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In celebration of their latest album ‘Rankarumpu’ (Ragged Drum), the Finnish grandmasters of folk metal, Korpiklaani, have embarked on a 26-city North American headlining tour. Joining them on this incredible musical journey are Switzerland’s Illumishade, who are making their debut tour in the US, and the symphonic metal pirates, Visions of Atlantis. For their second stop on this tour at NYC’s Gramercy Theatre, Korpiklaani brought with them an unmatched energy that ignited the entire venue.
I had the honor of chatting with Fabi and Mirjam from Illumishade, Clemi from Visions of Atlantis, and Jarkko and Olli from Korpiklaani prior to the show. Dive into the exclusive interviews below!
Illumishade burst onto the stage at NYC’s Gramercy Theater with an electrifying energy that set the tone for the night. This Swiss symphonic metal band, comprising Fabienne Erni (Eluveitie) on vocals and piano, Jonas Wolf (Eluveitie) on guitars, Mirjam Skal on synth and orchestrations, Yannick Urbanczik on bass, and Marc Friedrich on drums, delivered a spellbinding performance. Their setlist was a journey through their musical prowess, featuring tracks like “Elegy,” “Enemy,” “Here we Are,” “Riptide,” “In the Darkness,” “Cloudreader,” “Tales of Time,” and “World’s End.”
Fabienne Erni’s captivating vocals soared through the venue, complemented by the intricate instrumentation that wove tales of fantasy and emotion. The seamless blend of metal and symphonic elements created a unique atmosphere, drawing the audience deeper into Illumishade’s world. Tracks like “Riptide” showcased their ability to craft dynamic compositions, while “In the Darkness” brought a haunting intensity that lingered long after the song ended. Illumishade’s debut in North America was nothing short of spectacular, leaving a lasting impression on all who witnessed their performance.
The highlight of the night came when Illumishade’s music inspired the crowd to create a roaring mosh pit, the first ever in the states, adding an extra layer of intensity to their already captivating show. This dynamic interaction between the band and their fans showcased Illumishade’s ability to connect on a visceral level, uniting everyone in a shared experience of musical passion and energy.
Illumishade made a massive impression on those in attendance, and their performance left fans wanting their return to the states sooner rather than later.
Visions of Atlantis took the stage next with the swagger of seasoned performers, bringing their signature pirate-themed symphonic metal to life. Having graced the US multiple times in recent months, including a previous tour with Delain, Visions of Atlantis showcased their evolution and musical prowess. Their setlist was a blend of fan favorites and new material, including tracks like ‘Master the Hurricane,’ ‘Clocks,’ ‘Mercy,’ ‘Tonight I’m Alive’ (an unreleased gem that will pleasantly shock with its reggaeton/metal feel that will have even the most sea-dogged scallywag dancing), ‘Heroes of the Dawn,’ ‘Monsters’ (another unreleased track that is bound to bring massive singalongs once it’s known), their latest single ‘Armada,’ ‘Melancholy Angel,’ ‘Pirates Will Return,’ and ‘Legion of the Seas.’
The band’s performance was a testament to their ability to captivate audiences with their symphonic arrangements, powerful vocals, and infectious energy. Songs like ‘Heroes of the Dawn’ and ‘Armada’ showcased their knack for crafting anthemic choruses that had the crowd singing along in unison. During ‘Pirates Will Return,’ Visions of Atlantis once again turned NYC’s Gramercy Theater into a massive pirate ship, captivating the audience with their symphonic metal magic and transporting them to an ocean of epic melodies and seafaring adventures.
The announcement of their upcoming album, ‘Pirates II: Armada,’ added to the excitement, promising a new chapter in their musical journey.
As they closed their set with ‘Legion of the Seas,’ Visions of Atlantis left an indelible mark on the night, cementing their status as one of symphonic metal’s most captivating acts. Their performance also served as a powerful reminder of our shared humanity. Amidst the electrifying music and metal anthems, a poignant message resonated throughout the venue: We all need to remember that we all occupy this Earth together. Let go of the hate, let go of the hunger for power and greed, and embrace our humanity. Row together in the same direction, and stop rowing against each other. This message of unity and positivity added depth to an already exhilarating night, leaving a lasting impact on all who were fortunate enough to experience it.
Korpiklaani hit the stage, and their performance was an absolute whirlwind of folk metal fervor, featuring an extensive setlist that encompassed the band’s diverse discography. From the anthemic chants of “Kotomaa” (Homeland) to the infectious rhythms of “Wooden Pints,” the rebellious spirit of “A Man With a Plan,” and the joviality of “Happy Little Boozer,” Korpiklaani delivered a non-stop barrage of energetic tunes that had the audience singing, dancing, non-stop moshing and raising their tankards in celebration.
The band’s stage presence was magnetic, with Jonne Järvelä leading the charge with his charismatic vocals and skilled guitar playing, supported by the talented lineup of musicians including Olli Vänskä on violin, Kalle “Cane” Savijärvi on guitars, Jarkko Aaltonen on bass, Samuli Mikkonen on drums, and Sami Perttula on accordion. Together, they created a dynamic and immersive experience that transported the audience to the heart of Finnish folklore.
As the night unfolded, Korpiklaani treated fans to a journey through their musical legacy, including the adventurous “Journey Man,” the infectious “Levan Polkka,” and the crowd-pleasing cover of Boney M.‘s “Gotta Go Home.” The introspective and wisdom-filled “Aita” provided a poignant moment in the set, showcasing the band’s ability to delve into deeper themes while maintaining their signature folk metal sound.
Exhibiting an undeniable chemistry and a heightened focus on folk instruments, particularly evident on their latest album, Sami Perttula on accordion and Olli Vänskä on violin showcased their exceptional talents. Their seamless integration of traditional folk elements not only added depth and richness to Korpiklaani’s sound but also highlighted their remarkable chemistry as musicians. The interplay between Sami’s accordion melodies and Olli’s violin harmonies brought a dynamic and captivating dimension to the band’s folk metal compositions. This emphasis on folk instruments not only pays homage to their Finnish roots but also showcases Korpiklaani’s evolution and versatility, elevating their music to new heights of creativity and expression.
The band’s instrumental prowess shone through on tracks like “Leväluhta,” “Sanaton Maa,” “Rankarumpu,” and “Pixies Dance,” featuring captivating solos and intricate arrangements that blended traditional folk instruments with heavy guitar riffs seamlessly. Samuli Mikkonen’s drumming provided a powerful backbone to the band’s sound, driving the music forward with precision and energy.
The encore was a fitting crescendo to the night, featuring beloved hits like “Viima,” “Metsämies,” “Saunaan,” the infectious “Beer Beer,” and the iconic anthem “Vodka.” Each song was met with thunderous applause and enthusiastic participation from the audience, underscoring the band’s enduring appeal and the timeless joy of folk metal revelry.
Korpiklaani’s infectious energy, combined with their skillful musicianship and diverse song selection, ensured that every moment of the performance was filled with joy, camaraderie, and the unmistakable spirit of folk metal celebration. Their performance was a testament to their status as pioneers of the folk metal genre, delivering a captivating and unforgettable experience that left fans eagerly awaiting their next journey into the realms of Finnish folk-inspired metal music back here in the US.
Ethereal Metal 
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