I swear my original plan was to review the whole December Doom event, but after spending Hanging Garden’s set thinking about how excited I was to finally see Kuolemanlaakso, and spending Throes Of Dawn & October Tide’s sets feeling on top of the world and catching up with friends…this clearly wasn’t going to happen. (Side-note: Hanging Garden is SERIOUSLY awesome and even though I’m not able to properly review them this time, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to them if you aren’t already a fan.)
Anyway, to Kuolemanlaakso. The last time I saw this incredible band live was about three and a half years ago at KuopioRock, so it’s been a long wait. Seeing my favourite bands is always a special experience, but I have to admit that seeing them in a more intimate setting was so much more special than a festival performance.
As the opening chords of the first song Aarnivalkea filled the room, I instantly got goosebumps and as the song progressed, it just got more and more breathtaking. The song is the whole package, and works as well in a live setting as it does in a recorded setting. Following Aarnivalkea was Minä elän, one of my personal favourite songs by the band. It’s a song that means a lot to me, so hearing it performed right in front of me was special for many reasons.
With Ikiuni bringing the energy, it helped to give the set variety and substance, switching up the tempo and packing a massive punch. Contrasting nicely between slower, chunkier songs Minä elän and Nostos & Algos, it felt very refreshing. The highlight of the night had to be Tuonen tähtivyö, however. One of the most beautiful songs in the band’s back catalogue, the live rendition had a special sparkle to it (no mean feat in itself!) and it was so crushingly good.
Winding things up with Aurinko, it was a very satisfying end to an incredible set. The songs blended together well, with everything flowing well from one track to the next – the seamless transition between songs worked well and although it’s an approach that may not work for everyone, it certainly does work for Kuolemanlaakso. It’s easy to stand there and get lost in the music, just letting the beauty take you over, and that’s what makes for a perfect gig.
Kuolemanlaakso may not play live very often, but they always make it count when they do – and it was a privilege to bear witness to such a stunning performance in Vantaa.
