Category Archives: Rest of the World

Concert Review – Killswitch Engage (Xfinity Center, Mansfield, MA, 07/22/2025)

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***Review and photos by Jaffer Hasan***

Killswitch Engage Light Up the Xfinity Center with Ferocity and Fire at Summer of Loud.

If there was ever a band built to headline a summer metal fest in their home state, it’s KILLSWITCH ENGAGE. At this year’s Summer of Loud at the Xfinity Center in Mansfield, the local legends proved once again why they’re not just mainstays of the metalcore scene—they’re masters of controlled chaos.

Fire, Fury, and Flawless Execution

Before a single note rang out, the stage was already alive with tension. Not from the crowd (who were more than ready), but from the impressive pyrotechnics rig surrounding the band’s setup. Pyro-heavy shows are no joke—and when you’re playing with fire, literally, precision and safety are non-negotiable. The Killswitch crew made it look effortless. From a behind-the-lens view in the pit, you could see just how dialed-in everyone was. Flames exploded into the air in perfect rhythm with the music—sometimes close enough to feel the heat slap your skin. For those of us in the photo pit, it was a surreal moment: we were laughing to ourselves while trying not to get roasted. A high-wire act of fire and fury pulled off without a hitch. Huge respect to the crew and the band for making that kind of spectacle look smooth and safe. That doesn’t happen by accident.

Right Into the Fire – The Setlist Ignites

Without delay, Killswitch Engage tore into their set with “Rose of Sharyn.” No intro, no easing in—just full-throttle power from the first beat. The opening riff dropped like a hammer, and the crowd erupted. From the pit to the back lawn, fists flew and bodies moved. The band wasted no time keeping the pace unrelenting, diving straight into “In Due Time,” which had the entire amphitheater screaming along. By the time “This Fire” hit, the title became literal. Jetting flame columns lit up the stage as if trying to keep up with the intensity pouring off it. At times, it felt less like a concert and more like a battlefield with guitars.

Adam D. & the Band – Iconic and Unhinged in the Best Way

Guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz, clad in his trademark “I’m With Stupid” shirt, was a burst of energy and humor in the chaos, sprinting across the stage, launching high kicks, and headbanging with wild precision. It’s his blend of comedic showmanship and musical mastery that keeps Killswitch shows so unique—it’s heavy, but it’s never self-serious.

Vocalist Jesse Leach was in peak form, delivering both growling aggression and soaring clean vocals with conviction, channeling raw emotion into every lyric. Whether he was screaming into the lights or putting his hand to his heart during the more emotional moments, the connection with the crowd was real.

A Tribute to a Titan

As the night neared its end, the band closed their set with their now-legendary cover of Dio’s “Holy Diver,” a track they’ve long made their own. But this time, it carried a different weight. Just hours before the show, the metal world had been rocked by the passing of Ozzy Osbourne—a foundational figure in the genre’s history.

Before launching into “Holy Diver,” Leach addressed the crowd with reverence, dedicating the song to Ozzy’s memory and legacy. It was a perfect moment of tribute—honoring a godfather of metal with the power of performance rather than words. The crowd responded with horns in the air, voices raised, and hearts full.

Final Thoughts

Killswitch Engage didn’t just play a show at Summer of Loud—they lit the place on fire. Quite literally at times. It was a celebration of metal, a masterclass in live performance, and a hometown throwdown wrapped in flame and ferocity. For fans in the pit, on the lawn, and behind the lens, it was a night to remember—one that reminded us how cathartic, powerful, and straight-up fun a metal show can be when it’s done right. And if you were there, you felt it: the heat, the heart, the history. Killswitch Engage came home—and they burned it down in the best way possible.

Setlist
Rose of Sharyn
In Due Time
This Fire
I Believe
Hate by Design
Forever Aligned
The Signal Fire
My Curse
Aftermath
The End of Heartache
My Last Serenade
Holy Diver (Dio cover)

Band members
Jesse Leach – lead vocals
Adam Dutkiewicz – lead guitars, backing vocals
Joel Stroetzel – rhythm guitars, backing vocals
Mike D’Antonio – bass
Justin Foley – drums

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Concert Review – Judas Priest (Dalhalla, Rättvik, Sweden, 07/10/2025)

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Thousands of metalmaniacs heeded the call of the Metal Gods to join them at the Gates of Dalhalla for a perfect night of pure Heavy Metal.

INTRO: At the Gates of Dalhalla

I think before starting the review of the actual concert, we should first talk a little about the venue. By the way, it’s my new favorite venue in the entire world, and I doubt any other place I see a concert in my life will be so beautiful and mesmerizing. Dalhalla or Draggängarna as it was previously called, is the name of a former limestone quarry where mining ceased in 1990, used nowadays as an open air theatre and music venue during the summer. It is located 7km north of Lake Siljan in the municipality of Rättvik in Dalarna, central Sweden. 360 million years ago, a meteor fell from space. It fell over Dalarna and the result was the Siljansringen and the surrounding Siljansbygden. The entire bedrock of the area was affected and formed an exciting composition of colorful vertical stripes that are different soil and rock layers, from which lime has become easy to access.

For about fifty years, they blasted and excavated what has now become the basis for Dalhalla, an acoustically designed arena with dimensions that form a kind of ideal golden ratio, albeit in three dimensions. A stroke of luck, which means that Dalhalla can be compared to famous stages in ancient Greece and Italy. In other words, it was the PERFECT venue for JUDAS PRIEST, with support from PHIL CAMPBELL AND THE BASTARD SONS, to stun us all with their undisputed Shield of Pain Tour 2025. And as soon as we got inside such a phenomenal venue, we were impressed with the entire structure, with not only the stage, the pit and the seats looking awesome, but the whole food and merch court was excellent, with plenty of options for all types of people, lots of spots to sit, and extra space for friends to chat about music and life. I obviously got myself a tour shirt and a set of patches, as I had to register that day not only in my memory, but also in my own fashion.

OPENING ACT: Phil Campbell And The Bastard Sons

A Welsh rock band established in 2016 by longtime Motörhead guitarist Phil Campbell, following the 2015 death of Motörhead iconic frontman Lemmy, PHIL CAMPBELL AND THE BASTARD SONS had the utmost pleasure of warming up the wild Dalhalla crowd on a perfect night, or maybe I should say day, as this time of the year it doesn’t really get dark in Sweden, with a lot of sun, blue skies, no clouds, rain or strong winds, and temperatures around +25oC. Seriously, the weather couldn’t have been better. I have mixed feelings about Phil Campbell and his crew, as sometimes they sound like a badass ensemble, sometimes like a college band with that “crazy drunk uncle” we all know on the guitar. Their setlist was fine, mixing songs form their 2023 album Kings of the Asylum with some Motörhead classics such as Going to Brazil and Born to Raise Hell, the two best songs of their entire show by the way, but there was something “missing” to give it that extra kick. I’m not going to say that extra ingredient would have been Lemmy because that would be daydreaming, but I think you know what I mean. In the end, it was a decent opening act for the Metal Gods, and they all seem to be very nice guys, so it was a good show for what it is.

Setlist
We’re the Bastards
Step Into the Fire
Going to Brazil (Motörhead cover)
Hammer and Dance
High Rule
Born to Raise Hell (Motörhead cover)
Straight Up (Phil Campbell song)
Dark Days
Ace of Spades (Motörhead cover)
Strike the Match

Band members
Joel Peters – lead vocals
Phil Campbell – guitar
Todd Campbell – guitar, harmonica
Tyla Campbell – bass
Dane Campbell – drums

JUDAS PRIEST

Faster than a bullet. Terrifying scream. Enraged and full of anger. They’re half man, half machine, and one hundred percent Metal Gods. Just like the meteor that fell from space hundreds of millions of years ago to form the stunning Dalhalla, the almighty Heavy Metal institution JUDAS PRIEST began ripping out hearts mercilessly with their flawless celebration of pure metal magic. The Hell Patrol showed no mercy for our metallic souls, blending some of their biggest classics like You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’ and Breaking the Law with new songs from their 2024 beast Invincible Shield, and of course almost all songs from the most metal album in history, the unparalleled 1990 masterpiece Painkiller. I can’t remember a setlist by the Metal Gods that sounded so powerful, electrifying and heavy, an ode to all things metal that inspired everyone at Dalhalla to keep their horns high throughout their entire set, headbanging and screaming like crazy until the very last second.

Speaking of the crowd, I couldn’t have asked for a better one that night. The Swedish metalheads proved you don’t need to push anyone for a concert to be absolutely wild, showing nothing but utmost respect for each other, and leaving enough space for each and every person in the floor section to breathe and actually enjoy the concert to the fullest. Kudos to the Swedes! Furthermore, when the speakers started playing Black Sabbath’s all-time classic War Pigs, and pretty much the entire venue began singing it at the top of their lungs, I knew the whole concert was going to be phenomenal, and as soon as the band took the stage by storm with the hard-hitting anthem All Guns Blazing, followed by the metal hymn Hell Patrol, the whole area turned into the most metal place on earth.

I love the way Rob Halford, Richie Faulkner, Andy Sneap, Ian Hill and Scott Travis managed to bring so much stamina, passion and energy to their setlist, going from a total banger like Freewheel Burning to the dark venom of A Touch of Evil, keeping all fans engaged from start to finish. The new songs selected for this tour also brought endless joy to my metal heart, with Gates of Hell putting everyone to dance, the fast and furious The Serpent and the King (which is my favorite song from Invincible Shield) exhaling the essence of pure Heavy Metal, and Giants in the Sky being the most emotional moment of the entire show with its homage to our fallen heroes. The fact Halford added Jill Janus to such a stellar group of rock and metal icons almost made me cry, and if you know nothing about her I highly recommend you go after her music. Halford loved her, her voice and her creations, just to give you an idea of how metal she was.

I was already on cloud 9 at that point, but when Mr. Scott Travis began hammering his drums in the iconic intro to Painkiller (which would certainly be my chosen song to be added to a time capsule to show all future generations the meaning of Heavy Metal), it was a collective metallic orgasm as everyone started screaming its lyrics together with the Metal Gods. I don’t remember seeing such a demented reception to that song ever before, as if it was the musical climax in the life of everyone at Dalhalla. I don’t think there’s a song by Judas Priest that the Swedish fans love more than that, and when the band is onstage playing it to perfection, you know you’re in for a treat.

Once again, I had some hope in my heart that Mr. Glenn Tipton would join them onstage for the encore, in special after they skipped Metal Gods (which was a part of their setlist, and a song Mr. Tipton might still be able to play at a high level), but unfortunately one of the best guitarists in the history of metal wasn’t there to jam with his bandmates during the encore. Well, I can’t complain at all about the work done by Richie and Andy, as those guys were shredding their axes in great fashion nonstop, but Glenn will always have a very special place in our hearts and minds.

Speaking of heart, mind and soul, it’s very hard nowadays to say who’s Rob Halford, and who’s Judas Priest. He’s always been the Metal God, no doubt about it, but it feels like his passion for heavy music has grown even stronger in recent years, adding even more strength and feeling to the band’s undisputed live performances. Rob was on fire as usual, being worshipped by all concert goers and driving the fans in the pit absolutely mental with his high-pitched screams. And when he rode his Harley-Davidson to the stage during the encore for Hell Bent for Leather and Living After Midnight, well, that’s one of those moments when you perfectly understand why you love Heavy Metal so much.

After the show was over, it was time to unfortunately say goodbye to Dalhalla, or maybe I should say farewell as I’m sure I’ll be back to that phenomenal venue, and drive back in almost broad daylight to our cabin not too far from there. I must say it was hard to fall asleep due to the adrenaline flowing through my body before, during and after the show, and of course the next morning I had to listen to the entire setlist again to relive such an unforgettable event, in special songs like Hell Patrol, The Serpent and the King, Giants in the Sky, and Painkiller. The big screen behind the band at the end of the show showed in big letters “THE PRIEST WILL BE BACK”, and I guess I don’t need to say that whenever they announce a new show in Dalhalla, I will be there.

Setlist
War Pigs (Black Sabbath song)
All Guns Blazing
Hell Patrol
You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’
Freewheel Burning
Breaking the Law
A Touch of Evil
Night Crawler
Solar Angels
Gates of Hell
The Serpent and the King
Battle Hymn
One Shot at Glory
Between the Hammer and the Anvil
Giants in the Sky
Painkiller

Encore:
The Hellion
Electric Eye
Hell Bent for Leather
Living After Midnight
We Are the Champions (Queen song)

Band members
Rob Halford – vocals
Richie Faulkner – guitar
Andy Sneap – guitar
Ian Hill – bass guitar
Scott Travis – drums

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Concert Review – Scorpions (Heinz von Heiden Arena, Hannover, Germany, 07/05/2025)

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The city of Hannover welcomed home one of the most important bands in the history of rock music on a night to remember.

OPENING ACTS: Rosy Vista, Bülent Ceylan, Alice Cooper and Judas Priest

They have played all over the world in stadiums and open-air arenas, in La Paz, Bolivia, at 3,636 meters, in Rio de Janeiro in front of 1.3 million fans, in Los Angeles and Moscow, but it was on July 5, 2025 when the unstoppable SCORPIONS, with support from ROSY VISTA, BÜLENT CEYLAN, ALICE COOPER and JUDAS PRIEST, played their most emotional concert in history, in a stadium in their home city of Hannover for the first time ever, the massive Heinz von Heiden Arena. Billed as Scorpions 60 Years Anniversary Concert – Coming Home to Hannover, it was a day and night to remember in the hearts and minds of the almost 50,000 fans who took every single space available at the arena, and when you add to that the perfect weather that was over the city, plus the quality or all merch, food and drinks, it definitely makes me want to go back in time to relive such an amazing celebration of heavy music. Well, to be honest, I will be able to do so, as the show was professionally recorded to be released as a live album titled Coming Home Live later this year.

Due to all attractions in the bill, the event started really early at around 3:30pm, when another band from Hannover, the girls from Melodic Heavy Metal/Hard Rock band ROSY VISTA, kicked off the festivities. The band formed of Andrea Schwarz, Anca Graterol, Heike “Bass Sistah” Müller and Marina Hlubek has just released a new album named F.o.r.t.y. this year, celebrating their 40 years on the road (and yes, Scorpions were not the only ones celebrating an important milestone that day), and of course available on most platforms like Spotify, but unfortunately we couldn’t make it to the stadium in time to see the girls. I have no idea how their performance was, but based on the quality of their music it might have been a cool opener for their hometown heroes. Maybe next time I visit Hannover I can catch them live, who knows.

Setlist
I Can’t Live Without My Radio
I Wanna Get You Back
Master of Control
Too Much Feeling
Addicted to Freedom
Poor Rosy

Band members
Andrea Schwarz – vocals
Anca Graterol – guitars
Heike “Bass Sistah” Müller – bass, backing vocals
Marina Hlubek – drums

After the girls from Rosy Vista, it was time for BÜLENT CEYLAN, a German comedian and Cabaret artist who plays several comic roles with frequent themes being the quirks of Germans from Turkish family backgrounds and people from Mannheim (told in the dialect of Mannheim), to hit the stage with his fusion of comedy and music. Once again, due to the early time slot allocated for Bülent Ceylan we couldn’t make it in time to see the band playing, and besides, I guess I wouldn’t have understood any of the jokes from his performance as they might have been all in German. I have no idea how the band sounds like, but I might take a listen at some of their songs on Spotify just out of curiosity.

Setlist
Yallah Hopp
Schmutzige Liebe
Wenn Metaller traurig sind
Rüstung aus Hass
Wohin du gehst
Anders gleich
Ich liebe Menschen
Brüder
Booom

Band members
Bülent Ceylan – vocals
Julia Lange – guitar
Tobi Stulz – guitar, backing vocals
Hannes Merten – bass, keyboards
Marcel Vojvodic – drums

After grabbing the event shirt at the merch booth outdoors, as well as a couple of beers (which included different versions of a Scorpions commemorative cup), we entered the arena about 20 minutes before American Heavy Metal/Hard Rock legend ALICE COOPER kicked off his horror-inspired rock show, increasing the temperature inside the venue with his collection of undisputed hits, including No More Mr. Nice Guy, I’m Eighteen, Under My Wheels, Hey Stoopid, Poison, School’s Out, and as the encore, Feed My Frankenstein. There were no songs from his upcoming new album The Revenge of Alice Cooper, but I don’t think anyone cared about that to be honest. The entire band was on fire, the theatricals during the songs were spot on, and it looked like the cameramen and the crowd were there to worship the stunning guitarist Nita Strauss. Seriously, she appeared on the big screens A LOT more than Mr. Cooper, and when she was introduced by him to the fans, the entire arena trembled. Well, long live Alice Cooper, and long live Nita Strauss.

Setlist
Lock Me Up
Welcome to the Show
No More Mr. Nice Guy
I’m Eighteen
Under My Wheels
Bed of Nails
Billion Dollar Babies
Hey Stoopid
Go to Hell
Poison
The Black Widow
Nita Strauss Guitar Solo
Black Widow Jam
Ballad of Dwight Fry
Killer
I Love the Dead
School’s Out

Encore:
Feed My Frankenstein

Band members
Alice Cooper – lead vocals, harmonica, guitars, percussion, synthesizer
Nita Strauss – guitars, backing vocals
Ryan Roxie – guitars, backing vocals
Tommy Henriksen – guitars, backing vocals
Chuck Garric – bass, backing vocals
Glen Sobel – drums, percussion

When you have as a supporting act the almighty JUDAS PRIEST, you know the whole event is going to be more than special. Add to that the fact the Metal Gods are currently running their phenomenal Shield of Pain Tour 2025, blending their 2024 beast Invincible Shield with the most metal album of all time, the masterpiece Painkiller, and you’re in for an unforgettable night alongside Rob Halford, Richie Faulkner, Andy Sneap, Ian Hill and Scott Travis. I had high hopes for Mr. Glenn Tipton to join them during the encore due to the caliber of such a special event, but I think his health has sadly deteriorated to a point he can’t perform live anymore. I love the fact he’s in their official video for their cover version for Black Sabbath’s War Pigs, but unfortunately I believe that’s all we’re going to get from Mr. Tipton from now on.

Anyway, back to the show, despite the fact they had to shorten their current setlist as they were “just” a supporting act, the Metal Gods kicked some serious ass with their avalanche of hits, with of course songs like Breaking the Law and Painkiller getting the wildest reactions from the crowd. It was also clear a lot of people were there only to see Scorpions and knew nothing about Judas Priest, or knew only their classics, showing indifference to their excellent new song Gates of Hell, for example. As mentioned, it was a Scorpions gig, not a Judas Priest one, but several fans like myself had an amazing time with one of the most important bands in the history of Heavy Metal. Add to that the fact Halford wasn’t afraid at all to grab the Ukrainian flag from a fan at the barrier and proudly carrying it onstage at the end of the show, without being afraid at all of any type of backlash or criticism, and you know you’re in front of the one and only Metal God.

Setlist
War Pigs (Black Sabbath song)
All Guns Blazing
Hell Patrol
You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’
Freewheel Burning
Breaking the Law
A Touch of Evil
Night Crawler
Solar Angels
Gates of Hell
Between the Hammer and the Anvil
Painkiller
Hell Bent for Leather
Living After Midnight
We Are the Champions (Queen song)

Band members
Rob Halford – vocals
Richie Faulkner – guitar
Andy Sneap – guitar
Ian Hill – bass guitar
Scott Travis – drums

SCORPIONS

It was getting late as apparently SCORPIONS and the entire production were waiting for the skies to get dark to kick off their more-than-special hometown concert, and that was a bit of a bummer as it was a very long day for tons of fans (who are not kids anymore, by the way). When the show finally started, the energy was back to the faces of all concert goers, and I wish I had a professional photographer working with me that night as my crappy cellphone photos do not live up to the visual magic that took over the entire arena. When we were entering the venue, we got a special wristband with a led that would automatically turn on and change colors depending on the song played, and in the end that worked really well, adding an extra special touch to the show as if the whole arena and the band were united as one.

Regarding their setlist, not only it was the same as from their most recent concerts, but also the lack of special guests (like Doro, or maybe even Halford joining them to sing Blackout) took away a bit of the uniqueness of the night. We still got their biggest classics, of course, such as the obvious choice for opening the night, Coming Home, followed by Make It Real, Bad Boys Running Wild, Send Me an Angel, Wind of Change, and so on, but maybe they could have also played a few deep cuts to add an extra kick to the show. I loved all songs, no doubt about that, but as a fan of new music or non-classics, that would have been even better for my personal taste. Furthermore, if there’s one thing that really adds absolute power to the live performances by Scorpions these days, that’s Mikkey Dee. The “motörhead” behind the band’s drums is a true rock and metal beast, filling every single space in the air with his precision, punch and stamina, and even adding hints of progressiveness to each song. The man in unbelievable live, making it worth every penny just to see him playing drums, to be fair. Just to give you an idea, as much as I hate drum solos, his own solo is a thing of beauty and I like the fact it’s part of their setlist.

Time, it waits for no man, and if you’re the frontman of a rock or metal band with very demanding songs, that’s even harder. That’s exactly the case with Klaus Meine, who’s still performing at a high level, but you can notice he’s struggling already in a few songs due to the beyond hectic schedule of singing for almost two hours day in, day out. Don’t get me wrong, his voice is still beautiful, it gives a soul to mesmerizing songs like the undisputed ballad Still Loving You, but the man definitely needs to slow down with the band’s crazy touring schedule. The support he gets from his bandmates is superb, which makes it easier for him to keep moving forward, but the vocals are by far the most difficult instrument to handle after so many decades on the road, and I fear he’s getting to the end of the road regarding his vocal power and reach, unfortunately.

When the whole celebration was coming to its end, it was time for the band’s colossal scorpion mascot to rise behind Mikkey Dee for their encore with the mega hits Blackout and Rock You Like a Hurricane, and oh boy, what a massive, gigantic scorpion! I loved its imposing vibe, just like all giant Eddies from Iron Maiden’s previous tours, and he even moved well for its size, giving the show a nice creepy vibe. Unfortunately, as aforementioned, I don’t have any professional photos of it, but let’s say that’s a good thing as you’ll be able to enjoy it in all of its glory when Coming Home Live is released, right? I can’t wait to watch the full concert again, because it was a night to remember, a night when Hannover welcomed home one of the greatest rock bands of all time, and if they manage to celebrate their 70th anniversary in style like that, I guess I’ll have to pay Hannover a visit again in ten years.

Setlist
Coming Home
Gas in the Tank
Make It Real
The Zoo
Coast to Coast
Top of the Bill / Steamrock Fever / Speedy’s Coming / Catch Your Train
Bad Boys Running Wild
Delicate Dance
Send Me an Angel
Wind of Change
Loving You Sunday Morning
I’m Leaving You
New Vision
Tease Me Please Me
Big City Nights
Still Loving You

Encore:
Blackout
Rock You Like a Hurricane

Band members
Klaus Meine – vocals
Matthias Jabs – guitars
Rudolf Schenker – guitars, backing vocals
Paweł Mąciwoda – bass
Mikkey Dee – drums

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Concert Review – Marilyn Manson (House of Blues, Boston, MA, 05/10/2025)

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***Review and photos by Jaffer Hasan***

Marilyn Manson Returns to Boston with Blood, Snow, and Thunder at the House of Blues.

It wasn’t just a concert — it was a resurrection.

MARILYN MANSON stormed back into Boston’s House of Blues (currently known as Citizens House of Blues) like a gothic godfather reclaiming his altar. The room was beyond packed — shoulder to shoulder, boot to boot, black lace clashing with leather jackets in a tightly wound pit of anticipation. The sweat was already dripping before the lights even dropped, and yet no one seemed to care. We were all there for the same reason: to feel something sharp, loud, and unforgettable.

The curtain stayed drawn, but a sickly green light started pulsing behind it. A low hum bled into the room, like an electric prayer. Then came the sound — low and ominous at first, like something bubbling up from a haunted basement. It got heavier. The green turned blood red. The tension climbed. Then, all at once, it dropped.

Manson emerged — no delay, no ceremony. Just impact. The Antichrist Superstar himself, boots hitting the stage like a war drum, launching full-throttle into “Disposable Teens.” The crowd exploded. It wasn’t just noise; it was a roar — primal, unified, almost spiritual. You could feel it in your ribs.

His voice? As dangerous and commanding as it ever was. His presence? Still that eerie blend of preacher and predator. Between verses, he paused to acknowledge the city: “Boston… I missed you. And they won’t take you away from me.” Each time he said it, the room got louder. Fans shrieked, fists shot up, people climbed on each other’s shoulders like they were trying to reach him physically.

At several points in the show, in a perfectly grotesque Manson flourish, he’d grab a crisp tour shirt from the stage setup, wipe the sweat from his face and chest with it like it was a communion cloth — then fling it into the sea of hands with a smirk. It wasn’t just merch at that point. It was a souvenir soaked in madness, and fans clawed for it like it meant salvation.

The setlist played like a requiem for the old world — each track crashing harder than the last. “The Beautiful People” turned the floor into a writhing sea of bodies, and “mOBSCENE” brought out the chaos with such force it almost tore the walls off. Crowd surfers popped up like popcorn, riding waves of hands and howling like lunatics.

But Manson’s not just about chaos — he’s about control. He wielded the atmosphere like a weapon, tightening and releasing with perfect timing. Energy? It never dipped. Not once. Even the walls were sweating.

And just when it felt like we’d hit the limit, the encore delivered the sucker punch. Fake snow — pure white, cascading down like ash — poured across the stage as Manson drifted into a haunting, theatrical version of “Coma White.” It was strange, beautiful, and totally unhinged.

Then — the real surprise. With a wry smile and a devilish glint, he launched into a cover of Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight.” Darker, slower, and more menacing than ever. That iconic drum break? It hit like a sledgehammer to the chest. The whole place lost it.

In a world obsessed with reinvention, Manson doesn’t have to change — he just has to show up. And when he does, it’s not just a concert. It’s a ritual.

Boston will be feeling this one for a long time.

Setlist
Nod If You Understand
Disposable Teens
Get Your Gunn
Tourniquet
This Is the New Shit
Sacrilegious
The Nobodies
Say10
mOBSCENE
Long Hard Road Out of Hell
The Dope Show
As Sick as the Secrets Within
Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) (Eurythmics cover)
The Beautiful People

Encore:
In the Air Tonight (Phil Collins cover)

Encore 2:
Coma White
One Assassination Under God

Band members
Marilyn Manson – lead vocals
Tyler Bates – guitars, keyboards, backing vocals
Reba Meyers – guitars, backing vocals
Piggy D. – bass, backing vocals
Gil Sharone – drums

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Concert review – H.E.A.T (Tavastia-klubi, Helsinki, FIN, 02/18/2025)

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An electrifying night of hard rock mastery, where Sweden meets Finland in a fiery performance that left the audience breathless.

OPENING ACT: Temple Balls

Swedish hard rock powerhouse H.E.A.T made a triumphant return to Finland at the iconic Tavastia delivering an electrifying performance that left fans exhilarated. With their new album, Welcome to the Future, set to drop in April, the band proved once again why they are one of the most celebrated acts in the modern hard rock scene. Before the main act, Finnish rockers Temple Balls warmed up the crowd with their high-energy sound. Hailing from Oulu, the band has been making waves by opening for industry legends such as Sonata Arctica and Bruce Dickinson. Promoting their latest album, Avalanche (2023), they set the tone for an unforgettable night.

From the moment the band took the stage, it was clear they were on a mission to captivate the audience. Their setlist was a well-balanced mix of fan favorites: songs like “Lonely Stranger” and “Dead Weight” showcased their signature anthemic choruses and driving guitar work, while “Trap” and “Bad Bad Bad” got the audience singing along. Closing with “Thunder From the North”, Temple Balls left no doubt that they are more than ready to conquer bigger stages everywhere.

Setlist
Strike Like a Cobra
Lonely Stranger
Hell and Feelin’ Fine
Dead Weight
Let’s Get It On
Prisoner in Time
Trap
Bad Bad Bad
Thunder From the North

Band members
Arde Teronen – vocals
Jiri Paavonaho – guitar
Niko Vuorela – guitar
Jimi Välikangas – bass
Antti Hissa – drums

H.E.A.T
The anticipation in Tavastia was palpable as the lights dimmed and Glenn Frey’s “The Heat Is On” played through the speakers. The Swedish rockers hit the stage with “Disaster”, one of the two brand-new songs from their upcoming album, instantly igniting the crowd. Vocalist Kenny Leckremo commanded the stage with his amazing vocals and infectious energy, while Dave Dalone’s fiery guitar solos kept the adrenaline pumping. The setlist was a well-curated journey through their discography, featuring powerful renditions of “Emergency”, “Dangerous Ground”, and “Hollywood”.

One of the standout moments came during “Beg Beg Beg”, where the band seamlessly incorporated a snippet of Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs” – a nod to rock legends of the past. Midway through the show, the anthem “Living on the Run” had fans singing at the top of their lungs. The band couldn’t hide the joy of being there, specially Kenny who said a few times how they like to play in Finland and how excited they were to show the new songs, introducing the yet-to-be-released “Bad Time for Love”. Always with high energy, the band made the fans incredibly happy with classics such as “1000 Miles” and “One by One”, before the grand finale with “Tearing Down the Walls”. H.E.A.T’s performance was a masterclass in modern hard rock: passionate, explosive, and engaging from start to finish. With Welcome to the Future on the horizon, this show served as a powerful reminder that the band remains at the forefront of the genre. The very next day, Finnish fans were surprised by the announcement that H.E.A.T will play at Rockfest in Turku this summer. And if they bring their tour to your city, don’t miss out the opportunity to have the best of times with their high-voltage performance!

Setlist
Intro: The Heat Is On (Glenn Frey song)
Disaster
Emergency
Dangerous Ground
Hollywood
Rise
Nationwide
Harder to Breathe
In and Out of Trouble
Beg Beg Beg (included snippet from Black Sabbaths War Pigs)
Cry
Back to the Rhythm
Living on the Run
Bad Time for Love
1000 Miles
One by One
Tearing Down the Walls
Outro: Sister Christian (Night Ranger song)

Band members
Kenny Leckremo – vocals
Dave Dalone – guitar
Jimy Jay – bass
Jona Tee – keyboards
Don Crash – drums

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Concert Review – Beyond the Gates (Bergen, Norway, 07/31/2024-08/03/2024)

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***Review and photos by Mathis Backe***

A metalhead can’t ask for a more fitting experience than four days of extreme metal in the city that is responsible for birthing one of the most notorious and exciting sub-genres, black metal. Bergen, Norway is home to some of the most relevant and awe-inspiring artists, bands and figures such as Enslaved, Gorogorth/Gaahl, Burzum/Varg Vikernes, Immortal/Abbath put this city on the map as it relates to their contributions. It makes perfect sense, then, that this same city is host to the Beyond The Gates Festival, which features many of the Nordic bands that have helped shape black metal, plus a whole selection of other artists and experiences. The 2024 edition proved to be one of the best yet.

DAY ONE

Mayhem @ Beyond the Gates 2024

The day started with Trondheim’s Whoredom Rife who are one of the most exciting bands to come out of Norway in quite some time. They hit the stage with the ferocity of a tsunami and destroyed with a raw, vicious black metal assault. Next up was Polish black metallers Manbryne. As a relatively new entry into the space (having formed in 2017) this five-piece delivered a set like a band with a few decades under their bullet-adorned belts. Next up was American black/death/thrash gods, Black Anvil. If you’ve ever been fortunate enough to catch these guys live, you’ll already know that they truly give it their all. A fantastic band that showcases both their many years of experience and utter exuberance when they hit that stage. The mighty Mayhem hit the larger of two stages at USF Verftet (the venue that hosted the first two days of the festival) with a set that celebrated the band’s 40th anniversary. There is no better place for this to happen, as Bergen is the same city that the band recorded their legendary debut album, De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas. The guys hit the stage and plowed through decades worth of material, which included a couple of tracks from their now-classic debut, Deathcrush (even inviting two former members to the stage to perform these tracks). Ending off the night was Bergen resident and legendary black metal figure, Gaahl, and his newly-revamped Trelldom. For this unfamiliar, Trelldom sprung to life in the 90s, prior to Gaahl joining Gorgorth, and released a few now-legendary albums. They were short-lived, but have recently reformed, releasing a brand new album of experimental music with some tinges of black metal. Their set tonight comprised mostly new material, but they also threw in a few goodies for longtime fans.

DAY TWO

Behemoth @ Beyond the Gates 2024

Waking to a beautiful day in Bergen, we were ready to hit the streets and make our way over to the venue to catch the first two bands of the day: Prague’s Cult Of Fire and Sweden’s Portrait. Both bands put on spectacular, albeit very different, sets. Cult Of Fire are the Buddhists of metal and, as such, their set and theatrics reflect this perfectly. Portrait’s brand of classic heavy metal was a nice change of pace from all the extremity we had witnessed thus far. Next up was the classic lineup of Venom (not to be confused with Venom Inc.) which features original member, Cronos. The larger venue, Hallen, was packed to the gills for this set which featured all the classics fans have grown to love over the last five decades. It was a highly-energized set which included many fan sing-alongs. Switzerland cosmic black metallers, Darkspace, then put on what can only be described as a trip into the outer reaches of the universe punctuated by their brand of hypnosis-inducing black metal. Incredible stuff from a band that does not often play live. Definitely a rare treat. Ending the night were Behemoth and Death SS. Having seen Nergal and crew many times, tonight was probably one of the best performances yet. The festival spared no expense with the pyro and stage props, which allowed the guys to truly capitalize on their already larger-than-life presence. The final act of the night, Death SS, are a band that have existed since the late 70s. Not being too familiar with their material, I was pleasantly surprised by their super high-energy set and the quality of songs that they delivered, which ranged from classic heavy metal all the way to stuff on the more extreme end of things. A very interesting and fun to catch on the live front, if you ever get the chance.

DAY THREE

Enslaved @ Beyond the Gates 2024

With the first two days in the history books, we move to the second of two venues, the famed Grieghallen, for the final two days. If you are familiar with Grieghallen, you would know that the venue was the very same place that many of the legendary Norwegian black metallers recorded their early work. The first band of the evening was Norwegian avant-garde black metal, Dødheimsgard. Frontman, Vicotnik, and his merry band of minstrels, carnivalized their way through an incredible set of vertigo-inducing tracks. Next up was Norway’s Djevel, the band that features one Bard Faust behind the drums (formerly of Emperor). These guys are the gatekeepers of True Norwegian Black Metal, and their set proved as much. There are no frills or gimmicks. It was just straight-up second wave-inspired black metal from start to finish. One of the best performances of the festival thus far. Hometown heroes, Enslaved, are one band that have played many of the previous editions of the festival. Each year, the band tackles one of their classic, early albums. This year, they played through the entirety of their ’95 album, Frost. As such, the stage was adorned with jutting icicles which further enhanced the overall performance. At this point, Enslaved can do no wrong. Let’s hope they are back again next year. The last band of the night, Satyricon, were the only band to play two sets. This first set, comprised material from their entire catalog, with focus on some of their more well-known songs. Satyr and crew did an excellent job of vetting songs that would appeal to fans of different eras of the band. Additionally, the festival hosted a retrospective exhibit of Satyricon’s entire career. Incredible stuff.

DAY FOUR

Blood Fire Death @ Beyond the Gates 2024

Heading into the final day, the sunshine of the previous three days gave way to more inclement, wet weather. Fittingly, the rain of the day perfectly suited the first two bands, Vemod and Vreid, respectively. Both bands delivered stunning sets of Norwegian black metal in the realm of the more atmospheric. Vreid, which features former members of the highly-regarded Windir, were definitely a fan favorite. They even invited the brother of former Windir frontman, Valfar (who tragically passed away a number of years ago), up on the stage as a guest vocalist to honor his brother with a Windir song. Satyricon then charged onto the stage for the second set of the festival with another collection of songs that spanned their entire catalog. This time, there was more focus on later era tracks, which, as a fan of this era, was a welcomed treat. Lastly, the performance that everyone was waiting for: Blood Fire Death, a tribute to Bathory. There can be no better festival to host something like this, as each and every band that performed over the last four days owes something to the legendary Bathory. Each song of the performance featured various members of bands that performed throughout the fest to give their own spin on these songs, with many of the songs featuring a different vocalist. The entire spectacle was overwhelming and will go down in history as one of the pivotal performances of Beyond The Gates.

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Concert Review – Iron Maiden (Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney, NSW, Australia, 09/12/2024)

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How about another excellent show by the boys Down Under before heading back to Canada?

INTRO: IMFC Meetup

After skipping the concert in Brisbane to have more time to enjoy both Melbourne and Sydney, it was time for another explosion of heavy music by KILLSWITCH ENGAGE and IRON MAIDEN during the Australia & New Zealand leg of The Future Past Tour 2024, this time at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney. By the way, I only did night one in Sydney, returning to Canada on Friday September 13 so I could make it in time to worship the Metal Gods (which will be published here in another concert review). However, due to the Iron Maiden Fan Club meetup at The Squires Landing on the night of September 11, it actually felt like more than just one show. It was fantastic seeing some old friends and putting faces to new ones while enjoying a few pints, and not even the British Lion concert happening at the same time stopped over 40 IMFC members to celebrate life and music together at the pub. I love those meetups, and I can’t wait for the Toronto one next month.

OPENING ACT: Killswitch Engage

I can say that I finished my Australian adventure with absolutely zero sight of KILLSWITCH ENGAGE. It was impossible to arrive early at the venue having so many attractions to see in the city like the Bondi to Coogee Walk, Manly Beach, the Sydney Opera House, the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney, as well as some further sites like the Blue Mountains. I’m sorry if you’re a fan of the band, but with so much to do I didn’t even care about getting to the venue in time to see them at least once. Everyone I asked later how their concert was said “it was OK” without a lot of enthusiasm, so I guess I made the right decision to ignore the band and enjoy some time by the sea seeing some whales and dolphins in their natural habitat, right? By the way, everyone I spoke to that did the FTTB experience in any of the Australian dates said they were tired of Killswitch Engage, most probably because after a long wait outside the venue, when you finally get in you simply want to see Iron Maiden and nothing else, and that’s even worse when the opening band plays something most fans don’t listen to on a regular basis.

Setlist
My Curse
This Fire
Strength of the Mind
The Arms of Sorrow
A Bid Farewell
In Due Time
The Signal Fire
Unleashed
Hate by Design
Rose of Sharyn
This Is Absolution
The End of Heartache
My Last Serenade
Holy Diver

Band members
Jesse Leach – lead vocals
Adam Dutkiewicz – lead guitars, backing vocals
Joel Stroetzel – rhythm guitars, backing vocals
Mike D’Antonio – bass
Justin Foley – drums

IRON MAIDEN

Once again, there I was ready for a blast of The Future Past Tour 2024 in Australia by IRON MAIDEN, again blending the best of the albums Somewhere In Time and Senjutsu, as a “farewell” to my trip Down Under. As mentioned, I didn’t stay for night two in Sydney because the Metal Gods were calling me back to Canada, but according to my friends I got the best of the two shows in Sydney as both the band and the crowd were more electric and in sync on the first night. There isn’t a lot I can say about the show that hasn’t been said before, except for the fact that Bruce was absolutely out of tempo during the first part of Caught Somewhere in Time, and it was funny watching the rest of the band trying to “fix” the error. The same songs that were the top moments of the shows in Melbourne were also the best ones in Sydney, in special Hell on Earth with all of its pyro (the only real pyro of their entire setlist, by the way), and of course Wasted Years, the perfect closure for my vacation in the land of kangaroos, koalas and quokkas.

Let’s say that the pre and post show activities were just as fun as the show itself, with a quick trip to the Trooper Dive Bar & Fan Meet at The Locker Room, located only five minutes walking from the venue (as pretty much anything else inside the beautiful Sydney Olympic Park), chatting with a few people that were about to see Iron Maiden live for the first time ever, and obviously meeting with my friends from the IMFC one last time before heading back to Canada. I like to say that although the shows are usually the same, with the exact same setlist played night after night, there’s always something unique or different to enjoy, and even after seeing the boys three times Down Under I can’t wait to see them again in Toronto and Montreal next month, and meet again several familiar faces that love to follow the band all over the world, especially when the place is as stunning and fun as Australia.

Setlist
Doctor Doctor (UFO song)
Blade Runner (End Titles) (Vangelis song)
Caught Somewhere in Time
Stranger in a Strange Land
The Writing on the Wall
Days of Future Past
The Time Machine
The Prisoner
Death of the Celts
Can I Play With Madness
Heaven Can Wait
Alexander the Great
Fear of the Dark
Iron Maiden

Encore:
Hell on Earth
The Trooper
Wasted Years
Always Look on the Bright Side of Life (Monty Python song)

Band members
Bruce Dickinson – lead vocals
Steve Harris – bass
Dave Murray – guitar
Adrian Smith – guitar
Janick Gers – guitar
Nicko McBrain – drums

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Concert Review – Iron Maiden (Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, 09/06/2024 & 09/07/2024)

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How about a trip Down Under for two nights of undisputed Heavy Metal with the world famous dental floss salesmen from Montana?

INTRO: Trooper Dive Bar & Fan Meet

What a wild and ultra busy trip Down Under to see the boys in action, my dear metalheads! I’m sorry for not posting this review of the KILLSWITCH ENGAGE and IRON MAIDEN shows at Rod Laver Arena during The Future Past Tour 2024 before,  but it was absolutely impossible to spend any time in front of my laptop writing the review as there was so much to do in Melbourne, a very beautiful city (but with a shitty weather). And I was lucky enough to be “cured” from any type of jet lag after having spent five days in New Zealand doing lots of tourist stuff (including a visit to Hobbiton) before heading to Melbourne for the shows. Well, here it is, finally, with the date being retroactive to the day after both shows in the city. I didn’t attend the first two shows of the Australia & New Zealand tour in Perth and Adelaide, but I guess Melbourne was by far the biggest event after Sydney, obviously, with both days being sold out. However, before talking about the shows, let me talk a little about the experience of meeting Maidenmaniacs from all over the world outside of the actual venue.

Although there wasn’t an official IMFC meetup in Melbourne, countless fans enjoyed a very decent amount of Trooper beer, early access to merch, and some quality time with friends and family at the famous local pub Young & Jackson, which was transformed into the Trooper Dive Bar & Fan Meet during the two days of show in the city. If you don’t know what the Trooper Dive Bar & Fan Meet is, just search for it on Google and you’ll see how awesome the initiative was Down Under. Hopefully they’ll bring that same experience to Canada and the United States in October, because it was indeed fantastic to spend a few hours prior to the shows with lots of old and new friends! Also, there were some guys distributing what was called a “fan card” with a QR code that once scanned could provide you with some amazing memorabilia including a signed copy of the tour’s setlist. Of course I didn’t win anything, but just having one of those fan cards as a souvenir of such an unforgettable trip Down Under was already good enough for me.

OPENING ACT: Killswitch Engage

This will be the quickest and fastest review of a band ever, as I have absolutely no idea of how KILLSWITCH ENGAGE performed in Australia. I mean, I didn’t apply for First To The Barrier (the famous FTTB) in Australian lands, which means I didn’t have to be at the venue before 4 or 5pm like in previous FTTB experiences, spending my time visiting different sites and beaches almost until it was time for Iron Maiden to hit the stage both on September 6 and 7, getting inside the venue only when it was already close to 8:30pm. To be fair, I don’t think Killswitch Engage were the best option to open for Iron Maiden in Australia and New Zealand despite having a few good songs in their discography, and I guess the vast majority of fans had the same opinion as most people waited until the last minute to enter the Rod Laver Arena on both days. At least in North America we’re getting The HU, a much more interesting and unique band, so it will be worth it arriving at the show ahead of time.

Setlist
My Curse
This Fire
Strength of the Mind
The Signal Fire
Unleashed
Hate by Design
Rose of Sharyn
In Due Time
This Is Absolution
The End of Heartache
My Last Serenade
Holy Diver

Band members
Jesse Leach – lead vocals
Adam Dutkiewicz – lead guitars, backing vocals
Joel Stroetzel – rhythm guitars, backing vocals
Mike D’Antonio – bass
Justin Foley – drums

IRON MAIDEN

If you follow IRON MAIDEN regularly, you probably know they almost never make any changes to their setlist during a tour, and of course it couldn’t have been any different during the Australia & New Zealand leg of The Future Past Tour. In all cities they visited this time, including of course Melbourne, the setlist was the exact same played in Europe in 2022 and in Canada in 2023 (and it will also be the same in the US and Canada dates this October), blending classics from their 1986 cult album Somewhere In Time with their most recent installment Senjutsu, and obviously a few other hits. Songs like Caught Somewhere in Time, The Writing on the Wall, The Prisoner, Alexander the Great, Hell on Earth and Wasted Years were the highlights of both nights in Melbourne, showing a tight band that refuses to slow down due to their age, in special Mr. Adrian Smith. This is his tour, and he’s on fire in all shows. Simply brilliant.

Another thing that was exactly the same both nights (actually, in all of their concerts Down Under) were the jokes told by Bruce, with a few minor adjustments, including of course his already famous “can I play with Agnes?”, plus his obsession with quokkas. And in terms of the audience, let’s say that the crowd seemed very quiet or tired on night one, maybe because they attended the concert right after a full week of work, but everything changed on night two with a much more active and electrified crowd. If anyone asks me why I went to Australia to see the same show multiple times, my answer is quite simple. The band won’t be around for much longer, and even if they do it won’t be the same thing; Nicko is clearly slower than ever due to his recent health issues (but he still got it, and I don’t know how he manages to perform almost every night at his age), which makes me think that he might not be with the boys if they ever visit Australia again. Anyway, after two amazing concerts in the cold city of Melbourne, it was time for some sunshine and stunning beaches in Sydney, plus obviously another superb sonic blast from the dental floss salesmen from Montana the following week!

Setlist
Doctor Doctor (UFO song)
Blade Runner (End Titles) (Vangelis song)
Caught Somewhere in Time
Stranger in a Strange Land
The Writing on the Wall
Days of Future Past
The Time Machine
The Prisoner
Death of the Celts
Can I Play With Madness
Heaven Can Wait
Alexander the Great
Fear of the Dark
Iron Maiden

Encore:
Hell on Earth
The Trooper
Wasted Years
Always Look on the Bright Side of Life (Monty Python song)

Band members
Bruce Dickinson – lead vocals
Steve Harris – bass
Dave Murray – guitar
Adrian Smith – guitar
Janick Gers – guitar
Nicko McBrain – drums

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Concert review – SmugglerRok 2024 (Laurin Kenttä, Lieto, Finland, 08/02/2024 & 08/03/2024)

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Great names of the Finnish music scene were the guests of honor in the party that celebrated the 10th edition of SmugglerRok in Lieto, Finland.

SmugglerRok 2024 in Lieto, Finland, was a true celebration of Finnish music and culture, marking a milestone with its 10th edition. Held over two days on August 2nd and 3rd, the festival brought together some of Finland’s most beloved artists and bands, offering an eclectic mix of genres from blues and rock to heavy metal. The event highlighted the rich musical heritage of the country and created an unforgettable experience for fans, with performances that ranged from intimate and soulful to electrifying and high-energy.

DAY 1: August 2nd, Friday

ARTTU WISKARI
Arttu Wiskari opened the festival with his signature blend of blues, pop, and rock, showcasing his nearly 20-year career in the Finnish music scene. One of the mentors on The Voice of Finland, Arttu brought his experience and charisma to the stage, surprising the crowd with a special guest appearance by Anssi Kela during the final song, creating a memorable moment for all in attendance.

ANSSI KELA
Anssi is a celebrated figure in Finnish rock and folkrock and continued the afternoon with a setlist that spanned his long career, including his solo albums. His performance of songs from the iconic Nummela album, one of Finland’s best-selling records, resonated deeply with the crowd. Kela‘s soulful guitar work and emotive vocals were a highlight of the festival.

JUHA TAPIO
Juha Tapio brought a jazzy twist to the festival, supported by a brass section that added depth to his pop-rock set. Juha’s engaging performance reached a peak when he ventured into the crowd, connecting with fans in a heartfelt way. His interaction with Brazilian fans, even greeting them in Portuguese, was a delightful surprise, adding a personal touch to his show.

MAIJA VILKKUMAA
Maija Vilkkumaa, often hailed as the Queen of Finnish Rock, delivered a high-energy performance packed with her greatest hits. With a career spanning nearly 35 years, Maija’s stage presence was undeniable, and the audience’s enthusiasm reflected their appreciation for her timeless rock anthems. Her band was tight, enhancing the powerful vibe of her set.

KOTITEOLLISUUS
The first day of Smugglerrok ended with a heavy dose of hard rock from Kotiteollisuus. The band, hailing from Lappeenranta and known for their intense sound, delivered a robust performance. Frontman Jouni Hynynen led the charge with powerful vocals and guitar riffs, leaving the crowd exhilarated.

DAY 2: August 3rd, Saturday

UNIKLUBI
The second day of SmugglerRok kicked off with Uniklubi, who brought their alternative rock sound to the festival. This year is also a special one to the band as they are celebrating 20 years since the release of the album “Rakkautta ja piikkilankaa”. The set was nostalgic and powerful, with “Huomenna” standing out as an emotional high point that united the crowd in a collective moment of reflection and connection.

ERJA LYYTINEN
Erja Lyytinen, the reigning Queen of Finnish Blues, dazzled with her exceptional guitar skills and commanding stage presence. Known internationally and acclaimed as “The Best Guitarist of the Year” by the European Blues Awards in 2017, Lyytinen delivered a masterclass in blues, seamlessly blending technical prowess with soulful performances, leaving the audience in awe.

MICHAEL MONROE
The legendary frontman of Hanoi Rocks brought some great energy to the festival! At 62, Monroe’s boundless energy was infectious, as he performed both classics and tracks from his solo career, including his latest album “I Live Too Fast to Die Young”. His dynamic performance included climbing the stage structure and mingling with fans, proving his status as a rock icon. Kudos to his roadie who didn’t have a moment of rest – in a blink of an eye, Michael can be anywhere on stage or in the middle of the crowd!

JARKKO AHOLA
Jarkko Ahola offered a diverse set, blending covers of classic hits with his own material. Known for his powerful vocals, Ahola revisited his metal roots with two of Teräsbetoni favorites, “Orjatar” and “Taivas Lyö Tulta”, and performed some undeniable rock classics songs from Queen, Scorpions, Whitesnake and Pet Shop Boys, and more, showcasing his versatility and range.

BATTLE BEAST
Closing the festival was Battle Beast, one of Finland’s leading contemporary metal bands. They delivered a powerhouse performance that had the audience chanting along to hits like “Circus of Doom” and “King for a Day”. Their set was the perfect ending to a festival that celebrated Finnish music in all its glory, leaving fans energized and asking for more metal.

WHOLE LOTTA 70’S & ULLANLINNAN ELVIS
In addition to the main stage performances, the secondary stage at Smugglerrok Festival also buzzed with excitement thanks to the local bands Whole Lotta 70’s and Ullanlinnan Elvis. These bands kept the energy high during breaks from the main stage, entertaining the crowd with timeless rock classics from around the world and Finland. Their sets were a perfect complement to the festival’s atmosphere, ensuring there was never a dull moment between the acts.

The 10th edition of SmugglerRok was nothing short of legendary. Once again the festival brought life, rhythms, lights and smiles to the little city of Lieto. The blend of legendary artists, rising stars, and local talents created an atmosphere of unity and celebration. As the final notes faded and the crowd dispersed, there was a shared feeling of fulfillment and anticipation for what next year’s festival might bring.

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Concert Review – Blaze Bayley (On the Rocks, Helsinki, Finland, 07/12/2024)

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Blaze Bayley returned to Helsinki, Finland to celebrate his Iron Maiden’s 30th anniversary, and of course we joined the party!

***Review and photos by Giovanna Marques***

Once again, I had the chance to be at our beloved bar and concert venue, On the Rocks Helsinki, this time to see Blaze Bayley present his 30th Anniversary Iron Maiden tour.

The concert was sold out and the crowd was ready to rock even before the show began, waving Iron Maiden flags and wearing band shirts.

As a “thank you for the support” gift to the fans in Finland, Blaze held a free meet-and-greet for all the fans who bought tickets to the show. This was a very special experience for me since Blaze was one of the first concerts I ever saw in my life when I was 12 years old and I carry great memories from that day. During the meet-and-greet, he thanked everyone for their presence, signed merchandise, and posed for selfies. This is the third time I’ve had the chance to see him live and every time he has been very kind, patient, and grateful to the fans.

OPENING ACT: ABSOLVA
Absolva is a heavy metal band from Manchester, UK and consists of Martin McNee on drums, Chris Appleton on lead guitar and vocals, Karl Schramm on bass, Martin McNee on drums and Luke Appleton (ex-Iced Earth) on guitar and backing vocals. They released their first album in 2012 and play high-quality heavy metal, clearly influenced by the NWOBHM (New Wave of British Heavy Metal) with catchy choruses, melodic riffs, and speedy solos, making it easy to headbang to every song.

Since 2014, Absolva has been the support band for Blaze Bayley on both tours and recorded albums. It’s great to see such fine musicians as part of Blaze’s history after so many years of temporary and rotating touring musicians.

Absolva’s concert was technically impressive, melodious, and definitely energized the crowd. The band played songs that had fans singing from beginning to end, including tracks from their latest album, Fire in the Sky, released in 2022. It’s totally worth checking out!

BLAZE BAYLEY
After a very short break for Absolva’s musicians to reorganize the stage, Blaze Bayley was welcomed by a standing ovation as he entered.

The crowd, already pumped from Absolva’s performance, couldn’t wait to hear his Iron Maiden songs. The gig started with “Lord of the Flies,” which gave the audience goosebumps as Blaze sang the first words.

The joy and excitement of seeing Blaze back on stage after his quadruple bypass surgery following a heart attack in 2023 are beyond words. I was emotional and thrilled to see the vocalist, who has overcome so many personal setbacks, return to deliver such a stunning performance.

The next song was “Sign of the Cross,” and the songs kept coming one after another! In total, Blaze played sixteen songs, with only four from his solo era: “Rage” and “Circle of Stone” from his latest album of the same name, as well as “Warrior” and “Pull Yourself Up” from his 2021 album War Within Me.

As a Blaze fan, I confess I was hoping to hear some songs from “Silicon Messiah”, an absolutely legendary album. However, the excitement of hearing so many great songs played live overshadowed any disappointment.

The concert was enriched by moments where Blaze shared stories behind each song, such as when he was in Argentina and learned that one of his schoolmates had gone to fight as a marine in the Falklands War (Guerra de Malvinas) and died there. The memories of those times, mixed with the sadness of a war fought by ordinary people, like you and me, inspired Blaze to start writing a poem that eventually became the lyrics to “Como Estais Amigos.”

I haven’t seen On the Rocks as crowded as it was that day and Blaze delivered what the fans were expecting and more.

For those who continue to pity Blaze as a guy living off his “Iron Maiden golden years,” I challenge you to buy a ticket and see him live. As he has mentioned in interviews, this “30th Iron Maiden Anniversary tour” is a celebration of all the good that has stayed with him and his music, not just a nostalgic memory of what has passed. Blaze’s music is alive and doing very well!

Setlist
Lord of the Flies
Sign of the Cross
Judgement of Heaven
Fortunes of War
Virus
Circle of Stone
Rage
When Two Worlds Collide
Lightning Strikes Twice
The Clansman
Warrior
Pull Yourself Up
Como estais amigos
Man on the Edge
Futureal
The Angel and the Gambler

Band members
Blaze Bayley– vocals
Chris Appleton – lead and rhythm guitar, backing vocals
Luke Appleton – rhythm and lead guitar, backing vocals
Karl Schramm – bass, backing vocals

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