5 Songs I Love w/ Thurtythree
- Kenny Sandberg
- Jul 31
- 3 min read

We're delighted to have sat down with Thurtythree upon the release of new album 'Cetamology'. We find out more about their unique sound, and what influenced the new record. Be sure to check out the album at the bottom and follow on their socials!
Faint - Linkin Park
"Faint" by Linkin Park stands out as one of the band’s most powerful and inspirational songs due to its raw emotion, intense energy, and unapologetic message about the need to be heard. Released during a time when many felt voiceless or misunderstood, the song resonated with me through its powerful instrumentation and emotionally charged vocals. The song inspired elements in my album from the interludes to the structure of Quietly Ablaze, as that was my own ode to Chester and Linkin Park through this album. "Faint" was also the first time I saw a Dragon Ball Z animated music video which inspired me to one day have a song that mimicked the energy and to have a song that could present a similar energy and enthralling experience no matter what visual element was presented with it.
Dead - Normandie
"Dead" by Normandie easily became a favorite over the last few years because of its intense emotional weight, dynamic sound, and relatable themes of inner conflict and disillusionment. The track blends soaring vocals with heavy instrumentals, creating a soundscape that feels both cathartic and anthemic. Its lyrics dive into feelings of emptiness and frustration, something close to home and something many tend to quietly wrestle with. The energy in the chorus hits hard, offering both release and empowerment—perfect for when you need a song that matches your mood but also pushes you forward; perfect for the gym. It's one of those bands that doesn't have a single bad song in my opinion, their acceptance of the sound and willingness to experiment within it helped inspire me to do something similar, instead of broadly exploring, narrowing down the sound and finding the corners of the map within that.

Throne - Bring me the Horizon
"Throne" by Bring Me the Horizon was especially inspirational for the bigger anthemic hits from the album and myself overall, because it’s a powerful anthem about rising above betrayal, pain, and doubt. The song’s message of reclaiming strength and refusing to be broken by others hits with emotional force, making it a perfect motivator during the creative process. Its blend of aggressive verses and soaring, melodic choruses mirrors the journey from struggle to triumph. The song definitely helped dive more into the emotion of lyricism as well as look into more chants and stadium audience like sounds for tracks like "Circular Etymology" and "Control". After seeing the band live a few times, I also wanted a song that could recreate that same feeling of power and togetherness from being heard from the listener's bedroom to a live stage.
Prayers - Rain City Drive
"Prayers" by Rain City Drive was a great source of inspiration because it captures the struggle of searching for meaning and connection in a chaotic world. As another more recent favorite, The song’s emotional intensity, driven by powerful vocals and atmospheric instrumentation, creates a sense of urgency and vulnerability that’s hard to ignore. Its lyrics explore themes of desperation, hope, and the feeling of being unheard, something many artists can relate to when pouring their truth into their work. It was hard to stop playing this song, and the feeling it evoked really made me want to also explore more energy from not just the heavier tracks but also the more relaxed tracks with heavier meaning, like "Shine It Bright" or "Another Way Back."
Nowhere to go - Bad Omens
"Nowhere to Go" by Bad Omens was also a major source of inspiration because it embodies the tension between feeling trapped and the fierce drive to break free. The track blends haunting melodies with crushing heaviness, creating a sonic contrast that mirrors the emotional highs and lows of personal growth. The themes of isolation, identity, and the battle against inner demons reflect the raw honesty that can make an album truly resonate. This song was a reminder that vulnerability, intensity, and self-awareness aren't weaknesses, they're what make music powerful and unforgettable. The first time I heard the song I was hooked to the instruments, the vocals, all of it. It was a feeling I wanted to emulate, something that could make you feel like you're right in the middle of a storm.
Thurtythree - 'Cetamology'




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