STONE

The Circus, Helsinki

8′TH of March 2013

Review and photos by Marko Syrjala

The legendary Finnish thrash/speed band Stone was originally formed in mid 80’s. The band released four studio albums and one live album, before disbanding in 1992 to pursue different musical directions. In year 2000 band reunited briefly and in 2008 they did five shows including appearances at the Ruisrock and Tuska festivals. Last autumn, the band announced, somewhat surprisingly, that it intends to make a small-scale tour in the spring of 2013. It seems that at present there is a huge demand for the band. Five sold out shows and over 5000 tickets sold is an impressive achievement for any band in Finland. Official reason given for this comeback was the release of new Stone box set, but yes, perhaps the band just decided to respond the audience’s call and gave them what they wanted. Please welcome one more time: Janne Joutsenniemi, Roope Latvala, Markku “Nirri” Niiranen and Pekka Kasari, GET STONED!!

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The 1st of March 2013

Pakkahuone Tampere Finland

Back in the 80’s, the speed/thrash metal phenomenon spread out like a wildfire all around the world. The speed/thrash mania hit the Finnish soil and new bands started out and popped up in several towns and villages in Finland. Getting a deal with labels was definitely a dream-come-true for several bands. One of these young acts was Stone, who managed to seal the first deal as a speed/thrash metal outfit in Finland. Their self titled debut album drove young metal kids totally crazy and Stone left their mark on Finnish metal history forever. After their four albums in the early 90’s, Stone just went on a long-term hiatus until the late 90’s and early 2000 the speed/thrash legends got on stage. Since then the four-piece has occasionally gigged when time has permitted. Stone announced their return to the stage by doing a handful of shows crisscrossing Finland. The tickets sold like hot cakes. The gig in Tampere was basically one of kind and unique as the roster consisted of two other speed/thrash bands from the heyday of the 80’s namely A.R.G (Ancient Rotten Graveguards) and Santa Lucia. The whole venue was entirely packed by hundreds of old school metal worshippers. Read the rest of this entry »