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PHOTO REPORT: Nummirock 2025

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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: Nummirock 2024

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Nummirock 2024 was a hit! So much so that the festival asked for compliance in keeping campsites no larger than necessary to accommodate a high attendance expectation. Although the lineup itself was a bit underwhelming for Nummirock standards, it felt like the festival was attended better than it had been in the past few years and possibly even pre-covid years. Last year, I noticed the camp grounds being almost full by Tuesday and even with lake side camping being almost doubled in size this year, it felt already on Monday there were more people than last year (yes, me and my camp arrive earlier and earlier each year now). Of course, I wondered how the festival would top the beyond epic finale Behemoth gave us last year and unfortunately this years finale did not come close though Kerry King and the others on stage did provide a pretty amazing and memorable show . However, the festival seemed to focus more on improving in other ways. The festival organizers really listen to the feedback of the attendees and provided more showers and toilets to the camping areas, a larger area to sit and recharge in the festival area, more efficiency at the gates to reduce ques, plus more variety in food including an improved cafeteria style setup in the relamo area with daily menu’s including breakfast. There were also brand new (or not regular) additions to the festival such as a book truck and mini market, bungee jumping, helicopter rides, a mölkky (Finnish yard game) competition in addition to the regular frisbee golf competition and many others like corpse paint workshop and book signing/interviews as well as meet and greets. Some regular favorites included the lovely Tampere Burlesque, stand up comedy acts, bingo, rock yoga and Stereo Terror DJs who always end the festival on a memorable note.

When it came to the music, Body Count , Thy Art is Murder and Blackbraid seemed to be the most anticipated bands amongst festival goers. Martti Servo & Napander, Tarot and Warmen were also up there. One of my personal highlights, Kallomäki were also highly talked about. Many people weren’t familiar with them before, but were blown away by their performance including dancing dark fusion duo MorteDohlen. Not only was their music perfect for kicking off a midsummer insanity, their show ranged from pure mosh pit inducing metal to folk ballads included pagan rituals such as an on stage “sacrifice” and the audience getting individually marked with blood by one of the band members. The crowd was 110% enthralled and put everyone in the mood for the weekend to come. I had been waiting years for Kallomäki to make their way to Nummirock and was so amazed and excited for them and how the crowd responded to them. If I’m not mistaken, their music was also played during an unofficial event that happened in the camping area by one of the most recognized camps. It was an epic ritual type event organized by the camp (invitations by word of mouth), that happened on the forest side before the festival began. It included a sombre speech made by the host, and though it was a bit difficult to hear, attendees (maybe between 20-30 people including the camp members) kneeled as the host gave his speech and offered everyone a chance to pay respects to the giant totem the camp had built called Seppo and make their sacrifices at the alter for a good midsummer/Nummirock (photos in Festival Life).


Other highlights were Deathchain, although not my typical style of music, their show blew me (and many others) away. The new lineup works flawlessly and they simply had a raw and genuine energy that no other band could touch.
The Halo Effect was also a perfect edition to the Thursday lineup. I think they should have been a headliner. They just fit so well on that main stage, and have such a great connection with the audience and each other.
It was also bittersweet to see Warmen on that main stage, playing Children of Bodom songs where I had seen CoB headline the entire festival multiple times. Although Warmen is still reclaiming their status, I think they could have also easily been a headliner. They were definitely a crowd favorite and with no questions why. It was really interesting to see so many bands this year that have been reformed or newly formed with well recognized members of other bands. To see what these talented musicians can do other than what we are familiar with. Petri Lindroos gave us a triple shot in three very different bands including Warmen, Satanic North and Ensiferum (who surprised me with their show, like somehow out of nowhere the life had been breathed back into them). Crownshift also still in their debut stages showcasing members who are well known for their other bands playing fresh new music in a completely new context. And also a first time for me seeing Tarot and Marco Hietala in his element. They were also an unexpected highlight for me. Similiar to The Halo Effect, just perfect music and energy and a perfect edition to the days lineup. Marianas Rest should have been on the Inferno stage in my opinion, with a later time slot and a MUCH LONGER set. Specially with their style of doom and moody tunes, thirty minutes was just a teaser. But either way, the short but bittersweet show as a definite highlight for me. And Blackbraid, probably my most anticipated act since I had never seen them and was incredibly curious how this unique mix of Native American aesthetics and black metal would work live (not to mention I really dig their sound). They did not disappoint! They will also be at Hellsinki Metal Festival later in the summer but I would love to catch them on a club gig and really hope they come back to Finland outside of festival season. I have to also mention how I love this growing tradition of midnight black metal on the Inferno stage. In general I thought this year had a pretty decent mix of genres spread evenly through out the four days. Bit of something for everyone which not every metal festival is capable of achieving.

Saturday also brought my two favorite non band acts – Tampere Burlesque and Stereo Terror DJs. I think during a four day camping festival, including acts such as these are an essential part of the festival experience to switch things up and give festival goers a chance to experience something different as well as let the stage be taken over by other forms of music entertainment. I hope all of these extra curricular acts and activities stay part of the Nummirock experience in years to come, it definitely adds to the uniqueness of the festival. Cant wait to see what they have in store for next year!

DAY 1:
Suotana, Anima Hereticae, Kaunis Kuolematon, Mister Misery and Kallomäki & MorteDohlen

DAY 2: Thrown, Swansong, Deathchain, The Halo Effect, Ingested, Body Count and Horna

DAY 3: Shade Empire, Party Cannon, Warmen, Marianas Rest, Blackbraid, Thy Art Is Murder, Kyy, Shadow of Intent, Eluveitie and Satanic North

DAY 4: Martti Servo & Napander, Wikirock, Horizon Ignited, Tarot, De La Rocka, Corwnshift, Isomnium, Ensiferum and Kerry King

TAMPERE BURLESQUE: Honey Rocket, Koko Da Voom, Wendy Flow, Velvet Wonder and Miss Jenny Sparkly

FESTIVAL LIFE

concert photos, featured, festivals, Live Report, news, nummirock, photo report

PHOTO REPORT: Nummirock 2023

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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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Nummirock increased its number of visitors + The successful Midsummer festival has been celebrated in a festive atmosphere

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he metal folk celebrated Midsummer in great atmosphere at Nummirock. The festival, which ends with Behemoth’s concert tonight, gathered a total of more than 18,000 visitors to Nummijärvi in ​​Kauhajoki, about a couple of thousand more than the previous year. The event has been celebrated in a joyfully boisterous atmosphere, there have been no serious disturbances, and the spirit of Nummirock has been present both in the event area and in the legendary camp, where the first midsummer celebrants settled down as usual to feel the atmosphere more than a week before the actual Nummirock began.

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Nummirock starts today – The heaviest celebration of Midsummer, only few premium tickets left

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Nummijärvi’s legendary Nummirock starts today. The gates of the event area will open at 8 p.m., and there will be a special four-day midsummer for heavy music lovers – after all, there will also be a large number of concerts that can only be seen at Nummirock this summer. On Friday, the winner of this year’s Wacken Metal Battle band competition will also be announced, who will be able to perform at the sold-out Wacken Open Air in Germany. You can also watch the race live on Nummirock’s YouTube and Facebook starting at 3:30 p.m.

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Nummirock reveals more acts for 2023 including Behemoth’s only gig of the summer in Finland

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It has already been reported that there will be numerous unique gigs at Nummijärvi during Midsummer, and that wonderful list continues today, when the Polish Behemoth will also play their only gig of the summer in Finland at Nummirock! The Czech heavy metal orchestra Gutalax will also be seen at Nummirock with their exclusive summer 2023 gig.

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