NOVEMBER 24th, 2023
SOLSTAFIR
Review & Photos by: Polina Kulikovskikh
Gallery: http://www.metaltitans.com/concertpics/solstafir-guests/

Icelandic band Sólstafir has won fans worldwide with one clear rule: there are no rules. Mixing classic rock with avant-garde, and having started as a black metal band, their focus is on creating atmospheric and emotional music. They recently played a fantastic concert at the cozy John Dee club in Oslo on November 24th. Supporting them were Sahg and The Abbey, adding to the musical magic of the night.

The opening act of the night was Sahg, a Norwegian heavy metal band from Bergen that burst onto the music scene in 2004, enthralling audiences with a unique fusion of doom metal, stoner rock, and classic heavy metal. Founded by members Olav Iversen (vocals and guitar), Thomas Tofthagen (guitar), Tony Vetaas (bass), and Thomas Lønnheim (drums), the band has undergone lineup changes over the years.

Throughout their musical journey, Sahg has crafted a distinctive and atmospheric sound marked by potent guitar riffs, melodic vocals, and dynamic songwriting. Their evolving discography includes noteworthy albums such as "Sahg I" (2006), "Sahg II" (2008), "Sahg III" (2010), "Memento Mori" (2016), and their most recent release, "Born Demon" (2022). Each album serves as a testament to the band's versatility and thematic exploration.

Sahg's live performances have significantly contributed to their acclaim, with the band actively participating in tours and gracing the stages of metal festivals. Their shows adeptly capture the intense and dark atmosphere present in their studio recordings, earning praise from both fans and critics alike. The performance at John Dee on this particular evening was no exception, resonating deeply with the audience and receiving widespread appreciation.

Next band was The Abbey - doom metal band from Finland. Jesse Heikkinen, a seasoned figure in the Finnish music scene and a solo artist under the Iterum Nata banner, has embarked on a new musical venture known as The Abbey. In collaboration with co-lead vocalist Natalie Koskinen (Shape of Despair), the duo delves into esoteric themes, drawing inspiration from various organizations, beliefs, and personal practices. The outcome of this creative exploration is their debut album, "Word of Sin," featuring nine captivating songs. The success of "Word of Sin" has already sparked discussions of a follow-up album, a testament to the material's strength and the immediate bond formed among the musicians.

The Abbey setlist:
A Thousand Dead Witches
Widow’s Will
Queen of Pain
Crystallion
Starless
Old Ones

Sólstafir, the Icelandic post-metal ensemble originating from Reykjavík in 1995, has meticulously forged a distinctive musical identity by blending post-metal, black metal, and post-rock elements. Earlier this year, the band graced Oslo as part of a tour with Katatonia and Som, and now they returned as headliners.

Attending a Sólstafir concert is always a profoundly unique experience. While not conforming to mainstream norms, the band has garnered recognition within metal and post-metal circles, fostering a devoted fan base. Their capacity to elicit emotions through expansive soundscapes, complemented by a fusion of clean and harsh vocals, firmly establishes their singular presence in the post-metal genre.

The setlist for this evening encompassed tracks from all stages of the band's discography, delivering a captivating and atmospheric performance that left the audience yearning for more. Anticipation lingers for a potential new album, and the hope is that Sólstafir will soon return to Oslo to enchant us once again.

Sólstafir setlist:
Bláfjall
Þín Orð
Akkeri
Ör
Rismál
Rökkur
Ótta
Ritual of Fire

Encore:
Fjara
Goddess of the Ages