Swedish goth/horror metallers Tribulation returned to Finland with a two date headlining tour in Jyväskylä and Helsinki along side Finnish black/crust band Mørket. Although Tribulation have come to Finland numerous times (not often enough) this was their first time headlining here. I hope the turn out has convinced them to come back soon! Again, an almost full venue on a Thursday night. Mørket definitely warmed the place up with their crazy unhinged energy! The vocalist didn’t even stay on the stage for most of the show, balancing on the railing or bouncing around in the audience! And although there wasn’t much room on the stage, the other members managed to give off the same energy, seemingly in non stop motion the whole gig. Although their music wasn’t exactly to my taste, and maybe some others in the audience, I think we felt much respect for them after their over the top and energetic set. I would love to see them at a festival!
I absolutely loved the fact that although Tribulation only played three shows on his leg of the tour (two in Finland and one in Oslo) which were smaller clubs, they still put effort into their stage decor and presentation. Not only the large backdrop and custom drums but unique details through out the rest of the setup as well. Beautiful backlit side panels reminiscent of church windows adorned with shapes of bats and skulls. Each member having their own light in front of them so they were lit from below. Large decorative incense holders for both sides of the stage complete with incense (also love that extra sensory level during live gigs!). All of those details plus their stage clothes, makeup and overall vibe fit flawlessly with their sound, tying it all together with that common horror element that has been part of their sound and aesthetic since the early years. Pure gothic/horror ambiance with a death metal core. The fact that it was (finally) a headlining tour gave them the opportunity to play a longer set than they have previously played in Finland (which personally still felt too short!). Their set included a perfect mix of new and old despite it being the promotional tour for their latest album Sub Rosa In Æternum. Their energy felt as if it had shifted a bit, more suitable to the newer sound. A bit more chill and maybe even more polished than the last time I had seen them (opening for Ghost in 2019). Still no less unique, powerful and moody (in a good way) than before. The vibe coming from the band and the music could be felt through the entire audience. An unforgettable and much anticipated evening!
Cemetery Skyline played a sold out Olympia in Tampere March 20, 2025. Although it was their first ever tour, they sold out all of the dates along side The Eternal (and Red Eleven on one date). Even though the venue was packed with warm excited bodies, it was somehow refreshing to be there and see it filled to the brim (on a Thursday no less!). The crowd was on its toes, hands in the air from the beginning of The Eternal’s set to the very end of Cemetery Skyline.
There couldn’t have been a better opening act than The Eternal. Their stage presence was spot on to set the mood for the evening and their music and setlist were perfect. It was an even mix of heavy rock, groovey melodies and melancholy to create an energetic yet cool atmosphere to lay for the gothiness Cemetery Skyline have cloaked themselves in.
The audience went crazy for Cemetery Skyline. And of course, these well seasoned musicians knew just how to play to the audience in this new context far from the music they are more known for. They played a “purely old school- from the first album” set as Mikael Stanne joked. They also included their newest release, a cover of Cyndi Lauper‘s “I Drove All night” which pushed the crowd even farther over the edge! There was another unexpected and very special moment for fans of Sentenced when they played a cover of the instrumental song “Konevitsan Kirkonkellot”. Overall, the stage presence and hype from the packed audience provided a wholesome and pure yet authentic rock show vibe with enough heavier and more melancholic moments to satiate all.
British extreme metal veterans Cradle Of Filth continue to terrorise and delight on their fourteenth opus, ‘Screaming Of The Valkyries, ‘ which will be unleashed on the 21st of March via Napalm Records. It delivers some of their most ambitious and devilish offerings yet. I got to speak to the band’s masterful creator and vocalist, Dani Filth, who joined me on a Zoom call while he was at his home in Suffolk, UK, to discuss the new album and much more.
Swallow the Sun and Ensiferum played Pakkahuone in Tampere, Finland December 12, 2024. A short but sweet way to wrap up the gig year. Both bands celebrated the recent release of new albums (Swallow the Sun’s Shining and Ensiferum’s Winter Storm), gracing Finnish (and many foreign) fans with the live world premier of new songs and revival of some old as well. Although both bands come from very different sides of the metal spectrum, together they drew in a respectable sized crowd. Many of the shows on the tour were sold out! Although it might have seemed more of the crowds were there for Ensiferum, the intense passion and genuine love of the Swallow the Sun fans could have filled three times the space. Ensiferum provided a perfect blend of new and old that kept the audience moving from start to finish. The energy of the band themselves never wavered and, as always, amazing interaction with each other and the crowd. Swallow the Sun also played a beautifully diverse set, with highlights from their new album as well as some older classics and songs that haven’t been played in a while (some fan favorites that were unforgettable to see live!). Their sound and presence over all has seemed to embody a similar transformation as their music. Mikko’s vocals were notably on point, and the whole bands energy felt more vibrant yet more intense and honed down. Always perfection.
Both bands will be starting the year with some extensive touring so don’t miss them if they’re coming near you!
Melancholy Mass 2024 at Olympia, Tampere November 23, 2024
Omnivortex began the night with an intensely energetic but not so melancholic show. Vermilia brought the mood down a few notches to a suitable level for a dark November evening. Their mysterious aesthetic and haunting but powerful vocals ran through the audience and filled the venue with a beautiful darkness. Kauan was a personal highlight, it was an unforgettable experience to see them for the first time and it seemed many felt the same. Although their set only included three songs, they filled their slot and the souls of the audience to the brim with an entrancing performance. I really hope they do some headlining gigs soon! Møl seemed to be an audience favorite, though their energy was a bit much after two more low key and sombre performances. Although they might have been better suited as the final act, they still were a perfect edition to this nights lineup. Kaunis Kuolematon continued the beautiful gloom of Finnish melancholic metal and ended the night on a sombre yet powerful note.
Swedish metal band Sabaton’s “The Tour To End All Tours” concert film aired in theatres in Europe, the UK and Australia on October 11, 2024. As a huge Sabaton fan, I visited my local UK cinema to check out this heavy metal concert experience.
I was fortunate enough to attend the London date of “The Tour To End All Tours” last year on April 15, 2023. It was a spectacle, especially since it was my first time seeing Sabaton. It was a memorable and fantastic show with fire, guns and dramatic theatrics. It is one of my favourite shows so far, so I was excited to relive that experience in this cinematic experience.
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