Finntroll, Moonsorrow and Swallow The Sun Concert Review

Tour packages with a theme are always a smart move, probably more so when all of the bands are from the same country. I would imagine that packaging a tour in this manner would be easier to organize and manage from a logistical standpoint. As evidence, the recent appearance of Finntroll, Moonsorrow, and Swallow The Sun, all pagan themed bands from Finland, was pulled off without a hitch at the package tour’s stop at the House of Blues on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, California, on April 25th, 2010.

Originally, melodic death metal act Survivors Zero was to be included on this tour, but had to drop off prior to the first date. Therefore, each of the three remaining bands was given time for a long set, and each made the most of the opportunity to present themselves to an American audience.

Swallow The Sun

Swallow The Sun were up first, and the HOB was already nearly filled to capacity to catch the band’s entire set. For a relatively slow approach to the music, Swallow The Sun displayed a great deal of energy and enthusiasm for a set of well-played melodic doom. Choosing cuts from throughout their discography, Swallow The Sun’s 45 minute long set list included “New Moon,” “Descending Winters,” and “Sleepless Swans.” Swallow The Sun were quite good, and the L.A. crowd, obviously familiar with the band, was appreciative of the band’s performance with rousing applause at the set’s conclusion.

Moonsorrow

Moonsorrow played the HOB about a year ago on the Paganfest II Tour, were the obvious highlight of that show, and were greatly anticipated by this crowd. Moonsorrow, frankly, flattened the crowd with a crushing, tight set that was high on energy and aggression. Playing for about 50 minutes or so, the obvious set highlights were “Pimeä,” the second half of “Tulimyrsky,” and the closer, a blistering rendition of “Aurinko Ja Kuu.” Moonsorrow were enthusiastically received, and their set would be hard to top this evening.

Hot on the heels of their critically acclaimed recent release Nifelvind, Finntroll delivered a huge set clocking in at well over an hour. Opening with “Blodsmarch” and “Nedgang,” Finntroll wasted no time with trivialities such as in between song stage banter, and ripped through a very large set list covering their discography. My personal favorite Finntroll album, Nattfödd, was well represented with “Trollhammaren,” “Eliytres,” and the title track. Great sound, great stage presence, Finntroll had it all.

Overall

As expected, this was another great package tour with professional bands, great sound, and a well-organized performance. However, I’m still left wondering when a new full-length album from Moonsorrow will be released.