Metal, Hardcore, Indie, Rock
After presenting on the previous day at Ankea Festival in Tampere, the Norwegian musician Sylvaine brought her immersive and emotionally charged performance to On the Rocks in Helsinki on June 7, 2026.
Known for her ethereal blend of shoegaze, post-rock, and atmospheric black metal, Sylvaine delivered a concert that gradually transformed the venue from a somewhat reserved gathering into a fully captivated audience. The crowd was initially quiet, but as the performance grew more intense and emotionally impactful, the audience responded in kind.
The evening opened with material from her 2016 album, “Wistful”, but things intensified with songs like “Fortap” and “I Close My Eyes So I Can See“. The song “Mono No Aware” felt incredible, with its heavy guitars and screaming vocals.
On a personal note, shoegaze and atmospheric black metal are not exactly among my favourite genres. However, Sylvaine‘s performance transcended stylistic boundaries. Thanks to her remarkable talent and the outstanding musicians accompanying her, the concert became something far greater than just a specific genre presentation: it was an intense and genuinely beautiful experience.
Kathrine Shepard, the voice behind Sylvaine, also proved to be a charismatic presence on stage. Between songs, she interacted with the audience and took the time to introduce her live band members: Dorian Mansiaux (drums), Maxime Mouquet (bass and vocals), and Florian Ehrenberg (guitar and vocals). Their contribution was essential, helping recreate the immense sonic landscapes that characterise Sylvaine‘s music while adding considerable power to the live performance.
Listening to Kathrine’s clean vocals, it was impossible not to be reminded of Dolores O’Riordan of The Cranberries. While the comparison naturally ends when Sylvaine unleashes her ferocious black metal screams (Dolores was not a black metal singer), the clarity and quality of her singing often evoked memories of the late Irish vocalist.
The concert concluded with an excellent encore featuring “Mørklag“ before closing with a moving rendition of the traditional Norwegian song “Eg Er Framand.”
Even for listeners who may not typically gravitate toward atmospheric black metal or shoegaze, Sylvaine‘s live show stands as a compelling reminder that truly exceptional artists can transcend genre labels.
