Ad Infinitum has been on quite the trajectory of late. With busy bee Melissa Bonny on vocals, they managed to release another exciting album last year, on which at time they challenged metal fans with new sounds and directions. It was the very first time they made it all the way to Finland, and it seemed like there were plenty people already showing up early to get to see them live. They played a good, high energy show, and the positivism really radiated from the whole band. It was a bit of a struggle now and then to get the crowd active, but it was relatively early on a Tuesday night after all… They played a nice blend of old and new songs, showing off the absolute talent that every single member has, and even put in the somewhat controversial ‘Surrender‘ song from their latest album. But while there might have been quite some people complaining about how poppy that song sounded when it came out, live it’s an absolute banger and party maker! We’re already hoping that Ad Infinitum comes back to Finland in the nearby future with maybe a longer set to really get to enjoy the great catalogue they’ve already put together over the years!

Up next, Infected Rain with their often ferocious songs and always high velocity performances. This was about the 3rd time they were in Helsinki over the span of less than a year, and we’re all there for it. Their shows are always a pleasure to see with the ever impressive Lena Scissorhands on vocals, and guitarist Vidick bouncing around like a madman. And tonight was no different. We got a nice set again of mostly tracks from their latest album ‘TIME’, released almost a year ago, with a couple of older songs sprinkled through. Even though we missed some of their old school bangers, we don’t really have any complaints, because the songs from that album absolutely slap. It seemed a little bit to us that Lena wasn’t completely feeling it tonight, either due to tiredness coming off a headline tour, or because of the sometimes lukewarm responses from the often rather stoic Finnish crowd between songs when she was trying to have some interaction. There was luckily nothing to notice while the songs were going, and she really seemed to throw her all into the performance as usual. Great seeing you again!

Eluveitie has always been a special band for me, having been really active in the golden years of folk metal, during which they rose to prominence. Sadly, the last couple of times I saw them live, it felt a bit lackluster, and I was really hoping for a better experience. I know I don’t have to expect the Eluveitie of old, but one can only hope that it goes in that direction at least. And honestly, the first couple of singles they released of their upcoming new album already gave me some hope, I’ve really been enjoying them!

And I have to say, I was quite pleased with what I saw! Chrigel was in the best form I’ve seen him in a long time and really looked like he found a second lease on life. His energy was really high and that immediately lifted the whole performance. Not saying that it all depends on him, but as the main man of the group, it really makes a difference when he’s in good spirits. Backed by a talented band that feels like they’ve really become a well-oiled machine and tight-knit family, you’re in for a great show regardless. It was a bit weird to not see a constant hurdy-gurdy player walking around stage for the first time ever, with violinist Lea-Sophie having to go to the back to play on a hurdy-gurdy on a stand where Fabienne‘s harp was also stationed, but I guess it worked.

Since the new album isn’t out yet, we mostly got a nice selection of classics from their extensive catalogue, but all the already released singles were nicely sprinkled throughout the setlist. ‘The Prodigal Ones’ was especially fun to hear live quite early in the set, followed by one of their standalone singles ‘Exile of the Gods’! And getting the first single off the album, ‘Premonition‘, as one of the encore songs right before they closed with one of their oldest hits ‘Inis Mona’ was absolutely perfect as well. After this night, I’m pretty much excited and looking forward to getting to see them again some time in the nearby future, this is more like the Eluveitie I love…