What I Know About Finns - PART III: Drinking

Where is this myth coming from? that Finns drink more than others, when official charts clearly show that alcohol consumption is higher in over a dozen of other countries?! Check the official facts and you will be amazed:

http://www.greenfacts.org/en/alcohol/toolboxes/table3.htm
At alcohol consumption per capita, Finland comes only after 20 other countries.

http://www.greenfacts.org/en/alcohol/figtableboxes/table4.htm
# 18 in beer consumption. Doesn't even appear in the wine and spirits charts.

More downloadable charts here.

http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_272b_en.pdf
The abstainer's chart. Finns drink in general/in greater numbers, maybe that's where the fake image comes from. And they seem to drink more, when they decide to do so (see the charts).
Only on one occasion Finland tops the charts, that being at the question "Do you think higher prices for alcohol would discourage young and heavy drinkers?" 60% of Finns replied Yes. They've already been through a time when drinks were expensive enough and now the prices stand at a lower level than before, obviously making alcohol more handy. If prices would decrease even more, only 9% of Finns would buy more alcohol. Again, see the questionnaire answers.

Alright, but here's the questions that persists:
Why are Finns seen as such heavy drinkers?
It could be due to what I mentioned before - the higher percentage of population that engages in alcohol consumption. Might be the weather also...

Here's my view on it:
I'd say it's rather about the attitude. Of course, I can compare this to the habits of my native country. Here, people drink 'quietly' and usually in bars. But Finland has a very different culture. It's fun to make drinking an event! "Let's drink!" - the simple phrase that brightens the eyes, brings a smile and renews one's energy. It's a social event. It is very common that during summer festivals, attendants barely get to see any of the present bands, because they're too busy getting drunk or, later on, being wasted. They are allowed to be so! And it's also fun when you're not allowed to drink, so everyone takes some beer to the forest, to the parks, even to the public squares. Alright, but why is drinking itself so much fun? Because it brings quite a change... Here we have 2 different attitudes: in some cultures, alcohol makes people be what they're not, while Finns drink to become themselves. Sure, some of them have beaten their wives, killed their neighbour with an axe or whatever, but most of them drink in order to be free from the frustrations and fears they usually have. It's not easy being a Finn. It's in their nature to be shy, somewhat fearful, melancholic, very reserved, giving so much space to others that they won't manage to reconnect. To fill the gap between them and the rest of the world, such social inhibitions must disappear. It's the alcohol that does it. It acts like a lubricant in these social encounters. If they do something stupid, they can just blame the drunkenness.

Thus the Finns (who are highly capable of being charming and having entertaining conversations) dare to approach somebody, to see the bright side of a situation and to start speaking. I've seen this many times: they love being around people as much as they love being all alone. It's like they have 2 types of batteries - the ones that recharge by togetherness and the others, recharging in solitude. Finns love to communicate and they need it. When talking to somebody, it's like getting reassured that you're able, that you matter as an individual. You get the feedback you were looking for and sure that makes you feel better. Unfortunately, some of us can be open to communication only when the chemicals in the brain are modified. So, this is how you get a genuine friendly Finn: let him/her drink! :-)
However, don't expect the wonder to last. When alcohol is too much, you won't get anything of what they say; or, the next day they will return to the before-drinking mood.
But hopefully, they will remember that they trusted you and that they had a good time.

I've seen enough Finns while indulging in drinking, yet never had a truly bad time because of it. They have to do that, to fool their demons for a while...

If, after this little exploration of Finnish drinking culture, you feel sympathy for it, maybe you want to check the Drunk Moose design :-) at MFF SHOP >>

What I Know About Finns - PART II: Metal rules!

Countless lines are still being written on this! I won't make any grand intro, but begin with bringing to your attention a magnificent work that every metalhead/rocker must know of - the 'Promised Land of Heavy Metal' documentary (watch trailer here). It's a successful work and there are plenty of replay requests to the Finnish tv. As you probably guessed, it deals with our beloved country that we're dealing here with. It's the story of Finnish metal, involving not only artists of the scene and their fans, but also psychologists, priests and even the President of Finland. How can that be possible? Well, perhaps that every Finn must be aware of the metal culture they have there. It's hard to miss it, as there are so many long-haired people dressed in black and so many rock bars in Helsinki, in very popular areas. Luckily, the general attitude is not guided by prejudice and close-mindedness.

It's been a while since everybody is talking about how "metal became mainstream in Finland". Most of us are shocked to hear this. 'Metal' and 'mainstream' don't go well together, do they? Metal is by definition the music that stands against the mainstream. Then, what exactly is this phenomenon? First, I think it's only a sort of mainstream. Not any band of any genre can get an impressive number of listeners. Not everybody will enjoy growls or other form of aggressive singing. However, more and more bands have made it to the album and single charts, often topping the international pop stars. Metal tunes pop out from radio stations and you hear them while passing to the supermarket. Crazy festivals take place in every notable city during summer and so on. Not to mention the huge number of bands that are known beyond the boundaries!

If metal became mainstream over there, it may be because of these: 1) already having a strong base; 2) the open mind and the understanding of everyone else. It can't become mainstream from misconceptions. We're not all born knowing what metal is. Most people of the planet don't even know what it sounds like. Hearing Metallica on MTV can't be enough. They don't even want to know more. Therefore, they build misconceptions and stay away. Or they hear of the black metal atrocities and put the evil stigmata on the entire genre.

>> Kamppi, Helsinki: Finnish metalhead gone shopping. Notice the subtle humor - the Christmas-themed bag :)

Now, what makes a Finn be so metal? In a determinist tradition, most say that it's the weather. Moving onto the cultural level, we are reminded that Finns have this special way to be, that they care about their myths and ancestral traditions, they are deep and in contact with nature. Add the honesty, the love for the deeper thoughts and knowledge, the existential turmoil and gloomy inner atmosphere. It's the most fertile territory for the metal philosophy. Deep and sad, melancholic yet strong and straightforward...
But metal also means strength, determination and endurance. Just what Finns have proven during the past centuries! Foreign domination tried hard to oppress their spirit, but the ancient traits remained strong and now have emerged with incredible energy in the heavy scene. The result is a widespread frenzy and a feeling of identity.

Crowd at TUSKA metal festival 2009, Helsinki

Two of the best appreciated bands in Finland (as well as abroad) are ENSIFERUM and AMORPHIS. Both get their lyric themes from battles, distant heroic times and from the national epic Kalevala. While the youth usually tends to stay away from tradition, dusty books and consider folklore as too out-of-date, many of the Finns are now fallen under the spell of their own myths and heritage.

How about the metal masses ( metallimessu)? The Washington times , Austria's Heraldsun or this Russian website prove that this had been in the news all over the world. Not to mention the tv programes I've seen myself! Yes, Finns praise the Lord with heavy music. To them, music alone is beyond the idea of good and evil. Music is human, made from and for humans' feelings. Even if it's heavy, it still falls in the same category. At first sight it may seem as a trick to atract teenagers to church, but in fact it only gathers those who have love for God, as well as for metal. And they show to the rest that it's possible.
Metal seems to overcome any false principle in Finland!

Beautifully Extreme: SHADE EMPIRE, MORS PRINCIPIUM EST

MORS PRINCIPIUM EST - the ruler of the underrated, but extremely potent bands out there. I hear more and more people who mention it, and heavy club djs have it in their playlists. It can't be a bad situation then! But it's surprising to see that Finland itself doesn't know much of it. The band exists for several years and has 3 amazing albums. I will be very daring in praising them - not just because I love them, but also because those who had the chance to hear MPE share the same feelings. That is, if they have an appreciation for melodic death metal. It's pretty much unlike CoB, Norther or other Finnish bands in the genre, instead being closer to Swedes like Dark Tranquillity, yet with some dark melodic side typical for Finland. While the guitar sounds in the typical Finnish way and thus outstands from the landscape, the bass and drums have much drive and make a strong base. The very fast guitar pace is sometimes crossed with electro elements, all being just a bit of spice to make MPE unique and to sustain the atmosphere. It's no cheesy mix, no clean vs. growl vocals or other popular tricks. It's like a storm, with very dark clouds gathering tight, and with fierce lightning dancing behind. Try 'Pure', 'The Lust Called Knowledge' or 'Eternity's Child' (amazing solo!). And, whether you like then or not, also listen to 'Into illusion'. This track is somehow apart from all the others. I think it's a masterpiece with no genre, just Finnish metal. It starts with a slow part that grows gradually, very captivating. Soon comes the surprise element - Jori Haukio's clean vocals, extremely soft and sad, in a low tone that just made want a whole album sung like that. Then plunges into a frenzy of harsh vocals and a chorus in which the drum is the king. The gradation keeps going to the end, with the same drum being the spine of it, now in a different pace. Stunning!

'Inhumanity', the first album, was released in 2003, the golden year for Finnish metal in my opinion. 'The Unborn' and 'Liberation = Termination' followed. Every melodeath listener should have heard of these. It's a band that might grow on you and provide a good moment whenever you're looking for one. Also, if you're a headbanger, there will be something serious to work it on!
Official website
Myspace

SHADE EMPIRE, formed in Kuopio in 1999, exhibits a black metal with strong symphonic and electronic elements. I was quickly blown away, because these guys are not shy to incorporate in their music a strength that is rarely seen. This kind of majestic arrangements and atmosphere could put them in the gallery - with no exaggeration - next to DIMMU BORGIR, although they're not aiming for any sort of 'true black metal' or Norwegian gloominess. Their tracks are driven by an intimidating force and darkness. However, instead of having just a sort of 'black metal solid block', we have an exciting long journey. The way SE puts the electronic elements is simply insane. In 'Harvesters of Death', for example, there is one part that reminds of creepy alien movies and it's quite cool. 'Victory', after having displayed a fast and crushing guitar part, like the frenzy in a battle, ends with an unexpected but very well put saxophone melody. The well-known Marco Hietala joins the band to create a bitter, melodic and unforgettable chorus on 'Human Sculpture'. This one is also my favorite lyric-wise, as otherwise I'm not too impressed by their writing skills or ideas. In the end, to be honest, I gave up caring about this, because the music is simply too much. Whenever and to whatever SE song I listen to, I find myself amazed at all the delicious effects and details they were able to mix. Juha Harju also plays bass in AJATTARA, another top band for me. Obviously I like my black metal to be diverse, with the dark, sinister atmosphere and anger mixed together. I listen to the 'first wave' too, but I'd rather have a daring and tasty mix.
I could recommend any song from this band. 'Silver Fix' has that kind of grandeur of symphonic black metal that's just too thrilling. Yes, thrilling, that's one good word for this band. Also,'Pain and Pleasure' would stop its anger for a lovely surprise, delivering a solemn, dark moment of tension.

Official website
Myspace

What I Know About Finns - PART I: My first experiences

It was year 2000, meaning over 9 yrs ago, when I first had contact with what I was about to call 'my true brothers in the North'. In all this time I haven't spent a day without establishing a connection in some way with these people: reading articles, history and literature, observing forums and discussion boards, looking through thousands of pictures, listening to their music (of course!) and especially talking to them.
Now, when it's been almost a decade of proud Finnish passion, I'm asking myself: what have I gotten to know about them?

I took only my personal experience first, to let me see for myself what they are about. The first Finn I truly got to know is still my friend even after 8 yrs, in which we've grown apart, as quite different individuals, and even argued much. So, today I can tell that Finns care for a friendship. This was not the only one to show me loyalty. Looking at the changing figures around me, I see how life brings people together only to separate them after a while. And I see that the constant figures are mostly Finnish...

Review: ETERNAL TEARS OF SORROW - Children Of the Dark Waters

Released: May 27th, 2009
Suomen Musiikki/ Massacre Records

Tracklist:

1. Angelheart, Ravenheart (Act II: Children Of The Dark Waters)
2. Baptized By The Blood Of Angels
3. Tears Of Autumn Rain
4. Summon The Wild
5. Sea Of Whispers
6. Midnight Bird
7. Diary Of Demonic Dreams
8. When The Darkest Night Falls
9. Nocturne Thule
10. Sea Of Whispers (Acoustic Reprise)

EToS is the band that could never be put in a specific category, due to its many influences: black metal, melodic death metal, symphonic and, of course, gothic metal. After several important changes in the line-up and another long waiting for the fans, this is what we get with Children of the Dark Waters: a masterpiece!

It is a flaming album, despite of the cold, depressive artwork. It has depth and layers, which makes it listenable for the long term. It reminds me of my personal favorite, Fallen by FOR MY PAIN..., an album that still has much to offer me, even after 6 years. Though different in genre, these two bands actually have something in common: Jarmo Kylmänen has been working with both. Is CotDW resembling the last material or the earlier works? Well, it is a mixture of everything, plus something more. The album brings together many of the delicacies that built the band's reputation. Being a huge fan of A Virgin And A Whore and Chaotic Beauty, I was healed of my nostalgia. Certain songs remind me of their previous masterpieces, in terms of melody, guitar works and aggressive + emotional attitude. Female vocals are also present, and the guests for this album are the wonderful Miriam Renvag of RAM-ZET and Heidi Parviainen of AMBERIAN DAWN. Lyric-wise, CotDW goes from tales of tormented souls to mysterious dark fantasy of the North. Coldness, sorrow, revenge, all are present and veiled in a feeling of apocalypse.

As soon as the opening track begins - Angelheart, Ravenheart (Act II: Children of the Dark Waters) - one is facing a solemn atmosphere and darkness, as well as the anticipation of a serious symphonic layer. The attempt in this album is to sound harsh, more bitter and more aggressive. Also Baptized By The Blood Of Angels and Summon The Wild prove it. The gothic influences are strong, yet the darkness of this musical pieces comes from the whole blend of various styles elements. Baptized... is probably the best of this material, with hypnotizing, fast guitar riffs that build an outstanding, aggressive and menacing tune. What is the general atmosphere and lyrics content is well shown by the chorus of this track: "Baptized by the blood of angels,/ Gained the heart of the darkest kind,/ In his veins flows the soul of ravens/ For the end... For the dusk of humankind".

Tears Of Autumn Rain was the choice for a single, for being so catchy and impressive in its keyboard parts. With the words 'tears', 'autumn' and 'rain', no one can point to anything else but the EToS tradition. One great surprise is Sea Of Whispers, a ballad which reminds of The River Flows Frozen. No, it's not a daring comparison. It's simply a remarkable track. If the vocals sound similar to you, just note that Jarmo is Juha's brother. The song begins with an emotional piano part, introducing Jarmo's scorching vocals, draining all life and hope: "When the last angel's falling above the crimson sea,/ By the sun's final rising, I don't even see...". And so begins this vision of an apocalypse, very well marked with Allti's growl towards the end. Well put effect.

The second half of the album goes a bit more epic, which can be heard especially in When The Darkest Night Falls. Not an impressive track, though. What doesn't go unnoticed is 'Midnight Bird', the one that managed to remind me of EToS classics such as Aeon and Nocturnal Strains, but without those key arrangements. Diary of Demonic Dreams is the big surprise of the album (either good or bad, depends on your taste). The clean vocals here are in the heavy/power area. Until Altti's voice came in, I had the feeling I was listening to a whole different band! However, this heavy-oriented song proves the diversity reached by EToS.

With Nocturne Thule starting a bit boring, hopes tend to be less high, but this song is actually a Northern anthem full of splendor! It breaks the general sorrow and grimness with its ascending and inspiring melody line. The soaring chorus done by the choir is something to remember! And with these lyrics to support it, you get an enchanting song: "When the winter night is the guide out of the light/ You'll see the sky of northern lights/ I have seen the flames inside burning too bright/ We'll share this cold and freezing night". It may sound like old NIGHWISH to some, though, due to the female vocals/ male clean power-style vocals combo.
The closing track is the acoustic version of the balled Sea of Whispers. Not absolutely necessary, but very nice work, a pleasure for the ears and for the darkened soul.

For 2009, CotDW is an important comeback and affirmation of the Finnish metal. An album with interesting touches, with songs going from insane, fast rhythm sustained by the pedal and slow, thoughtful, emotional parts. Could feel repetitive at first, but it's the type of material that unfolds with every spin and, nonetheless, with some love for the sophisticated and sorrowful metal of Northern Finland. For its type, it is strong, speedy and melodic enough to enslave you.

9.5/10

Eternal Tears of Sorrow is:

Altti Veteläinen – vocals, bass guitar
Jarmo Kylmänen – clean vocals
Jarmo Puolakanaho – guitar
Mika Lammassaari – guitar
Janne Tolsa – keyboards
Juho Raappana – drums

Links:

http://eternaltears.info
http://www.myspace.com/etos1
http://metalfromfinland.com/Eternal%20Tears%20Of%20Sorrow

TUSKA 2009 - Day 3

Third day and things still going. No need to mention the drunk people, they were present from the first day. Greeting the sunshine again and heading to the tent where I can see AMORAL as starters. This year, the Finns have released a new material and announced a big change in their ranks: the well-known Ari Koivunen would join them. It is a big change, and that's why the old fans were skeptical for the band's future. Well, I have never listened enough to this band, but it was ok to watch it. They are fast, they are daring, and Ari is simply restless. He surely has the attitude, but to my ears his voice still sounds too young. However, there are some improvements in his singing technique.
I don't know on what side were the people gathered in front of the stage. Some of them made it clear that they want the old vocal back. Probably most of them accepted Ari. Or maybe they were just interested in other attractions of the show...I don't really know what to say. AMORAL will certainly never be the same. But Ari is not bad, he just wants to do his best, to simply rock out and it shows. He feels on stage like a fish in the water. So, yeah, one more thing done, I've finally seen Finland's Idol. (Also found him later in On the Rocks - really ok and friendly guy)

Next in line: STAM1NA and their huge crowd. I skipped them some time ago at RUISROCK and some Finns told me I should be ashamed of that. Well, now I see them and no, it's not a band I would listen at home, but they're quite entertaining in a festival. I couldn't see much of what was happening on stage, just noticed blond hair, blond hair and blond hair (the pink accessories went just fine with it ;) ). They do have some energy! Cannot tell what they played - anyway, they're very Finnish and fun.

With ELUVEITIE from Switzerland, things were different. I've seen them playing before, they're high on top of the new wave of folk metal and their bassist was especially enthusiastic for this Finland show. They appear on stage, the public is obviously thrilled, but... no bassist?! Confusing. Only later we find out it's been a mater of lost flights or something... Anyway I couldn't tell if he was needed or not. In front, I heard everything but the guitars. In the back, as I was told, one could hear nothing else but the guitars. The crowd seemed to dig the whole show, there was a large enough pit. New material was not promoted, so nobody fell asleep, but instead praised the Celtic gods of war, and perhaps of beer too.
MY DYING BRIDE (on Radio Rock stage) is one of those ultra-classic bands that has never really made a huge impression for me. Unless it's SHAPE OF DESPAIR, I'm not falling for the doom thing. This concert was for me a stroll between the first rows and the less crowded places in the back. While their riffing, the melodic and strong parts were dragging me closer and making me nod my head, the slow, pure doom parts were making me leave and look for some coffee. Especially the new songs. I'm sure this is blasphemy to the fans, but I'm just not a lover of the genre. However, good points for the vocal, who's not bored at all with his songs (he could have been, knowing for how long he's been singing them over and over) and shows crushing emotions. He looked like living a tragedy and I always appreciate when musicians act in tone with their music and not mocking their own works.
The last act for TUSKA 2009... was VOLBEAT from Denmark. Strangely, they sounded so American. this becomes less strange if we think about their influences, such as early rock'n'roll. However, in that Sunday evening anything would've been welcome - who wanted to go away and put an end to the festival?! Maybe it was this reason, maybe it was the everlasting hunger for more good music or just the open mind state that I get after so many concerts... so I kind of enjoyed this band. So did the audience!
It was well worthy to stay for one more show. The golden sun rays, the stage lights, the energizing rhythm, the happy bouncy people around - all these made it sad and confusing. This was TUSKA OPEN AIR 2009, now over. I wanted more and more. It made me feel so free and so proud to be a metalhead. Ah, but getting emotional is not a proper ending, so here I let you look at some TUSKA-style, special focus on haircuts. Because we like it ;)Thoughts on the festival:

• Very well organized, very easy to reach and to handle everything. Friendly people all around - we are brothers of metal, after all!
• ENSIFERUM and SABATON were the highlights in my opinion.
• The continuation club gigs (Tuska Jatkoklubit) totally improved the whole experience. The festival would have been so much less without these, if you ask me. Excellent choice of bands for the clubs, great locations (TAVASTIA, NOSTURI, VIRGIN OIL CO.) and unforgettable party mood.
• If people were complaining about the band choice for this year, think that Finland has already seen pretty much everything in metal. It's very hard now to bring something new and successful.
• 28.000 people attended. Not as in the previous years, but still good enough.
  

Note: Please excuse the poor quality of most photos! My camera doesn't work well in low light conditions and I also have to blame all the movement around...

TUSKA Jatkoklubit: Ajattara

AJATTARA, LIE IN RUINS, SLUGATHOR


It seems that I have to surrender to everything that involves Juha Harju. The frontman of my beloved SHADE EMPIRE also plays in AJATTARA, which I admire terribly much. I don't think there's a better dark metal band out there. Pasi ' Rouja' Koskinen (ex-AMORPHIS) is responsible for the vocals here, but he does a very different job from his previous stuff. It is darkness and mystery, hellish echoes, endless cold and harsh lyrics in Finnish. For some, it may be too much, or too hard to understand. However, it's not like one of those extreme black metal bands. It stands out due to the melodies and atmosphere, the mid-tempo and slow parts. Never boring, always enticing, waking up something from the depths of the mind and bringing something from the age of dark myths. The mood that AJATTARA generates got me hooked from the first time I heard it and TUSKA 2009 made another dream come true.


Their music, as well as their presence are very well put together. Pasi is quite good on stage, he also contributes to the show visually. Harju and Kalmos are a great duo. The atmospheric part was not quite what I expected, but I believe it's not always possible to sound just like the record, especially when we're talking about something so refined. It was different, but not missing! The real disappointment of the gig was the absence of certain songs, in spite of the fans who kept on asking for them. The much-desired ones, and for damn good reasons, were 'Ilon Päivä ' and 'Ägräs'.This definitely left me wanting more. The pain from the headbanging wouldn't matter. Anyway, their slower tempo could not cause too much pain. At least we had 'Yhdeksäs'. So, we left in the night, embracing the sea smell and the sight of the harbour, longing to hear the songs that were missing. I was dying for those. Still it haunts me.