Turisas @ Southampton University; 15/11/2011

Eccentric Finnish folk metallers Turisas brought and fought the battle with the metal heads of Southampton.

Getting myself ready to go to Southampton Univeristy that consisted of dressing in a black and red combo, covering my face with black and red facepaint. I can tell you the reason for this; I was getting ready to see Finnish folk metal band Turisas for the first time and their colours are black and red. As soon as I got to the venue I got kitted out in my Turisas t-shirt I had just bought and was ready to take part in the night of heavy metal that was to be sprung onto me.

First band to play were fellow Finnish metallers Kiuas; I had only heard them briefly and liked their sound so I was looking forward to see what they brought to the stage.  They certainly were a great opening act for this night of metal; their charismatic stage prescence and passion was definitely a highlight for me. Kiuas are usually a five piece; their frontman was stuck in Finland so instead of cancelling their shows they carried on like true showmen and that was what I really admired about them. In the words of the very wise Freddie Mercury 'The show must go on'.

Find Kiuas on Facebook, Twitter and their official website

Taiwanese metallers Chtonic were up next to play; now not being the biggest fan of extreme metal I found these guys to be hypnotically incredible, bringing in oriental influences in the lyrics and music it gave Chtonic the mysteriously haunting vibe. It was amazing to see frontman Freddy Lim start to play a hena violin that arose a fantastic reaction; he also made a valid point that stuck with me for the rest of the night and that was no matter where you come from in the world that night was the night that metalheads unite together.

Find Chtonic on Facebook

The build up to the entrance of headliners Turisas was unbelievable; all over the venue fans started the call and response anthem Battle Metal whilst awaiting for them to conquer the stage. All of a sudden the lights went down; an intro piece of music was heard on the speakers and as the band members made their way onto to the stage the cheers got louder. Opening up with The March Of The Varangian Guard and performing it to the utmost perfection I could tell Turisas were well under way. I loved how they performed a mixture of material from Holmguard and Beyond to my personal favourite, Hunting Pirates, from the new album Stand Up and Fight. The violin solo half way through the set was so beautifully performed; with soft drums and piano in the background it was lovely to have a little break from the heavy music for a couple of minutes. Ending with Boney M cover of Rasputin and show stopper Battle Metal those were a clear indication Turisas gave us [the fans] exactly the show we had been asking for. From start to finish Turisas showed so much intensity, charisma, energy and passion in their performance; it spread amongst their fans as they showed the same kind of dedication for the band. That night with Turisas was one of the most fantastic experiences of my life and it has to be one of the best live shows I have seen so far.

Find Turisas on Facebook, Twitter and their official website

Tuomaslotte rates:  TTTTT

Words and photos by Charlotte Whittingham

Turisas - Stand Up and Fight

Finnish battle metalheads Turisas, who made black and red facepaint look cool, released their fifth studio album Stand Up and Fight in the UK today so of course downloaded the pre-ordered copy from iTunes this morning to listen to on the train ride to university. I have to have beome a battle metal convert, I have never listened to anything like it before and I was amazed.

The March of the Varangian Guard - Having heard a snippet of this track on the trailer for this album I was deeply intriguied, I loved the dramatic orchestral work and choirs. This was definately a great opening for an outstanding album. 10/10

Take the Day! - This song started of with the same dramatic orchestral work, this song reminded me of Northern King's rendition of We Don't Need Another Hero. I also loved the growls in this song too, it could represent the battle cries. The bass rhythm is heard clearly too. 10/10

Hunting Pirates - This song may have just become a new favourite of mine; the piratey theme grabbed me here, I love the accordian and the piratey lyrics. The rhythm is very bouncy, memorable melody are the reasons this song just made me smile, I think this is the 6th time I have listened to this song today. It may just make it as Tuomaslotte's song of the week on Facebook. 10/10

Venetoil - Prasinoi - I really love the royal instrumental opening which then turns into a battle like situation. This often happens in epic fantasy films as it tells the story of a hero fighting a battle...I could be wrong but this is what I think, really liked it. 9/10

Stand Up and Fight - This song confused me slightly, the epic battle instrumental at the beginning which then leads to slow heartfelt singing. I loved the chourus in this song, making you feel part of an epic battle. 9/10

The Great Escape - The beginning of this song did at first remind me of Sweet classic Ballroom Blitz but then it turned all battly and was reassured. There is a very marchy rhythm to the song that I liked a lot, it's one of those songs that it would be impossible to sit still too. 10/10

Fear the Fear - This song was OK. Maybe the fact it was quite long put me off slightly, the vocalist sounds like Roy Khan here. Clear bass melody, I think this song may grow on me. 8/10

End of an Empire - I like the melody of this song, I think it marks the end of an epic battle that these crazy Finnish metal warriors fought and conquered. 9/10

The Bosphorus Freezes Over - A soft sad beginning of this track did touch me, it marks the aftermath of the battle. It shows a softer side to this band and I really liked this track. 10/10

Broadsword (Bonus track) - There is usually a hidden song from a band somewhere, on this album it is the bonus track. This song was pretty good, reminding of an adventurer on a quest with his mighty weapon the sword.

Overall this album is truly one sucessful battle that these metallers fought and conquered. Truly remarkable album and possibly the best one of 2011 so far. You can buy your copy now or it's availiable to listen to on MySpace.

Stand out tracks:  The March of the Varangian Guard, Hunting Pirates and The Great Metal

Here's my favourite on on the CD

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