On a chilling Thursday night, March 21st, 2024, in the heart of Helsinki, with the slow arrival of Spring, two enigmatic forces converged at the intimate venue, On The Rocks. As the city’s streets echoed with whispers of anticipation, the air crackled with a palpable sense of mystique, heralding the arrival of Denmark’s black metal outfit AFSKY and Finland’s own HAVUKRUUNU.
The night kicked off with a solid performance from QWÄLEN, a black metal punk band known for their fierce intensity and uncompromising attitude. From the moment they took the stage, QWÄLEN unleashed a torrent of heavy riffs and thunderous drums, setting the tone for the evening ahead. Their raw, visceral energy reverberated through the venue, drawing the audience into their chaotic and captivating world. A mixture of tremolo riffs, punk beats, and chords served as the release’s bread and butter. Topping all that off was an appropriately unhinged vocal performance by Eetu Viita, whose choked howling further increased the music’s chaotic factor. Every song – despite their relatively long lengths – managed to maintain a feeling of momentum and intensity without feeling like they dragged a lot or that they were running out of steam.
As QWÄLEN‘s set drew to a close, the anticipation in the air reached its climax as HAVUKRUUNU prepared to take the stage. The band wasted no time in proving why they are one of the most formidable forces in the contemporary black metal scene in Finland. From the opening chords of their set, it was clear that HAVUKRUUNU were on a mission to captivate and fascinate. Their music, a potent blend of classic heavy metal and blistering black metal fury, surged through the venue with relentless intensity.
Visceral riffs soared in with huge atmospherics, blasting drums, and emotive howls. The vibrance of true Finnish black metal aggression intertwined with riveting melancholy was certainly present as the melodically charged assault grew into utterly monstrous and stunning territories. HAVUKRUUNU‘s performance allowed their folky extremity to be delivered with the utmost sonic diversity and impeccably jaw-dropping skill.
The transitions between instrumentation and from harsh to clean vocals were put together well, with smooth transcendence that conveyed a cascade of folky, black metal brilliance with seamless progression. Additionally, the guitar melodies complemented each other, adding layers of depth to their sonic tapestry. During their set, HAVUKRUUNU also unveiled a new song titled “Havukruunu ja Talven Varjo,” further solidifying their status as innovators within the genre and leaving the audience eagerly anticipating their next sonic journey. Tracks like “Uinuos syömein sota” showcased the band’s ability to channel raw emotion into their music, leaving the audience spellbound.
But the night was far from over as the main act, AFSKY, took to the stage. Led by the enigmatic Ole Luk, AFSKY‘s performance was nothing short of mesmerizing. The atmosphere shifted as gentle symphonic playing filled the air, creating a calm before the storm. The haunting chords seemed to beckon the audience into a realm of introspection, where the weight of the world hung heavy in the air.
Suddenly, the peacefulness shattered with an animalistic iconic scream by Ole Luk, a primal call that reverberated through the venue, sending shivers down the spines of those present. It was a moment of raw intensity, a declaration of the tumultuous journey about to unfold. As the scream faded into the ether, it was replaced by the relentless onslaught of high-speed monotonic playing, each note crashing like waves against the shore.
From this dramatic opening on, AFSKY held the audience in their clutches from start to finish. Luk‘s commanding presence loomed over the stage, his figure cloaked in shadows as he poured his soul into every word sung. His emotive vocals, filled with anguish and longing, cut through the dense atmosphere, drawing the audience into the depths of his introspective lyrics. Each song became a journey into the darkest corners of the human experience, a visceral exploration of pain, loss, and the relentless passage of time.
Tracks like “Tyende Sang” served as poignant highlights, their melodies weaving a tapestry of despair and beauty in equal measure. As the night wore on, AFSKY‘s performance became more than just a concert; it was a cathartic experience, a chance for the audience to confront their inner demons and emerge renewed. As the final notes were played, it was clear that AFSKY had left a lasting mark on all who attended their performance. Throughout the night, each band brought their unique energy and style to the stage, creating an atmosphere dark, immersive, and undeniably powerful.
Written by Peter Jerman
Photos by Marco Manzi
HAVUKRUUNU Setlist
- Uinuos syömein sota
- Kunnes varjot saa
- Kuu Erkylän yllä
- Yön torni
- Havukruunu ja Talven Varjo
- Terhen
- Myrskynkutsuja
- Vainovalkeat
- Pohjolan tytär
- Tähti-yö ja hevoiset
- Talvikuu
Afsky Setlist
- Stormfulde hav
- Tyende Sang
- Skær
- Vinteren bæres ind
- Frosne vind
- Tak for alt
- Et Sidste Farvel
- Oh måneløse nat
- Velkommen Til Dødsriget
