Favourite Music

Sonata Arctica

Sonata Arctica

SONATA ARCTICA have been many things in their storied career: Finnish power metal messiahs, relentless touring powerhouses, masters of sublime melody. But above all, they’ve been stalwarts of the magic and enchantment that flows through heavy metal. Since their inception in 1995, they’ve embodied the splendour and serenity of Nordic nature, captivating the world with 10 albums, EP’s and countless tours. They are ambassadors of metal illuminated by the Northern lights, of hymns dedicated to the midnight sun. Their latest, eleventh effort, »Clear Cold Beyond,« carries the torch of their shining legacy into the future, delivering yet another magnum opus of Finnish power metal wizardry, and bowing to their fabled past. »Clear Cold Beyond« follows the release of their two »Acoustic Adventures« albums in 2022, which allowed the band to “reset,” as frontman, lead vocalist and songwriter Tony Kakko describes it: “It was a chance to slow down, reflect on what we’ve done in the past and also fulfil our long-held dream of doing an acoustic album and tour.” But as well as these stripped back, intimate, touching acoustic versions of their storied catalogue worked: SONATA ARCTICA were increasingly itching to turn the amps back up to 11. “Getting back to metal after all that feels like a fresh start,” he beams.

Reason to Believe

Song · Arch Enemy

Korn

Korn

KORN changed the world with the release of their self-titled debut album. It was a record that would pioneer a genre, while the band’s enduring success points to a larger cultural moment. The FADER notes, “There was an unexpected opening in the pop landscape and KORN articulated a generational coming-of-angst for a claustrophobic, self-surveilled consciousness. KORN became the soundtrack for a generation’s arrival as a snarling, thrashing, systemically-restrained freak show.” Since forming, KORN has sold 40 million albums worldwide, collected two GRAMMYS, toured the world countless times, and set many records in the process that will likely never be surpassed. Vocalist Jonathan Davis, guitarists James “Munky” Shaffer and Brian “Head” Welch, bassist Reginald “Fieldy” Arvizu, and drummer Ray Luzier, have continued to push the limits of the rock, alternative and metal genres, while remaining a pillar of influence for legions of fans and generations of artists around the globe. The level of KORN’s reach transcends accolades and platinum certifications. They are “a genuine movement in a way bands cannot be now,” attests The Ringer. They represent a new archetype and radical innovation, their ability to transcend genre makes barriers seem irrelevant.