May Bandcamp Friday Be with You!

It’s that time of the month once more, Bandcamp Friday is here! Sadly, it seems that the enthusiasm for BC Friday has greatly waned over the last several months. I’ve decided that for the rest of the year, I won’t be writing anymore Bandcamp Friday roundup articles after this one. I’m very busy these days and the time I have to dedicate to the blog is minimal. I’d rather focus my energy and time elsewhere if only a fraction of my readers chooses to read and encourage bands on that special Friday.

It might just be that the concept has run its course. Started as an initiative from Bandcamp about four years ago as a way to help artists during the pandemic when they could no longer play live and saw their earnings significantly diminished. So, in the meantime, until who knows when, show some love to those hard-working artists as Bandcamp waives its revenue share and all the money goes directly to the artists and labels for a full 24 hours. Here are my five picks to help you find some cool tunes and albums for the month of May.

First off, War Grave, a British heavy metal five-piece band, released a stunning self-titled debut EP last week. A blend of traditional metal and thrash metal, if you like it old school, then they’ll hit the spot for you. Read my thoughts about it here and pick up the EP over here.

Second, Freeways released their sophomore LP last week, Dark Sky Sanctuary, and it’s a thing of beauty. If hard rock and/or classic rock is your thing, then look no further, Freeways have got you covered. They are the best at what they do and they’re fellow Canucks on top of that! Read my thoughts on it here and purchase it right here.

Third, out today, master of horror John Carpenter along with his son Cody and godson Daniel Davies are unleashing the fourth volume in their Lost Themes series, titled Noir. Judging by the two singles released thus far, it’ll be another phenomenal set of synthwave instrumentals. I, for one, can’t wait to listen to the full thing. You can pick it up here.  

Fourth, also out today, from the mighty Ripple Music, The Watchers make a triumphant return after a six-year absence with their most metal album yet, Nyctophilia. It’s a solid affair from top to bottom that’s sure to please long-time fans as well as newcomers to the band. You can read my thoughts on it here and show them some love over here.

Fifth, releasing next week, The Hazytones’ third LP, Wild Fever, is their best yet, in this humble reviewer’s opinion. If you dig old school doom, rock ‘n’ roll, and stoner rock, you’re gonna love it. You can read the interview I conducted with them here and you’ll soon be able to pre-order Wild Fever over here.

That’s it, folks! Open your wallets, if not today, then any other day and buy some independent music, you’ll be encouraging a hard-working band and allowing them to make more great music for us. 2024 continues to be a stellar year for rock and metal in all their iterations. Enjoy the tunes and I’ll catch you later. Excelsior!