It was a nostalgic return to Tavastia after over a decade, a venue that holds legendary status in Finland’s music scene. This iconic place holds a special spot in my heart, as it was where I witnessed my first live show at the age of 17. On Halloween, October 31st, 2023, KING SATAN, PRIEST, and DEATHSTARS had shows at the venue, convincing me it was about time to head back there.
I regret missing the first few songs by KING SATAN due to a tardy train, which cost me the opportunity to shoot close wide-angle shots from the pit. However, it didn’t dampen my spirits as I’ve got my fair share of those shots in the past. KING SATAN put on a solid performance that left no one cold. While I’ve seen them in smaller bar venues before, this time, the venue size felt just right for them. As the opening act, the room wasn’t packed to the brim yet.
Not too long ago, I saw PRIEST playing at Hellsinki Metal Festival, but damn, their show keeps being amazing every time I see them. I really love how each member of the band conquers every inch of the stage whenever they get a chance. At least for me, synthwave isn’t music to sit and listen to, but to be danced to and I loved how many people in the audience felt the same way. I was lucky to be up on the balcony when Mercury came down in the middle of the audience giving his blessings because I was able to get a few nice shots from above. Big thanks to the lighting tech again for giving some extra light, so the people could get a chance to snap a few selfies with him as well.
I’ve always playfully compared DEATHSTARS to THE 69 EYES, being the Swedish industrial version of the Finnish Goth rock act. To me, a few songs sound very similar, but on stage, they were a completely different beast. I think I’ve seen a glimpse of these guys once before at Tuska Festival, but never seen a whole show; too bad because they had a nice stage performance and made me feel young because I was just a kid when the band started and I first heard about them. Their stage presence was golden, especially with Skinny Disco waving his dreadlocks all over – I bet almost every music photographer loves those shots, me included – and Cat Casino stealing the spotlight by posing constantly. I also loved how closely the vocalist Whiplasher Bernadotte interacted with the audience, although I do wonder whether he ever got his hat back. Check our photo gallery here…
King Satan
Priest
Deathstars
Photos by Richard Forsman
