Finland Fest 2011: Metal Attack

Few parts of the world have embraced both the brutality and inherent absurdity of metal with quite the enthusiasm of Scandinavia. While Norway and Sweden get more attention, Finland is also home to a thriving scene of its own, and it's one which will be amply represented at Liquidroom this month. Words can't do justice to a band like Korpiklaani, purveyors of a folk-metal schtick that's even more dunderheaded – and utterly brilliant – than it sounds on paper. Then there's the ferocious melodic death metal of MyGrain, and the 'epic heathen metal' of Moonsorrow (try to call it 'Viking metal' and you'll get a battle axe in your eye, son). We've no idea how mimsy alternative rockers Lapko ended up the bill, but hopefully special guests Outrage – titans of the Japanese metal scene – will help redress the balance.