The first-ever edition of Baltic Metal Storm festival is in the books. On July 31st and August 1st, 2026, we had a great opportunity to see a wide selection of Finnish rock and metal bands over the span of the weekend.
The opening act of the second day of Baltic Metal Storm was Marko Hietala with his solo project, who turned the front few rows into a sauna with pyros while casually playing their greatest hits. After that, BLACK SUN took to the stage, a band with members from Finland and Ecuador, with fierce, powerful female vocals.
The third band of the second day of the festival was TIMO RAUTIAINEN & TRIO NISKALAUKAUS, followed by the ever mighty ARION, who delivered a truly grand, energetic performance. While we were waiting for the gear change on the main stage, Timo Kotipelto played an acoustic set on the mini stage to the loud approval of the audience. After that, it was time for LOST SOCIETY to take over the main stage and absolutely set it on fire, literally and metaphorically. Of course, they played their most well-known hits such as “No Absolution,” but also a lot of material from their 2026 album “Hell Is a State of Mind.” The next band of the evening was the Swedish NESTOR playing melodic old-school rock. Before the main headliner of the second day took to the stage, we could enjoy another acoustic set on the mini stage, this time by Netta Skogg. Finally, after sunset, STAM1NA walked onto the main stage, accompanied by fire and loud applause. It was exactly like the vocalist said: metallimusiikkia koko perheelle, very family-friendly, heavy, explosive thrash metal; pure bliss for the soul.
Marko Hietala
Black Sun
Timo Rautiainen & Trio Niskalaukaus
Arion
Kotipelto
Lost Society
Nestor
Stam1na
