USA

Well hello there! I'm back in the US of A folks and it feels good. I hit American soil last week and have felt a little lost since. It's been wonderful to hug loved ones and see familiar sites, but there is a slight emptiness in the pit of my stomach. Good byes are never easy and parting with Finland was no exception. Life is full of meetings and partings, it's part of it's beauty and tragedy. At least music has been my constant. I've been clinging to my tunes and enjoying some new bands. I know you're dying to know what they are! There are a lot to mention, but The Man-Eating Tree and Omnium Gatherum are two Finnish bands that have really captured my heart.
With unique melodic vocals and haunting lyrics The Man-Eating Tree provides something different for the metal scene. Taking on a very melancholy feel and beautiful imagery this band may at first come across glum, but once you have close listen you feel their passion. With slow riffs and gentle vocals they can sweep you away into a dreary dream topped with sweetness. There's a sense of calm and clarity in their musicianship I love listening to them when walking the streets of the city, I can think when listening to them. It's wonderful. Listening to them now makes me miss Finland.

I caught Omnium Gatherum at a show in Tampere Finland in September and was a fan instantly. If you enjoy melodic death metal this guys are the cream of the crop. Hailing from the small town of Karhula they aren't big name rock stars, but they really love music and what they do. This is evident in their passionate performance and real love for their fans. I had the privilege of catching their show in Milan earlier this month, because they kindly added me to their guest list, thanks guys! Their music swells with empathy to various emotions and they can easily carry you away into their melodic metal madness. I've had their album on repeat for months, I can't get enough of their surreal-like, haunting, powerful guitar melodies. They're strong and elegant in their sound and lyrics. Finland is a land full of poets! 

Now Nightwish, my favorite band of all time is coming out with a new album at the end of the year. I am beyond thrilled and this song is the first single of that album. I cried with excitement has I watched this. Enjoy dear ones!