The band has recently changed their entire lineup, and one can argue that it was for the better musician-ship or a whatever else technical, but for one reason it is surely true: now it is probably the hottest (looks-wise anyway) black metal act on Finnish stage. This also explains the number of girls in the audience, dressed n black of course and adorned with chains and spikes, and if those men on stage can also play something of quality metal, something seriously heavy and something convincingly meaningful, then those men are priceless! And we already know for a fact that the best metal men are supplied from Finland. I wish they could cook the way they look… And no amount of bad lighting, absolutely useless sound-engineering or venue’s bad acoustics can influence the impression Ajattara makes with their music. Surprisingly, for such a small venue, the band gathered a few, but very devoted, fans, who’d headbang practically on stage in front of Pasi, who by the looks of it, was mentally totally unpresent. His way of singing was as if addressing an unseen for us, but perfectly visible for him, opponent. Pasi so passionately, but as if on his last breath, with so much indepth feeling, roaring his whole insides out, bending over in some convulsions, yet headbanging to save his life, so desperately screaming, as if his life would end by the end of the chorus’ line. And so is the whole setlist of the evening, all sounded so desperate, so painful, yet strong and very emotional. This was not acting, this was genuine feeling and empathy, and the fact that the lyrics are all purely in Finnish make no difference, as his gestures and facial expressions of hopelessness were so vivid, a marble sculpture would have been moved. Almost with a fullscale mosh-pit and some serious headbanging before the tiny stage, Ajattara growled through the setlist. The band itself is such a treat to watch, as the three frontmen headbang in line, although in different styles, but wholly and completely away with their music, excellent stage-presence, taking turns at the microphone. Very bad sound and poor lights, but those were some minor tiny details you wouldn’t even notice behind the music and the screams. And whatever language it was, quality, but above all, depth of expression and honesty of every word and gesture, this is clear and sexy in any language.
Ajattara setlist 15.11.07 Ilkitie Werivalta Turhuuden Takila Iki-Yössä Madot Raato Hurmasta Naaras Antakaa Elää Putoan Alttarilla Aamu Encore:--------- Haureus
