Just a few years back, it would have been odd to think ORANSSI PAZUZU would get to play a sold-out show at a venue with a capacity of over 1000 people—even though we don’t really know the actual number of ticket sales—yet Ääniwalli was really packed for the occasion on February 28th, 2025, one of three consecutive shows that have seen the eclectic Finns play in Tampere the previous day and in Jyväskylä the following. Supporting them in this local mini-tour were the Tampere-based industrial trio DOME RUNNER, who have been successfully gaining traction with their music and powerful live shows since the beginning of their young career.
Despite the show being sold out there was no queue at all once we arrived at the venue, well in time to see it getting filled as DOME RUNNER began their show. The band led by their young and charismatic frontman Simo Perkiömäki was a fitting warm-up for this evening with their “GODFLESH-esque” tunes and did a very good job despite the very early hour. Surprisingly, nothing broke down—which had been a frequent occurrence when we have seen this band in the past—and they could show a broader audience what they’ve got. I am sure the guys will have gained some new fans after these shows, and it’s a well-deserved recognition for a band that conquers with its raw energy and the quality of their material.
When ORANSSI PAZUZU began their show on the notes of “Bioalkemist,” the opener of their latest and acclaimed “Muuntautuja,” moving around Ääniwalli was challenging at best. The band immediately mesmerized its audience with their almost hypnotic melodies, as well as the uncontrollable dancing on the stage of their barefooted guitarist Niko “Ikon” Lehdontie, with their vocalist Juho “Jun-His” Vanhanen taking the lead in interpreting the new songs with character. Most of the set was obviously focused on their latest record, although almost equally divided with the previous “Mestarin Kynsi.” In general, all the material played tonight was from the most recent history of the band, which shows how they keep constantly evolving, changing skin and leaving their old self behind.
It was also quite strange not only to see several “non-metal”-looking people in the crowd – that’s to be expected given the range of experimentation the band has been playing with – but mostly hearing the cheers coming from the audience in between the songs. Unusual to say the least. In a set that lasted around 80 minutes (including a 2-song encore), ORANSSI PAZUZU showed the maturity and self-confidence of a band with a clear vision in mind, knowing where they came from and bravely moving forward in whatever artistic direction they felt like. They certainly have come a long way from the oddball of their beginnings adding new layers and elements to their music which can hardly be made to fit into a label.
Once the show ended and everyone in the crowd raised their hands in applause, with the band thanking the audience while disappearing backstage, it was clear the evening had been a big success. We are looking forward to seeing where their inspiration will drive them next, and also to seeing their performance of “Muuntautuja” in full at the coming Roadburn festival in a few weeks from now.
P.S. Pro tip when this venue is this full and you are in a hurry to leave: make sure you sneak out to grab your jacket right before the end of the show unless you want to be stuck inside for ages queuing to the cloakroom!
DOME RUNNER
ORANSSI PAZUZU
