Bear Reviews Music!
After a decade of music journalism for Musicalypse and Tuonela Magazine that started in 2011 and continues to this day, I’ve developed a love of writing critical analyses of things that interest me. Please enjoy everything from live reports and album reviews, and even the occasional monthly collections of featured singles!
My goal, as a critical reviewer, is not to trash people’s work, because effort deserves respect. I try my best to be objective, while still sharing my personal feelings based on my own experiences.
Interested in having me review your album? More info here!
From Finland to the Forest of Forgetting for Eye of Melian’s Album Release Show
Yet another chaotic journey from Finland (and other countries) to the Netherlands, to a 4.5 hour queue outside Hedon in Zwolle, Johanna Kurkela’s international cheering squad met up once more to see Eye of Melian’s album release show for “Forest of Forgetting.”
ALBUM REVIEW: Eye of Melian - “Forest of Forgetting”
Bear Wiseman and Kathy Criswell join forces to deep-dive into Eye of Melian’s whole discography, both “Legends of Light” and of course, special attention to “Forest of Forgetting,” which is due for release on February 20th, 2026.
A Trip Through My Imagination, Inspired by Auri
After two nights of Auri debuting live at Kiteesali, Bear Wiseman decides to take a journey inward at the Tampere-talo show on August 16th. Head on over to Substack to read the full imagination-dump during this event!
A Girl Traveling with Her Friends: Frolicking Around Finland to See Auri’s Live Debuts
A journey from gathering the fans and road-tripping up to the Röskö camping site, to witnessing the first-ever live shows from Auri, this live report and travel blog talks about how community has the potential to elevate a love of music
ALBUM REVIEW: “Auri III - Candles & Beginnings”
Bear Wiseman and Kathy Criswell join forces to deep-dive into Auri’s discography, including “Auri I,” “II - Those We Don’t Speak Of,” with of course, special interest in “III - Candles & Beginnings.”
LIVE REPORT: Johanna Kurkela - Joulun Lauluja
A report of Johanna Kurkela from her joulun lauluja tour, live at Tampereen Tuomiokirkko on December 7th, 2024
LISTEN BACK: “Auri I”
A personal listen-back through Auri’s debut album, “Auri I,” by Kathy Criswell
LIVE REPORT: Altamullan Road
Altamullan Road (aka Johanna Iivanainen and Johanna Kurkela) live at Porvoon Taidetehdas on March 2nd, 2024
LIVE REPORT: Altamullan Road
Altamullan Road (aka Johanna Iivanainen and Johanna Kurkela) live at Hyvinkääsali on January 26th, 2024
LIVE REPORT: Altamullan Road
Altamullan Road (aka Johanna Iivanainen and Johanna Kurkela) live at Kiteesali on January 20th, 2024
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