Hellsinki Metal Festival draws 16,000 fans to Helsinki

The fourth annual Hellsinki Metal Festival attracted approximately 16,000 attendees to the Nordis arena in Helsinki over two days. Despite initial criticisms regarding the lineup, the event was largely sold out, establishing itself as a niche destination for fans of legendary and credible metal acts.

Headlining performances included the German band Accept, performing their 50th-anniversary tour, and Sweden’s Opeth. Other notable performers included Black Label Society, featuring guitarist Zack Wylde, as well as Carcass, Paradise Lost, and several Finnish acts such as Kalmah and Omnium Gatherum.

Beyond the music, the festival featured diverse programming including a Dark Art Gallery, tattoo stations, and wrestling demonstrations. The event also served a charitable purpose, raising funds for Mieli Ry and Naisten Linja. During a performance by the band Ikinä, a moment of silence was observed to honor victims of violence against women, highlighted by a stage presence of 15 female metal vocalists.