Finnish doom/death masters SWALLOW THE SUN have been around for 25 years now, defining and reshaping the core of what melancholy should sound like, in all its shades. A proper anniversary show was scheduled on August 28th, 2025, at Huvila in Helsinki, in the wider frame of the Helsinki Festival, and of course we could not miss it. As clearly stated on the event’s page, there were two different sets planned for that night, representing the two sides of the band’s sound and deeper meaning. In a nutshell, that’s why the subtitle “Between two Worlds” was added.
I reached the venue well in advance, fully intending to secure a spot in the front row. The seats behind me were filling quickly, and little did I know it would have been the smarter choice, but here we are. A large projection screen was placed on the stage, where the music video of SWALLOW THE SUN’s “Lumina Aurea” served as an introduction. The intensity of the song is nothing new to their fans and supporters, and although it was released three years after the triple album “Songs from the North,” it perfectly set the gloomy, sorrowful atmosphere for disc 3 of “Songs from the North,” which was played in its entirety.
To my surprise, the projection screen was still in place when “Lumina Aurea” ended. At exactly 19:00, the band members’ shadows began appearing one by one behind the screen, as iconic and recognizable as ever. A few seconds of complete darkness followed, the sound of the wind, and then the compass-inspired artwork from the album mentioned earlier was projected. At that point, I truly did not know what to expect. The band stood ready behind the screen.
The first notes of “The Gathering of Black Moths” filled the room, enhanced by graphic elements provided by Dronicon Films, the same team of visual artists responsible for the videos from the “Moonflowers” era, in that instantly recognizable style. Mikko’s deep growls fit seamlessly into the overarching funeral doom atmosphere of disc 3 from “Songs from the North,” and experiencing it in such a detailed, immersive live setting made the entire performance feel even more precious.
As I have probably pointed out before, SWALLOW THE SUN are gifted with the ability to create an entire world of overwhelming sensations and emotions around their performances, without unnecessary frills or ornaments. Simply by letting the music speak for itself and striking the audience with its brutal, raw, and beautiful honesty. Composer, lyricist, and guitarist Juha pours his heart out on stage every single time, just as his bandmates do. I am quite certain that performing such a soul-crushing album almost ten years after its release, especially considering both the lyrical themes and the real-life events it reflects, was profoundly demanding, and I am deeply grateful for such a gift.
The five songs passed in a shared state of immersion and emotional surrender, where the screen did not serve as a separation between us and them, but rather as a bridge. A 45-minute intermission followed. Returning to reality felt strange, but also necessary. We were ready for the second set, and so were the guys, who took the stage at 20:40. No projection screen this time, just their essential yet always effective setting.
“Innocence was Long Forgotten” worked as the perfect opener, taken from their most recent release, “Shining.” Everyone in the audience was singing along to that tune, and I felt like it was likely to be considered as an instant classic, as much as the other new songs they played. Bassist Matti and guitarist Juha incited the crowd and made full use of the risers in front of them as “Descending Winters” followed. The tune dates back to 2005, and it is indeed a bittersweet feeling to realize that twenty years have passed since “Ghosts of Loss” was released. At the same time, it is also comforting to see how the band has aged so gracefully along with the music.
The lines of the chorus of “New Moon,” recited by a female voice, gave a clear idea of what was coming next, and the excitement of the crowd was visible. That tune is close to my heart, too, and I could not help but sing along to it. The same female voice introduced “Under the Moon & Sun” as the following song in line, a much newer track which is on their latest release, but already felt like a fan favorite, and I cannot argue with that. Its catchy chorus paired well with the melancholic vibe of the verses, which is, in my opinion, one of the main characteristics of SWALLOW THE SUN’s very own trademark sound throughout the years.
Mikko thanked us and announced “Don’t Fall Asleep (Horror pt. II),” whose energetic riffing and drumming definitely kept us awake (pun intended). The shouting and clapping from the crowd after this song were loud and joyful, and although they somewhat disrupted the magic, it was still great to see that SWALLOW THE SUN can count on such an affectionate fan base after a quarter of a century.
“Stone Wings” followed. The subtle wobble in Mikko’s voice at the very beginning reminded me once again of how deeply honest their music is. A Gregorian chant served as an intermezzo, shifting the atmosphere toward a more solemn vibe as the next song, “Cathedral Walls,” began. Slow-paced and majestic as always, this tune moved some people in the crowd to sob openly, as if Juha’s courage in delving into his own emotions made the effort somehow easier for us as well.
A couple of newer songs followed, “Charcoal Sky” and “MelancHoly,” both undeniable proof of the band’s evolution, and both sounding even better when played live. Then came a blast from the past: “Falling World,” dating back to 2009. Its hypnotic chorus was impossible not to sing along to…
Green lights made “November Dust” feel even more TYPE O NEGATIVE‑esque, and I like to think of this tune as the perfect meeting point between the two bands. Mikko’s vocals, along with the music itself, highlight this quality, a heartfelt homage to a band that profoundly influenced these guys’ lives on so many levels.
“These Woods Breathe Evil” brought us to the end of this 25-year journey, together with “Swallow (Horror Pt. I)” as a closure. Right before announcing the last song, Mikko thanked the audience for these 25 years, then added that perhaps there would not be as many ahead, but hopefully they would still be friends, in good health, and maybe even releasing new music. We certainly hope so, too.
Juha addressed the crowd while playing and, after the concert, greeted those in the front rows with handshakes and quick hugs. The darker the music, the sweeter the people behind it, I’d say. It has been quite a ride for them, I’m sure, and I truly hope for many more years in their company.
Written by Licia Mapelli
Photo by Mirko L.
Tracklist
Set 1: “Songs from the North” disc 3
- The Gathering of Black Moths
- 7 Hours Late
- Empires of Loneliness
- Abandoned by the Light
- The Clouds Prepare for Battle
Set 2
- Innocence was Long Forgotten
- Descending Winters
- New Moon
- Under the Moon & Sun
- Don’t Fall Asleep (Horror, Part II)
- Stone Wings
- Cathedral Walls
- Charcoal Sky
- MelancHoly
- Falling World
- November Dust
- These Woods Breathe Evil
- Swallow (Horror, Part I)
