Metal, Hardcore, Indie, Rock
The New Wave of Finnish Metal (NWOFHM) is a music alliance that strengths heavy and power metal bands in Finland and abroad. The alliance promotes for example dedicated live events, like the one that happened on Saturday 30th of May at Bar Loose, Helsinki.
Celebrating the 2 years of existence of the NWOFHM, the event brought together four bands representing different shades of Finland’s contemporary heavy scene.
RoadKill opened the night, delivering a straightforward and heavy sound rooted in classic thrash metal traditions. Despite performing without their bassist, the band from Tampere showed no signs of slowing down, maintaining a tight and aggressive presentation.
The strong Metallica influence in their sound was impossible to miss, since RoadKill’s music combines sharp riffs with a driving rhythm section. The band performed, for example, “Razorback” from their debut album “Bleed for the Crown” (2025), which was particularly well received by the audience.
Taking the stage a bit after nine o’clock, Freedomination brought to Bar Loose their blend of thrash and progressive metal, infused with elements of traditional heavy metal and even punk rock. Hailing from Vantaa, the band released their debut album, “Until the Lights Go Out”, in 2025, from which songs like “Second Chance” and “Unleash Hell” drew a particularly strong response from the crowd.
At one point, a member of the audience requested “The Raven,” and the band even seemed to consider the idea for a few seconds, but unfortunately it never made its way into the setlist. I must admit that I would have loved to hear that song performed live as well.
Even so, Freedomination’s performance at the New Wave of Finnish Metal event was a strong mix of heaviness, technical abilities, and energy.
Ratbreed delivered one of the evening’s most energetic performances, without a doubt. The crowd responded enthusiastically, feeding off the band’s energy.
Highlights included the songs “Under Fire,” “Master of Deception,” and “Escape from the Asylum,” which brought plenty of headbangers to the front of the stage and helped create an electrifying atmosphere from start to finish.
Celebrating ten years as a band, Ratbreed showed the confidence and chemistry that comes with experience. The vocalist was particularly engaging, interacting constantly with the audience and commanding attention throughout the performance.
Closing the evening, Rebellix brought to Bar Loose also a heavy and powerful set. Songs like “I Don’t Care” and “Not Afraid”, one of my favorites of the group, set the public on fire.
Despite facing a momentary lineup challenge due to their bassist Mandy being sidelined by an leg injury, the band performed with a substitute bassist and in no single moment the group’s harmony seemed to be negatively affected by this.
The band also played “Gimme, Gimme, Gimme,” a new single released only a week before the event. The fresh material fit naturally into the setlist and demonstrated the band’s commitment to creating new good and heavy music.
With crushing riffs, strong stage presence, and a confident performance, Rebellix ensured the night ended on a high note.
The New Wave of Finnish Metal event proved that Finnish metal continues to thrive beyond the country’s best-known names, with passionate musicians and dedicated audiences keeping the scene alive at grassroots venues such as Bar Loose. Already looking for the next!
