Ville Valo, the frontman of HIM, performing at Tuska Open Air Metal Festival in Helsinki’s Suvilahti district on July 1, 2017. Picture: Tony Öhberg for Finland Today
HIM is one of those unique success stories, a Finnish brand, a rock giant, created in the span of 26 years. During the decades, the group has earned one of the most loyal fanbases in the world. They are the first Finnish group to receive a gold album in the US. If the poster says that HIM is performing, the venue is likely to be sold out, as was Saturday at Tuska Open Air Metal festival in Helsinki’s Suvilahti district, where HIM headlined late in the evening.
The fact that this was one of the last times the band will be seen on stage in Finland did surely not hurt the sales either. “After quarter of a century of love and metal intertwined, we sincerely feel HIM has run its unnatural course and adieus must be said in order to make way for sights, scents and sounds yet unexplored,” Valo said in a bulletin.
Valo seemed to warm up as the evening progressed. Picture: Tony Öhberg for Finland Today
The rain had just stopped when the members of the band stepped on stage, vocalist Ville Valo in front. “It’s an honor to be performing to you,” Ville Valo said.
Guitarist Mikko “Linde” Lindström going all out. Picture: Tony Öhberg for Finland Today
Mikko “Mige” Paananen thumbing the bass. Picture: Tony Öhberg for Finland Today
My favorites of the evening included “Wicked Game” and “Wings of a Butterfly.” Valo’s vocals were strong as he went from very low to high, and as the evening progressed, he just became wilder and his voice seemed even stronger.
“Heartkiller” was one the highlights of the evening, too. “Join Me In Death” made the crowd sing in unison.
Valo’s vocals were in excellent shape. Picture: Tony Öhberg for Finland Today
After two hours, the concert ended in fireworks during midnight, just as “When Love and Death Embrace” reached its final chords.
What a farewell for a band that sounds like it would be in its prime.
HIM pulled together the biggest crowd of the evening. Picture: Tony Öhberg for Finland Today
Many of the farewell tour’s concerts are already sold out.
