Suomenlinna, Helsinki, Finland
Blow The Scene’s Senior Photographer, Dante Torrieri recently embarked on a trip to Finland where he captured a radical show and set of pictures of Finnish bands Forca Macabra, God Given Ass, Oheisvasara, and Käpykaarti, all available below the fold for your viewing pleasure.
First question everyone has asked is- “Why Finland?”
The answer- I lived in Finland from the end of 1998 through 2000 as an exchange student and this trip was my first back in 14 years. Had a very good time catching up with old friends and even got to catch a show. Ear candy was supplied by Forca Macabra, God Given Ass, Oheisvasara, and Käpykaarti. The venue being a former railway station converted into the now legendary punk staple Rauhanasema, which translates to “Peace Station” in English. Aptly titled, as there are several peace organizations such as Food Not Bombs that operates in the building regularly.
Forca Macabra started the night off and I’d wager they are the most familiar name on the bill for those of us outside of Finland. The band formed in 1991 and was an integral part of the 90’s underground crust punk explosion. The band executes a style of “Brazilian punk” with all lyrics and vocals in Portuguese, while hailing from Finland. These d-beat veterans have seen split 7″s with Corpus Christi and Armagedom and found widespread notoriety with the 2002 release of Caveira Da Força. It was good to see the band still going strong in their home country, as they proceeded to play a vicious set that quickly ramped up the Finn’s po-going and body-bashing early in the evening.
God Given Ass is a more recent addition having formed in 2009 with a few 7”s under their belts. Lead vocalist, Otto is better known for his role with popular Finnish rock band, Tehosekoitin who made their mark in the 90’s and early 2000s. Other members have done stints in the Patsy Walkers before joining the current ranks.
Käpykaarti live at Rauhanasema
Oheisvasara was the big crowd draw of the night, and not surprisingly with this being their first show since 2001. This was a band I enjoyed frequently while living in Finland, making this event a great opportunity to see lots of familiar faces. Oheisvasara originally formed in 1993 and ran strong with a rotating roster of musicians before disbanding permanently in 2001. This special reunion show even featured guest appearances from former members spanning multiple phases of the band’s legacy. One former vocalist, Mariska, who is currently a successful solo artist and lyric producer for mainstream Finnish pop artists, was also on hand to to perform a few songs with her former bandmates. Original member and dual vocalist Une has also had some success outside of the band acting in a few Finnish comedies. Mari and Une were the final vocal pairing during the band’s active tenure and proceeded to perform most of the songs on this particular night. Une, guitarist Janne, and drummer Otto are currently members of Rytmihäiriö, a crossover punk/metal band that has also enjoyed some mainstream success in Finland.
Rauhanasema venue circa 2000
Rounding out the bill was political band Käpykaarti featuring smart lyrics and showcasing saxophonist, Satru of such great Finnish puck bands as Olotila, Alakulttuurin Kusipäät and Pax Americana. Satru‘s main function in Käpykaarti being mainly vocal duties at present, there was still some sax thrown in for good measure.
Words and photos by Blow The Scene Senior Photographer, Dante Torrieri (Useless Rebel Imaging)
Forca Macabra
God Given Ass
Oheisvasara
Käpykaarti
Tallinn, Estonia
Suomenlinna, Helsinki, Finland
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