Europe boasts an endless parade of metal festivals each summer that draw in thousands of spectators from all over the world. Some of these events have become massive social phenomenons as well. Germany's Wacken Open Air Festival hosts over 80,000 people during its three day run every August. But what about the fans who like to see a large collection of bands but can't tolerate the crowds and the chaos? Jalometalli is the perfect compromise. Founded in 2002 and hosted in Oulu, Finland, the festival hosts a small but exciting assembly of internationally known metal acts. They focus on thrash, death, and black metal, which is a boon to anyone wishing to avoid the misery of bands like Hammerfall or Leaves' Eyes. Additionally, the fest's location means a smaller attendance than at the mainland events with barely 2,000 people present each year. This means a far more manageable and relaxed concert experience, which again is a huge benefit for those who hate attending show the size of a small city.
Despite its relatively small scale, Jalometalli proved to be a heady dose of metal excitement. If you live in Austin or elsewhere in the US, perhaps the reports below might encourage you to make the trip next year. Read on and find out why!
Thursday, August 12, Jalometalli warm-up show
Reviewed: Winterwolf and Horna
Friday, August 13, Jalometalli, day 1
Reviewed: Rytmihäirö, Destruction, Macabre, and Carcass
Saturday, August 14, Jalometalli, day 2
Reviewed: Forced Kill, Coprolith, Urn, Black Crucifixion, Melechesh, Demilich, and Triptykon
For more info: Visit the Jalometalli Festival site for more coverage from this year's event. It's in Finnish, but you'll get the idea.
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