6 Goth-Rock Songs From Finland
The 69 eyes, Ville Valo, To/Die/For, Sentenced, Entwine & Lost Society.
The English goth scene of the late 1970s with bands such as Bauhaus, The Cure and Siouxsie & The Banshees became popular beyond the United Kingdom. Particularly Finland, inspiring their own gothic scene. Jyrki Witch from Finnish gothic rock band Two Witches (formed in 1987) explains that he:
‘‘ (…) became interested about this subject [the Gothic subculture] in the early 80s (1980 or 1981, if I remember right), because of the first bands like Bauhaus, Siouxsie & The Banshees, UK Decay, Joy Division... And because of the first photos from the clubs of London.” (Schwöbel, 2006, p.32)
Afterwards, an influx of new bands emerged in Helsinki. The first gothic rock band in Finland was Musta Paraati (established 1982). They released two albums Peilitalossa (1984) and Käärmeet (1983). Soon other bands followed such as Syyskuu, Shadowplay and Liikkuvat Lapset.
Laura Schwöbel explains that at the time the scene did not consider itself as goth, but it is exactly Helsinki which is the birthplace of the Finnish Gothic subculture. The scene fell silent for 2-3 years however it was rejuvenated in 1987 by the opening of a club ‘‘called ‘Black Celebration’, run by Jana of Advanced Art, Jyrki Witch of Two Witches and Anne Nurmi, back then of Two Witches, nowadays known from Lacrimosa’’(Schwöbel, 2006, p.32). Schwöbel further explains that the survival of the Gothic subculture in Finland was due to the Finnish bands 69 Eyes, H.I.M and The Rasmus in 2000 ‘‘which lead to a renewed interested in Gothic subculture by the media’’(Schwöbel,2006,p.35). H.I.M has become one of the most successful Finnish bands. Their album Dark Light (2005) became the first Finnish album to achieve gold sales in America, reaching Top 20 of the Billboard 200 in 2005.
Goth music is ‘‘the pastness of the present and the presence of the past’’ (Van Elfren and Weinstock, 2005, p.66). I think these songs are perfect representation of this. This is a list of my favourite 6 Gothic rock songs from Finland. To get the most out of this listening experience some salmiakki chocolate is highly recommended (it`s the best!)
VV- The Foreverlost / Neon Noir (2023)
Before forming H.I.M. in 1991, Valo was in many bands and he supported the grunge band Mudhoney in April, 1992 in Lepakko. He was in bands such as Terapia and Pesti. Pesti was made possible by the ironic funk metal band Donits-Osmo Experience, in which, in addition to Valo, his Oulunkylä Pop & Jazz college friends, Joel and Vilma Melasniemi, later moved to Ultra Braha, and Antti Lehtinen.
2023 started with the release of Neon Noir, Ville Valo's debut album on Heartagram Records. The 12 song album features songs such as Echolocate Your Love, Loveletting, Baby Lacrimarium and The Foreverlost. These debuted at number 1 in Finland and in Top-5 in Germany. Also, VV released a three-track EP Gothica Fennica Vol. 1 back in 2020. Neon Noir was an anticipated release since H.I.M.’s final world tour Bang and Whimper – The Farewell Tour in 2017.
Suicide by love's night vision heart
I'm not ready to die but it's getting late
Forever, The Foreverlost
Forever lost in you
I think the album takes a introspective approach on his own feelings, writing solo and writing during the pandemic-the uncertainty of the future. His vocals are more mellow and softer. One thing that the future did provide for VV was the The Neon Noir tour with sold-out shows and intensive first round tour in Europe & UK that commenced earlier this year. The tour will continue in America (co-headlining with Black Veil Brides) with added dates for 2024 in London, Baltics and the rest of Europe.
Ville himself is a fan of The Cult, Sisters of Mercy, Depeche Mode, Jane’s Addiction and Bad Brains. These bands not only influenced H.I.M.’s 8 records, but Neon Noir by considering the ‘‘unpredictability of those bands, musically speaking’’ (Graff, 2023). Vile introduced this aspect into his own debut album, exploring this journey through emotions. He described the album as “some much-missed glitter all over modern-day doom and gloom…12 lessons in reckless abandon without spilling the red” (Daly, 2023).Valo is continuing his poetic lyricism, taking the listener on an emotional ride and not abandoning the essence of H.I.M. The same dark and heavy gothic romance, which searches for love & solitude is present. This sound and essence is characteristic of music of Finland. About the sound and success of H.I.M., Vile explains that:
I'm killing myself for your love and again all is lost
In 777 ways I love you 'til my death do us part
I'm for you-I'm for you
(And my heaven is wherever you are)
To/Die/For - New Years Day / IV (2005)
Another melancholic rock band going on tour in 2023 is To/Die/For (they reunited in 2020). Originally under the name Mary-Ann, the band originates from Kouvola (a rich place with 450 lakes and Arboretum Mustila- the oldest and largest tree park in Nothern Europe). The band released their debut album
All Eternity in 1999 and toured with Sentenced, Dark Tranquility, Lacrimosa and In Flames.
Along with 7 albums, the band has released singles and covers. Notably, ‘‘In the Heat of the Night’’ (2000), ‘‘(I Just) Died in Your Arms’’ (2003) and ‘‘New Years Day’’(2005). The band has got that gothic-Suomi sound. It`s distinctive with its mellow, cold and eerie tones. Also present throughout the vocals and synth. The band’s former keyboard player Juska Salminen, was also in H.I.M. and went to pursue a Masters degree in Arts in Youth Work Leadership and Development.
It seams unfair to add a cover song to this list, but the way they have transformed this song is remarkable. Emotional and haunting with beautiful vocals from Jarno ‘Jape’ Perätalo. Their album Epilogue (2001) is a great example of how the band re-defined their sound. It includes songs ‘‘Garden of Stones’’ and ‘‘Hollow Heart’’ which topped the Finnish single charts and gathered many fans from Mexico City, Istanbul and around the world.
Haven of shadows in the garden of stones
Cold wind blows out the flame
And darkness surrounds me again
The sparrow starts silently singing
A song only she and I know
Entwine - Closer (My Love) / Gone (2001)
Around 60km from Kouvola, you will find Lahti. The birthplace of the gothic metal band Entwine. They are know for their thought provoking romantic songs and heavy riffs. The flawless addition for melancholic music fans.
I rinse my face with your tears
Too many tears for the end; Darling, please, don't you cry
You hold your breath; You try to hide your pain
Here in my embrace
Released in 2001, Gone features songs ‘‘Silence Is Killing Me’’, ‘‘Snow White Suicide’’ and ‘‘Close (My Love)’’. It won the Album of the Month from German magazine Hammer. Whilst ‘‘New Dawn’’ (2001) entered the Finnish Single Charts at Top-10. The band originally formed as a death metal band under the name Kaamos with vocalist Tom Mikkola. The band became Entwine in 1997.
In spring of 2000, Mika Tauriainen gathered the band further commercial appeal. His strong and warm vocals draw similarities with Layne Staley from Alice In Chains. Their second album Time Of Despair (2002) includes ‘The Pit’’ which debuted at the 6th place on the Finnish Singles chart. In 2004, the band released their fourth album diEversity. It took on a heavier style with ‘‘Bitter Sweet" reaching 3rd place on the Finnish Single Charts whilst the album reached No. 11 on the Official Chart of Finland.
Caress my heart and make me whole
'Cause it's the only way to keep my self control
The band has released records under Spin-Farm Oy (Spinefarm Records- which also released VV-Neon Noir this year). The band played their last show in 2019. To not end this section on a sad note, I think you would enjoy the band’s cover song from their debut album The Treasures Within Hearts (1999). Btw if you close your eyes tight enough for one moment, it sounds as if Layne Staley is signing. Check out H.I.M.’s interpretation also.
Sentenced- Home In Despair / Crimson (2000)
One of the most well known and recognisable bands of the Finnish gothic rock scene is Sentenced. Originally named Deformity, the band was founded by Miika Tenkula (vocals and guitar), Tuure Heikkilä (drums) and Lari Kylmänen (bass). In 1989 Heikkilä left the band and Deformity became Sentenced.
I feel home in despair for I dwell in grief
And I feel home when the air's too thick to breathe
And I feel home anywhere the light of day is drowned in heavy rain
The band began their career in Muhos in 1989 with their first demo “When Death Joins Us…” (1990). In 2002, they released the single ‘‘The Cold White Light’’ which reached number 1 place in the Finnish Music Charts, whilst the album took the 45th place on German Album Charts. Their most famous song "Killing Me, Killing You" was released on Crimson (2000). They toured the USA with Massachusetts Killswitch Engage and Swedish bands Dark Tranquillity and In Flames.
For me, the music video for the song ‘‘Killing Me, Killing You’’ is a perfect example of who the band are. Heavy, mellow riffs, with melancholic lyrics surrounded my isolation and darkness….the powerful vocals that develop into soft and soothing notes…Whilst looking so cool and badass. This is Sentenced.
Significantly, the band has released a concert movie Buried Alive (2005) that was directed by Mika Ronkainen. The album The Funeral Album (2005) received the gold status for sales of more than 15,000 copies sold in Finland. Moving the album at the top of the album charts list in Finland and 49th place on the German Media Control Chart. The single ‘‘Ever Frost’’ took the 1st place in the Official Finnish Single Chart for 6 weeks.
The 69 Eyes - Wasting The Dawn / Wasting the Dawn (1999)
The scene would not be imaginable without the legendary The 69 Eyes. With band members Jyrki 69, Bazie, Timo-Timo, Archzie and Jussi 69. Established in Helsinki 1989, The Helsinki Vampires (also known as The 69 Eyes) always have leather jackets and black hair. They have:
‘‘an eclectic penchant for morbidity, glamour, sex and the supernatural, these nocturnal animals embody both the foggy essence of Scandinavian goth rock and the lusty decadence of Sunset Strip glam, haunting everyone from goth rock ghoul to metal dude, from glam rock cat to rockabilly fiend. It’s classy, it’s sexy, it’s raunchy, it’s dramatic’’ (The 69 eyes, 2023).
Been running away so long from the day
Into the strange night of stone to fade away
As the light is gently bleeding out of my soul
Penetrating the evening as I ride on this endless road
The band has been playing for 34 years now. They have released songs such as ‘‘Feel Berlin’’ (2004) from the album Devils (2000) which achieved the gold status in Finland. Also ‘‘Lost Boys’’ (2004), ‘‘Brandon Lee’’ (2000) and ‘‘Gothic Girl’’ (2000). Releasing 12 albums in total with sold out shows.
During the earlier years, the band was compared to Hanoi Rocks and Smack, for their glam style, they transition from glam to goth rock with the album Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams (1997). The band has featured guitarist Andy McCoy (from Hanoi Rocks) on the track ‘‘Wild Talk’’ from their album Savage Garden (1995). "Wasting the Dawn" (1999) was released on Roadrunner Records and marked a milestone as a debut on the American record label. The song was a tribute to The Doors' Jim Morrison, with Jyrki 69 directing the video. And featuring Ville Valo at the scene of the snowy cemetery as the ghost of Morrison.
Lost Society - 112 / If The Sky Came Down (2022)
Currently on tour (2023) with Amorphis and Sólstafir, on their If The Sky Came Down tour- it is Lost Society.
I suppose, many would not place this band in the gothic category, but I thought it would be only fair to do so. Especially, as the band is on tour now. Anyone looking to get into Finnish metal and the scene should check out Lost Society. Not only are they amazing, energetic and truly professional live- Samy Elbanna has a powerful voice with a wide vocal range. Mixing, metal, goth and nu-metal together in a modern twist.
I suppose, this is just an excuse to put this band on the list-simply because they are incredible !
When I feel no stress, I'm left with voices in my mind
Like a human being suffering
Like a needle penetrating skin
Believe me when I say there's something wrong in my design
With listeners from Santiago, Mexico City and across Europe; the band established in 2010 in Jyväskylä. In 2012, Lost Society won the Global Battle of the Bands contest as the Finnish qualifiers which allowed them to perform in London at the finals. They released their debut album Fast Loud Death (2013) and toured with Children of Bodom.
Their second album Terror Hungry (2014) placed at number 6 on the official Finnish music charts. With their third album Braindead (2016) placing itself on the 3rd place. Fourth album No Absolution (2020) reached the 4th place in the Finnish charts. In 2016, the band toured with Exodus throughout England, Germany, The Netherland and Ireland. They have also played with Slayer and Anthrax in 2015.
