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Metal Chick of the Month – Inka Ojala

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I grieve in darkness… All ends in silence

As December is by far the darkest month of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, let’s all “dark the suns” here on The Headbanging Moose to the music by our multi-talented metal lady of the month. Hailing from the land of ice and snow, also known as Finland, she’s a bassist, keyboardist, pianist, vocalist, songwriter, lyricist, photographer and graphic designer, and just by that you can imagine how important she is to her breathtaking Melodic Death/Gothic Metal band Dark The Suns. I’m talking about the amazing Inka Ojala, who will embellish the airwaves with her melancholic and passionate music during this dark and cold last month of the year.

Born in Finland as Inka Tuomaala, but having changed her name to Inka Ojala after getting married to Dark The Suns’ own mastermind Mikko Ojala, our beloved metal diva has a very nice and decent life outside of heavy music, having attended the University of Jyväskylä and being an early childhood education teacher at Kempeleen kunta. She also mentioned in an interview that she used to work at an art museum, but I have absolutely no idea if that’s still the case.

Her main band is definitely Jyväskylä, Finland-based Melodic Death/Gothic Metal act Dark The Suns, which originally started in 2005 as a one-man project by Mikko Ojala, with the first demo recorded completely by himself. Eventually, Dark The Suns grew into a full band capable of performing live with the addition of Juha Kokkonen on keyboards, Markus Lehtinen on drums, and our metal diva (at that time still known as Inka Tuomaala) on bass, while Mikko took care of the vocals and guitars, releasing their debut album In Darkness Comes Beauty back in 2007.

As the years progressed, Inka was not only responsible for the bass duties anymore, but also for their female vocals from 2008 to 2009, and keyboards from 2010 until present day. To date, she has recorded with Dark The Suns the bass lines in the aforementioned 2007 album In Darkness Comes Beauty; was responsible for the lyrics, bass, songwriting and female vocals in their 2009 album All Ends in Silence; did the orchestrations, keyboards, songwriting, piano and bass in their 2010 album Sleepwalking in a Nightmare; played bass and keyboards in their 2021 album Suru raivosi sydämeni pimeydessä; and more recently did the female vocals, keyboards and bass in their 2023 album Raven and the Nightsky. Not only that, she was also responsible for the artwork, photography and/or graphic design of several releases by Dark The Suns, those being their 2007 album In Darkness Comes Beauty, their 2008 EP The Dead End, their 2009 album All Ends in Silence, their 2010 single Don’t Fear the Sleep, their 2010 album Sleepwalking in a Nightmare, their 2020 single Suru raivosi sydämeni pimeydessä, their 2022 single Kun Allot Kallioihin Murtuu, and their 2023 single Swans of the Frozen Waters. Inka and the band were also featured in the compilations Fear Candy 48 (Terrorizer Magazine, 2007) with the song Reflections, Gothic Spirits 7 (Golden Core, 2008) with the song The Sleeping Beauty, and Firesampler #7 (Firebox Records, 2009) with the song All End in Silence.

When asked what makes Dark The Suns stand out amongst the countless Finnish dark and extreme music bands, she said that she doesn’t really care about that, and she believes there’s always enough room for good metal music and good metal bands. She doesn’t think fans think they have to choose a particular Gothic Metal band, or a particular Doom Metal band. “I think people are usually happy when they get to know some new, good bands whose music they like and whose concerts they enjoy going to,” commented Inka. Currently formed of Mikko and Inka alongside Jani Moilanen on the guitars, the band has been on a roll since returning form their seven-year hiatus in 2020, continuing to blend heavy and dark sounds with their nature-inspired lyrics, therefore embellishing their airwaves with tons of melancholy and passion.

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Inka can also be found in another band, Jyväskylä, Finland-based Melodic Gothic/Black Metal band Crowned with Black, having released with them the two-song EP The Dragon Age back in 2010, playing keyboards in both songs, but apparently the band has already split up and there’s nothing else available from those Finnish rockers. Also, on the design and arts side, Inka was responsible for the logo in the 2019 album Ikuisen talven sarastus, and for the artwork in the 2019 single Kuura & horros, both by Finnish Black Metal horde Kaamos Warriors, which is by the way the other main band by her husband Mikko Ojala.

When asked about her idols and main influences, Inka mentioned that nature is the most important source of inspiration for her, sharing her love for rainy autumn nights and misty days. “We live in a quite small town and a very small lake and it is so beautiful in the evenings when the lake reflects all the lights around us. Nature is just beautiful in central Finland,” commented Inka, who also said that, for her, “night is more mysterious than daytime life. Familiar things seem to change a little when you’re walking alone through the city and the rain is falling on the street. It’s so beautiful when the whole world looks like it’s sleeping.”

In addition, she said she likes to read a lot, and all of those mysteries, emotions and feelings influence the music she writes. “I love Katri Vala’s poems and one of my favourite books is Carlos Ruiz Zafón’s The Shadow of the Wind. It is really an atmospheric and inspiring story, almost a horror novel. I also love Foucault’s Pendulum by Umberto Eco. I think good stories always inspire you.” Furthermore, apart from nature, darkness and books, she mentioned Before The Dawn and HIM among her favorite bands, as well as Entwine and To/Die/For, plus some Finnish rock bands as for example Kent, saying they have truly interesting bass lines and catchy melodies.

Inka and Mikko are definitely soulmates, and that combination of beautiful, whimsical melodies and dark, devilish growls certainly makes their music even more compelling. For instance, you can check some of their creations on YouTube, like the official videos for the songs Phoenix, Swans of the Frozen Waters, Raven, Everywhere, Aurora, and Seeker, and of course stream all of their creations on any streaming platform like Spotify. And if you think Inka or Mikko are worried about releasing music for free online, you’re absolutely wrong. “I think web singles are very important nowadays. There are so many new bands and albums, so it’s great that people can listen to music samples and singles for free,” commented our diva, but of course, if you want to show them your utmost support, you can always purchase their music from different physical or online stores, buy their merch, and always attend their live performances, helping the duo in keeping darkening the suns for many years to come.

“When all is said and done, when everything is lost, then there is only silence.” – Inka Ojala

Inka Ojala’s Official Facebook page
Dark The Suns’ Official Facebook page
Dark The Suns’ Official Instagram

Album Review – Rifftera / Coda EP (2024)

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This striking melodeath band from Finland is back with an amazing four-track EP that’s a straight continuation to their previous albums.

A straight continuation to their 2015 debut Pitch Black and their 2019 album  Across the Acheron, the short and sweet Coda is the brand new four-song EP by Finnish Melodic Death/Thrash Metal Rifftera, offering more of their mixture of melodeath and thrash as their foundation, in which the combination of tasty riffs and catchy melodies are added on. Produced, engineered, recorded and mixed by Janne Hietala, with additional recording by Mikko Kuoppamaa, mastered by Sami Koivisto at Biotech Audio Solutions, and displaying a futuristic artwork by Greek graphic designer Leon, the new EP by vocalists and guitarists Janne Hietala and Mikko Kuoppamaa, keyboardist Antti Pöntinen, bassist Jupe Karhu, and drummer Ville Härkönen consists of three electrifying original songs, plus a very special cover version for an all-time metal classic, keeping the band alive and kicking in the metal scene while they (most probably) work on their upcoming third full-length album.

And just like their previous creations, the opening track Carved in Skin presents a cinematic and dystopian atmosphere before Janne and Mikko begin their guitar and vocal attack for our total delight, showcasing an amazing balance between their caustic riffs and the whimsical keys by Antti while Ville shows no mercy for his drums. Quicksand then offers a striking, headbanging blend of their trademark Melodic Death and Thrash Metal, this time with the clean vocals by Janne and Mikko bringing a touch of finesse to their heavy and piercing sounds. Not only that, once again the keys by Antti sound truly embracing amidst the rumbling kitchen by Jupe and Ville. No Turning Back, the third original song of the EP, is just as exciting as its predecessors, sounding utterly heavy and hammering thanks to Ville, resulting in another great candidate to feature on their live performances. And lastly, we’re treated to their killer cover version for Iron Maiden’s Moonchild, which was originally released in their 1988 masterpiece Seventh Son of a Seventh Son, and the band was not only capable of keeping the core essence of the original song intact but also of adding their own Melodic Death Metal twist to it, with the final result sounding simply fantastic.

“Over the years we have been discussing the possibility of recording a cover song. Some of us have been listening to a lot of Iron Maiden and Moonchild has popped out as a song that has the right atmosphere and is fun to play. Of course, there’s a difference compared to our own songs – less brutality and more 80’s & well, Maiden-feel, but the result fits into Coda surprisingly well. Our vocal abilities are pretty damn far from Bruce Dickinson’s, but it was a good challenge to handle Iron Maiden song in our way. We actually might have even learned something in the process,” commented Janne, and you can experience all that, plus of course enjoy their awesome original songs from Coda, by streaming the EP in full on Spotify, and by purchasing it from this location. Don’t forget to also follow the band on Facebook and on Instagram, hopefully catching them on tour, and to keep waving the flag of Melodic Death and Thrash Metal together with one of the most electrifying bands of the current Finnish scene, always banging your heads to awesome releases like their newborn Coda.

Best moments of the album: Quicksand and Moonchild.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2024 Inverse Records

Track listing
1. Carved in Skin 5:36
2. Quicksand 5:35
3. No Turning Back 6:32
4. Moonchild (Iron Maiden cover) 5:15

Band members
Janne Hietala – harsh & clean vocals, guitars
Mikko Kuoppamaa – clean vocals, guitars
Antti Pöntinen – keyboards
Jupe Karhu – bass
Ville Härkönen – drums

Album Review – Infirmum / From The Depths I Cried (2024)

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This Finnish Symphonic Doom Metal band returns with their captivating sophomore album, offering an atmospheric journey through the darkest corners of the human soul.

Formed in early 2019 in the Finnish city of Jyväskylä, Symphonic Doom Metal outfit Infirmum has been approaching the genre in a unique and complex way with a sound that explores aspects of classical music combined with the traditional weight and melancholy of doom, having already released their debut album Walls of Sorrow, in 2020, followed by the EP The Great Unknown, in 2022. Now in 2024, the band formed of Sabine Blodwin (Moonwitch, Draconian Opera, Pettalom) on vocals, Taka Eliel (Sanctuary of Hate) on vocals and bass, Erna Siikavirta (Lordi, Children of Bodom, Sinergy, Arthemesia, Deathlike Silence) on keyboards, Joonas Siikavirta (Begrim) and Timo Solonen (Grain of Pain) on the guitars, Hanna-Leena “Hanska” (Mourning Wood) on drums, and Elya on cello is unleashing their sophomore opus, titled From The Depths I Cried, pointing to an exciting new direction in their career. Recorded by the band itself, mixed by Tuomas Kokko at Electric Fox Studios, and mastered by Samu Oittinen at Fantom Studio, the album brings forward heavy music that can be described as profound and conflicted, exploring the darkest sides of human emotions, diving into the depths of madness, pain, sickness, and death, while still finding brief moments of hope, offering an atmospheric journey through the darkest corners of the human soul.

Eerie sounds gradually grow in intensity in the sluggish, grim and visceral opening track Pact until the phantasmagorical keys by Erna give the song a strong Doom Metal vibe, with the vocal duet of Sabine and Taka sounding truly haunting, whereas the following tune, titled Everlasting, begins in a even more obscure way, again presenting cryptic background elements before Hanna-Leena begins hammering her drums in the name of doom and with Taka gnarling like a demonic entity nonstop, not to mention how melodic and melancholic the cello by Elya sounds and feels. Then the band goes full Blackened and Funeral Doom in Burn, sounding as heavy as it can be to the massive drums by Hanna-Leena and the guttural roars by Taka.

Deception is another eight-minute feast of darkened sounds with an enfolding atmosphere, with Sabine hypnotizing us all with her darkly melodic vocals supported by the band’s classic riffs and the always charming cello by Elya; and the crying sound of the cello sets the tone in Peace, taking the song’s melancholy to a whole new level. Furthermore, the name of the song is deceiving as the peace they’re singing about might be just outside, while inside you can feel all of their grief and pain. It’s then time for Infirmum to blast their heaviest sonority in Ephemeral, with the sharp riffs by Timo and Joonas walking hand in hand with the hammering drums by Hanna-Leena, while Erna and Elya build a whimsical background to add extra layers to their music. Lastly, a ritualistic start morphs into one final shot of doom by Infirmum titled Icamiabas, with the keys by Erna exhaling obscurity. It’s not the strongest song of the album, but still a decent one to conclude the band’s black mass.

Not many bands can blend the ethereal sounds of Symphonic Metal with the sheer heaviness of Doom Metal like what Infirmum have to offer in their new album (already available in full on Spotify), and you can show your support and admiration for such an amazing band from the land of ice and snow by following them on Facebook and on Instagram, by subscribing to their YouTube channel, and above all that, by grabbing a copy of From The Depths I Cried from BandCamp, from Record Shop X, or by clicking HERE. As mentioned, Infirmum are exposing the darkest sides of human emotions in their newborn spawn, inviting us all for a one-way trip to the depths of doom.

Best moments of the album: Everlasting, Deception and Ephemeral.

Worst moments of the album: Icamiabas.

Released in 2024 Independent

Track listing
1. Pact 9:01
2. Everlasting 7:57
3. Burn 5:18
4. Deception 8:07
5. Peace 8:28
6. Ephemeral 7:51
7. Icamiabas 5:46

Band members
Sabine Blodwin – vocals
Taka Eliel – harsh vocals, bass
Timo Solonen – guitars
Joonas Siikavirta – guitars
Erna Siikavirta – keyboards
Hanna-Leena Lassila – drums
Elya – cello

Concert Review – Dark Tranquillity & Amorphis (The Opera House, Toronto, ON, 10/01/2024)

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And everyone enjoyed a very melodic, heavy, fun and sold out night of Nordic metal music in the city of Toronto.

OPENING ACT: Fires In The Distance

One day after a beyond wild night with Hatebreed, Toronto hosted another brilliant metal extravaganza with DARK TRANQUILLITY and AMORPHIS, plus very special guests FIRES IN THE DISTANCE, at the always cozy The Opera House, again organized by the one and only Noel Peters of Inertia Entertainment. And let me tell you that I wasn’t expecting the venue to be so jam packed on a Tuesday night, proving once again how passionate the fans in the city are about heavy music. Seriously, I think someone forgot to stop selling tickets after the venue’s maximum capacity was reached, because it was really hard to move around the venue and to get downstairs to the floor section to enjoy the shows, with a lot of people just standing close to the bar at the back, behind the sound table. Even raising our horns or clapping our hands in the pit was difficult, but of course, nothing that would have made the night less enjoyable.

One major problem before the show was the insane traffic to get to the city, plus the fact there were absolutely no parking spots available anywhere near the venue, and because of that I sadly missed the show by Newington, Connecticut-based Melodic Doom/Death Metal act FIRES IN THE DISTANCE. I was dying to see those guys live as both their albums, Echoes from Deep November (2020) and Air Not Meant for Us (2023), both available on Spotify, are a thing of beauty and I’m sure their songs sounded even more powerful on stage. At least my buddy Keith Ibbitson of Metal Paparazzi was there to take some crazy photos of their concert, and I promise next time they visit Toronto I’ll skip work if needed to get to their show on time.

Setlist
Harbinger
Wisdom of the Falling Leaves
Crumbling Pillars of a Tranquil Mind
Idiopathic Despair

Band members
Craig Breitsprecher – bass, vocals
Kristian Grimaldi – guitars, vocals
Yegor Savonin – guitars, keyboards
Jordan Rippe – drums

AMORPHIS

I was just able to get inside the venue around 15 minutes before the first headliner of the night, Helsinki, Finland’s own Melodic Heavy Metal/Rock institution AMORPHIS, kicked off their ultra melodic, vibrant and colorful show, and I say colorful because the way they set up their stage was very appealing to my eyes. Also, the talented frontman Tomi Joutsen and his henchmen did a very good job in blending their new material that’s clearly more inclined to Progressive Rock, like the songs Northwards, On the Dark Waters, The Moon and The Wolf, from their 2022 album Halo, with old classic including the always stunning Doom Metal aria My Kantele, and that fusion of past and present was really well received by all fans that were almost smashed on the floor section. The entire band sounded sharp and spot-on, and their connection with the crowd was also fantastic during the whole show.

Setlist
Northwards
On the Dark Waters
Sky Is Mine
The Moon
The Castaway
Silver Bride
The Wolf
Wrong Direction
My Kantele
Magic and Mayhem
Black Winter Day
House of Sleep
The Bee

Band members
Tomi Joutsen – lead vocals
Esa Holopainen – lead guitar
Tomi Koivusaari – rhythm guitar
Olli-Pekka Laine – bass
Santeri Kallio – keyboards
Jan Rechberger – drums

DARK TRANQUILLITY

As a lot of people left the pit to grab some merch, a beer or go outside for a smoke, I could then find a spot on the floor section to enjoy the other headliner, the unstoppable Gothenburg, Sweden-based Melodic Death Metal entity DARK TRANQUILLITY, and fortunately I had my concert earplugs with me because those guys were maybe too loud for such a small venue. The multi-talented, iconic, awesome Mikael Stanne alongside his band of first-class musicians also did a beautiful job mixing songs from their excellent new album Endtime Signals, like Shivers and Voids and Not Nothing, with their older material, and all songs sounded so electrifying the circle pit formed in the middle of the floor section looked like one from a pure Death Metal show, putting a huge smile on everyone’s faces including of course Mikael, who was visibly touched by the beyond warm reaction from the sold-out venue. Everyone was singing along with the band, raising their fists, headbanging, and so on, fueling those Swedish rockers to keep hammering our heads with their top-notch metal music until the very end of the night, and after all was said and done it was visible on their faces that it won’t take long for the mighty Dark Tranquillity to take the city of Toronto by storm again.

Setlist
Shivers and Voids
Hours Passed in Exile
Forward Momentum
Unforgivable
Atoma
The Last Imagination
Nothing to No One
Wayward Eyes
One Thought
Cathode Ray Sunshine
Not Nothing
Empty Me
Phantom Days
Lost to Apathy
Misery’s Crown

Band members
Mikael Stanne – vocals
Johan Reinholdz – guitars
Christian Jansson – bass
Martin Brändström – keyboards
Joakim Strandberg-Nilsson – drums

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Album Review – Barathrum / Überkill (2024)

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Behold this beast of an album by one of Finland’s very first Black Metal bands that proves why they are eternal.

Formed in the distant year of 1991 in the land of ice and snow, Helsinki, Finland-based Black/Doom Metal horde Barathrum needs no introduction, remaining as one of Finland’s very first Black Metal bands and, more importantly, one of the longest-running. Now seven years after the release of their 2017 beast Fanatiko, the band comprised of Demonos Sova on vocals, Ruttokieli on lead guitars, Nuklear Tormentörr on bass, and Vendetta on drums returns in full force with their tenth studio album, the highly anticipated metal attack titled Überkill. A no shenanigans, in-your-face blast of extreme music, Überkill proves that the Finns are, above all, a very great Heavy Metal band, just one that’s jet-black, ass-kicking, and bass-driven as fuck. Simple-yet-sublime pleasures, now and forever. Again, Barathrum are eternal!

Death by Steel is absolutely dark and evil from the very first second, with the dirty riffs by Ruttokieli infesting the atmosphere before Demonos Sova attacks with his demonic gnarls; and blending the obscurity of Black Metal with Hardcore and Rock N’ Roll, the band offers the headbanging Mountain of Bones, led by the classic drumming by Vendetta, whereas a wicked intro gradually morphs into the harsh, metallic feast titled Spark Plugs of Purgatory, again with Demonos Sova crushing our damned souls with his goblin-like vociferations. More of their infernal Punk Rock-infused riffs will penetrate deep inside your dirty mind in Black Magick Rites, while Nuklear Tormentörr and Vendetta craft a rumbling base with their respective bass and drums, and investing in a much darker sound we have Ritual Murder, with Nuklear Tormentörr hammering his bass manically until the music evolves into an absolute chaotic vibe perfect for slamming into the pit.

White Red Black and Pale is another rock and metal extravaganza by those Finnish blasphemers led by the venomous gnarls by Demonos Sova, sounding slow, steady and evil from start to finish, followed by Denial of God, a beautiful name for another impious tune by Barathrum, offering our putrid ears an overdose of harsh sounds while Vendetta pounds his drums in the name of old school Black and Thrash Metal. It’s then time for seven minutes of sheer obscurity and blasphemy in the form of Dark Sorceress, where the cryptic, ritualistic vocals by Demonos Sova match flawlessly with the Doom Metal-inspired sounds blasted by his bandmates, and closing the album we’re treated to the venomous sounds of the title-track Überkill, oozing Barathrum from the very first second, with Ruttokieli stealing the spotlight armed with his wicked, scorching riffs.

Evil has many forms as people like to say, and after listening to Überkill you’ll quickly realize Barathrum are definitely one of the manifestations of everything that’s immoral, sinful and blasphemous. That means they more than nailed it with Überkill, and if you want to join one of the most important hordes in the history of Finnish Black Metal you can start following the band on Facebook, stream their hellish creations on Spotify or any other streaming service, and above all that, purchase their incendiary new spawn from their own BandCamp page or from the KVLT shop. Überkill is the perfect example as to why Barathrum are still alive and kicking (and therefore haunting our damned souls) after so many decades, and I bet those devilish creatures will keep on decimating us all with their undisputed extreme music for many years to come with amazing albums like their newborn beast.

Best moments of the album: Spark Plugs of Purgatory, Ritual Murder and Überkill.

Worst moments of the album: White Red Black and Pale.

Released in 2024 Hammer of Hate

Track listing
1. Death by Steel 4:32
2. Mountain of Bones 4:33
3. Spark Plugs of Purgatory 4:00
4. Black Magick Rites 3:22
5. Ritual Murder 3:44
6. White Red Black and Pale 4:24
7. Denial of God 3:45
8. Dark Sorceress 7:06
9. Überkill 4:59

Band members
Demonos Sova – vocals
Ruttokieli – lead guitars, backing vocals
Nuklear Tormentörr – bass
Vendetta – drums

Guest musicians
Grimharm – bass, backing vocals (live)
Naz – guitars (live)

Album Review – Buryfication / Gallows Rise (2024)

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Let the gallows rise to the sound of the infernal debut by one of the must-see new names of the Finnish extreme music scene.

Featuring eight tracks in less than 30 minutes, following a thematic route from steady and thrashy riffing to manic blackened brutality where death is always present, the pulverizing Gallows Rise, the debut album by Tampere, Finland-based  Blackened Death/Thrash Metal five-piece unit Buryfication, will undoubtedly crush your soul with its undisputed violence and heaviness. Recorded by Mikko Koskinen, mixed by Matti Mäkelä, and mastered by Jon Sjolin at Experitone, Gallows Rise is a precious gem of the underground carefully brought into being by frontman Marko Ala-Kleme, guitarists Tommi Kolehmainen and Henri Kyllästinen, bassist Pasi Bunda, and drummer Mikko Koskinen, paving a very exciting path ahead of such an amazing up-and coming band.

Get ready to be crushed like a putrid insect already in the opener The Plague, a demented creation by the band where Marko’s deep guttural walks hand in hand with the razor-edged, evil riffs by Tommi and Henri, and continuing to destroy everything and everyone that dares to cross their path we have Supreme Being, where Mikko is ruthless with his classic Death Metal beats and fills, supported by the rumbling bass by Pasi. An overdose of brutality, gore and violence flows from all instruments in the headbanging Human Cattle, with the guitars by Tommi and Henri exhaling sulfur, therefore inviting us all to slam into the circle pit like demonic creatures; and while Cannibal Corpse have the classic “Make Them Suffer”, those Finnish metallers offer us all the just as infernal Let Them Suffer, a lecture in modern-day Death Metal led by the inhumane growls by Marko, not to mention the song’s wicked guitar solos.

It’s then pedal to the metal as the band doesn’t have time to fool around, delivering a visceral onrush of Blackened Death Metal titled Year Zero where Mikko’s blast beats match perfectly with the devilish roaring by Marko, and inspired by the most demented names of the scene including Cannibal Corpse, Disloyal, Diabolizer and Immolation, the title-track Gallows Rise will hit you hard in the head to the striking riffs and solos by the band’s dynamic guitar duo. The quintet still has a lot of hellish fire to burn in Trails of Blood, a massive, dense and evil composition showcasing Marko’s trademark roars and the always killer drumming by Mikko; whereas featuring guest vocals by Matti Mäkelä of Corpsessed, closing this excellent album of sheer brutality we’re treated to Haunted, Enslaved, Devoured, with all riffs and solos adding an extra touch of aggression and insanity to their music, resulting in a stunning aria of violence.

Buryfication are definitely one of the must-see new names of the Finnish extreme music scene based on the music found in Gallows Rise, or in other words, a force to be reckoned with that will add even more heaviness to their already demented local scene, and you can stay in touch with those promising musicians by following them on Facebook and on Instagram, by subscribing to their YouTube channel, by streaming their sick creations on Spotify, and of course by purchasing their incendiary debut opus from BandCamp. It’s time to join Buryfication in their quest for extreme music, and let the gallows rise!

Best moments of the album: Let Them Suffer, Year Zero and Haunted, Enslaved, Devoured.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2024 Kvlt und Kaos Productions

Track listing
1. The Plague 3:23
2. Supreme Being 3:03
3. Human Cattle 3:30
4. Let Them Suffer 3:43
5. Year Zero 4:15
6. Gallows Rise 3:56
7. Trails of Blood 2:36
8. Haunted, Enslaved, Devoured 4:00

Band members
Marko Ala-Kleme – vocals
Tommi Kolehmainen – guitar
Henri Kyllästinen – guitar
Pasi Bunda – bass
Mikko Koskinen – drums

Guest musician
Matti Mäkelä – vocals on “Haunted, Enslaved, Devoured”

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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Album Review – Wolfheart / Draconian Darkness (2024)

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Finnish frontrunners of icy Melodic Death Metal return with the musical embodiment of frigid, dark winter nights that, while terrifying and foreboding, reveal the majestic power and beauty of the natural world.

Finnish frontrunners of icy Melodic Death Metal, the unstoppable Lahti, Päijät-Häme-based Wolfheart, are preparing to unleash their latest album, Draconian Darkness, taking every aspect of the band’s trademark sound of colossal melodies, growling vocals, and driving drum rhythms to searing new levels. Recorded, produced, mixed and mastered by Saku Moilanen at Deep Noise Studios, the follow-up to their 2022 album King of the North is the musical embodiment of frigid, dark winter nights that, while terrifying and foreboding, reveal the majestic power and beauty of the natural world, all carefully brought into being by Tuomas Saukkonen on vocals and guitars, Vageliss Karzis on lead guitars and clean vocals, Lauri Silvonen on bass and backing vocals, and Joonas Kauppinen on drums.

An imposing, epic start gradually evolves into the metallic feast Ancient Cold, with all background orchestrations adding an extra touch of epicness to the heavy and technical sounds blasted by Tuomas & Co., whereas Joonas pounds his drums in the name of Melodic Death Metal in Evenfall, with their riffs matching perfectly with the deep roars by Tuomas, or in other words, it’s a beautiful song from the North. It’s then pedal to the metal in the just as heavy and multi-layered Burning Sky, where the riffage by Tuomas and Vageliss will pierce your mind like an arrow on fire; while slowing things down but sounding just as melodic we have Death Leads the Way, presenting nice headbanging riffs complemented by the classic drums by Joonas. And in Scion of the Flame the band brings elements from Symphonic Metal to their core Melodic Death Metal, resulting in a very detailed and epic song tailored for fans of Finnish melodeath.

Back to their more vicious sonority, it’s time for the violent Grave, a metal assault showcasing harsh lyrics (“Cross breed of pure violence and virtuous flesh / Driven by the principle of wrath / Overfeed the senses / Let the cancer cells devour / Cranial nerves under profusion of information”) and endless electricity, and their razor-edged guitars will keep cutting our skin deep in Throne of Bones, while Lauri and Joonas fill out every space left in the air with their rumbling bass and drums. It’s not as exciting as the other songs, though, but still really enjoyable. Then in Trial by Fire the quartet once again delivers a high-octane, groovy and incendiary Melodic Death Metal feast where Tuomas deeply roars supported by his bandmates until the very last second. Lastly, we face The Gale, starting in a serene and soothing manner in paradox with the rest of the album, and alternating between more violent moments and pure acoustic sounds, putting a charming yet strong ending to the album.

The guys from Wolfheart are waiting to show you all the glory of the North, and you can join them by following the band on Facebook and on Instagram, by subscribing to their official YouTube channel, by streaming their music on Spotify, and of course by purchasing a copy of the excellent Draconian Darkness by clicking HERE. Melodic Death Metal will always be one of the best genres to translate the harsh yet alluring cold of the winter into music, and the unstoppable Wolfheart are offering exactly that in their powerful and enfolding new album.

Best moments of the album: Evenfall, Burning Sky and Grave.

Worst moments of the album: Throne of Bones.

Released in 2024 Reigning Phoenix Music

Track listing
1. Ancient Cold 5:37
2. Evenfall 4:03
3. Burning Sky 4:15
4. Death Leads the Way 3:22
5. Scion of the Flame 4:01
6. Grave 4:22
7. Throne of Bones 5:28
8. Trial by Fire 3:53
9. The Gale 4:28

Band members
Tuomas Saukkonen – vocals, guitars
Vageliss Karzis – lead guitars, clean vocals
Lauri Silvonen – bass, backing vocals
Joonas Kauppinen – drums

Concert Review – Sonic Rites Festival 2024 (Ääniwalli, Helsinki, Finland, 05/17-05/18/2024)

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Sonic Rites is quickly becoming one of the biggest names of independent festivals in the Nordics dedicated to underground heavy music. What started as an event in a restaurant venue in Helsinki five years later is now presented in a two-day indoor festival, featuring two stages dedicated to, as they mention themselves, ”the darkest and heaviest elements of music”.

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

Sonic Rites has provided a platform for avant-garde, experimental, and alternative music genres, fostering community among artists and fans. The festival has been instrumental in showcasing diverse talent, from local Finnish acts to international underground artists and its importance lies not only in promoting musical innovation but also in challenging mainstream music norms and nurturing a subculture that thrives on artistic freedom and expression.

This year, the festival, which was almost sold out before the start of the event, took place once again at Ääniwalli, a venue housed in an industrial building, which gives it a raw and authentic ambiance that perfectly complements the underground music scene. The venue features multiple rooms, allowing for intimate performances as well as larger, more energetic shows, and it’s equipped with high-quality sound systems and lighting, ensuring an immersive experience for both performers and audiences. Ääniwalli’s industrial aesthetic, characterized by exposed brick, metalwork, and minimalist decor, provides a gritty yet welcoming environment that fosters creative expression and community.

DAY 1: 17.05.2024

Unfortunately, due to work schedule, I was not able to attend the beginning of the event, so the first band I was able to watch was SUM OF R (SUI/FIN). They started their activities in 2008 and since then have been through different phases of their sound, and today we can witness an experimental and synth-based dark ambient that creates a unique and delirious experience that I have definitely enjoyed.

The next on the schedule was PELKKÄ POUTANEN, a solo project delivering an interesting mixture of vocals, Finnish folk, and electronic music. Although the show was on a smaller stage, it felt like an already big stage star.

Also on the smaller stage, SUR-RUR (FIN) played an energetic gig, making the crowd jump and sing. The Finnish band, founded in 1996, plays a mixture of hardcore, prog, alternative, and punk rock.

Next, on the big stage, it was time for the English masters of GODFLESH to show their heavy power. Their performance was full of energy, making the night even hotter with all the intensity of their show. They were responsible for the venue to get absolutely crowded and proved that, as pioneers of industrial metal, they really know how to make a good show. Their music matched perfectly with the surroundings, giving the impression that the venue was picked to match their music.

During the interval for the gears exchange in the mainstage, JOLEA, the Finnish artist and music producer, was showing all the beauty of her other-worldly ambient music on the smaller stage.

The first night of Sonic Rites 2024 ended with a rocket performance by DISCHARGE (UK). If you think that after 6 hours of music the audience would be tired and ready to go home, you are wrong. The minute the band entered the stage, it was like we all had a shot of energy in our veins. From the first to the last song, there was no one standing still, either banging their heads, mosh-pitting, stage diving or simply moving their body to the rhythm of hardcore punk madness. Even after the last song we could feel the electricity in the air, and we left Ääniwalli in joyful sweat, ready for another day full of heavy music.

DAY 2: 18.05.2024

The second day was the most anticipated for me. Again, unfortunately, due to work reasons I was not able to attend the event from its beginning. Luckily I was able to be present for the opening act of the bigger stage, the performance of THE DEVIL’S TRADE from Hungary. Their show was melancholic, political, and bewitching from the start to the end. Even when I couldn’t understand the lyrics in Hungarian, I could feel the heaviness of the words sung, and together with the doom, folk, and heavy melodies, the band created a beautiful and unforgettable show.

Next, LOKA (FIN) was filling the smaller stage with its sludge, doom, and heavy songs. LOKA is a local band created by members from bands such as Unkind and Radien and they released their debut album in April this year. The album is a must-listen if you are into machine drumming doom!

On the bigger stage, it was time for Polish act DOPELORD to show their charm. It was definitely one of the loudest and heaviest performances of the festival, literally making the structures of the venue shake. Their psychedelic stoner doom songs combine heavy riffs, horror, and occultism lyrics with a sarcastic attitude. It made me extremely happy that I finally had the chance to see them live since I am a follower of the band from their first album, “Magick Rites”, to their last release, “Songs for Satan”. They proved it doesn’t matter if you are listening to their albums or watching their gig, a good trip is guaranteed. Definitely a show to remember!

On the smaller stage, NERO KANE (ITA) was performing simultaneously with DOPELORD on the bigger stage and therefore I did not have the chance to watch the Italian duo. That was, in my opinion, the only downside of the festival: concurrent gigs.

Luckily, I had the chance to watch part of the KOLLAPS show. The trio, originally from Melbourne, Australia but now based in Europe, makes an extremely violent-noisy performance. Combining heavy sound with live performative arts such as scraping and banging metal objects, the Post-Industrialists delivered a chaotic and artistic presentation.

On the bigger stage, it was time for the German duo MANTAR to show their sludge metal. Although they were extremely sick, as mentioned by the singer and guitarist Hanno Klänhardt, they decided to perform the show anyway. The concert was heavy and furious and as a gift to their fans, they played songs from their first album, material not always played in their gigs. The audience happily welcomed the set list and headbanged until the last song.

On the smaller stage, HERO DISHONEST (FIN) was kicking the audience’s ears with some good hardcore punk music. The space was absolutely crowded and as a small woman, it was just impossible for me to watch the gig, so I could only hear the last songs from the entrance of the space.

On the bigger stage, it was finally time for the New Orleans sludge metal pioneers of EYEHATEGOD to bring Sonic Rites 2024 to a perfect end. Their soundcheck was already a show and the fans were already enjoying themselves and vibing without the concert having even officially started. When vocalist Mike IX Williams entered the stage, the crowd began to cheer and prepare the mosh pit. The gig was a delicious heavy slap in our ears with a closing that could not be more perfect: EYEHATEGOD playing Black Sabbath’s Hand of Doom.

The 2024 edition of Sonic Rites ended and left the fans like myself eager for next year’s edition. Next year’s dates have been announced already. Follow them for more updates!

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