BARREN EARTH: Helsinki On The Rocks; Debut New Material

Are they doom? Are they death metal? What's for sure is that part of the band was a creative force in AMORPHIS, the early years, so that's a clue as to the modus operandi. Others have hands in MOONSORROW or SWALLOW THE SUN,. Olli-Pekka Laine (bass) might be recognizable from the old days, but now completely shaved Kasper Mårtenson (keys), no way! After a successful North American tour, the band is back home, working towards a second release and trying out some new material. What better kick off than the day before Tuska, the three-day festival in Helsinki? In the subterranean cove that is On The Rock, just off the main square, BARREN EARTH drew a sizeable, curious crowd. Laid out horizontally, rather than vertically, the club provides limited opportunities to see the band, but given the dim lighting, sight lines don't really matter.

Live, they are NOT the tired, motionless band I witnessed at FME in February 2010. Orange and red lights, with plenty of smoke, a photogs' paradise, start the show. Then there's the Triumph inspired, blinding light show, certainly built for a larger stage, the lumens here verging on blindness. Still the crowd is undeterred. Lively and animated, 'Our Twilight' kicks things off. 'Flicker' settles into the more atmospheric realm, but the band showcase a few unreleased numbers, including 'Passing The Crimson', 'Vintage Warlords' and 'As It Is Written' amongst the ten song set.

Given what was aired tonight, can't wait to hear the finalized product!