Some concerts are just shows – you go, listen, enjoy, and then go home. But sometimes they take you somewhere else. Last night at Drizzly Grizzly was one of those. Four bands, four completely different moods.
Let’s start with a regret: I arrived too late for the first band, Halls of Oblivion. From what I heard, they put on a fantastic opening set, setting the perfect tone for the night. And, of course, I missed it. Typical.
The first band I saw was Ater, and I was not ready for this. Their music is dark – not just in sound, but in feeling. You don’t just listen to Ater; you feel them in your bones, in your skin, in every cell of your body. It’s heavy, emotional, almost suffocating in its intensity. The stage was almost swallowed in shadows, and the atmosphere? Pure doom and despair. But in the best way possible. Some bands play heavy music, but Ater lives it. And for the whole set, the audience was completely inside that world. Their gig was a deep dive into something dark and raw.
After the weight of Ater’s set, Nytt Land was like stepping into another universe. Their music is a journey into something old, something almost sacred. The throat singing, the deep, slow drums, the hypnotic chants… I swear, if someone told me this music could open a portal to another world, I would believe them. There was something trance-like about their set. Nobody talked. Nobody moved too much. It was like we were all under some kind of spell. And maybe we were. Because for those 30 minutes or so, time didn’t exist. It was just the music, the rhythm, and this strange feeling that we were part of a ritual.
And then came Leaves’ Eyes, and suddenly, everything changed. If Ater was darkness and Nytt Land was mysticism, Leaves’ Eyes was pure energy. This is what symphonic metal should be – big, dramatic, emotional, and above all, fun. From the moment they stepped on stage, you could see it: They were happy to be there. Not just playing but really enjoying the moment. The whole band was smiling, moving, jumping, interacting with the crowd. And that energy spread like fire through the audience.
Alexander Krull, the charismatic frontman, was particularly engaging. He turned the concert into an friendly experience. Between songs, he addressed the audience with a mix of humor and sincerity, touching on topics beyond music. At one point, he made a statement that resonated with many: “Politics divide, Heavy Metal unites“. It was a simple yet powerful sentiment, and the crowd roared in approval.
Elina Siirala‘s vocals soared effortlessly over the powerful instrumentals, blending operatic elegance with sheer intensity. Krull, never one to stay still, played the perfect counterpart – growling, headbanging, and hyping up the crowd. The chemistry between the two was undeniable, making for an enthralling visual and auditory experience. The entire band exuded enthusiasm; they were living the moment, and their excitement was infectious.
One of the highlights of the night was when viking invaded the stage and fought fiercefully before our eyes. It was theatrical, yes, but in the best possible way – exactly what you’d hope for from a Leaves’ Eyes show. The fusion of history, mythology, and raw metal energy created an atmosphere unlike anything else.
Nearly at the end, The band shared what was presumably vodka with the front row, further solidifying that sense of camaraderie and celebration.
A night to remember.
