On June 11th, 2024, Californian metalcore gold record-certified band OF MICE AND MEN, with local support RISING INSANE, took over Hole44 in Berlin. RISING INSANE is a metalcore/post-hardcore band from Bremen. The audience was loud, and the stage was decorated with neon strobe lamps. Their music has post-hardcore and metalcore roots but sounds a lot more melodic and soft. Vocalist Aaron Steineker was interacting with the crowd and asking them to dance from right to left. It was entertaining to watch happy fans jumping around the venue. I was not familiar with their music, but it sounded solid a ..read more

Finnish metalcore newcomers, LUST FOR LILY, just released their debut EP, “Relinquish.” We chatted with the band about the debut EP and how they started out as a band. Read the complete interview here… Hi there! Thanks so much for taking the time to do this interview. Hi! And thanks for having us! The reactions have been better than expected. People seem to have enjoyed the EP, and the reviews have been brilliant! You are a new band formed in 2022. Can you talk a little bit about your history as a band? How did you all meet and end up starting a band together? We all come from the same group ..read more

British metalcore bunch WHILE SHE SLEEPS is introducing a somewhat reimagined version of the band on their sixth studio album “Self Hell,” due out on March 29th, 2024, via Spinefarm Records. On their past records, the weight of the writing process rested largely with only a few band members, whereas, on this new outing, each musician’s vision has made a formidable contribution to the effort as a whole. Perhaps this is the secret ingredient that factors in on how the endeavor echoes the work of a wide array of influences, ranging from PRODIGY, LINKIN PARK, AFI, and even Brian Eno. You see, meta ..read more

On February 28th, 2024, at Schlachthof in Bremen, electrifying performances by FIGHT THE FIGHT and THE HIRSCH EFFEKT supported the final tour for the headliner, LEPROUS, promoting their latest album “Aphelion.” From the energetic start by FIGHT THE FIGHT, to the heavy and atmospheric continuation by THE HIRSCH EFFEKT, and the astounding climax by LEPROUS, this evening was truly one to remember. Check our photo gallery of FIGHT THE FIGHT, THE HIRSCH EFFEKT, and LEPROUS here… Fight The Fight ..read more

On February 28th, 2024, at Schlachthof in Bremen, electrifying performances by FIGHT THE FIGHT and THE HIRSCH EFFEKT supported the final tour for the headliner, LEPROUS, promoting their latest album “Aphelion.” From the energetic start by FIGHT THE FIGHT, to the heavy and atmospheric continuation by THE HIRSCH EFFEKT, and the astounding climax by LEPROUS, this evening was truly one to remember. FIGHT THE FIGHT from Norway kicked off the concert with great energy. What stood out musically from their performance was definitely their dynamic stage presence and the alternative elements in their c ..read more

March kicked off with a bang at On the Rocks, featuring a diverse lineup of CRUCIFY THE FAITH, KARMANJAKAH, and ALLT. The night was a mix of local talent and Swedish acts, offering an array of experiences for the eager audience. The evening began with the homegrown sounds of CRUCIFY THE FAITH, local guys whom I’ve witnessed on stage multiple times. I felt sorry for them because, once again, the audience did the most Finnish thing by standing far back from the stage, leaving the front completely empty except for me and another photographer. I guess it’s easier for us to move around and take our ..read more

Despite the public transportation strikes turning Helsinki’s center into a ghost town on February 2nd, 2024, the anticipation for the triple treat of SELF DECEPTION, ONE MORNING LEFT, and DEAD BY APRIL at Tavastia stage drew a massive crowd. The line to enter wrapped around the block, but everyone got inside really fast after the door were opened. Despite concerns about the strikes affecting the show, the event went on without a hitch. The venue was packed well before the first notes echoed through the air. Kicking off the night was SELF DECEPTION. This was my first experience witnessing their ..read more

On February 2nd, 2024, the Tekkno World 2024 Tour arrived in Berlin. German fun metalcore band ELECTRIC CALLBOY, along with American rock metal band NOTHING MORE and Japanese alternative project SiM, stormed the home arena, Velodrom. The arena was sold out, with about 12,000 people attending. Berlin was the first city on the tour, and its residents stood in major queues outside, preparing for the evening. The opening act was SiM (SILENCE IZ MINE) from Japan. Their music is a mix, ranging from metal to punk to ska and even pushing into reggae. All band members were energetic and dynamic, and fe ..read more

Groovy riffs, metalcore breakdowns, nu-metal elements, and versatile vocals that range from melodic and ethereal all the way to deep growls and screams have made INFECTED RAIN a force to be reckoned with in the metal scene. With so much going on, their music is not easy to label falling somewhere between metalcore, groove metal, and modern metal though the consensus is that it slaps. Their latest album, “Time,” was released on February 9th, 2024, via Napalm Records and it showcases the (now) four-piece Moldovan band in splendid form. Musically, this is a rather heavy affair with an intricate ..read more

I kicked off my music photography journey for the year in the familiar and vibrant atmosphere of On the Rocks, Helsinki, where ANYALA and IN MOURNING were set to play on January 4th, 2024. The evening kicked off with a powerful performance by the Lahti-based band ANYALA. Despite a slight unease in their stage presence and vocals, the overall energy they brought to the stage was undeniable, leaving the audience thoroughly entertained. The much-anticipated headliner, IN MOURNING, the melodic death metal act from Sweden, took the stage later in the evening, fulfilling the expectations of many in ..read more