The last time. Once more, Tampere became the ground where we gathered to witness the final show of another band that has given us good times and memories for the last 15 or so years in Finland. Almost exactly one year after the final MUSTAN KUUN LAPSET gig at Yo-Talo, we returned to see SATURNIAN MIST’s farewell performance at Bar Kotelo on October 25th, 2024. The venue, relatively new, was surprisingly spacious and well-suited for its size. Even though it was full, it didn’t feel overcrowded due to the width of the hall and the central stage. It’s encouraging to see several venues in town that can host events of this size!
LICHT DES URTEILS took the stage first. Their vocalist, also one of the percussionists in the main act, made this choice a natural one. The band has been quite active this year, particularly following the positive reception at Steelfest (and they’re set to perform at Turku Saatanalle next year). They put on a solid show and seem to be finding their stride as they accumulate more live experience.
WÖMIT ANGEL raised the temperature with their TSATTHOGGUA-inspired vibe and a more direct, punk attitude, delivering figurative punches to the fans with their intense performance. This band, frequently appearing in underground gigs, kept the energy high, preparing the stage for the main act. Near the end of their show, the vocalist donned a gimp mask, which, along with his attire, evoked the aforementioned German band’s essence.
After a brief intermission, we were ready for the night’s final act—and the final performance of SATURNIAN MIST’s career. It has been well over a decade since we first saw them live, but that memory remains vivid. Over the years, the lineup and their music have evolved, yet the band has always brought something unique to their live shows. Their ability to captivate the crowd and pull them into a restless rhythm, with their frontman leading the show and the other members setting the stage for an immersive experience, has always been a force to be reckoned with.
Even during quieter periods—the band released only three full-length albums in 18 years—you knew they were still lurking in the background, ready to surprise with something new, at least, until now. Tonight, the band celebrated both its life and death, performing classics and recent songs to capture their full essence. The show was an intense, celebratory send-off, and the audience’s proximity to the band—who were known to interact directly with their fans in the past—added fuel to a fire that burned bright until the final moments of the performance. Eventually, some audience members even grabbed drums, including the shamanic drum of vocalist fra. Zetekh, and began playing themselves. Former members joined in during the last stages to bring things full circle, and there were also new faces, as guitarist O.V. performed his first and last show with the band.
The night was an energetic and almost joyful celebration, with everyone leaving satisfied by what they had just experienced—a fitting farewell for any band. As we hope that this “last-ever gig in late October” trend does not become the norm, we’re glad to have seen SATURNIAN MIST go out with their drums and charismatic energy one final time. After all, we know too well that everything must eventually come to an end. Check our photo gallery here…
LICHT DES URTEILS
WÖMIT ANGEL
SATURNIAN MIST
Photos by Marco Manzi
