W.A.S.P. returned to Finland celebrating their first album

American heavy metal legends W.A.S.P. brought their 40 Years of W.A.S.P. tour to Finland, marking four decades since their groundbreaking 1984 debut. With all three Finnish shows - in Oulu, Helsinki and Tampere - completely sold out, the band once again demonstrated the unbreakable bond between themselves and their loyal Finnish fanbase. Saturday night’s Helsinki concert was a particularly special celebration, filled with nostalgia, energy, and moments of genuine emotion.

The show began about fifteen minutes behind schedule, but anticipation quickly turned to eruption when the first notes of “I Wanna Be Somebody” blasted through the hall, followed by the equally iconic “L.O.V.E. Machine”. From there, W.A.S.P. powered through nearly the entire debut album, performing 10 out of 13 tracks from their first record. Each song hit with the same reckless spirit that made the band infamous in the ’80s, while the crowd sang along word for word — fists in the air, voices hoarse, smiles wide.

Much has been said throughout the years about Blackie Lawless and his health, with many questioning whether the frontman could still deliver at the same level. On this night, he answered every doubt with authority. Lawless moved confidently across the stage, engaging the audience with fiery charisma and delivering his vocals with impressive strength. His voice carried the grit and power that defined W.A.S.P.’s early years, and his performance showed both conviction and gratitude. The rest of the lineup played tight and well, a clear reflection of the chemistry built over years of touring together. Every member shone with no weak links. Every once in a while the setlist however felt if some of the so called fan favorites after the debut album celebration could have been changed to even better options like the mysteriously dropped from the setlist classic "Animal (Fuck Like A Beast)" having its way back.

After finishing most of the debut material, W.A.S.P. treated fans to a few beloved staples before closing with an explosive “Wild Child” and “Blind in Texas”. Before the final number, Lawless delivered an emotional speech in memory of his longtime friend Ace Frehley, who had passed away just days earlier. Though a few drunken voices attempted to interrupt, most of the audience stood respectfully still, clearly moved by the sincerity of the moment.

The sold-out the House of Culture was proof that W.A.S.P. and Finland share a special, enduring connection. Fans of all ages filled the venue, celebrating four decades of defiance, melody, and metal attitude. After 40 years, W.A.S.P. seem to remain a live force to be reckoned with: loud, proud, and unapologetically themselves. And while it’s hard to say how many tours are still ahead, if this were to be the band’s final bow, they would be leaving the stage on a true high note. But judging by the energy in Helsinki, it feels like Blackie Lawless and W.A.S.P. are far from done.