Finnish melodic death metal veterans BEFORE THE DAWN celebrated the release of their brand-new album “Cold Eternal Flare” on September 5th, 2025, with a special album release show at Helsinki’s legendary Tavastia. Joining them for the night were fellow Finnish melodic death metallers SUOTANA, who also recently unveiled their new record “Ounas II,” and local act DEVENIAL VERDICT, whose progressive and technical approach to death metal turned out to be a refreshing surprise.
DEVENIAL VERDICT may have been around for quite some time, but this was my first proper chance to catch them live. Admittedly, I had mistaken their name for something more in the realm of traditional death metal, but instead their sound was intricate, progressive, and quite frankly right up my alley. Their 2024 release “Blessing of Despair” has been spinning heavily since the show — a true banger which I should never have slept on—shame on me.
SUOTANA, meanwhile, have long been a personal favorite ever since “Land of the Ending Time.” With the recent additions of “Ounas I” and “Ounas II” to their discography, they continue to evolve with songs that translate powerfully on stage. Watching the otherwise reserved Rovaniemi crew transform into feral beasts under the stage lights is always a treat — and this night was no exception. Their latest record is another killer addition, so don’t miss it.
As for BEFORE THE DAWN, we only had a couple of spins of “Cold Eternal Flare” before the show, but the anticipation for how the heavier new material would fit live was high. The result was a dynamic, well-crafted setlist that balanced crushing new tracks with melodic gems — without forgetting fan-favorites like “My Darkness” and “Deadsong.” New cuts such as “Shockwave” and “Stellar Effectt” hit hard in the live setting, though it was surprising that their latest single “Stronghold” didn’t make the set. Perhaps it’ll find its way into the upcoming European tour?
Devenial Verdict
Suotana
Before the Dawn
Photos by Laureline Tilkin
