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PHOTO REPORT: Nummirock 2025

July 10, 2025 SepiaWorldPhotography Leave a comment

Nummirock 2025 took place June 18-21 with about 17,000 attendees during those four days! Despite a few last minute cancellations due to personal and travel reasons, replacements were found and all went smoothly (Cattle Decapitation was replaced by Stratovarius and Signs of the Swarm were replaced by Endstand)!
Here is a daily photo report of the festival.

Wednesday 18.6
For a second year in a row, the campers took it upon themselves to have an unofficial ceremony to celebrate the start of the festival and honor Seppo the forest spirit.
Other personal highlights of the first night included Noiduin, who’s pagan sound and aesthetic was perfect to get the midsummer madness started and Havukruunu who’s performance was full force as always and brought the rain to add to the epicness of the first evening of midnight black metal.

Assemble the Chariots, Arion, Noiduin and Havukruunu

Festival Life

Thursday 19.6
Thursday started on a melancholic note with The Man-Eating Tree opening the main stage. After that, phallic objects were flying at Cumbeast and could then on be spotted at every show until the end of the festival.
Paleface Swiss brought a breath of foreign energy to the stage which continued with a proper show from Kanonenfieber. They were one of my personal highlights of the day, bringing something unique with their theatrics, pyros (which were few and far between this year), props and costume changes. It seems with Cattle Decapitation‘s cancellation, Kanonenfieber might have been the most anticipated foreign band this year. Shereign killed the Kaaos Stage (though I heard the surprise performer which turned out to be Bat & Ryd was also a huge success). Stratovarius closed out the main stage, stepping in to replace Cattle Decapitation. Although it was probably the farthest from Cattle Decapitation while still being metal, it was still admirable the organizers were able to find such a big band as a replacement so soon before the festival. The highlight of possibly the entire festival for me (and a few others) was Thursday’s midnight black metal – Moonlight Sorcery. Some festival goers even came to Nummirock from abroad specifically for this! Their unparalleled sound and energy was magnified by the atmosphere of the Inferno stage, making it possibly one of the most memorable gigs on that stage in my ten years of attending the festival.

The Man-Eating Tree, Cumbeast, Paleface Swiss, Bloodred Hourglass, Shereign, Kanonenfieber, Stratovarius and Moonlight Sorcery

Festival Life

Friday 21.6
Before the Dawn warmed up the main stage with their flawless energy and sound. Wacken Metal Battle also took place including Emperage, Misaligned, God Disease and Numento. Numento came out on top, which was much deserved, although God Disease was my personal favorite, not to mention the only doom band in the lineup this year!
Decapitated was another highlight for me and many others. They personally blew me away at Saarihelvetti a few years ago and I was looking forward to see them with homegrown Eemeli Bodde as the new lead vocalist. They did not disappoint! It was a double duty day for Pyry Hanski and Tuomas Saukkonen playing both in Before the Dawn and Dawn of Solace who gave us a much needed dose of daily melancholy. Another personal highlight of the day was Cvlt ov the Svn. Despite it being a simple live duo, their sound and energy simply resonate a groovy dark vibe that gathered an unexpectedly large and enthusiastic crowd at the Kaaos Klubi stage. I really hope to see them again sometime soon! Midnight black metal band of the evening Oranssi Pazuzu was also a memorable experience with their extremely unique sound and performance.

Before the Dawn, Emperage, Decapitated, God Disease, Patriarkh, Dawn of Solace, Marduk, Cvlt ov the Svn, Mokoma and Oranssi Pazuzu

Festival Life

Saturday 21.6
Saturday brought the kiddies once again to the festival grounds. Whenever Hevisaurus is around, Nummirock opens its doors to the tiny metal heads in training including other special activities and attractions for them to enjoy. My day started with a most epic Cemetary Skyline in the rain. The rain might deter others from heading to the stage but not the dark hearted! It only added to their sombre gloomy atmosphere. I tried to catch both Tampere Burlesque sets but they had massive scheduling issues, even though they had the stage ready for the following band before burlesque started, they cut the first set short one act, and started the second set earlier than scheduled (which was pretty disappointing on the side of the organizer). I hope they get a bit more effort and recognition on the organizers part next year! Anyway, Alestorm was on the main stage this year, and brought their genuinely epic party tricks to the fesitval! The party mode continued from there straight until the end with King Satan, Korpiklaani, Turmion Kätilöt and Stereo Terror DJs. I have to say I was thoroughly, unexpectedly impressed by the vibe at the Korpiklaani gig. Their set design and lighting was stunning and the gig itself was perfection on the Inferno stage in the sunset. Turmion Kätilöt, once again, was a perfect ending to another amazing year.

Next year is Nummirock’s 40 year anniversary! I cannot wait to see what they have up their sleeve. Do not miss it!

Cemetery Skyline, Alestorm, King Satan, Korpiklaani and Turmion Kätilöt

Tampere Burlesque

Festival Life

Photos by Serena Solomon

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PHOTO REPORT: Bloodred Hourglass and Deathropy

April 25, 2024 SepiaWorldPhotography Leave a comment

Bloodred Hourglass and Deathropy
April 19, 2024

Olympia, Tampere

Deathropy was a pleasant surprise, melodic death metal with a twist. Much bigger than expected. They had a really potent energy but felt maybe more fitting for a festival atmosphere.

On the other hand, it has been many years since seeing Bloodred Hourglass at a club gig. Usually catching them in the sun at a summer festival, it was refreshing to feel their energy in a more intimate venue. One thing remains the same though, its a pleasure to see them constantly maturing and growing with their sound and live presence.

BLOODRED HOURGLASS:

DEATHROPY:

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PHOTO REPORT: Nummirock 2023

July 19, 2023 SepiaWorldPhotography Leave a comment

Photo Report: Nummirock 21-24.6.2023 in Kauhajoki, Finland
Photography by Serena Solomon

This year, Nummirock was back to its full glory. Last year, it seemed people were still getting back to the swing of things and/or still too cautious to even attend the festival since the pandemic. This year, the party was kicking off already on Tuesday. The forest side of the campgrounds were almost completely full a day before the festival even started! Some notable things that have evolved this year included more tiny cabins through out both camp grounds for those who prefer four walls to tents, as well as spots designated for electricity hook ups for caravans. The food options were also kicked up a notch, and pleasantly surprising options could be found from hatsapuri (kind of like a giant calzone) to sushi! There was also a really nice selection of small breweries being represented and a good selection of alcohol all around. Probably the most exciting evolution this year was the Klubi stage. They definitely invested in it way more this year and it really paid off from the performers and audiences perspective!

Day 1 highlights:
Kalmah started the festival off with a bang! Probably the biggest send off for Nummirock I have witnessed. Not only was it great to hear some of their new songs live, the old songs, absolute classics, sent the whole crowd into festival mode. Although Vermilia is a somewhat newcomer band, they are shooting straight to the top of people’s “favorite acts” list, and with good reason! A perfect blend of black, pagan and folk, elegant yet powerful sound and an incredibly impressive multi-talented vocalist who sings beautiful cleans, brutal growls AND plays the flute (as well as shaman drum)! Hope to see these guys on the Infenrno stage during an epic sunset next year.

Photos: Kalmah,Vermilia,Mors Subita,Elvenking

Day 2 Highlights:

Brymir were selected by the gods to be the “epic music in the rain” band this year. Although they were the first band of the day, they dominated the main stage! It was really great to FINALLY see them on a main stage, their energy and sound finally felt like it could fit the space they were in! Havukruunu was one band I was looking forward too but was surprised how perfectly they fit at this festival. Specially since it was overcast and a bit gloomy, their darker sound and pagan black metal aesthetics provided a perfect dose of melancholy to the Finnish midsummer celebration. It was also great to see a few non-Finnish acts tearing up the Inferno stage (Born of Osiris and Aborted) after so long. Although I wasn’t surprised by the greatness of Stam1na‘s live performance (they never disappoint), I was really amazed how, although they were the final act of the day on the main stage, they still interact so intimately with the crowd it feels like a club gig. I Am The Night provided the continuing tradition of midnight black metal mass on the Inferno stage. They were a perfect way to close out the first full day of the festival, shrouded in smoke and shadows through the whole performance with the backdrop of the eternal blue hour of midsummer.

Photos: Brymir, I Am Your God, Havukruunu, Finntroll, Stratovarius, Aborted, Azaghal, Stam1na and I Am The Night

Day 3 Highlights:
Unforntunately I was only able to catch one of the Wacken Metal Battle bands, but it seems Omnivortex was the only one needing to catch. They ultimately won, and are going to Wacken this year! I was impressed by their gig, they had a solid performance and enough energy and charisma to fill a main stage! Gutalax was an incredibly unexpected highlight. Maybe the best part of the whole gig was seeing the Nummirock crew having such a blast throwing toilet paper over the whole crowd! But damn, I still wonder why Gutalax has not played Nummi before. They have the perfect energy and aesthetic for the festival. It was hilarious to walk through the camp grounds before the gig and see so many people suiting up in hazmat suites and covering themselves in toilet paper to prepare for the gig. Droves of white suited, toilet paper clad, toilet brush carrying warriors heading to the battle of Gutalax on the Inferno stage, what a sight! It was also great to see Bloodred Hourglass on the main stage. They have risen quite high recently and it shows. They fill in the main stage space perfectly and are an obvious crowd favorite. Misþyrming were one of my personal favorites. I was surprised though, how many others seemed to agree. I was under the impression they might have been a bit niche black metal for Nummi but it seemed they were an unexpected highlight for many. Maybe the hidden gem of the entire festival! It seemed the Inferno stage had the strongest acts of day 3. Vader had the entire festival on its toes, they probably should have been on the main stage! And, to close the day, Before the Dawn. Despite some technical difficulties, they put on the most memorable performance of the festival (next to Behemoth). The midsummer evening sky, pyros, Paavo’s entrancing voice and the driving music provided an intoxicating cocktail of midsummer metal. Their comeback has been exceptional and their new album is so on point. I feel a bit spoiled to have the opportunity to catch them multiple times this summer, but no show will top the Inferno stage night cap at Nummi!

Photos: Enemy Inside, Omnivortex, Gutalax, Bloodred Hourglass, Misþyrming, Vader, Beast in Black and Before the Dawn

Day 4 Highlights:

The final day started out light with Viikate, though I felt they may have been better a bit later in the day when everyone had fully woken up. Bloodywood was nothing like I expected but only positive things to say about them. I had no expectations on their live show, and based on the music I had heard, I expected more of a party band, but they had such a mature presence, chill and light-hearted at times but an undercurrent of somberness. Their speeches between songs had the whole audience silent and listening to their words, really following what they were saying and understanding their messages. Real messages that connected their music to the good and bad going on in the world. They created a really unique atmosphere I had never experienced at Nummi or maybe any other festival, how wholly they captivated the audience. Vorna filled up the tent stage even before they started playing. They’ve evolved their live show more to showcase their new music beautifully, from intro to outro. The whole audience was singing along to both new and old music, and at times swaying together as if one entity. Asking Alexandria brought a lot of people to their nostalgic knees, but they were much more enjoyable than I had anticipated. It was nice to ride the nostalgia train a bit… maybe that is one element that was missing from Nummi this year. But then, Behemoth. This was a gig I will have trouble conveying my thoughts and feelings into words. Absolutely beyond expectation, and not just because of the epic pyros and massive stage setup. You could take all that away and I think the feeling would have been the same. Mind you, they definitely did bring the most elaborate stage setup I have ever witnessed at Nummi… but their sound and overall vibe is and might be unmatched for years to come when it comes to Nummi finale’s. Even though they signature fireworks didn’t happen, now that I think back they really didn’t even need to happen. Hands down the most iconic, monumental show I have witnessed in my 8 years of attending Nummirock. The only thing I have negative to say about it was that the sound could have been louder, more driving. But honestly, the feeling is what stuck with me. They are going to have a hard time topping that one.

Photos: Viikate, Ruoska, Bloodywood, Asking Alexandria, Vorna, Turmion Kätilöt and Behemoth

Tampere Burlesque: Amber Blaster, Neko Whisper, Olivia Rouge

And now for the fun part – Festival Life! This year I also did a special feature on Nummirock Pets:

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FESTIVAL REPORT: TUHDIMMAT TAHDIT 2023

July 4, 2023 SepiaWorldPhotography Leave a comment

This year, Tuhdimmat Tahdit festival was held in Ratinanpuisto, Tampere 16-17.6 . Two days of both local and international acts brought a diverse array of bands to the small festival. A smooth way to transition into festival season. Though the smaller stage had constant technical difficulties , there was very limited seating in the shade, and there were some long lines for water during the hottest hours of the day, it was a cozy festival for city center attraction.

Day 1 Highlights –
Verikalpa were a great band to get things rolling. They always have great energy and produce an atmosphere that draws you in. Unfortunately, people were still trickling in and they didn’t have such a large crowd but it was one of the more solid performances of they day. Although Transworld Identity were the first to experience the bad luck of the smaller stage with technical and sound issues, they powered through and provided a bit more palatable sound for those who are not into heavier music. Ensiferum seemed to be the real start to the festival, with most of the attendees finally in, and still getting into the groove. Though once ‘Lai Lai Hei’ started, people moved forward in unison as if drawn by strings and from then on the energy kept up. Bloodred Hourglass is starting to really take off! I’d even go so far as to say they were the unofficial headliner of the day. It was heartwarming when Jarkko, their vocalist, asked how many had never seen them before, and welcomed them to the ‘family’. Lordi was the predicted yet never dull show stopper. My personal first time seeing and shooting them and damn, what have I been missing! A personal highlight for me, and many others! It would be great to see more of them but, as Mr.Lordi made clear, he’s not getting any younger – using the example of almost forgetting to throw his confetti! Mors Subita also put on a solid show. Despite the beating sun, raging heat and sound issues, they still gave one of the most full throttle performances I have ever seen from them! Dead by April was definitely a highlight for many, as they were only main stage act to come from abroad. The band themselves also seemed ecstatic to be back in Finland, and definitely showed it with their performance! Diablo was also another classic, and really great to finally see their newer music live! One note about the layout of the festival was that it was pretty cool to be able to watch what was going on at one stage even if you were in the front waiting for the act coming on the next stage.
Beast in Black is a crowd favorite to the max. Their cheesy rock star moves and intimate crowd connection make for a great show, and damn, the tiny TINY details that go into their set decorations! Mind-blowing!

Day 2 Highlights –
Although the opening band of Day 2, Carnival Academy, also not have such a huge crowd, the fans there were there were enthusiastic as hell! Smallest mosh pit I’ve ever seen! Maybe next year they should start the festival later and add a third day? Anyway, they were much more solid than their aesthetic let on! And had a much more mature, and promising sound as well. They even had a little party trick with their mascot of a horror clown going around handing out clown noses with “CA” painted on them. It was fun and professional at the same time. Antony Parviainen Trio plays Iron Maiden stopped me in my tracks. Way more than I could have ever expected! Who knew Iron Maiden performed by a talented vocalist, upright bass, cello and acoustic guitar could sound so magical! It was beyond perfection and I cannot wait to see them again. Similar to the previous day, the festival atmosphere started kicking up when Turmion Kätilöt hit the stage, even though I believe that was the earliest time of day I have ever seen TK play! I have to say, ShagU (Saku)’s show has matured a LOT since the earlier years of him playing in TK. I feel there is a definite line now between his Fear of Domination and TK stage presence. I look forward to seeing them both soon to see how else the performances will evolve. Both Wolfheart and Before the Dawn felt like the unofficial festival headliners. On top of Tuomas Saukkonen (who is the founder and has multiple roles in both bands) being a multi-talented superhero, both bands gave extremely strong performances and were epic in their own way. Of course, Wolfheart has been more familiar in recent years, so they have the solid following. But Before the Dawn has recently made a comeback, including their new extremely talented vocalist Paavo Lapotti, who not only has an other-worldy voice, but great charisma and stage presence as well. They were one of my most unanticipated favorites, and now strive to see them any chance I can! Shereign was another of my personal highly anticipated acts. Although they did experience the bad luck of the small stage on a major, show stopping scale, they all had magnificent spirit and didn’t let the issues dampen their fun or energy. It was an honor to witness as I believe it will be their only gig this summer. All the love to them! Brymir also suffered show stopping (or show delaying) technical difficulties, but, in true Brymir fashion, it resulted in a very special, once in a lifetime opportunity for Viktor and the guys to show off their epic rap improvisation skills! After what felt like 10 minutes, things got worked out and the show went on, including the infamous Steve the fish being thrown so hard around the mosh pit, it could be seen flying higher than the stage, in a video taken from across the river from where the festival was being held! Mokoma, being a summer festival veteran band, had a predictably huge crowd, and although they seemed to also be suffering sound difficulties, Marko, their vocalist seemed to be singing his lungs out, as the other members played one of the most driving shows in my memory of their live shows. They are currently celebrating the 20 year anniversary of their classic album Kurimus. Closing out the smaller stage, Swallow the Sun. They were one of the few lucky bands to not experience any issues on the small stage, and deserving as always, of the flawless show they gave us. A short but sweet set built with a solid mix of old and new, at a decent enough time of day that the blaring sun didn’t kill the mood. I even got so wrapped up in the music for the first few minutes it was difficult to make my arms do the things they needed to do with the camera. But that is a normal reaction for me. There are no words for how much I appreciate this band and anything more I would have to say would come straight out of bias. So, on to the finale! Battle Beast! They are stunning and captivating as always, although it has sadly been way too long since I personally have seen them live. I really wish they were doing more festivals in Finland this summer but we can’t have everything! Beyond their flawless show, and spot on charisma, they had such a great connection with the audience and each other as well, one has to really work not to enjoy watching them. In all honesty, I think them being the final act for the festival was a bit unbalanced, they were maybe too good to be the closing act for this kind of festival!

Photos and report by Serena Solomon

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PHOTO REPORT: CHILDREN OF BODOM, BRYMIR & BLOODRED HOURGLASS

December 16, 2019 SepiaWorldPhotography Leave a comment

Children of Bodom played one of their last gigs with the current lineup at Logomo in Turku, Finland on December 12, 2019. Bloodred Hourglass opened the night with a no nonsense all out energy packed show, followed by Brymir who played my personal favorite gig of theirs this year (out of 3-4 gigs). Bodom started out a bit rocky, and later than schedule, but it smoothed out through out the show. The guys took breaks often but looked like they were still into the music, though you could tell the dynamic had shifted a bit. There was no proper encore, and the set seemed a bit short, but it was a satiating performance, and brought back an air of nostalgia and a touch of melancholy knowing that would be the last time to shoot the band as it is and has been for years. I’ve personally been shooting them since 2011, eight different times in two different countries and six different cities. It’s been fun! Thank you for the music!

Photos by Serena Solomon

BLOODRED HOURGLASS –