Music is an excellent way that makes you forget everything that’s wrong or band in your life. Maybe that’s one of the reasons why I like it so much. So, what better opportunity than to see a festival, where there is music in abundance? The FemMetal team took a trip to Helsinki to attend Tuska, the most historical festival of the country. Let’s start at the very beginning…

Aurorawave

The first band that I had the pleasure of seeing was Aurorawave, playing at the Nordic Energy Stage. While the festival started a bit earlier, there wasn’t yet a very big crowd gathered there, but the people present were really enjoying the band’s performance. I was really surprised their blend of music, and frankly it was something very interesting to see! Sometimes they all had coordinated movements, and sometimes they would just go crazy on stage. Unfortunately I’m not that familiar with the band’s discography, but I’ll definitely dig in some more because what I saw yesterday was really worth watching.

Photo: Niko Sihvonen.

Skindred

I know, I know, I just saw Skindred performing at Download Festival too earlier in the month. And well, but can we ever have too much of Skindred? I don’t think so. While the Newport band’s set at Download was much more intense and explosive, they didn’t disappoint here either. The weather was getting worse, but not the energy. Benji knows how to command a crowd even if the conditions are tricky, and that’s what makes him a remarkable frontman. The whole group was generally in top shape, and their setlist focused briefly on their latest release “You Got This” and more on classics like “Give Me That Boom” or “Nobody“. If you like Skindred too, stay tuned on FemMetal because there might be something exclusive coming here….

Photo: Niko Sihvonen.

Megadeth

There are some performances that you just know are going to be extra special. Particularly for bands that have made history of heavy metal, and artists that are from Finland. And while just one member of Megadeth is from Finland, the whole audience at the main stage welcomed the legendary thrash band in the warmest way. Everyone was chanting “Teemu! Teemu! Teemu!” in between songs, a sign that Mäntysaari’s talent and expertise is celebrated and noticed especially here. The whole band was playing very tight, I enjoyed every single song of their set despite the weather being a bit moody. Dave’s voice was very good, James was spectacular on bass and Dirk was simply drumming like his life depended on it. Maybe it was just my impression, but when they played “Tornado Of Souls” a very strong wind started: can Megadeth control the weather now? I wouldn’t be surprised if they could. It looks like they can do anything! During “Symphony Of Destruction” the rain was heavier though, and yet no one was moving from the main area. That’s the Megadeth effect! And that’s the kind of performances that we love to see: everybody coming together to see a historical band pay homage to their career, leaving us a legacy that will last for generations. Long live Megadeth!

Photo: Niko Sihvonen.