04) Bloodbound,Tales from the North(AFM Records)

Always solid and dependable – and I mean that in the best of ways. While Bloodbound from Sweden may have started out as a slightly more prog-oriented Power Metal outfit, the band has long since switched to a more straightforward and, dare I say, occasionally Sabaton-esque approach to their songwriting. The advantages of that are pretty clear: engaging and catchy tunes can be found on all of their albums, and 2023’s “Tales from the North” makes no exception. Whether you want to “Drink with the Gods,” hear the “Raven’s Cry,” or look through “Mimir’s Crystal Eye” in “1066” – if you’ve got an ear for uber-catchy European Power Metal, don’t miss out on Bloodbound’s latest output.

03) Saint Daemon,League of the Serpent(AFM Records)

Though originally founded in 2006, the band first turned heads with their strong debut album “In Shadows Lost from the Brave,” however, it disappeared for a lengthy period following their sophomore effort “Pandaemonium.” Criminally underrated throughout the years, notable thanks to god-tier vocalist Jan Thore Grefstad, the band thankfully mounted a comeback in 2019 with their album “Ghost,” and managed to follow up in 2023 with their fourth full-length record, “League of the Serpent.” Sure, Saint Daemon delivers typically Scandinavian sounding Power Metal. Still, the band manages to pull that feat off in excellent fashion, as tracks like “At Break of Dawn” or “Load Your Cannons” are pure singalong goodness.

02) Eleine,We Shall Remain (Atomic Fire)

Arguably one of the hardest-working metal bands on the planet these days, Eleine from Sweden have made it their goal for 2023 to turn a passion into a lifestyle and vocation, and go all in with their music. Their latest release, “We Shall Remain,” marks their fourth studio album to date and delivers eclectic Symphonic Metal with a mix of clean female and harsh male vocals in spades. Check out tracks like “Never Forget” or “Stand By The Flame” to get your own impression of the band.