Swedish metal heavyweights AVATAR recently released their new album, “Don’t Go Into the Forest,” and on February 7th, 2026, they brought the spectacle to Kulttuuritalo in Helsinki. We were thrilled to see the Finnish capital included on this tour, especially with such an intriguing lineup in tow. Joining them were special guests ALIEN WEAPONRY, all the way from New Zealand, and Norway’s AGABAS—making for one of the more diverse and exciting bills of the season.
AGABAS were a completely new discovery for us. With little time to dive into their material beforehand, their set came as a genuine surprise—especially upon realizing they operate in the realm of death jazz. As someone who will never say no to a saxophone in metal, this was a welcome twist. Although an overlapping interview meant missing part of their opening song, word quickly spread that they had made their entrance through the crowd, climbing over the barrier and onto the stage—an unforgettable way to kick things off. One thing is certain: we need to catch a full set from them soon. They feel like a band destined for bigger stages.
ALIEN WEAPONRY are one of those bands that simply don’t visit Finland often enough—understandable, given the geographical logistics—but their presence on this tour was a real treat. Seeing how many people showed up early and were visibly excited for some thrash metal was almost shocking in the best possible way. With their recent album “Te Rā” adding fresh material to the mix, the set felt both current and powerful. Ending with “Kai Tangata”—still arguably their most explosive track—the band unleashed a wall of death followed by a massive mosh pit. Opening with a haka only amplified the intensity, turning their performance into a full-blown, face-melting experience.
By the time AVATAR took the stage, the crowd was more than ready. Their entrance alone was a spectacle: during the opening track “Captain Goat,” the band appeared on a moving riser that traveled from behind the drums to the front of the stage. While the platform wasn’t styled like an actual ship—arguably a missed opportunity—it certainly didn’t resemble a typical Silja Line or Viking Line cruise ferry either. Instead, it evoked something far more cinematic, like the dramatic river crossing with the Bucklebury Ferry straight out of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. It was theatrical, slightly ominous, and undeniably cool—setting the tone perfectly for what followed. The show continued with elaborate staging, clever visual elements, and a commanding performance from the Swedes. This marked our first time seeing AVATAR headline, and it’s safe to say we’re wondering why it took so long. That’s a mistake we won’t be making again. Check out our photo gallery here…
Agabas
Alien Weaponry
Avatar
Photos by Laureline Tilkin
