is very reminiscent of their classic hit Animal I Have Become, this song is a new instant hit. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5hWEa1w6Z8&ab_channel=ThreeDaysGraceVEVO
  • God’s Image & Bestrafe Mich by Mike’s Dead: Mike’s Dead is swiftly becoming a new favorite of mine. His voice & music remind me of both Marilyn Manson & Motionless in White, so obviously I can’t help but like him. But he’s by no means a copycat- don’t get me wrong. Check out any of his work & you’ll quickly see what I mean. Fair warning, both of these songs/videos are not for the faint of heart. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1L8zhLGiUuw&ab_channel=MikesDeadVEVO
  • Nu Dehli by Bloodywood: Bloodywood have done it again- made another bloody brilliant song! This one honors the city of New Dehli, the capital of India. But yes, there are definitely some nu metal influences in this song, which I assume is why they spelled the title as they did. There’s plenty of their signature Indian flavors here too of course. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3C9NwGKgq4&ab_channel=Bloodywood
  • Whiplash by Architects: Architects are one of those bands that I constantly see other bands reference & yet I’ve never listened to them much myself. However, this song is one I can’t get away from since it debuted just a few months ago. Warning, it’s HEAVY- headbanging to it may indeed give you whiplash. It will be worth it though. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c67cjKK_08M&rco=1&ab_channel=Architects
  • Kid of Darkness by Slaughter to Prevail: I have mixed feelings about this band but this song slaps. The guitars really do it for me. I don’t think I need to warn you that this one is heavy because that’s standard for this band. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNJtJrbFeWw&ab_channel=AlexTerrible
  • Sincerity by Butcher Babies: I’ve never gotten into this band before but this song has been all over Octane lately, & I’m loving it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b–E1yQAnkU&ab_channel=ButcherBabies
  • Bad Omen by The Haunt: I discovered this band a few years ago when I saw them open for The Hu. I adored them live but must confess that I often find their recordings to be a little too polished for my taste. They just don’t always capture the raw grit that I heard when I saw them live. Having said that, this song is phenomenal. Annabelle may be young & tiny but she has a BIG voice & they did a great job capturing it on this one. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HAox__XprY&ab_channel=TheHaunt
  • Belly Up & Black Road by Return to Dust: If, like me, your favorite grunge band is Alice In Chains, boy, are you in for a treat with these guys! Not only does this band channel AIC with their guitar tones but the dual vocalists also create harmonies that are eerily reminiscent of Layne Staley & Jerry Cantrell. Shockingly, these guys are only in their early 20s. But their 90s influences are strong, & I couldn’t be more excited to see what the future holds for this band. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JAS6mXWKTk&ab_channel=ReturntoDustVEVO
  • Another Ghost by Upon A Burning Body: This is one of UABB’s softer songs in terms of the music/vocals but it’s one of their heavier songs in terms of the subject matter. The song was inspired by the opioid epidemic & is a touching testament to those who’ve been made ghosts by it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hMmXRiOUh0&ab_channel=UABBTV
  • Judas Mind by Seether: I’ve never followed Seether regularly but from what I know of their work, I feel safe saying this is one of their heaviest songs to date. It has their signature guitar tones but with a lot heavier vocals than I remember from Shaun in the past. It’s brilliant. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERZA81acxD4&ab_channel=Seether

Lastly, I’d like to honor my favorite covers, remakes, & collaborations of the year.

  • Fall Forever by Nik Nocturnal & Paula Carragosa ft Matt Heafy: Woah! Matt Heafy can sing/growl like THAT?! Yep, he sure can. So glad Nik & Paula chose him to feature on this track. And let’s not forget the impressive guitar work here from Nik & Paula (possibly my favorite metal couple). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKILFvblLhY&ab_channel=NikNocturnal

Well, that’s it! I could probably add some more but I have to end it some time, & this has taken me HOURS already. Happy listening!

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Black Heroes in Medicine & Metal


As most of you probably already know, February is Black History Month here in the U.S. The murder of George Floyd back in 2020 was a real turning point in my life in regard to race. As a white person, I had become quite a bit more aware of racism over the years even before that horrific incident, but afterward it became something I truly couldn’t ignore any longer. The way some of my friends & family reacted to that situation showed me that despite the vast amount of progress we have made in this country over the past few decades, we still have a ways to go.

Anyway, this year I thought it would be interesting to showcase some lesser known black heroes, including some I actually know, specifically in the fields of medicine & metal. Why? Well, both are fields that are still disproportionately white &, since I’m a nurse whose major hobby outside of work is rock/metal, they are where I spend most of my time. Some of these will be multi-racial but considering Obama is always billed as the first black American President when he is also half white, I think we can agree that most people consider anyone who is 50% or more black to be effectively black. Besides, there are still far too many people out there who do not approve of inter-racial relationships (which seriously blows my mind- I mean, how silly can you be?!), the more positive light we can shine on multi-racial individuals, the better.

So without further ado, here are some of my own black American heroes in the fields of medicine & metal:

  • Dr. Bradley Collins: Dr. Collins is one of the transplant surgeons at the clinic where I work. He is one of the friendliest doctors I’ve ever met. You cannot talk to him without ending up with a smile on your face. I am not exaggerating when I say that clinic morale is improved any day he is in the office. Considering the disproportionate number of black people (especially black males) in need of a kidney transplant, I know it is very special for a lot of these patients to meet a black surgeon. Let’s be real- most of us, regardless of race, are used to seeing black nursing/medical assistants, cafeteria workers, housekeeping staff, lab techs, & even RNs. But I daresay a significant portion of the American population has probably never met a black doctor, much less a transplant surgeon. It makes me smile even as I type this just to think of all the people he is inspiring. This is an excellent article from 2020 in which he discusses his experiences as a black man/physician in America- please check it out: https://surgery.duke.edu/news/black-voices-healthcare-bradley-collins-md-senior-faculty-member.
  • Dr. Lisa McElroy: Dr. McElroy is another transplant surgeon at the clinic where I work. She is also extremely kind & enjoyable to work with. I could be wrong, but I am pretty sure she is only the second black female surgeon I’ve ever known. Women are well represented in medicine these days but not so much in surgery, & minority women even less so. Again, it makes me smile to think of all those she is inspiring. Outside of the operating room, she does a lot of work addressing disparities in healthcare. Here is an excellent article about her: https://www.donatelifenc.org/blog/meet-dr-lisa-mcelroy-transplant-surgeon.
  • Dr. Carla Brady: Dr. Brady is a hepatologist (liver doctor) at the clinic where I work. She sees all kinds of liver patients but she specializes in seeing pregnant women with liver conditions. This is a great article about her: https://www.aasld.org/member-spotlight/carla-w-brady-md-mhs-faasld.
  • Dr. Omobonike Oloruntoba: Dr. O, as she encourages everyone to call her, is another hepatologist at the clinic where I work. (She is of Nigerian descent if you’re wondering about the name.) I love what she says in this video about having the patient at the center of care- finding out what their goals & priorities are & working around those, rather than always assuming we know best: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2A0J-8oE7E&ab_channel=DukeHealthProviderProfiles.
  • Dr. Kimberley Evans: Dr. Evans was a nephrologist at the clinic where I work & was truly one of the kindest physicians I’ve ever known. She had the most soothing voice too. I remember once listening to her making phone calls to patients about lab results & when she was done I couldn’t resist telling her “Dr. Evans, I could listen to you talk all day. Your voice is just so lovely.” And it really was. Tragically, she died last year, & what a tremendous loss that was for our clinic, her family, & all of her patients. This is a great article that talks about how she helped mentor others & ensure better representation in medicine: https://www.dukechronicle.com/article/2023/10/duke-university-kimberley-evans-obituary-champion-diversity-equity-inclusion-dei-duke-health-medicine.
  • I couldn’t find any public articles about several other black doctors & NPs whom I’ve worked with & really admire, so in order to protect their privacy I will not name them here. However, they are all equally worthy of respect & admiration as those named above.
  • Cullen Moore: Cullen is the lead singer of one of my new favorite bands, Sleep Theory. I had the privilege of seeing them open for Beartooth last week in Norfolk, VA. I actually went to the concert as much for them as for Beartooth & they did not disappoint. The band is based out of Memphis, TN & Cullen grew up & still lives in a town in Mississippi that is right across the border from Memphis. If you know me in real life or have been reading this blog for a while, you probably know that I’m a huge rock/metal junkie. Unfortunately, despite having massive influences from traditionally black music, rock/metal have not always been the most welcoming to black people. Even if not overtly unwelcoming, the fact remains that most of the genre is dominated by white people. So I for one love it when I see anyone who is not white trying their hand in this type of music. (Side note, the band’s bassist & backing vocalist is also not white- he’s Filapino.) Cullen is a veteran of the U.S. Army who has done a fantastic job of blending R&B with rock/metal & has proven that he can absolutely nail said fusion. I had the pleasure of hearing Gone or Staying debut live on Sirius XM Octane a few months ago. It is perhaps the best example of Cullen’s vast vocal abilities. Check out the live version here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2rksn_J1W4&ab_channel=SiriusXM.
  • Moriah Formica: I actually just discovered Moriah & her all female band Plush a few weeks ago when I saw Disturbed posting pictures & videos of Moriah performing Ann Wilson’s part from Don’t Tell Me while on tour with Disturbed. Immediately I was blown away by her raw talent & infectious energy & naturally I had to check out her band. As it turns out Moriah is all of about 22 or 23 yrs old & only about 5 feet tall but she has a BIG voice. She is up from upstate NY, has a black mother & a white father, owns 3 pet snakes, & loves to go fishing with her brothers when she’s not on tour with her absolutely kick-ass band. Also, can I just say that she has AMAZING curls? I’m jealous. Here’s one of my favorites from her band: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgLvQlqc-Xw&ab_channel=PlushRockVEVO.
  • Diamond Rowe: Diamond is the lead guitarist for heavy metal band Tetrarch. Again, there are far too few black people in metal in general & even fewer black women, but Diamond has never let that deter her. She & lead singer Josh Fore have been friends since middle school & moved from the Atlanta area to LA to pursue their heavy metal dreams. She was the first black female from a heavy metal band to be featured on the cover of several high profile guitar publications like Guitar World. Like Moriah, she enjoys going fishing when she isn’t rocking out on guitar. Check out some of Diamond’s very impressive guitar work here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FqBgFqZJQQ&ab_channel=NapalmRecords.
  • Doc Coyle: Doc is the lead guitarist & backing vocalist for the rock band Bad Wolves & has also recently filled in on guitar for horror-themed metal band Ice Nine Kills. I was lucky enough to get to see him performing with INK last summer in Richmond. He also hosts the Ex Man Podcast. Doc is not only a fantastic guitarist but is also highly revered in the rock world as a truly wonderful human being. If I remember correctly, Doc grew up in New Jersey & is half black & half Hispanic (Puerto Rican possibly?), but in any case he is a fantastic guitarist with an incredible work ethic & the ability to really think deeply about all matters in life (watch any interview with him & you’ll quickly see what I mean). He’s one of those people I could listen to talk for hours just because his voice itself is soothing. Here’s one of my favorite songs by his band: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBYNG4NW6m4&ab_channel=BetterNoiseMusic.

I sincerely hope you’ll check out at least a few of the links posted here. More importantly, I hope, regardless of your own race, you’ll open your heart to examine your own unconscious biases- we all have them. But the more we’re aware of them & the more we open ourselves up to learning about others & their experiences, the better the world will be for all of us.

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Best Albums of 2023


Yes, it’s that time of year again, time for my annual albums of the year post! If you haven’t already seen it, check out my previous post for my choices for songs of the year. Since so many bands/artists no longer release actual albums (or even EPs), I felt the need to create a separate post to highlight some of my favorite songs that either aren’t part of an album or that really touched me even if the rest of the album didn’t (or in some cases I never got around to listening to the rest of the album because I’m not a professional music reviewer & definitely don’t have unlimited time for these things).

I’d like to remind readers that these are solely MY choices for the albums that I most enjoyed this year, the ones that personally spoke to ME the most. Yes, I realize that I “should” have Metallica’s 72 Seasons & Sleep Token’s Take Me Back to Eden on here, like just about every other best albums list this year. But the fact of the matter is that while both albums are objectively great, they just didn’t speak to ME the way the ones I’ve chosen here did. I will also willingly acknowledge that I am non-conformist enough that I subconsciously tend to steer away from anything that is wildly popular at any given time (whether that’s music, a TV show, a movie, or a book), even when it’s within my own favorite non-conformist genre. Maybe I’m just an overgrown teenager that way…

Anyway, without further ado, here are my choices for the best albums of 2023. At the end you’ll find my choices for best EPs of the year, as well as the albums I’m most anxiously anticipating for 2024. Aside from the first three, these are in no particular order.

  • The Mockingbird & The Crow by Hardy: Alright, y’all, I never expected my album of the year to contain the phrase “dead buck on my Instagram” not once but TWICE, but here we are. Ha! A couple months ago I was driving home from Costco when I heard Sold Out (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r57GhcHEgGo) on Octane & immediately fell in love. Who was this redneck country singer who wasn’t afraid to scream like the best metal singers? I had to know. It didn’t take me long to fall way down the rabbit hole with Hardy. The fact that Hardy managed to write a half country- half rock album that is incredibly well written on both “sides” is nothing short of phenomenal. The title track (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr6JPLNMnyI) is perhaps my favorite because it encapsulates a dilemma I know good & well- the divide between the “country/redneck” part of me & the rock/metal part of me. The former represents the more conservative, people-pleasing nature I grew up with while the latter represents the more free-thinking part of me that I’ve embraced as an adult. I imagine some of that is true for Hardy as well, though I suspect for him it’s more to do with the music itself, but nonetheless I see parallels to all of life here. It’s so easy to be the mockingbird- to do the things others before you have done, to do what’s expected & “proper,” (in Hardy’s case write the more traditional country music)- & yet sometimes the crow just beckons so strongly that it cannot be contained (in Hardy’s case this means embracing his rock & roll side). It’s hard to choose but perhaps my favorite lines on the album are as follows: “And I refuse to be another/Mockingbird with a microphone/I’ll fly the line I choose to, brother/Even if that makes me the crow.” Like any great album, this is one that deserves to be listened to top to bottom, front to back. But in order to save time, I’ll highlight just three more of my favorites here: Wait in the Truck featuring Lainey Wilson (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsMB0i5YTOc), which is a poignant piece about domestic violence; Radio Song featuring Jeremy McKinnon of A Day to Remember (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Km3DY77vINU), which makes fun of how simplistic & formulaic much of country music is; & Jack (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwtjL9UI4uQ) which discusses the dangers of alcohol & how easily one can slip from a casual drinker to a full-blown abuser.
  • Blackout by From Ashes to New: This album has been a long time coming but thankfully it did not disappoint. Indeed it’s chock full of banger after banger. With opening track Heartache (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rh1gQWwBp5Q) followed by Nightmare (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iD7nQ_DledY), followed by Hate Me Too (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0h0Oo1EzJw), the album starts off with three of the band’s most successful tracks to date. The latter has a hilarious music video you’d do well to check out- & is also probably their most “pop” sounding song to date- but with some great guitar riffs. Then you’ve got Monster in Me (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yoHqZawQEU) which is dominated by Matt Brandyberry’s rapping. There seriously isn’t a bad song on here so I could go on for a while but lastly let me mention Until We Break (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QiT0NJf4emk) which features Matty Mullins of Memphis May Fire. Again, it’s hard to choose but perhaps my favorite lyrics on this album are in this track: “You’re the heart of the fate that divides us/A plague & a virus, yeah, & all we need to do is/Close our eyes ’cause there is nothing to see (nothing to see)/We’ll all be fine if all we do is believe, so/Smile for the camera, swallow the dagger/Cut out the ones who disobey/Follow the leader into the fever/One by one until we break.”
  • The Surface by Beartooth: Here’s another album that simply rocks from top to bottom. To be honest, I loved Beartooth’s second & third albums but the fourth one disappointed me. Not so with this one! As soon as I heard leading single Riptide (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zv3t0Fvgvik), I knew this album would be DIFFERENT- optimistic & uplifting but without losing an ounce of heaviness! I for one am thoroughly enjoying seeing lead singer & mastermind of the group Caleb Shomo finally winning the battle against his depression. Doubt Me (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfY5VokMkL8) is another banger that is universally relatable- after all, we’ve all had to beat some doubters along the way- even if the strongest one of those is the voice in our own head. I could go on all day but let me also mention Look the Other Way (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiEKANbfEYQ) & Might Love Myself (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83rcK9Xne5A), both of which really showcase the beauty & power of Caleb’s voice. You can truly hear the happiness in his voice here & it’s nothing short of delightful.
  • Skeletons by Pop Evil: I own six out of seven of this band’s albums, so I think it’s safe to say I know their catalog well. But if I’m being perfectly honest, the last three albums left me disappointed. They had some good songs here & there, but taken as a whole none of them really grabbed me like their earlier work. Well, this year I’m glad to say they grabbed me again- in a good way. As soon as I heard Paranoid/Crash & Burn (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMTrh8xRXtk) & Eye of the Storm (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9jGRtmCsNQ) I was in love. Then I heard the title track (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95lkrtb7Gt4) & I knew I had to check out the full album. This time it did not disappoint. My favorite lyrics are from the aforementioned title track: “We live in a world gone mad that’s lost control/What doesn’t kill us leaves a hole in our soul/Chase a satellite, get lost in outer space/We’re only human, we’re flesh & bone/Fighting wars within/We’re only human, we’re flesh & bone/Lonely skeletons” & Who Will We Become: “We may not control the events that happen to us/What happened to us?/But we have a choice to choose who we will become/Who will we become?” I 100% believe that- we cannot always control what happens to us but we CAN control who we become. I have to believe that- otherwise there’s no hope. I should also mention that the last three songs on the album are easily among the heaviest songs the band has ever done.
  • Confessions of the Fallen by Staind: Oh man, Staind were one of the first rock bands I ever loved. Naturally I was excited to see the band back with their first album in twelve years. I’m not sure that it was ever a single but my favorite track here is Cycle of Hurting (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2tCwGPuUzs). The lyrics are dark & painful but the song leaves me feeling empowered to do exactly what the title says- end the cycle of hurting. Lowest In Me (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0Nm-yx9CLg) is probably one of the band’s heaviest songs to date & proves they definitely aren’t going soft in their middle age. Vocalist Aaron Lewis is certainly a controversial character, & I don’t agree with all of his views, but I definitely respect him as a person & as a musician. Regardless of what you think of his politics, this album is well worth a listen.
  • Dance Devil Dance by Avatar: I’ve said it before & I’ll say it again- it’s downright criminal that Avatar aren’t more popular than they are. I submit to you that if you don’t like watching five tall, long-haired Swedish guys prance around on stage in clown outfits, then you need to reevaluate your life. Ha! Anyway, I fell in love with this band when I saw them live back in 2018. I had never heard them before & knew nothing about them, but they entranced me from the very first song. These guys are not just excellent musicians, they are also true PERFORMERS. Stand out tracks include the title track (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_t_U8aYDlo); Chimp Mosh Pit (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIUseqP3my8) which comes with a music video that proves these guys may be serious musicians but they don’t take themselves too seriously & know how to simply have some FUN; & Violence No Matter What (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjef8L7pRZs) featuring none other than Lzzy Hale. I should also mention the danceable, almost country like The Dirt I’m Buried In (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JPtxtSK-Cs)- it was the band’s first song to reach the top of the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.
  • Life is But a Dream… by Avenged Sevenfold: No list would be complete without this album. I think Ben Bruce from Asking Alexandria said it best when he said that the A7X guys aren’t just musicians, they’re COMPOSERS. My favorite track is Nobody (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjrRTY2UDjw) with its bizarre song structure & the unexpected guitar solo that closes the song. Mattel is also great (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYmVTVnXXlk) but really this is an album that needs to be listened to in full, not piecemeal. It’s the kind of thing you really ought to listen to in a dark room while doing absolutely nothing else.
  • Papers Hearts (EP) by Sleep Theory: Sleep Theory burst on to the scene via Octane with hit single Numb (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7s9gFaWpUM) & it wasn’t too long after that that they rocketed from unknown, unsigned band out of Memphis to signing a record deal with Epitaph Records & opening up for none other than Shinedown. If you’ve listened to any interviews with these guys, you will know they are as humble & hard-working as they come. I couldn’t be happier to see them having the success they’re having, & I can’t wait to see what next year holds for them. I was lucky enough to hear them debut Gone or Staying (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ac9OiIXFqUA) live on Octane a few months ago & it just might be my favorite on this EP. It’s the perfect blend of soulful R&B & heavy that makes this band so darn good.

For these last two artists, I’m not sure how to classify them because these are all singles but there were multiple songs I absolutely loved by both artists, so it felt more fitting to put them here, as if they were an EP, than with the singles post. I guess I’ll just group them by artist name.

  • TX2: Here is yet another artist I discovered thanks to Octane. One morning I was running errands & heard Degrade Me (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6r79AhrOPOE) on Octane & was immediately hooked. I found myself thinking “This is obviously a young guy with a punk rock aesthetic/sensibility, yet the guitar work & overall song structure seem more classic rock & roll.” Naturally I had to have more, so to YouTube I went & quickly fell down the TX2 rabbit hole. Heaven Was Full (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bb9aQy3d5oo) contains a massive guitar solo & is a perfect song for anyone who’s ever felt like they just couldn’t live up to the expectations others have for them without sacrificing their own conscience. I Would Hate Me Too (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keegsPt1jCU) is both hilarious & sad all at once. He may be only 5’4″ as he sings in the latter song, but trust me when I say, TX2 is going to have a big impact on the rock scene over the next few years.
  • Set It Off: Once again, I have to thank Octane for introducing me to this band. They’ve been around for over a decade but I had never heard of them until Punching Bag (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qb5-s5qwlCQ) took over the airwaves this year. I was immediately hooked & hungry for more. Be sure to watch the music video for this one because the end of it sets up the beginning of the video for Win Win featuring Scene Queen (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvOAwvMU8N8). The latter is such a fun song & I’m very impressed with how the guys let Hannah (aka Scene Queen) start off the song & sing at least as much of it as Cody does. That shows confidence & a willingness to share the spotlight, which I love to see. Evil People (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IP4W9EGdlsI) & Parasite (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Qm6qlz7ups) are also fantastic songs. What’s super interesting about this band is that they’ve had BY FAR their most success this year- AFTER leaving their record label & going independent. Just goes to show that sometimes the “right” way isn’t always the RIGHT way.

Now for most anticipated albums for 2024... (By the way, there are a few songs I probably should have included in this year’s songs of the year but because I know they will be on albums debuting next year, I am saving them for next year’s post- since I imagine those albums will make it to next year’s version of this post.)

  • Jeris Johnson- if When the Darkness Comes & Ode to Metal are any indication, Jeris’s next record will be nothing short of phenomenal.
  • Slaughter to Prevail
  • Judas Priest (coming 3/8/24)
  • Anything by Falling in Reverse- who knows? Maybe Ronnie will surprise us & do an album after swearing he won’t because he has done better with singles since 2018. But with Ronnie, you just never know what he’s got up his sleeve. Whatever it is, I know it will be breathtaking.
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