Korpiklaani: 1720 - Los Angeles, CA - 4/27/24

Jun 16

Finnish folk metal legends Korpiklaani announced their return to the USA after several years. This time, they brought with them Visions of Atlantis and Illumishade. One of the many stops on the tour was the 1720 warehouse in Los Angeles, California. Even before doors opened, a line had already formed outside with metal fans eagerly waiting to see some amazing European metal bands.
Illumishade is a heavy metal band from Switzerland. In February 2024, they released their second album Another Side of You. This tour would make the band’s first USA tour. The band features singer Fabienne Erni and guitarist Jonas Wolfe who formed the band are members of Swiss folk metal band Eluveitie. The band came out and were greeted with cheers by the audience. Illumishade started their show with “Elegy,” the first song from the new album. In no time, the venue was filled with the beautiful vocals from Erni. Even though they were the first band of the touring package, that didn’t stop the band from giving it their all. They played songs like “Riptide,” “In the Darkness” and “Rise.” Even with a short set, Illumishade made every minute count and were clearly happy to be in the USA. The last song of their performance was “World’s End” which is also the first single the band ever released. Illumishade thanked the audience for coming out then left the stage. A great start to the show and it was just getting started.
Visions of Atlantis are a symphonic metal band from Austria. In 2022, they released their eighth album, Pirates. On Jul 5th, they will release their new album Pirates II - Armada via Napalm Records. The lights went out once again and the now packed venue roared with excitement as the members of VOA made their way to the stage. The first song performed was “Master the Hurricane” from the latest album. To match the theme of their latest album and upcoming album, the band members are all dressed up as pirates which included hats, boots, telescope and mugs. The duo vocals of Michele Guaitoli and Clémentine Delauney are a perfect fit for the music. VOA kept the party going as they continued with “Clocks” and “Mercy,” more songs from the latest album. To celebrate the release of the upcoming album, VOA treated the audience to some new songs. Those songs were “Monsters” and “Tonight I’m Alive.” The performance of “Pirates Will Return” was extra special because Guaitoli made the audience sit down and row as if rowing a boat out at sea. The final song for their performance was “Legion of the Seas” which is easily one of their best songs. VOA bowed to their audience then left the stage. A great show so far and the headliner was still yet to come.
Korpiklaani released their twelfth studio album Rankarumpu ("Ragged Drum") on April 5, 2024. This is their first USA tour in several years and it was great to have them back. Being that they’re from Finland, it was no surprise to see that the majority of their songs are sung in the language of Finnish. As Korpiklaani was getting ready to hit the stage, you’ll notice that their stage was covered in wooden fences and plants, almost like being in a forest. Korpiklaani came out and started their show with “Kotomaa” (Homeland), the first song from the new album. Right away, you can hear the classic folk metal sound that has made the band famous. For a show like this, alcohol and dancing along are pretty much mandatory. Korpiklaani kept the dancing tunes going as they played songs like “Happy Little Boozer,” “levan Polkka” and “Pixies Dance.” With fast folk metal music being played, it was no surprise to see a mosh pit that went on for the whole show. The final song of their performance was “Sanaton maa” (Speechless Ground). Korpiklaani finished their set, then left the stage. All seemed quiet for a few minutes. Hearing the crowd’s cheering, Korpiklaani decided to come out for a few encores. Those encores included "Viima" (Icy Wind), "Saunaan" (Sauna) and “Beer Beer.” After a long set, it was sadly time for Korpiklaani to call it a night. The last song of their performance was their most popular song, “Vodka.” With a very catchy chorus, fans could be heard singing along, moshing, and of course, drinking alcohol. Korpiklaani bowed to their audience, then left the stage once more. The whole package was great and if you see any of these bands coming to your area, it’s highly encouraged that you go see them.

Korpiklaani