The dimly lit ambiance of On the Rocks in Helsinki was set aglow on a recent evening as the stage hosted an unforgettable experience. ASHBURY HEIGHTS, hailing from the scenic landscapes of Sweden, took the stage as the evening’s headliner, while the enigmatic Suzi Sabotage, representing Finland, set the tone as the warm-up artist.
Suzi Sabotage emerged onto the stage like a ghostly apparition, dressed in a stunning white gown. The gothic undertones of her music filled the room, painting an ethereal atmosphere. The fusion of her haunting coldwave melodies with the delicate sounds of the kantele brought a unique dimension to her performance, captivating the audience.
As the night progressed, it was time for ASHBURY HEIGHTS to take the stage. The energy in the room was palpable and the audience eagerly welcomed the Swedish trio. From the very first note, it was clear that this would be a performance to remember. The Swedish trio had an almost uncanny ability to connect with the crowd, creating an intimate atmosphere despite the venue’s size.
The dance floor was quickly filled with enthusiastic fans, swaying and dancing to the infectious beats. ASHBURY HEIGHTS‘ energy was infectious, and it was evident that they were having as much fun as the crowd. The band’s palpable connection with the audience and their dedication to providing an unforgettable experience created an intimate and unforgettable evening. I couldn’t even count how many times I heard people saying “vitun kova” repeatedly for the rest of the night I kept hanging around.
The intensity of ASHBURY HEIGHTS‘ performance was so magnetic that time seemed to stretch, resulting in a performance that went well beyond the scheduled set time. Their enthusiasm was so contagious that even DJ NoiZu, who was set to take the stage after them, decided to gracefully step aside, allowing ASHBURY HEIGHTS to bask in the limelight a little longer. Personally, I would have loved to hear the DJ NoiZu set after the main event even though it started getting late, but the house DJs took over.
As a photographer, this show held a special place in my heart. Having previously captured ASHBURY HEIGHTS at the Hellsinki Industrial Festival 2021, I thought I knew what to expect. However, this performance exceeded all expectations. The intimacy of their own headlining show allowed their energy and connection to shine even brighter. Suzi Sabotage‘s ethereal presence and gothic aesthetic added a layer of mystique to the evening, creating a beautifully contrasting yet harmonious musical journey.
Suzi Sabotage
Ashbury Heights
Photos by Richard Forsman
