Turisas is known worldwide first and foremost for their theatrical live performances and warpainted ways. This territorial conquest to Joensuu was the first during the band’s career but it never became necessary to raise a white flag to signal surrender.(more…)

It’s good for the soul to see Pelle Miljoona on stage even once in your life, and I decided the time for me was now, here in Ilosaarirock. I’m happy that I could see Pelle when he’s touring with his Pelle Miljoona Unabomber combo, as vigorous punk is always a good thing.(more…)

At the bar area someone speculated that Vuokko Hovatta’s music is for women. That is true, but evidently it is also music for men. The tent of the third stage was packed: women and men, all ages and appearances.
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Being on one’s own ground is always an advatage, and for Stella to open Sunday’s program on the main stage is hence perfectly justified. The last remnants of the overshadowing clouds were banished when the Joensuu-based group played their radio hits and other tunes awaking the festival crowd into a new day.
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Pepe Deluxé kicked off Sunday at the third stage with a thoroughly artistic spectacle. Considering the fact that Pepe Deluxé’s music is rather experimental, it is listener-friendly and easy to approach. This is due to multidimensionality: melodies are mixed with care and go hand in hand with many different art forms.
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Joe Bataan has had a long day. The 65 year old gentleman had traveled over night from New York to Joensuu and held a full gig at Rentolava’s saturday evening. Nevertheless one can spot a smile on the artist’s face.(more…)

Hang overed and tired but happy party people gathered around Rentolava-stage to see Sunday’s first performer Pyhimys (The Saint). Artists debut album was probably the most complemented hip hop record in Finland last year and good call for Rentolava’s opening act.
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I had some initial fears about how would Samettivallankumous fare, as the very popular Von Hertzen Brothers played on the main stage at same time. My fears were unnecessary. Their “happy country music”, performed with an amazing groove fit the sunny afternoon like a glove.(more…)

If you’re heading towards the deep waters, there’s no better guide than Aaron Funk. Canadian Venetian Snares draws his energy from winnipegian melancholy and the most mystic shreds of music world. Rumours of no mercy towards the audience were confirmed true during the very first few minutes. Instantly, the third stage transformed into a full-scale disco inferno. This party didn’t care for your personal musical preferences, as the futuro-primitivistic pounding gathered everyone together in harmony.
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Friendship is a beautiful thing and worth cherishing. Especially, if the friends concerned are Kauko Röyhkä and Riku Mattila. After decades of silence, the two men have found each other again, and are given an ungrateful job of trying to rouse the lethargic rock crowds as the first act of Sunday on YleX stage. It wasn’t much of challenge after all, as the people seemed quite fresh and energetic during the show.(more…)