Photo Reports

It being one of the first times that the full madness of Avatar’s theatrics was coming to the Finnish shores, this was something we did not want to miss out on. They had several dates in Finland on their “The Great Metal Circus 2024” world tour and I got to see them blow the roof off the legendary Tavastia club in center Helsinki. The venue was packed to the brim, the energy was on another level and we saw it was good. A lot of people even showed up for the support act Æther Realm, making it a glorious night already early on…

In honour of their latest album, Everwave played at show at Hönö Baari, Tampere on Saturday February 17th. And of course they didn’t come alone, they had Golden Rot and Paha kurki with them as support. Also, as this was a special show they decided to have a “big band” for just this one occasion, including Mikko Aaltio on the saxophone and Anna Lampela with additional vocals. I’m sure the bands had a great time, and so did the surprisingly big crowd.

Cyhra recently started off their small Finland tour with a gig at Tampere’s YO-Talo. While the gig didn’t sell out there was still a very descend size crowed, especially considering that the gig wasn’t only on a week day, but there were also public transport strikes, that made attending a lot harder. Those fans that did make it to the show were rewarded with a heck of a lot of fun and great music, not only by the headliner, but also by the support act NeonFly.

The Nordic weeks in Rock over Germany have been going on. After last weeks ‘Glory And The Beast‘ tour with one of Finland’s finest BEAST IN BLACK, another headliner from Finland’s power-metal top-notch acts conquered the German concert venues with a show deluxe: BATTLE BEAST.

First to open up the night was German-rooted international outfit INDUCTION with their symphonic influenced progressive metal style. A worthy opening act that caught the audience immediately. An energy-loaded gig and a charismatic vocalist with a great voice set the heat-level one notch up, just for starters. It was not present at any time that the band has undergone personal change lately.

Next on stage: SAINT DEAMON. The Swedish 4-piece metal band delivered a successful performance, but couldn’t quite match the opener INDUCTION. Powerful rock with a high voice that slightly reminiscent of the band BULLET. Solid.

Finally, headliner BATTLE BEAST gave themselves a very theatrical stage entrance. The light show and special effects (fog and fireworks) came up, and the mood was elevated to a new level. They kicked off with an explosion of power metal and charismatic stage presence. Stunning the crowd from the start, get their audience to dance and chant along to their song repertoire. The Finnish band delivered a stunning performance, led by the impressive vocal prowess of Noora Louhimo. Her massive stage presence in combination with an extraordinary outfit is just simply captivating everybody’s attention. All other band members, dressed simply in black, got a little less attention. They became a main attraction in the moments when Noora left the stage and a small instrumental interlude of KISS ‘I was made for lovin’ you’ was intoned, as well as a sing-a-long to some love pop song.

Another triumphant night of power-metal!

On the 11th of February it was all about progressive metal on this event hosted by GRIMM and Necktwister. We had a killer line-up with Lampr3a, Stellar Circuits, Hypno5e and Persefone.

Lampr3a was the first to start. Lampr3a was formed in the Basque Country in 2016 with great enthusiasm. Their intricate melodies have managed to transmit the emotions and sensations of their souls through instrumental compositions within the reach of very few. Experimentation has been the foundation of their music, and creativity is the band’s top priority. Lampr3a‘s performance was a testament to their prowess as both musicians and performers. With their innovative sound and captivating stage presence, Lampr3a continues to push the boundaries of progressive metal, leaving a lasting impression on all who witness their live performances. As the lights came up and the final echoes of music faded away, it was clear that Lampr3a had delivered a memorable performance.

The next show was Stellar Circuits. Formed in 2015, Stellar Circuits emerged to combine the conceptual polarities of groove-oriented music with progressive-minded technicality. Over the quartet’s lifespan, they’ve managed to fulfill their own prophecy, formulating a core sound that is complex and layered, while providing a listenability that extends well beyond the rock genre. Stellar Circuits is a band that has been making significant waves in the progressive rock and metal scene. Known for their intricate musicianship and emotive performances, Stellar Circuits didn’t disappoint, delivering exceptional music that left the audience enthralled. Stellar Circuits showcased their technical prowess and emotive depth throughout the set. Known for their complex compositions and tight musicianship, the band effortlessly transitioned between heavy riffs, intricate rhythms, and haunting melodies.

Up next was Hypno5e. Hypno5e is a French avant-garde metal band known for their unique blend of cinematic soundscapes, heavy metal, and progressive elements. Their music often incorporates atmospheric and ambient interludes, creating an immersive and emotionally charged experience. Hypno5e‘s live performances are known for their intensity and intricate musicality, making them a standout act in the progressive and experimental metal scene. Seeing Hypno5e live was a unique experience that combined the power and intensity of metal with the beauty and depth of cinematic storytelling, the crowd loved it. Hypno5e‘s ability to craft a captivating live show with their technical proficiency, emotional delivery, and atmospheric elements makes them a must-see act for fans of progressive and experimental music. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to their sound, a Hypno5e concert promises an unforgettable journey through sound and emotion.

The last band of the night, and also the headliner, was Persefone. Andorran progressive death metal maestros Persefone delivered a night of jaw-dropping musicianship and emotional intensity. Known for their intricate compositions and relentless energy, Persefone‘s live show was nothing short of a masterclass in progressive metal. The audience was thrust into a whirlwind of technical brilliance, with complex rhythms and soaring melodies weaving together in a seamless blend. Frontman Marc Martins Pia commanded the stage with his powerful growls and dynamic stage presence, engaging the crowd from the very first note. The guitarists Carlos Lozano Quintanilla and Filipe Baldaia were in top form, delivering solos that were both technically impressive and emotionally charged. Their interplay was a highlight of the night, with harmonized leads and crushing rhythms creating a powerful sonic landscape. Bassist Tony Mestre and drummer Sergi Verdeguer provided a rock-solid rhythm section, driving the complex time signatures with precision and energy. Keyboardist Miguel Espinosa added another dimension to the sound, with his atmospheric synths and haunting piano lines providing the perfect counterpoint to the heaviness. Persefone‘s performance was a testament to their status as one of the leading forces in progressive metal today. Their ability to combine technical mastery with emotional depth and a captivating live presence makes them a must-see for any fan of the genre.

Blood, sweat and ferocious pits. That’s what you get with Malevolence, one of the biggest hardcore bands in the UK and possibly the world. Chaotic energy flowing through Newcastle University Students Union created one of the most atmospheric gigs I’ve been to in a long time. With support from the incredible Rough Justice and the phenomenal Pain of truth, this gig was one to be at, and if you missed it… your loss! Sold out from the early release and queued to the door for opening, the energy was electric. Below are a series of photos for you to witness the spectacular energy of this trio of greats. A massive shoutout to Newcastle Students Union and its amazing staff for keeping up with such a crazy night!

Erlendis and Biocentrik were originally supposed to play together late 2023, but due to circumstances that show was cancelled. Come the new year, a new date was announced so we headed over to Lille to witness a few firsts live: Erlendis’ first show in France and Biocentrik’s new form as a one-person project with a strong activist foundation.

Erlendis (icelandic for ‘abroad’) is a Belgian quartet from the french-speaking part of the country performing songs from the North in a whole host of Nordic languages: Swedish, Danish, Finnish, Norwegian, …

Biocentrik refers to a philosophy centered around all living things and is currently a one-person band. The word band is not an overstatement as the live performance incorporates didgeridoo, accordion, snare drum, drum pad, vocals and what looked to be an overtone flute. All played by the same person. It does make the performer hard to see behind a forest of instruments, though.

The extensive tour of Norwegian veteran Abbath finally passed through Munich. As always, there was a huge turnout to see a black metal project that is interesting even for those who aren’t big fans of the genre. Abbath is much loved in Munich and the audience made their admiration felt, reacting in an effusive and intense way with countless mosh pits throughout the performance. Opening the proceedings were two bands who practice thrash/speed metal, and, as you’d expect, the confusion was immense from start to finish. The Scots Hellripper came on strong and showed what they were made of, hard as steel! And the Americans, Toxic Holocaust entered the stage as if a hurricane was passing through the Backstage, the room simply didn’t stop for a second, with lots of mosh, a huge circle pit and stage diving. It was one of those intense nights that shows how much metal is healthy and alive.

The ‘Glory and the Beast‘ tour brought together three of the most exciting bands in the European power metal scene: Brothers of Metal, Gloryhammer and Beast in Black. The tour enthralled fans throughout Germany with a spectacular blend of epic melodies and high-energy performances.

Opener Brothers of Metal entered the stage early: way before official starting time, so quite a lot of fans may have missed a larger part of their performance.

Preparing the stage for the next act: a cardboard life-size stand of David Hasselhoff and the song ‘Looking for Freedom‘. Gloryhammer, known for their bombastic lyrics about intergalactic adventures and heroic battles, ignited the audience with their characteristic mix of symphonic elements and catchy riffs. Led by frontman Sozos Michael, as Angus McFife II, they took the audience on a journey through their fictitious world of Hoots, Hoots, and Magic. Interlude announcements of the ‘world’s f**king greatest castle’ with reference to their large castle-like stage decoration and the two appearances of a green goblin added to the entertainment.

Then the impressive Asia-themed stage design was uncovered when the Gloryhammer castle was removed. Center of focus was the giant beast-head at the centre of the stage, on top of which the drum-kit was located. Beast in Black, with their captivating blend of power metal and catchy pop elements, delivered an equally impressive show. Frontman Yannis Papadopoulos thrilled with his powerful voice and charismatic stage presence. The band presented hits from their albums like ‘Dark Connection‘, ‘Berserker‘ and ‘From Hell with Love‘, prompting the audience to sing along and headbang.

The atmosphere at the ‘Glory and the Beast‘ tour was electrifying, with fans of all ages getting lost in the theatrical performances and exhilarating melodies. The concert was an epic celebration of power metal, transporting audiences to a world full of fantasy and adventure.

Overall, this tour gig was an unforgettable experience for all who surrendered to the magic of power-metal and a more than memorable highlight for their fans.

On Monday 29.01.24 TuskaLive and Grey Beard Concerts & Management brought the carnival to town, when the Swedish band Avatar hit the stage of Olympia-Kortteli in Tampere. Their show had not only good old heavy metal, but also magic tricks, balloons (and balloon animals), dance parties and confetti riffles.

Support was provided by the also very sympathetic Æther Realm from the US.