Wintersun / Whispered / Black Therapy
05 – October – 2017, Principal Club Theater – Thessaloniki, Greece.
The well-known Finnish death metal artists WINTERSUN, decided to visit Greece for the first time along with mysterious death metal band WHISPERED and atmospheric BLACK THERAPY. We had the chance to see them live at PRINCIPAL CLUB THEATRE in Thessaloniki on Thursday 5th of October.
After their five-year hiatus and their famous album «ΤΙΜΕ Ι», Wintersun came back to the frontline with a brand-new album called «THE FOREST OF SEASONS». When they announced their upcoming tour in Europe we were excited to see them coming in our hometown for a live appearance.
The door opening was scheduled around 19:30 in the afternoon. We, though, arrived on the premises of Principal Club theater a little bit earlier in order to occupy a spot in the frontline. A variety of people were waiting outdoors for the concert to start. On one hand we saw thirteen year old kids being eager eyed and impatient for what was coming but on the other hand we couldn’t help but noticing all those white long haired sworn metal heads with their beers at hand.
Doors opened at 20:00 o’ clock and as the crowd started to swarm up we rushed inside.
First to take the stage on was the Italian band named BLACK THERAPY, who proved to us that, they unquestionably honor death metal, the genre that they stand for, with a powerful performance. Dressed in black they started up by presenting us to some music from their new album «Ιn the Embrace of Sorrow, I Smile» and they even did a cover of Gary Jules’ «Mad World». A combination between the hardcore drums, the ambient guitar sound and the excellent vocals was enough to warm up the audience up and prepare it for what’s next.
Next on board were the peculiar, I’d dare to say, WHISPERED, who are Finnish as well. They appeared on stage wearing traditional Japanese Samurai suits and their faces painted in white, red and black colors, a thing that would certainly move anyone’s curiosity. Their impressive introduction followed a yet more awesome live. Raw melodic metal with influences of traditional Japanese music, unveiled before our eyes and ears leaving us speechless. They finished their appearance with an excellent performance of «Blooded Shores of Enoshima».
When the mysterious Whispered left the stage, we all knew that the time that we all were waiting for was approaching. People got on and off to set the stage for the long waited WINTERSUN. Around 22:30 in between a lot of smoke Wintersun showed up with their vocal leader Jari Mäenpää appearing last, with his strong and melodic vocals giving us the chills, as always. Teemu Mäntysaari impressed us with his guitar skills and his sparkling confidence on the stage. Jukka Koskinen, the basist and a steady member of the band showed us how bonded they remain through the years. The place of Kai Hahto, who couldn’t be there due to the overlapping tour with Nightwish, took Rolf Pilve, who really kicked it off. Wonderful, atmospheric and fiery WINTERSUN enchanted and took over the crowd with their songs and aura. Fans and band became one in the final song and personal favorite «TIME».
The setting was both happy and depressing at the same time. And you would, rightfully, ask why that is. Because all the confetti which would fall from above to celebrate our passion and happiness, also signified that we would have to say our good-byes to this awesome band.
To sum up, Wintersun showed as why they are considered to be the best of their kind by gifting us with an excellent and well prepared performance. Also Whispered and Black Therapy was a great choice as support bands, deserving a nice shout-out. The only black spot of the night was the lack of a sufficient audience turn out. All in all, the three bands gave their best self, passionate to give us an unforgettable experience.
And then it was TIME to leave…
Until we see you again, so long Wintersun.
WINTERSUN SET LIST:
- Awaken From The Dark Slumber (Spring)
- Winter Madness
- Beyond The Dark Sun
- Death and The Healing
- Sons of Winter and Stars
- Loneliness (Winter)
- Starchild
- Eternal Darkness (Autumn)
Encore:
- Time