Another year’s gone by and DAMN, what a year! Still going on a “quality-over-quantity” attitude, but I confess that in the past five months that was more a condition than an option, as my money was needed elsewhere and I was forced to choose my concerts wisely, ending up missing a handful that I’d have attended otherwise. Still the numbers are pretty good, especially considering all the travelling: 96 shows performed in 20 events, in 11 cities of 5 European countries.

Remember when I mentioned last year that my plans for 2024 included ICE NINE KILLS? That either as headliners or opening for FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, one way or another it would happen? Well, they both did… And a third one, in Barcelona. What can I say? Them and HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD are the bands that thrilled me the most at the time, so if I have the chance – or chances, in this case -, I take them. That’s also why the first two places in the podium are similar to last year’s. In fact, I almost declared a draw between them, thinking about rewarding both shows with the gold medal, but I’m still bummed that HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD played “Ruin My Life” instead of “Hollywood Forever”, plus theirs wasn’t a headlining show, so they got silver and INK got gold:

1st – ICE NINE KILLS – Progresja, Warsaw (PL)

2nd – HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD – Campo Pequeno, Lisbon (PT)

3rd – THE CULT – Coliseu, Porto (PT)

I’ve had my fair share of concerts by TARA PERDIDA – the very first still with the iconic João Ribas (R.I.P.) on vocals, back in 1998 when they opened for THE OFFSPRING at Coliseu – but they’re not exactly my cup of tea. Having a blast at their gig last March was quite a surprise, so they topped the podium of the unexpected great experiences:

1st – TARA PERDIDA – Hard Club, Porto (PT)

2nd – WEDNESDAY 13, Electric Ballroom, London (UK)

3rd – ALBALUNA – Laurus Nobilis Music Fest, Louro (PT)

Then the ones where I had no fun AT ALL:

1st – RAXAR – Vagos Metal Fest, Vagos (PT)

2nd – USERS – Laurus Nobilis Music Fest, Louro (PT)

3rd – SATRA – Hard Club, Porto (PT)

I thought PAULA TELES‘ “Desencanto” would mark my return to album reviewing, but it ended up as a one-night stand… Here are my choices, the first two reviewed only in my head:

1st – WEB, “Burden Of Destiny”

2nd – EQUALEFT, “Momentum”

3rd – PAULA TELES, “Desencanto”

When I first saw the video for “Dig A Grave” by ALTERED REVELATIONS, I knew it would make it to my top-3 of 2024. Now I’m not the biggest fan of FALLING IN REVERSE, but the video for “Prequel”… WOW! Then even before ICE NINE KILLS released “A Work Of Art”, given their history of epic mini-movies, I was sure I had all my winners. But then HAWK‘s “Justify” came out… WHO THE HELL COMES UP WITH THE IDEA OF CONFISCATING GUNS AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD AND SELL THEM TO ALIENS?! I was struggling with these medals, until I realized I didn’t have to. It’s my blog, so if I want to reward four videos instead of three, who’s to say I can’t? The bronze gets a draw this time:

1st – ALTERED REVELATIONS, “Dig A Grave”

2nd – HAWK, “Justify”

3rd (I) – ICE NINE KILLS, “A Work Of Art”

3rd (II) – FALLING IN REVERSE, “Prequel”

Expectations for 2025… HILLS HAVE EYES… BUT! This time is not just wishful thinking. Sure, they let me down by not playing a 20th anniversary gig, and I only believe “Shi” (if that’s still the name they’re going with) will be out when I have it in my hands, but at least they’re confirmed for Vagos Metal Fest. I wasn’t even sad about AS I LAY DYING cancelling – the thrill of having HHE stepping in was way bigger.

My boys INFRAKTOR returned to the stages this past year (my last gig of 2024 was theirs) but the release of their sophomore album was pushed back to 2025, so I’m definitely looking forward to that in this new year.

And then THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA, both the new album and the gig in Lisbon. Still not sure how I’m going to get there, as my usual bus service doesn’t seem to be planning on doing that show, but I’ll manage. I always do.

Much love,

Pi