HAVUKRUUNU and WAYFARER brought together two very different styles of black metal for an unforgettable night of music at Kuudes Linja in Helsinki on April 10th, 2023. The contrast between the Finnish and American bands made for a fascinating and unique experience, with each group showcasing their own unique take on the genre. It was a special evening, being on Easter Monday, which added to the excitement and energy of the crowd.
HAVUKRUUNU took the stage first, delivering a set that drew heavily on Finnish folklore and mythology. The band, which plays black/pagan metal in the style of BATHORY and MOONSORROW, has garnered a lot of attention in Finland’s music scene and abroad. Their raw and intense sound was characterized by harsh black metal guitar riffs, thundering drums, and growling vocals. Despite some mistakes, the band brought a powerful and intense performance that left the audience in awe. the band commanded the stage with their melodic yet brutal sound.
Lead vocalist Stefan stood at the center of the stage, growling out the lyrics in his native Finnish with a ferocity that was both frightening and exhilarating. Guitarist Henkka, along with Stefan, also added to the sonic assault, weaving together intricate melodies and harmonies that soared above the thundering drums and bass of drummer Kostajainen and bassist Sinisalo.
The band’s performance was characterized by a sense of epic grandeur, with songs like “Kunnes varjot saa” and “Noidanhauta” building to soaring crescendos, leaving the audience breathless. Yet, there was also a palpable sense of connection with the crowd, with Stefan sharing funny comments and encouraging them to raise their fists in the air during the anthemic chorus of “Rautaa ja tulta.“
Throughout the set, the band used pre-recorded melodies and instrumentation that added a unique flavor to their sound, creating a sense of mysticism and ancient history that set them apart from other black metal bands. Yet there was also a modern, contemporary edge to their music, with songs like “Tuulen musta siipi” featuring fast-paced riffing and thunderous blast-beats that kept the energy level high.
Overall, HAVUKRUUNU delivered a good live performance that showcased their unique sound and style, leaving the audience wanting more.
After a brief intermission, the stage was set, the lights dimmed, and the crowd roared as WAYFARER took to the stage. The band’s unique blend of folk and metal elements immediately captivated the audience. The setlist included a mix of songs from their discography, showcasing their diverse range of influences and styles. Opening with “Animal Crown,” the band set the tone with a powerful and intense atmosphere. The haunting guitar leads and epic melodies created an otherworldly feeling that transported the audience to another time and place.
The band then launched into “The Crimson Rider (Gallows Frontier, Act I)” from their “Gallows Frontier” trilogy. The mix of clean sounding guitar and banjo interludes with more aggressive black metal sections was a mesmerizing and dynamic performance. “Vaudeville” brought a groovy, mid-tempo riff that got the audience moving. The clean vocals added a new dimension to the band’s sound, showcasing their ability to craft catchy hooks while still maintaining a dark and brooding atmosphere.
“The Iron Horse (Gallows Frontier, Act II)” slowed the pace down with haunting guitar melodies and ambient passages, building to a powerful crescendo with intense black metal riffs and thundering drums. The song’s evocative soundscapes were transported to the audience, creating a sense of foreboding and anticipation. “Masquerade of the Gunslingers” was a standout, with its mix of post-metal and black metal influences creating a dark and intense atmosphere. The layered vocals and haunting guitar work added to the overall feeling of violence and revenge in the song’s lyrics.
The band closed their set on cathartic note with the last song to end the night’s performance. The driving black metal riff and pounding drums created a powerful atmosphere that left the audience in awe of WAYFARER’S incredible talent.
As the night came to a close, we were left with a sense of wonder at the incredible talent of both WAYFARER and HAVUKRUUNU. The seamless blend of folk and metal elements from WAYFARER and the raw intensity of HAVUKRUUNU created an unforgettable experience.
Written by Peter Jerman
