Myrath, Roses of Thieves in Helsinki
27.9.2026 On The Rocks, Helsinki, Finland
Despite still not quite over my work-related concerts/festivals absence yet, I simply couldn’t miss this live highlight, as these acts are rather rare guests in this country. Many people obviously shared my opinion, as this Sunday gig was completely sold out well in advance.
Presumably, like me, not many in the audience had heard of Roses of Thieves before, but they gave the Hungarians just as loud and warm a welcome as they later did to the headliner. And the likeable, folk-influenced metal band didn’t miss the opportunity to immediately captivate the audience with their catchy songs and frontwoman Ivett Dudás’s performance. Besides, it’s not every day you get to see a heavy accordion in action, unless it’s a Kimmo Pohjonen show… In short, the atmosphere was electric from the very first notes; people were clapping along and also singing along (to the cover of ‘Boys’) – plus, the audience got to hear two brand-new songs.
Those catchy tunes and heavy beats were also easy to dance to – provided you could find the space, as the place was already pretty packed. So I decided to stay in the only corner available to snap some photos of the headliner…
It was a wise decision, as it seemed everyone wanted to enjoy Myrath as closely as possible; there was no room left to stand at the front. The Tunisians had previously supported Kamelot in Finland – hence the perfect welcoming of fans with ‘Saatana Perkele’ – but this was their very first headlining gig in Helsinki, and the band were visibly moved by this reception in a packed-to-the-rafters club. The room temperature certainly suited the ‘Blazing Desert Metal’… With all these symphonic, progressive metal anthems, the only question was: headbanging or (belly)dancing? So very captivating, just beautiful – it really lifts your spirits. One brilliant ear candy after another, delivered by a tightly-knit ensemble; Zaher Zorgati is pure charisma and sings like a god… With such a successful mix of classics and tracks from their new seventh studio album ‘Wilderness of Mirrors’ (e.g. “Still The Dawn Will Come”), the duet “Until The End” – originally recorded with Amaranthe’s vocalist Elize Rydin – naturally had to be of the set, for which Ivett joined them on stage.
What can I say? An overall brilliant show, which sadly came to an end far too quickly with the final encore, “Believer”…
Conclusion: Don’t miss this band if they’re coming to your town on their current ongoing
European tour!
