From hardcore fury to Bathory glory – Hellsinki Metal Festival final day ends in high note

The final day of Hellsinki Metal Festival was a true rollercoaster of styles, atmospheres, and energy levels — a perfect conclusion to a weekend that proved once again why this event has cemented itself as one of the top metal gatherings in Finland. Final day brought an eclectic mix of hardcore, grindcore, deathcore, black metal, and even dark folk, showing the broad palette the festival curates so well.

Filling in for Ill Niño might have been a last-minute change, but it turned out to be one of the best early calls of the whole festival. Lähiöbotox stormed onto the stage with an infectious energy that never let up. The band looked like they were having the time of their lives — and the audience was right there with them, moshing, shouting along, and feeding back the enthusiasm. It was the perfect slot for them, and the “good vibe” they created was arguably one of the best moments of the entire weekend.

If intensity could be weaponized, Angelmaker would be considered a weapon of mass destruction. With three guitarists and two vocalists, they delivered a wall of sound that could crush bones. Their massive tone, blistering riffs, and guttural growls left no room for subtlety — this was pure sonic punishment in the best way possible.

Seeing Napalm Death live for the first time is like being strapped to a rocket and launched into a chaotic maelstrom. The grindcore veterans were razor-tight, relentless, and unapologetically loud. Frontman Barney Greenway was his usual animated self, firing off bursts of banter between songs and twisting his body into bizarre shapes as if the music itself was possessing him. Napalm Death also brought a huge crowd despite being that early to see their set. One of the highlights for most of the audience for sure.

One of the best “discoveries” of the day came from France in the form of Landmvrks. Their set was high-energy from start to finish, whipping the crowd into a frenzy of jumping, clapping, and movement. It was impossible not to get swept up in their energy, and by the end, they had won over a ton of new fans — myself included. Their singer, Florent Salfati, also did some spray painting in the middle of the show which was a cool add to their rap metal-ish sound.

Hardcore titans Hatebreed were always going to be a crowd favorite, and they delivered exactly what everyone wanted — and then some. This was one of the true highlights of the entire festival. The synergy between the band and the audience was electric, with walls of death, circle pits, and a constant roar of voices singing along. You could tell both sides were feeding off each other’s energy in a way that only happens during special sets.

Probably the most intriguing act of the weekend, Me And That Man brought a moody, atmospheric contrast to the otherwise crushing lineup. Nergal (of Behemoth fame) showed a completely different side of his artistry, delivering a set steeped in dark blues, folk, and gothic Americana. It was the kind of performance that pulls you into its world — and I’ll definitely be diving deeper into their catalog when I’m back home.

Black metal royalty took the stage next, and while Venom’s raw, gritty sound might not have the precision of some modern acts, their sheer legend status and influence cannot be overstated. They played with conviction and reminded everyone why their name is carved into the very foundations of extreme metal. Haven't paid much attention to them during the last 15 years or more but no matter what you think about them, you gotta give it to them being legends and that they've influenced so many bands from Metallica to Hatebreed.

If there was one set that truly encapsulated the magic of day two, it was this. A rotating cast of musicians came together to honor the late great Quorthon and the legacy of Bathory under the name Blood Fire Death. The hall was absolutely packed, the stage lit with pyro, and the atmosphere dripping with reverence and excitement. Even for those not deeply familiar with Bathory’s music, the performance was mesmerizing — both a heartfelt tribute and a powerful spectacle.

One of the unspoken traditions of Hellsinki Metal Festival is that the final act is always something special. Past years have given us Watain’s fiery ritual and Mayhem’s shadowy career-spanning celebration — each an unforgettable closing statement. This year’s choice, the Bathory tribute, was yet another spot-on finale. It felt like a communal moment, a celebration of metal’s history and spirit, and a perfect way to send the crowd home buzzing.

Hellsinki Metal Festival 2025’s final day was a triumph: varied yet cohesive, energetic yet atmospheric, brutal yet soulful. Well done, Hellsinki Metal Festival — you’ve done it again.