Anyone who knows me will understand how important Vorna is to me. Their debut album Ajastaika was one of the two main inspirations for me starting to travel to shows overseas, as it left such a massive impression on me and as they were only a small Finnish band, I knew I had to travel to see them rather than wait for them to make it over to the UK. Over the five years of being a fan of this band, I’ve got to know them as my friends and have been lucky enough to see them live several times over this period.
When they announced their tenth anniversary show, I knew there was no way in hell I could miss it, and duly booked flights out to Finland to see this special performance. It was nice to be there with so many friends (including several who were there as a direct result of me introducing the band to them!) and once again it was a fantastic show from the six-piece.
Opening with Hiiden taival, it’s a track that serves well as both an album opener and set opener. There’s a good amount of might and power to the track, and it got the crowd suitably hyped up as it progressed. The first highlight of the evening came with the third track, Itsetön. One of my personal favourites of their second album Ei valo minua seuraa, it was a very moving and emotive delivery and I’m unashamed to say I did get a little misty-eyed during watching this song!
Following this was a dual delivery of Ukkonen and Kaivatun uni, two favourites of mine from Ajastaika, and there was such energy and momentum to the two more energetic pieces from their catalogue that it was a joy to witness and bang my head along to.
The set also included a performance of the first song that the band wrote (as translated to me by my friend stood next to me!) entitled Snowcovered Land. Taken from their EP Menetetty, the song still had its slightly rough vibe whilst also being given a more polished spin, and it was a real treat to hear something from their back catalogue. As well as this, we were also treated to a brand new song entitled Syvyydet from their upcoming third album, and if the sound of that song is anything to go by, then we’re all in for a treat when that gets released.
The set finished with Hiljaiset rauniot, and it was an absolutely mighty sounding rendition that served as the perfect way to round up an already-fantastic performance. It was clear that everyone onstage was giving it their all (indeed, they did from start to finish!) and I had goosebumps by the time the closing chords rang out, followed by the roars of cheers from their hometown crowd.
It was a fantastic night with a five star performance from Vorna (my only complaint being the lack of their song Ikuiseen iltaan, but I suppose I can let that slide because the rest of the set was so perfect!) and it has been an absolute privilege to have joined them for the most recent five years of their musical journey. And to Vorna – congratulations on ten years of being a band, and here’s to the next ten!
