Vanha Ylioppilastalo in Helsinki played host to a diverse metal showcase on October 15th, 2023, featuring a lineup that spanned genres and origins, delivering an unforgettable night for the fervent audience with Latvian VARANG NORD, Canadian AETERNAM, Russian folk metal veterans ARKONA, and the legendary BATUSHKA.
The Latvian band, VARANG NORD, kicked off the evening with a high-energy performance. The musicians not only showcased their musical prowess but also their playful stage presence, including dance moves and captivating antics. Their unique instrumentation, featuring an accordion player and a multi-instrumentalist, made a mark on the audience, giving them a strong start.
Hailing from Canada, AETERNAM presented a captivating performance, delving into Viking-themed narratives. Their symphonic technical death metal, a blend of clean singing and growling, resonated with the crowd, further enriching the night’s musical diversity.
The Russian folk metal veterans ARKONA were eagerly awaited by the audience. The band delivered a performance characterized by mid-tempo rhythms with folk influences. Lead singer Masha‘s exceptional vocal range, from clean singing to growling, paired with her dynamic stage presence, created a mesmerizing atmosphere. The band’s subtle audience interaction, reliant on gestures rather than spoken words, ensured a captivating performance.
The headline act, BATUSHKA, took the stage amid some controversy, but their authenticity mattered little to their devoted fans. The band’s barefooted presence and unique lineup, featuring three vocalists, two guitars, and drums (without a bass), delivered a wall of sound that left a lasting mark. Their performance, marked by minimalistic gestures and evocative stage decorations, even spurred a mosh pit among their most fervent fans. Check our photo gallery here…
Varang Nord
Aeternam
Arkona
Batushka
Photos by Jarmo Siira
