Qstock 2009 Bands
Friday, July 24 | Saturday, July 25 | Real Deal Beach Party | Wacken Metal Battle 2009 | Bands at Qstock Clubs
Friday, July 24
Apulanta
Toni Virtanen is one the greatest songwriters of our time, and Apulanta is the figure head of Finnish rock. The band’s more recent material displays influences of metal and American alternative rock, and their trademark songs are catchier than flypaper. Apulanta has so many hits that they probably don’t even remember all of them themselves. One thing is for sure, however: Apulanta will make the crowd’s fists pump the sky!
Happoradio
Tell your old man to wear Che Guevara? Do ordinary folks really want reality TV? We don’t know, but here’s a band that plays with a voice that we can all hear at Qstock 2009! Combining elements of pop and rock, formed with strong professionalism, Happoradio is a band of the new generation. Their music, characterized by compelling lyrics and catchy choruses, will strike the listeners onto the festival ground over and over again.
Pain (SWE)
Known as the messengers of industrial metal, Pain (SWE) has risen to the elite of heavy metal music. Fronted by the versatile metal man, Peter Tägtgren, the band’s immense guitar walls, their tinkling keyboards and immemorial melodies rattle Rammstein’s throne as the top name in industrial metal. Is Sweden victorious again?
PMMP
The girl duet filled with energy and with no modesty! Mira and Paula are the official chirpy birds of Finnish rock, on their way of accomplishing what Eppu Normaali did in the 80s: conquering the hearts of Finns with their melodies and uncompromising lyrics so close to the essence of Finnishness. Sensitivity and down-to-earth spirit join together just as smoothly as Mira and Paula strike their fans down with their overflowing female energy.
Maija Vilkkumaa
Maija Vilkkumaa’s rise from a lay member of Tarharyhmä to one of the most brilliant female artists in Finnish rock music has been one of the biggest success stories of the past decade. Known for her peculiar singing style and lyrics that boldly deal with even the most sensitive issues, Maija Vilkkumaa does not bow to icons nor fit any predefined mold. Her latest album, Superpallo, took her to the company of the greatest Finnish artists.
Anthrax (USA)
The old school speed/thrash metal band from the USA, Anthrax has also been called the forefathers of Nu Metal. The legendary band is known for being Finland fans, and they will take the Qstock stage with devotion, guaranteed to throw a gig filled with such classics that tears of nostalgia cannot be avoided. Often referred to as living legends, the band just recently returned to their original line-up, which guarantees that no favorite songs will be left out of the set list. From fathers to sons, and without any intermediaries: Here, today.
Major Parkinson (NOR)
Major Parkinson is a new Norwegian sensation who managed to get under the wings of Sylvia Massy Shivy (System Of A Down, Tool, Johnny Cash, Red Hot Chili Peppers) production with their peculiar but extremely catchy pop rock. Their super-clever hooks and atypical lyrics are like a twisted mix of Zappa and the Pixies. These tunes will linger in your mind for sure, like it or not. Here’s a great chance to check out the top level of our neighbor’s pop music, where Major Parkinson currently stands.
Haloo Helsinki!
The young Helsinki quartet brings their brisk pop rock to the northern parts of the country for the first time. Started at a band school, the band follows the footsteps of Tiktak, but does everything in their own personal style. There is a large group of top level producers behind the band’s music, produced at Inkfish studios, and the band’s debut album took a quick rise to high ranks in Finnish charts. The lead singer/bassist Elli has one of the most promising voices of Finland and it has been praised in numbers among the Finnish music magazines. Listen and be surprised!
Kotiteollisuus
Did someone say Hynynen? The machoest of machos, Jouni Kalervo Hynynen and the rest of the Karelian rogues are coming to tell you off, and of course, they will also play a number of their already evergreen-status enjoying metal hymns. Gloomy lyrics, straightforward and inventive riffs and uplifting moods offer the right package for beer-steamy community singing. It is no mistake that they call Kotiteollisuus the Popeda of the new millennium..
Kuuradio
Founded in Oulu in 2006, Kuuradio is an unconventional band playing somewhere in between rock, jazz, folk and Finn-hits. Their debut album, "Oisko susta seikkailijaksi?", was released in March 2009, and their songs range from frail romanticizing to uptempo grooves.
Celesty
Celesty from Seinäjoki is another one of the festival exchange bands at the Rockpolis stage. Waving the flag of traditional power metal, the sextet just released their fourth album, Vendetta. They promise to throw a show with pompous melodies and appropriately numerous moments of virtuoso guitaring.
Grand Manoeuvre
The local Grand Manoeuvre treats the festival fans to atmospheric down tempo and classy pop music. Their music offers cool tech-sounds combined with traditional band instruments and the warmth of the voice of Tiina Vaattovaara, the lead singer. Sit down for a while or dance freely, the music of Grand Manoeuvre will keep you in its grip during the gig and afterwards as well.
Sicknote
Sicknote is another local band, a rock metal quintet founded in 1999. The past years and traveled miles, emptied bottles and smoked cigarettes have added such fog and scents of gunpowder and diesel to the sound of the band that you will not find it from textbooks or buy it in stores. Hold on to your Stetson when you hop along for a ride with Sicknote!
Sacred Crucifix
Founded in -87, Sacred Crucifix was among the first bands to play Death Metal in Finland. They released their latest album, "Shallow Grave", in May. Smelling like true original death metal, the band has never showed any signs of slowing down; aggression, horror and a pressing atmosphere are still the elements with which Sacred Crucifix spreads their word. A guaranteed live show of intensity and full-blood rage.
Real Deal Beach Party
As a result of the area changes to this year’s Qstock, the Knewsaari beach will come alive in a completely new way in Qstock 2009. An old favorite, Real Deal Beach Party continues its restless ways in Qstock again this year, but this time it takes over the whole beach! Dance music with DJs, from rap to techno and reggae, not forgetting some high quality live artists, either. The beach will pulse with life throughout the weekend.
Confirmed artists at the beach so far: Raappana, Pouta Sound, Kemmuru, Stig Dogg, Stepa, DJ J-Honey, DJ Chappa, DJ Chicago-Pekka and DJ Teppo Mono & Morley Duo. In addition to dancing, there will be spectacular sideshows at the beach, too. Leave your dance shoes home and bring your beach gear! This shit be hotter than lava!
Tuomari Nurmio 
When listing the legends of Finnish rock, it is difficult to think of anyone as acclaimed an artist as Tuomari Nurmio. Throughout his career, Nurmio has composed rock, pop, jazz, tango and even folk music, among others. In addition to the sharpness of his composition pen, Tuomari Nurmio is also known for his profound lyrics which deal with societal issues just as well as the brighter sides of life. This year’s Qstock features one of the legendary solo performances of the renowned artist.
Viisikko
Viisikko from Oulu is a confusing band. Their music varies from raw punk to psychedelic tones and dragging stoner riffs, with an end result that is strong and sharp, blowing up heads especially when experienced live. The band released its debut album in May 2009 and has a reputation as a strong live act, and they are pleased to continue touring in chaotic terms after their spring tour. Viisikko will take the hotter than hot Kooma stage of Qstock for the first time.
The Black League
The Black League returns to its home town stronger than ever! New album, new ways. Jarva, Maike and the rest of the real cowboys play their bluesy, hardcore-tinted heavy rock, dating with death and yet secretly flirting with salvation. The Black League plays rock between heaven and earth.
Samae Koskinen ja Hänen Taikabändinsä
Known as the front man of Sister Flo, Samae Koskinen shook the circles of Finnish pop music already with his debut album in 2006. His second album, Elossa, released this year, continued the sounds of brisk and bright guitar pop where gloomy Finnishness has no place. Also known for his beautiful lyrics and gripping moods, Koskinen offers a clear alternative to mainstream pop. The sun does shine where they say it doesn’t.
The Capital Beat
Ska? Finnish reggae? Yah, man, you got it right. The ska/reggae octet from Espoo and Helsinki, The Capital Beat represents authentic Caribbean groove, through a Finnish filter, of course. Laid back rhythms, sweat, and joy suits the Northern summer perfectly. It’s time to wave the white flag and surrender to the warm pulse of The Capital Beat.
Saturday, July 25
Heaven and Hell (UK/USA)
So everyone knows Black Sabbath from the time it was fronted by Ozzy, but there is another important period in the life of the legendary band, too: the time of Dio in Sabbath. Named after the title of the 1980 album, Heaven and Hell, Ronnie James Dio, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Vinny Appice – exactly the same line-up as the Black Sabbath line-up almost 30 years ago – today perform as Heaven And Hell, playing songs from the Dio-era of Black Sabbath as well as from their new album, The Devil You Know, released in April, 2009. The show will definitely be immemorial, featuring old classics and new masterpieces.
CMX
The good old CMX. The poetic texts of A.W. Yrjänä join tunes of beautiful Finnish rock, pleasing festival fans a year after another with its ripping grip. CMX is explosive, energetic, sensitive, and deep – and all of that simultaneously. CMX is a band that never trips over.
Egotrippi
Egotrippi has overcome their difficulties and emerged as a winner. The former indie-favorite is now music for the mainstream and the band members are enjoying every minute of it, making better and better albums. Their latest release, Maailmanloppu, solidified the band’s status as a permanent fan favorite in Finland.
Elephant9 (NOR)
Praised by the British media, Elephant9 is unquestionably the hottest Norwegian jazz group today. The band’s original mix of jazz, rock, progressive rock and psychedelic alternative takes the listeners to 60s atmospheres. Of course, to spice it all up, we will also hear melodies and primitive rhythmics from the 70s, and yet the amazingly skilful playing, joyful moods and dim sound worlds bring to mind original Norwegian productions. But wait a minute, who said Robert Fripp?
Joensuu 1685
If the likes of Joensuu 1685 have anything to do with it, indie rock is not alternative music for long. The band shows how rock can be sensitive and vulnerable, powerful and peculiar at the same time. Joensuu 1685 took Finland by storm and will now showcase their skills in Oulu, too.
Pintandwefall
The first thing you’ll notice of Pintandwefall is their straightforward approach to playing: the girl quartet playing traditional rock instruments has managed to create their own musical language which originates more in themselves than in the masculine-dominant clichés of rock. After a pint of beer, you may feel weak in the knees, but not before the show, though.
Amorphis
Kalevala is no tall tale, but completely true, if you ask Amorphis. These veterans of Finnish metal experienced a facelift with the arrival of the new lead vocalist, Tomi Joutsen in the early 2000s. Now the 70s progressive rock, heavy metal and atmospheric guitar melodies flow just like they did in the band’s golden years in the 90s.
The Rasmus
When listing the international success stories of Finnish bands of all time, The Rasmus is right at the top of the list. The Rasmus is candidly pop and shows it’s OK for men to cry, too (so OK, alone and in the dark). Whichever the case, it’s OK to be sensitive and emotional while The Rasmus plays, as the band is just as rock live as their great influences, Aerosmith. And Lauri Ylönen’s wonderful interpretations top it all off!
Regina
“Does Regina have star power?”, Ilta-Sanomat was asking already back in 1936. Back in the day, film siren Regina Linnanheimo became one of the icons of the Finnish cinema, but a young trio from Tampere bearing the same name have their own two cents to put in, too. The jesting techno-pop of the band made them one of the most surprising phenomena of the recent years. Life, lark and dance rhythms. And balloons, of course. The party is on!
Blake
Fronted by Aaro Seppovaara, a man with a long career in the business, Blake mixes stoner rock and old Black Sabbath-style deeply dark rock in their own, brusque and sweat-smelling way. The rough and raw riffs and thundering dynamics bomb the battlefield to such extent that you won’t survive it without hearing protection and a bucket full of mead. It doesn’t get any more rock than this! Where was the mead again?
Asa & Jätkäjätkät
Asa is an exception in the rap scene. Starting his recording career as Avain, Asa left his multinational record label with banging doors when his fame was verging on being greater than one could handle. Having made a return to the studio, Asa makes music where rap is accompanied by numerous other genres. His socio-political lyrics make accurate observations of contemporary society and encourage the listeners to think for themselves.
Kauko Röyhkä & Rättö & Lehtisalo
The old fox of rock, Kauko Röyhkä and the creatively insane artist duet of Rättö & Lehtisalo joined forces to make one of the most interesting indie rock albums this year. Electronic sound worlds, Röyhkä’s lyrics with their typical black humor and Slavic melodies brim unabashedly, completely diverging from the mainstream. This joint effort will not be forgotten. This time, 1 + 2 =10?
Profane Omen
Earning name for themselves as a hard live band, Profane Omen combines old thrash and modern metal in a crushing style. Ripping riffs, bloody comps, and brutal vocals guarantee to leave no one cold. Oil your necks and get ready, as this gig will make you mosh more than you know.
Stam1na
The infallible combination of Finnish rock and thrash metal works a year after another. A long-term crowd favorite, Stam1na will bring their Lemi-lunacy, cryptic lyrics and million euro riffs to the north once again. When others kiss and tell, Stam1na kicks and bites the bones off their marrows! Come witness the harder than hard show of the band unofficially called the System Of A Down of Finland!
Poisonblack
Led by Ville Laihiala, the former frontman of the late Sentenced, Poisonblack combines gloomy Gothic moods with brilliant and burly riffs in a way that has taken the band to the very top of its genre. Catchy choruses, clever riffs and tremendously masculine vocals guarantee something for everyone: Rock for guys, metal for boys, and Ville for gals.
Maj Karma
The path of Herra Ylppö and the rest of Maj Karma’s group has taken them slowly towards a more melodic sound world. Immemorial choruses and lyrics narrating of human relations in unyielding ways will twist to tango with rugged riffs so that even the worst limbo men will turn on. There’s no room for chillaxing when Maj Karma dusts you and yours off and drives the festival crowd to ecstasy.
Frontlines
Founded in summer 2006, Frontlines is a metal band from Oulu. The band plays heavy, primarily groove-oriented metal with an uncompromising attitude and good vibes. Frontlines is in their element live because of their energetic style and catchy songs.
Murena
Murena’s fresh second album, "Katoamispiste," leads the listener to the outskirts of logic and to the depths of magic and imagination. Following the release of the new album, the band has elevated its live form to a new level as lead singer Jarno Kangas is joined by many others in the art of singing. Extreme radicalism and insanity + immense vocal harmonies add to mystical sensory experiences and guarantee that future shows will leave no one cold.
Hebosagil
Ladies hold on to your skirts, as Hebosagil, the sexiest buzzing patrol of the northern hemisphere takes the stage! The local band released its debut album in 2008 and has since made its way to the forefront of northern underground. Smoothly combining sludge, death metal, and hardcore in its music, Hebosagil celebrates its sixth anniversary at Qstock.
Toni Kandelin
Toni has cranked up the volume and will start up his half-hour brainwashing program that will leave no one cold. Be sure to expect one man’s agony, ecstasy, kids’ music for grown-ups, minimalist pyrotechnics and a little sweat-smelling movement.
Lissut
The girl duet Lissut became famous for its alternative hit Pissikset in summer 2007. The music of Lissut is energetic pop from tight up-tempo party songs to heartfelt ballads. The girls are very energetic live performers and they always perform with their own live band. Lissut has been called a warmly welcome newcomer to the primarily melancholy pop music industry. The duet’s music is joyful, catchy, and the girls surely take their fans to a good mood.
Snow White’s Poison Bite
Snow White’s Poison Bite from Joensuu lands on the Rockpolis stage as a representative of the festival recycling between Provinssirock-Ilosaarirock-Qstock. Sneaking smoothly under the terms emo, screamo, post-hardcore and metal, the band’s melodic music and raw vocals constitute an energy bomb!
Ruotomieli
There’s good and bad – and there’s Ruotomieli. If Ruotomieli were American, they would hail from Minnesota, as the band’s music is as hurricane-esque and guitar-rich as Hüsker Dü, their songs brim with westerbergian fragile love and boasting of a malnourished youth. But because they hail from Oulu, Finland, they don’t give a damn even if they are, indeed, the most promising rock ’n’ roll catastrophe of Finland at best.
Real Deal Beach Party
As a result of the area changes to this year’s Qstock, the Knewsaari beach will come alive in a completely new way in Qstock 2009. An old favorite, Real Deal Beach Party continues its restless ways in Qstock again this year, but this time it takes over the whole beach! Dance music with DJs, from rap to techno and reggae, not forgetting some high quality live artists, either. The beach will pulse with life throughout the weekend.
Confirmed artists at the beach so far: Raappana, Pouta Sound, Kemmuru, Stig Dogg, Stepa, DJ J-Honey, DJ Chappa, DJ Chicago-Pekka and DJ Teppo Mono & Morley Duo. In addition to dancing, there will be spectacular sideshows at the beach, too. Leave your dance shoes home and bring your beach gear! This shit be hotter than lava!
Anna Puu
Finnish Idols-sweetheart, Anna Puustinen, made an exception to the whole ”Idol” formula and started to make Finnish pop music with a truly original and personal sound. Produced under the wings of Knip and Lasse Kurki, Anna Puu’s debut album brims with 70s moods and good old Finnhits, floating timelessly somewhere between decades. Lyrics filled with themes of love are perfect for a warm summer, and no one is more suitable to perform them than Anna Puu.
Cheek
Get the party started, roll off the carpet! We gave up black and white TVs decades ago, and now we’ll make the same color renovation in our minds. Rap is no longer for the purest and most dedicated fans of the genre only. Led by Cheek, A.K.A. Jare Henrik Tiihonen, this group combines party moods, rhythmic lyrics and catchy phrases in a way that makes Cheek the leading artist of his genre in Finland. It’s about time to turn your face to the sun and enjoy these warm rhythms and groovy melodies.
Ajattara
Fronted by Ruoja Koskinen, the dark metal band Ajattara made a surprising move and threw the electric instruments away. So what we’re in for is rather brutal and tight expression with acoustic sounds, without compromising dark-toned atmospheres. What does death heal? You could also ask if there is a better way to conclude a festival, and especially the darkening night of Kooma stage on Saturday, than an Ajattara show where the band rips their tunes from hung flesh?
Pete Parkkonen
SThe sexy curly head, Pete Parkkonen shocked the Finnish Idols markets with his primitive rock energy and made an album strongly influenced by Danko Jones. Such superstars as Disco Ensemble and Teemu Brunila composed music for the young man, and it’s now time to check out his live show. Is this man the future of Finnish rock?
Real Deal Beach Party special guests:
DJs:
In classic Real Deal Beach Party-style, the beach will blast the best beach music throughout the festival. The hottest and hardest DJs of the business are there to spin the records, so the selection is smooth and the basses phat. The diverse group of DJs will guarantee to entertain the dancers with an awesome mix of e.g. reggae, house, disco, dub step, funk and other summer sounds. Big tunes!
- Chicago Pekka (Children Of Boom)
- Teppo Mono (Turbojes)
- Matt Poster (Steady Rockers)
- Jay Honey (Children Of Boom, Skeng, Full Clip, Bombaclub)
- Rap One (Righteouz Nightz, Full Clip)
- Chappa (4Ward Squad HKI)
- Illyana (Popsickle)
- Pef (Tuuliajo)
- MC Rekku K (Turbo Rockers)
Also Featuring:
Miniramp Mayhem, Hulahoop Hurricane, Slamshot Superchallenge & Graffiti Extravaganza!
Kemmuru
Kemmuru is a hip hop group from Helsinki. Their rap reflects the Finnish soul, and the sample-based backtracks of producer/MC Aksim, the groups straightforward rapping and busy touring have solidified Kemmuru’s status as one of the tightest live rap groups around.
Stig Dogg & Dj PP
The R-Kelly of Punavuori, r&b/hip hop vocalist Stig Dogg is a long-awaited guest in Oulu. His universal message has brought Stig Dogg crossover success, and as he will bring his sure shot summer set to the north, the show at the Knewsaari beach will leave no one cold.
NB! Stig Dogg & Dj PP only on Saturday!
Morley Duo
A long term favorite of the industry, Morley’s acoustic show is guaranteed to have the right vibe from the beginning to the end. NIFI!
Stepa
A frequent visitor in Oulu, Stepa is known for his relaxed flow and laid back gangsta style. Stepa will throw an exclusive summer rap show at Real Deal Beach Party, and an even more exclusive DJ-set featuring none other than Finnhits.
Are
The underground hit "Pirtu" of the Finnish champion artist working on his debut album has been played to packed dance floors in the clubs of Oulu, too. The master freestyler from Jyväskylä will showcase material from his upcoming album over the festival weekend and throw some improv-sets, too.
Raappana
Touring since 2004, Raappana from Lahti is the most successful reggae vocalist in Finland. Performing to sold out clubs with almost no exception, Raappana last threw a gig in Oulu years ago, so this show has been hoped and waited for long. Don't miss!
Raappana only on Friday!
Pouta Sound
Also from Lahti, Pouta Sound is one of the most popular reggae sounds of Finland. Lempow & Leimasin host their show Poutaradio on bass radio and regularly organize club events, such as Dutty Thursday and Wipe Out, that are popular among dancers. Quality-guaranteed dancehall set at a beach party!
Pouta Sound only on Friday!
Olli PA
Olli PA from Oulu has steadily gathered an increasing fan base with his laidback songs and busy touring. Olli PA’s set at the beach party will feature tunes to classic American rap backs.
Wacken Metal Battle 2009
Bands at Qstock Clubs
45 Special, Tickets: 5/6 EUR
Kinetik Control
Friday July 24
When talking about promising contemporary local bands, Kinetik Control deserves to be on the very top. Earning name for themselves as perhaps the most surprising chart climber last year, the band’s music is an uninhibited and unique combo of rock, pop, metal and electronic music. The deeply touching moods, immortal choruses and enchanting groove foreshadow the prospect of international breakthrough. The band’s only gig of the summer in their home town will give them a break from the recording studio. The producer of the upcoming album is also an artist performing at Qstock 2009, Peter Tägtgren of Pain.
Showtime 1 AM
Thunderbaum
Saturday July 25
The revolver from Vaasa, Thunderbaum will throw all the rock bouquets in the face of their listeners! These rock fools have been busy touring all over Finland and they are in hot live form. Their latest demo single "The Rockpot/Norman Bates" is worth checking out.
Showtime 1 AM