22-03-2008 Stam1na

supports: Rytmihäiriö; Venue: Nosturi, Helsinki (Finland)
By: Elvira Visser

I have waited long for this day to come, finally Stam1na on stage in front of my very own eyes.
“Why?” You might ask. Well Stam1na is definitely one of Finland’s most thrilling bands you should see. I heard stories about their great shows and their power on stage and wanted to experience this myself.

The night started with Rytmihäiriö, which was more heavier than I had would have expected to support Stam1na. Their thrash metal/hardcore style seemed to be appreciated by the many people who gathered in this sold out Nosturi. It has a big balcony where you can see the band as well, and a big screen for those who like to sit and drink beers. It was so packed when I arrived that downstairs in front of the stage there was no place single place left. But I had a good view from the balcony. The band was quite powerful and the crowd yelled and screamed along with them. There already was a very good vibe.

 Stam1na is a Finnish band and had their self-titled debut in 2005. As well as their demo’s their debut CD “Stam1na” was much praised. End of February their third full length CD “Raja” has been released. You could see that Stam1na is a much appreciated band in Finland as people were almost squeezed into each other to see the band. At some points I felt a little sorry for the girls who were standing in the front rows, trying to see their much loved band but meanwhile gasping for air. Because Stam1na is surely not the band you just watch. You need to at least move one body part, whether that is your head nodding, your leg tapping or just yourself moshing, that does not matter. This is because they play this original style of metal. It has very catchy melodies, shout parts, pounding drums, strong riffs and amazing guitar solo’s.

At “Viisi Laukausta Päähän”, which means “five shots to the head” has some sort of news bulletin where someone is talking about terrorists. Besides being metal, their music has unexpected melodies, weird changes in tempo followed by a great guitar solo from Pekka Olkonnen. There are tracks that can be said to be progressive of even aggressive and then the crowd can not stay behind. Although I thought that the Finnish are quite tame they proved me wrong tonight. Circle pits, head banging and moshing like hell. There was even some sort of square of death. (like the wall but then in a square). Of course Antti (singer) had asked for this but it was amazing to see.

Why you should see this band is their great varied unique music style, which keeps you interested during the entire set. Besides that, the guys have this doses of energy on stage. They are great performers, running around and having a lot of fun. Standing in weird positions while they keep playing. If your ever are in Finland, or visit a festival where they play, make sure you see this band. They are amazing!

More pictures of this gig available at photographicretentions.nl