On December 14th, 2024, we were lucky enough to catch one of the most intriguing co-headlining tours in Finnish metal. On one hand, we had the masters of melancholy, SWALLOW THE SUN. On the other, ENSIFERUM, the kings of folk metal whose songs are practically an invitation to row imaginary boats and raise your horns in celebration. The two bands couldn’t be more stylistically different, but since they happened to release new albums on the same day back in October—and share management and a booking agent—someone clearly thought, “Why not slap them on a poster together?” Genius. Coincidentally, one of us was also celebrating a birthday that evening, so there was really no excuse not to go.
SWALLOW THE SUN opened the night, arriving just a little late—but let’s be honest, doom metal thrives on dramatic timing. From our seats, we saw someone double-checking gear on stage, so we wondered if there were minor technical difficulties. Thankfully, whatever the case, they didn’t keep us waiting long. The band set the mood with “Velvet Chains”, the opening track of their latest album “Shining,” paired with atmospheric lighting that immediately drew us in.
Now, we’ll admit, neither of us listens to a lot of doom metal. Going in, we hadn’t heard the new material yet, but we’d heard rumblings that “Shining” leans a little more melodic and accessible (read: poppy) than SWALLOW THE SUN’s past work. From the very first song, that rang true—“Velvet Chains” was heavy but beautiful, a perfect opener. What stood out this time around was the production. The Kulttuuritalo venue gave the band room to breathe creatively, and they made full use of it. While SWALLOW THE SUN doesn’t need gimmicks to create a powerful atmosphere, the lighting added an extra layer of magic, and for once, the band’s usually shadowy figures were more visible than ever before.
The setlist was naturally built around “Shining,” but it struck a thoughtful balance between the newer, more melodic tracks and the band’s signature doomy, emotional soundscapes. For me, hearing “When a Shadow Is Forced Into the Light”—one of my personal favorites—was a real highlight. By the time “MelancHoly” played, we realized we’d been missing out by not giving this album a listen sooner. Hearing these songs live was a reminder of how SWALLOW THE SUN expertly weave together beauty, darkness, and emotion into something unforgettable.
After a short break, ENSIFERUM took the stage. While there was a slight delay in their start time, the energy shift when they began was instant. They opened with “Aurora,” the first track of their new album “Winter Storm,” and it didn’t take long for fans to launch into the inevitable rowing pit in the middle of the floor. It was clear from the start that everyone was ready to celebrate.
We’ve seen ENSIFERUM many times over the years (they’re practically festival royalty at this point), but this tour brought a refreshed setlist that gave us a few surprises. Kicking off with “Fatherland,” one of the most high-energy tracks from “Winter Storm,” they had the crowd moving right away. This was quickly followed by classics like “Treacherous Gods” and “Twilight Tavern,” and by this point, the mosh pit was already alive and thriving.
A standout moment came halfway through with “Lai Lai Hei,” a song that always brings the audience together, turning the venue into a massive singalong. It’s impossible not to feel the energy when that song hits. The momentum didn’t slow down as they powered through tracks like “Winter Storm Vigilantes,” another highlight of the new album. Interestingly, only “Andromeda” from “Thalassic” made the cut for this set, but the setlist choices still felt strong and well-rounded. The evening ended on a high note with “Iron,” a legendary track that had the crowd belting out the guitar melodies right along with the band. It was the perfect closer to a night full of celebration, energy, and pure joy.
While SWALLOW THE SUN and ENSIFERUM might seem like an unusual pairing, shows like this are a great reminder of how rewarding it can be to step outside your comfort zone and discover new sounds. Both bands delivered incredible performances that showcased their strengths and kept the audience fully engaged, whether we were quietly soaking in SWALLOW THE SUN’s atmosphere or singing at the top of our lungs with ENSIFERUM. It was a night of contrasts, sure, but also one where both bands shined in their own unique ways. What better way to celebrate a birthday—or just an epic night of Finnish metal?
Written by Katilyne Roels
Photos by Laureline Tilkin
