Laufey’s Massive Rise Was Just a Matter of Time
Laufey is a prodigious talent, but also immensely relatable: she’s a nerd, and everyone was at the show because, well, we’re all nerds too.
Adrien Begrand
Adrien Begrand has been writing for PopMatters since 2002, and has been writing his metal column Blood & Thunder since 2005. A regular contributor to Decibel, Terrorizer, Iron Fist, NPR, and more, he resides in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. Follow and interact with him on Twitter and Instagram.
Music/Events/Feature Sub Head/Featured: Top of Home Page/Features/Lists/Music Features/PopMatters Picks
The 9 Best Artists at FME 2025
Of all the dozens of artists at FME 2025, a few stood out more than others, many of whom showcased just how strong the Québec music scene is right now.
The Best Artist of the Osheaga Festival 2025 Was Doechii
More than Gracie Abrams, Tyler, the Creator, and Olivia Rodrigo, Doechii offered the best set of this year’s Osheaga Festival.
Ghost Exercise Restraint on the Sad ‘Skeletá’
Ghost’s more measured approach lends an appealing atmosphere of sadness, but fans will be clamoring for more energy and menace amidst the garishness next time.
In Quebec, Bush’s Songs Still Hit with Resilient Strength
Bush’s 90-minute set spanned the band’s entire career, but the real meat of the show consisted of the five miraculously great singles from Sixteen Stone.
Opeth’s ‘The Last Will and Testament’ Is a New High-Water Mark
Opeth’s The Last Will and Testament is their most focused, disciplined piece of music to date and their heaviest work in more than 15 years.
Iron Maiden’s World Tour Explores Their Past, Present, and Future
Contemplating the future of Iron Maiden by celebrating the present and looking back at an album that was all about looking ahead. That’s a good hook.
Supergroup BEAT Served Up a Masterful Rock Clinic
BEAT’s tour had the potential to be a revelation, especially to the generations that were too young to catch the King Crimson foursome more than 40 years ago.
Rediscovering the Joy of Discovery at Festival De Musique Émergente
Festival De Musique Émergente is about discovering new music. When you go exploring on one night, you’ll uncover at least one new favorite artist, guaranteed.
Osheaga Festival 2024: Extremely Hot to Go!
After almost four years of darkness, violence, cultural malaise, and fascism’s threat, today’s young generation fight back with sincere joy at Osheaga.
The 10 Best Discoveries at Festival de musique émergente 2023
Festival de musique émergente, the annual new music festival in Northern Quebec, brought sunshine, diversity, and fun to concert-starved audiences.
Metallica Go on a Healing Journey with ’72 Seasons’
While their most musically cautious work, Metallica’s 72 Seasons still takes some huge risks. We all deserve to be happy, including our heavy metal heroes.