When the the self-proclaimed Scandinavian action metal group MØRKET announced the release of their new single at Bar Loose on Saturday, January 25th, 2025, we had to join the party. After all the band had made themselves gradually more and more known in the underground metal scene with huge energy at their live shows and a cool aura of memetic visuals and catchy yet ultra-aggressive songs. They were accompanied by the HC-punk outfit ILOKAASU OD and post-hardcore group SVARTA HAVET who filled up on short notice for RATFACE, the latter forced to retreat due to health issues.
The evening opener ILOKAASU OD took the stage. The duo consisting of a guitarist and a vocalist was able to create a sound and atmosphere larger than one would expect. Of course, there were backing tracks with drums and bass on use, but the duo on stage also brought their nice chemistry to the mixture.
Next up SVARTA HAVET asked for no permissions but took over the stage like owners. The Turku-based band played their hearts out on the Bar Loose stage, but make no mistake: the band has more than one trick up their sleeves. It’s not all out aggression from start to finish, but the dynamics varied nicely throughout the show and many of the instrumental parts were actually quite melodic. Main vocalist Lotta Green was very much the focal point screaming and twisting herself around the metal barriers around the Bar Loose stage by the end of the show. The audience was a bit polite and courteous during the show though preferring to watch rather than join the energy the band offered.
Finally, it was time for MØRKET, the main course of the evening. The band went out all guns blazing as one would expect. Vocalist Erik Lindroos had all the energy and looks of a lead figure, the band played as a tight and focused unit and even though the music is aggressive, there was a lot of positive energy flowing during their concert. Now there were even odd attempts of a mosh pit emerging. Lindroos made frequent visits to the audience finding contact: singalongs and even some light wrestling during one such a trip.
The band is close to its ten-year mark, and the work is starting to show in the way MØRKET is at home on a stage and has found their own, unique voice and style. This concert leaves us hoping for even more attention to one of the less-known jewels of the Finnish metal scene. Check our photo gallery below…
Ilokaasu OD
Svarta Havet
Mørket
Photos by Arto Alho
