On the first clear night after a week of rain in Southern California Finntroll, Blackguard, and Metsatöll took The City National Grove of Anaheim by storm. It was a show that plenty have been looking forward to and a show that will bound to be spoken and thought about thereafter; a show full of dancing, head banging, circle pits, and love. As the anxious concert goers filled up the venue and observed the merchandise, a couple local bands hit the stage to warm up the crowd. After a series of opening acts the audience readied for the billed acts to begin.
First up, all the way from Estonia, was Metsatöll. The band name is an old Estonian euphemism for wolf, which is found at the core of their lyrics. It is very fascinating to watch this band play. They are often featuring traditional instruments while performing songs that are based on the wars for independence of the 13th and 14th centuries. Harmonizing with the killer guitar riffs was Lauri “Varulven” Õunapuul who was also playing flutes, Estonian bagpipes, and a kantele amongst other various instruments. One of the most impressive instruments Õunapuul possessed that night was his low vocals, which really set the ambiance of the band’s whole set and flowed nicely together with Markus “Rabapagan” Teeäär leads on guitar. This was heard greatly through their songs such as “Vaid Vaprust” and “Muhu Õud”. The audience was in awe through their entire set. For many in attendance this was the second time seeing the band on North American soil. The band’s first tour state side was with Korpiklaani; so they had some fan following this time around plus creating new fans as they played their set. By reintroducing the creative collaboration of old instruments and new, Metsatöll puts the Folk back into Folk Metal!
Next up was Blackguard from Montréal, Québec. Known for their heavy touring in the past that has built them a growing fan base over the years. The band combines the forces of guitarist Terry Deschenes, drummer Justine Ethier and vocalist Paul Ablaze. Blackguard performed songs old and new, including material from their upcoming album Storm. A highlight of the set was the performance of their popular song off the Firefight (2011), “Wastelands”. The whole crowd went wild as they played through their set and the mosh pits finally took shape. Ablaze ran about the stage at a fierce rate exhibiting diesel injected energy while belting out everyone’s favorites like “This Round’s On Me” and “In Time.” It’s not often that you see a female drummer in an all male fronted band, but for some, Ethier stole the whole show as she pounded heavily on her kit. Blackguard certainly proved an energy packed set.
It was finally time for the band everyone was waiting for, the mighty Finntroll. It has been two long years since they have last been in the US when they did the Finnish Metal Tour with Ensiferum. This only added to the excitement for fans eager to see them play. Finntroll played a 75-minute set performing material from their latest album Blodsvept opening up with the title track as well as generous offering of older tracks including “Jaktens Tid”. Finntroll changed their set wardrobe from years past for this tour. In years past they have performed shirtless with long black kilts. This time they performed in regular clothes and giant elf/troll ears. Even though their fans were used to the old image they were welcoming to the new stage show. Frontman Mathias “Vreth” Lillmåns was very conversational during the way as he engaged the crowd; commanding circle pits and even paused the show so that an audience member could propose to his girlfriend. Another highlight of the show was the performance of Brandon Ellis, from the band Arsis, filling in for regular guitar Samuli “Skrymer” Ponsimaa who could not make the tour due to Visa issues. Ellis learned the set in a week’s time and performed like he has been in the band for years. We wish Ponsimaa well and hope to see him on the next tour here in the states. Sadly the night was coming to an end and Finntroll closed things out with an encore of “Trollhammaren” to which a giant circle of audience members danced around in excitement.
It was a show worth the wait. Finntroll came at Anaheim in full force and created a lot of memorable experiences for all! Hopefully the band will come back soon for another show, as their fans will always welcome it with open arms!
Written by Karina Diana Parker
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