On November 24th, 2023, Ääniwalli in Helsinki was host to the second edition of the Melancholy Mass Festival. The lineup boasted an eclectic mix of bands, including VORNA, VOIDFALLEN, … AND OCEANS, ASSEMBLE THE CHARIOTS, and the headlining act, SEPTICFLESH.
Before the first performance kicked off, an eerie, atmospheric soundtrack enveloped the venue, establishing a mood that resonated with the festival’s theme. With two stages alternating for performances, anticipation hung in the air. VORNA took the stage at 19.45, opening with “Hiljaisuus ei kestä” and immediately immersing the audience in their doomy melodeath ambiance. Despite being the festival’s kickoff, a substantial crowd had gathered, attuned to VORNA‘s captivating sound.
Meanwhile, VOIDFALLEN dominated the alternate stage, masked and bathed in red lighting. The Helsinki-based melodic death metal outfit delivered a high-energy set that defied their early time slot, drawing in a sizable audience. … AND OCEANS followed suit, with a noteworthy twist due to bassist Pyry Hanski‘s absence – he was still on tour at the time with his other band BEFORE THE DAWN. Despite the change, the replacement seamlessly integrated, presenting a comprehensive setlist spanning the band’s discography. The venue reached maximum capacity, pulsating with energy throughout the performance, climaxing during the penultimate track, “Tears Have No Name.”
Intent on catching ASSEMBLE THE CHARIOTS, the densely packed venue thwarted our plans. We did see the first few songs and a brief glimpse revealed a fervent moshpit, a testament to the deathcore act’s magnetic stage presence, which is why we decided to leave. Camera gear and intimate fully-packed venues are not quite a match! We can’t wait however to see their electric performance during a situation that is more easygoing for us.
Finally, SEPTICFLESH took the stage as the festival’s distinguished headliner, selling out the venue and underscoring their significant fanbase. The Greek symphonic death metal maestros had a diverse setlist, featuring standout tracks like “Neuromancer,” “The Vampire From Nazareth,” “Hierophant,” and the iconic “Communion.” In conclusion, Melancholy Mass Festival‘s second edition unfolded as a diverse showcase of the more melancholic metal’s subgenres, showcasing a variety of bands. Check our photo gallery here…
Vorna
Voidfallen
… And Oceans
Assemble the Chariots
SepticFlesh
Photos by Laureline Tilkin
