After dropping a string of hard-hitting singles, alternative metal band ANKOR decided to gather them up into a mini-album, Shoganai—because why release bangers one by one when you can deliver a full package of chaos? To support the release, they hit the road, making a well-earned stop in Helsinki after crushing it at Tuska 2024. Naturally, their Finnish visit to On the Rocks fell on March 8th, 2025—International Women’s Day—where they shared the stage with A DARK REBORN and CONQUER DIVIDE.
Honestly, if you had to design the perfect lineup for a Women’s Day show, this was it. With a strong female presence across the bands, the whole night felt inclusive, powerful, and just straight-up badass. While I went in mainly familiar with ANKOR, I was ready to let the other bands surprise me—and let’s just say, they did not disappoint.
A DARK REBORN, a melodic death metal band from Spain, had the honor of kicking off the evening—and let’s be honest, that’s never an easy job. I went in knowing absolutely nothing about them, and a quick Google search didn’t exactly turn me into an expert either. Their first release dates back to 2021, so they’re still carving their path in the metal scene.
Musically, they brought a lot of energy and a steady performance, but when it came to stage presence, they still have some room to level up. Compared to the other bands, they felt a bit like the new kid at a metal school—super talented, just not quite as comfortable throwing desks and setting things on fire yet. That being said, their performance was solid, and if they keep sharpening their live energy, they could become a serious force.
I thought I didn’t know CONQUER DIVIDE, the rock powerhouse from the U.S., but turns out, they’re the geniuses behind that killer collab with ELECTRIC CALLBOY on “FCKBOI“—aka, that punk-rock-infused anthem that lives rent-free in my head.
And wow, did they turn out to be the biggest surprise of the night. Their stage presence was off the charts, and frontwoman Kiarely Taylor wasn’t just performing—she was commanding the stage like a storm in human form. They kicked things off with “Atonement,” set the energy dial to “maximum destruction,” and even threw in their fresh new track, “Bad Dreams,” just to make sure everyone left the venue with their faces melted.
And then, finally, it was time for ANKOR. Given their reputation for delivering face-melting live performances—something we got a taste of at Tuska Festival last year—it was no shocker that the venue was packed to the brim. Honestly, a venue upgrade wouldn’t have hurt, because not only was it ridiculously hot, but even singer Jessie Williams (who somehow thought Finland’s fake spring day felt cold) admitted this was one of the hottest shows of the whole tour. The Finns may not always bring the sunshine, but we definitely know how to bring the heat.
The set kicked off with “The World Is a Cruel Place… And It Is Also Very Beautiful,” the intro from their latest album, which usually flows seamlessly into “Darkbeat.” But this time? They hit us with “Venom” instead—because why not shake things up? And let’s be real, there was zero doubt this set would be an absolute killer. They played every track from “Shoganai,” alongside some heavy-hitting older gems like “The Legend of Charles the Giant,” which never fails to get the crowd moving. Then there was “Walking Dead,” a completely different vibe but a fun inclusion nonetheless.
Some people like to argue that ANKOR doesn’t have a “set” style. To that, I say: who cares, as long as it slaps? And slap it did. For me, the highlights were definitely the “Shoganai” tracks, with the title track itself being an unexpected yet welcome surprise.
After the set, the band played “Moonlight Shadow” on tape, only for Jessie Williams to grab the mic and ask the crowd if they wanted them to cover it live. Now that’s how you end a show!
Text and photos by Laureline Tilkin
Setlist
- The World Is a Cruel Place… And It Is Also Very Beautiful
- Venom
- Walking Dead
- Stereo
- The Legend of Charles the Giant
- Nebula
- Shhh…(I’m Not Gonna Lose It)
- The Monster I Am
- Oblivion
- Interstellar
- Prisoner
- Darkbeat
- Hill Valley
- Embers
- Shoganai
- Moonlight Shadow (Mike Oldfield cover)
