Hellsinki Metal Festival 2023

It is always a challenge to establish something new. But the forecast was good. Strong lineup, good location, and with the organizers of the TUSKA, a experienced crew.
This two day ride didn’t start super smooth though. The map for the festival got released just the day before, headliner Halloween got replaced by Apocalyptica because of the singers illness and there where some communication issues that mostly affected a small portion of the attendees only. Also, the way from stages 1 + 2 to the Kaaos stage, that was inside the ice hockey hall, felt unnecessary long… But maybe that’s just my lazy ass talking. This things aside, we got Finnish hospitality at its best!

The bands where all on time, Sound was solid and as common for concerts in Suomi, it was not overcrowded.  #personalspace. There where many food and drinking booths, and especially the Feastie Boys Fries surprised with a huge portion that left no place for a dessert.

The selection of artists and genres was well mixed and had some surprises like Leprous and Priest. They did not seem to fit in, but where on the other hand a welcome change. Right next to the mainstage there was a big crane, with a little cabin that lift you up to around 30 Meters. But there is a catch. After that, you have to jump… and pay 90€. There was never a big queue for that adrenalin kick, but still, a lot of people used that service.

And as usually, there where some aftershow parties in Helsinki’s clubs. Sadly they where not advertised enough and started to early, if you wanted to see all the bands from the festival. I made it to the show of Luna Kills. A young band with a lot of potential.

All in all one thing is for certain. Like the TUSKA, this festival will be on my list for next year for sure!