EYEHATEGOD is certainly no stranger to Finland, and their frequent visits to these shores have made them a familiar and warmly embraced presence. It’s not uncommon for them to perform multiple shows back-to-back in the same venue. Following a sold-out Saturday performance, we eagerly attended their equally packed show at Kuudes Linja on October 15th, 2023, for the second gig of the weekend.
Kicking off the night was THE OBSESSED, led by the charismatic Scott “Wino” Weinrich, known to some for his history with SAINT VITUS before parting ways in 2015. The band is gearing up to release their fifth full-length album next winter, the second since their reunion. During their set, they treated the audience to a couple of songs from this upcoming release. The band’s attitude seamlessly complements their groovy sound, transporting listeners back several decades to the heyday of doom metal. Yet, their approach leans more towards a heavy rock vibe, distinguishing them from many of their contemporary doom counterparts.
This approach resonated brilliantly with the audience that night, particularly among those who were ardent fans of THE OBSESSED. It also formed an excellent synergy with EYEHATEGOD.
EYEHATEGOD took to the stage without the need for introductions, welcomed by the resounding cheers of their dedicated fans. The band engaged in some spirited banter with their enthusiastic audience before deciding how to navigate their performance for the evening. The absence of a setlist adds an element of unpredictability to their shows, making each performance delightfully unique.
Their set was as intense as ever, with the crowd at the forefront of the stage going wild, and the band maintaining constant interaction with their front-row fans. This dynamic is a hallmark of an EYEHATEGOD show, and they delivered precisely what was expected. While it might not have been their absolute best performance, their consistency and entertainment value were unwavering. If you’ve never attended an EYEHATEGOD concert, you’ve been missing out.
We eagerly await their next appearance in Helsinki, and there’s no doubt they’ll be met with the same warm welcome they’ve always enjoyed.
THE OBSESSED
EYEHATEGOD
Photos by Marco Manzi
