Sunday 23 February 2014

Turisas @ The Talking Heads, Southampton 22/02/2014

War paint, battle-axes, mosh pits and metal could only mean one thing...Turisas fought and conquered the last battle of their UK tour at Southampton’s Talking Heads.


Chicago metal heads Starkill got the final battle off to an exhilarating start. Their highly infectious energy circulated around the venue that I think encouraged massive audience participation. The musicians themselves are incredibly talented and very passionate particularly guitarist Tony Keathley; his originally slick solos and riffs were a crucial highlight of their set. They were most certainly the right band to start off the night of metal and I hope they come back to the UK very soon.


I had seen Finnish battle metallers Turisas a few years ago when they played Southampton University and I remember being impressed with their live show. Last night was no exception. Anticipation and excitement were already travelling around the venue as the band entered onto the stage. Turisas entered with such liveliness and drive, dramatically opening with Ten More Miles. There was a song on the setlist for everyone last night; from the triumphal gallant Rex Regi Rebellis to the classic disco cover Rasputin this eclectic setlist of songs went down very well with crowds at this sold out show. Nothing was going to stop Turisas, even when either their impressive stage smoke or the temperature in the room triggered the heat sensors twice and like true warriors they battled on to make sure their fans got the best show. Since this happened, my respect for the Finnish metallers has gone through the roof.

The experience was truly enthralling; everything from the general atmosphere of the venue to the fantastic music was just perfect. So far the best live show of 2014.

Find Starkill here
Find Turisas here

Words by Charlotte Whittingham

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