AOTY 2019

Wilderun, Veil of Imagination

John Fisher, December 12, 2019

My limited vocabulary is about to do a disservice to this album. I will occasionally hear people say I am a great dad, usually via social media from people I haven’t seen in years. It is the compliment I am most proud of, but it’s only a moderately true statement. I basically just make sure my kid isn’t in danger, that’s my rule of thumb as a parent. One thing I think I was blessed with is a peculiarly accurate assessment of my surroundings, with a stoic response, and it translates to parenting very well. I will throw myself in front of a bus for my kid and it’s nice to know I am naturally keenly aware of her safety to know that’ll never be necessary. At the same time, I am VERY hands off as a parent. I have always wanted my kid to be confident. I think one of the best ways to build confidence in someone is to leave them to figure shit out on their own. So I sit back, try to ensure safety, and restrain myself from providing answers. It’s been effective.

            Falls of Rauros was going to be AOTY for 2019, and after Lagwagon’s album review, I was feeling a little burnt out on writing album reviews. I was second guessing the why behind all this writing of mine. But then I decided to succumb to the raving reviews and give Wilderun’s Veil of Imagination a shot. Now I want to write again. Writing is all about honesty and this album is ridiculously good. I talk about my daughter and parenting occasionally, and I am really happy that this whole “give my kid my album of the year” idea surfaced. That’s it. I won’t give away all the secrets. Album of the Year. Have fun with this masterpiece, Veil of Imagination!!!