There’s this nonchalant saying in Finland, “Hevi on paskimmillaankin parasta,” which roughly translates as “Even at its shittiest, heavy metal is the best.” It is not even a matter of opinion but a cold, hard fact. So, you can only imagine how elated we all must have felt after the banquet of class A metal that was on offer on the first day of Hellsinki Metal Festival 2025 because, let’s face it, the festival lineup was pure gold! I was even more hyped up about Saturday’s lineup because I had not seen CULT OF LUNA on stage for a long time, and then, this day marked the very first time for me to see ENSLAVED in action! These avant-garde Norwegians have been consistently amazing, probably from day one, but for me, since their 2012 outing “Riitiir,” so this Saturday was a big day for me! Friday had also served a few aces that completely blew my mind. I’m looking at you, DECESSUS and DECAPITATED! So, I was mentally prepared to experience something of that sort on the second festival day as well – and it didn’t let me down. Check our photo gallery of the second and final day here or read the report.
Luna Kills
Lähiöbotox
Napalm Death
Enslaved
Landmvkrs
Michael Schenker
Cult of Luna
Hatebreed
Marduk
Me And That Man
Venom
Blood Fire Death
Photos by Laureline Tilkin
