The Collectings of Captain Karbah

As the year draws to a close, I thought I jot down the new bands I discovered (mainly via YouTube). It was a hard year both financially and emotionally, partly due to my dog getting injured (still haven't reached the end of that story). I guess this is reflected in the kind of music I've been into. In no particular order:

Matenrou Opera

Think I discovered them while looking for more Japanese metal/rock music after listening to compilations of Full Metal Alchemist endings. So many good songs and albums! Sadly, I can't read Japanese, so I have no idea about the titles of most of them ("Freesia" is an exception... obviously). Just know that I find myself going "YES! It's this one!" while listening.

Kamelot

This band popped up every now and then in compilations of best metal songs of all time. I had tried listening to some of their stuff earlier, but I just wasn't in the right mood for their stuff back then. This year, their music suddenly clicked for me and several of their albums have been on repeat since. Special mentions to "The Black Halo", "Ghost Opera", "Haven" and "The Awakening".

My Chemical Romance

I know, I know, super late to the party. But listen. I was their prime audience when they really took off in the mid-2000s. I did not like stuff classed as emo. I did, and in many instances still do, think the songs and singing style was too whiny for me. Just not my cup of tea. I was a teen who wished she had been around for the goth music of the 80s. But I remember even back then thinking The Black Parade was pretty banging. And so this year, having been reminded of their existence through people writing about Long Live the Black Parade, I again tried their music. I got hooked badly. Let it be known that music taste can absolutely change.

The Paper Chase

A late discovery this year, I think in November or December. Perfect music when you feel like everything is sliding out of control. Never has "He got the whole world in his hands" sounded so ominous.

And...

A harsh winter.