WTF Capital of Metal showcase – interview with Awake Again

WTF Capital of Metal brings a rock-solid lineup of Finland’s most promising metal artists to Tavastia & Semifinal on 22–23 May 2025. WTF Capital of Metal – Helsinki’s new showcase & conference event focusing on metal and alternative music, will showcase a total of eight Finnish artists to Tavastia and Semifinal as part of its evening program.

Chaoszine interviewed the participating bands and here is what metalcore band Awake Again shared with us:

How does it feel to be part of this year’s WTF Capital of Metal showcase?

It feels amazing — we’re genuinely honored and excited to be part of this year’s WTF Capital of Metal showcase. This event brings together some of the best rising talent from Finland’s heavy music scene, and to be included among these killer acts is both humbling and electrifying. We can’t wait to hit the stage and show what we’ve got.

What does participating in a showcase event like this mean to you as a band at this point in your career?

This kind of opportunity means a lot. We’ve been grinding, evolving our sound, and pushing to reach new heights — so being selected fo WTF is a sign that our hard work is being recognized. It’s also a major chance to connect with both new fans and key industry professionals from across Europe, which could open doors we’ve been working toward for a long time.

Have you played a similar showcase event before – in Finland or abroad? If so, how did it impact your journey?

We’ve done a few showcase-style gigs in the past, but WTF feels like it’s on a whole different level. Previous events have definitely helped us build experience, grow our fanbase, and make valuable industry connections — all of which laid the groundwork for us to take part in something like this now.

Do you feel Finland needs more events like WTF Capital of Metal to support the international growth of metal bands? Why or why not?

Absolutely. Finland has a world-class metal scene, but breaking internationally still takes the right kind of exposure and support. Events like WTF give bands a crucial platform to be seen and heard beyond our borders. It’s not just about getting gigs — it’s about building sustainable careers, and these kinds of events are vital in making that happen.

How important is it for your band to reach international audiences, and what steps are you currently taking toward that goal?

Reaching international audiences is one of our top priorities. Through our surging numbers in TikTok we have noticed that our music speaks to a global crowd. We want to be out there performing, connecting, and growing beyond Finland. We’re constantly developing our live show, refining our sound, and working on material that can resonate anywhere. This showcase is one of the steps — and hopefully a launchpad for more.

Have you performed outside of Finland already – or do you have concrete plans to do so soon?

We’ve had some experiences abroad: once in Wacken Open Air in 2018 and once in Stockholm. We are actively working on bringing our live show to more international stages. Playing outside Finland is definitely on the near-future roadmap.

What are your next goals as a band in the near future – new releases, tours, or label deals, perhaps?

We’re working on new music as we speak and a new single is to be expected very soon. Releasing new material, touring more widely, and potentially partnering with the right label are all part of our next phase. We’re in a very motivated and creative place right now.

Anything else you’d like to say to the international metal community or industry professionals watching this showcase?

Thank you for being open to discovering new music and supporting bands like us who are still climbing. We’re here to bring passion, energy, and honesty to every note we play. If you’re into what you hear, let’s connect — we’re ready to take this journey to the next level, and we’d love to have you with us.