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10. Bleakheart – Twilight Visions

I am eager to hear more from Bleakheart, especially after 2020’s Dream Griever. This short EP was a taste of their dreamy and dark sound, and I loved it. I hope more is coming this year.

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9. Von – AF

This is one of two EPs from Von in 2023, and I’ll confess I haven’t heard the second one yet. This is a fun and energetic rock EP with lots of heart, and the track “Pieces” is catchy as hell. Plus, who can resist an album cover like that?

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8. Forest of Ember Skies – Alexithymia

This is a new project from Carline of Lethian Skies and Aythis. I really enjoyed the surging dreaminess of this post-rock-esque EP. The crescendos are muted and elegant, not brash and cliché, and I love the general ambience.

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7. circle&wind – Metamorphosis

This hushed and hovering work from circle&wind is a gorgeous affair. It’s full of haunting moments and wonderfully shadowy harmonies, and it offers serious stress release.

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6. Justin Stewart Cotta – City of Angels

You may remember Justin from the early 00s band Memento, or hopefully from his outstanding 2021 solo album Melodies for Eulogies. Anyways, this EP is a rocking, sauntering affair that I liked quite a bit. The lyrics hit home pretty hard, and some of the choruses will get stuck in your head for weeks. Give it a try.

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5. Stream of Passion

– Beautiful Warrior

Stream of Passion are back, and this EP proves that they still have the blood and guts to continue their beautiful and viscous metal career. The vocals are, of course, outstanding, but the songs are simply great songs, no matter which way you look at them.

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4. Orion – Passing Through

This is a first for me: someone writing a song inspired by something I created myself. Orion reached out to me about the song “The Tumult of My Heart” on this EP, inspired by my recent book of that same title, and the lyrics felt so right. The EP as a whole is terrific, too.

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3. Glass Human – Timelapse

I loved this debut EP from Glass Human. Their basic sound is an ambient and alternative rock, but it has plenty of progressive elements, some indie flair, and even some moments of doom melancholy.  Their style is decidedly rich and full of character. Fans of Bent Knee should especially take note.

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2. Pendragon – North Star

My beloved Pendragon released a slower, more cautious EP last year with lots of acoustic guitar and terrific songs—there’s even a suite. The whole thing plays like an ethereal dream of nostalgia and quiet nights, and the rustic and homey vibes really sell that aspect.

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**1. Exploring Birdsong

– Dancing in the Face of Danger**

Exploring Birdsong is quickly making a name for themselves, and this new EP proved that once again. With huge melodies, tremendous vocals, and vivid energy, this EP is sure to sell the band’s sound to just about anyone. I hope a full album is coming soon, even if it just combines their first two EPs. That’d be fine with me.

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