#The Voice of Finland 2017

[eurovision-facts]

Eurovision Fact #744:

Aksel, who was supposed to represent Finland in 2020 before the contest's cancellation, found notoriety in Finland after his participation in The Voice of Finland in 2017.

His fame was further bolstered when he was featured on the award-winning song "Jättiläinen" by the band Pyhimys.

[Source]

Participants of Rotterdam 2020: Aksel, Eurovision.tv.

[sc0tters]

Fights and Feelings | Mikko Rantanen

summary: when Mikko sees you with one of his teammates he realises that he wants to be more than just your friend.

request: yes/no

trope: friends to lovers

warnings: swearing

word count: 1.36k

authors note: here is the first avs player I’ve written for and I’m happy to say that this was really cute. If you want to read more of the celly then you can check it out here!

Mikko didn’t know how much longer he could keep quiet.

Tonight was the third night in a row that you were coming home because you were spending the night with Nathan. The Canadian had gotten the chance to take you on a date and he made sure to make the most of it before Mikko changed his mind.

The two of you had been living together for the last year and a half after your lease on your previous apartment ended. In 2017 your coffee order got mixed up with his and from the moment he offered you a conversation whilst you both waited for the second one, you haven’t looked back.

Your giggle could be heard from down the road as Nathan shut the passenger door to his car when you got out “you don’t have to walk me back again!” You smiled as the Canadian wrapped his arm around your shoulders “but I liked doing this.” Nathan shot back as he helped you back up the steps.

It was icy in Colorado not just because Mikko had seemed to be avoiding you but also because it was reaching the end of October so with that the cold front was rolling over Denver “I should go so I don’t wake Mikks up.” You sighed knowing that your best friend was still awake as he couldn’t sleep without knowing you were in the house.

Nathan nodded ignoring the disappointment that coursed through his veins “I’ll see you sometime soon?” His voice was hopeful as you smiled “of course, have a nice night MacKinnon.” You mumbled leaning up to press a kiss to his cheek.

That broke Mikko’s heart as he watched you through the ring camera as he sat on the couch “have a nice night?” Mikko repeated your words as he watched you walk into the living room.

You nodded as you slid your sneakers off of your feet “you finally done being an ass?” You shot back raising your eyebrow as you hinted back to the entirety of the morning.

Mikko hadn’t spoken to you at all, and if he did it wasn’t more than basic conversation. To you it seemed that he merely didn’t like that you were going out with his teammate. Once Nathan was a good friend of his but now Mikko couldn’t say two nice things about the Canadian as he seemed to worry that he would break your heart “I am just looking out for you y/n!” Mikko groaned as he pinched the bridge of his nose.

He watched as you crossed your arms “I’m not twelve Mikko.” Very rarely did you ever call him by his actual name as you usually settled for a nickname “besides he’s a good guy.” The addition was softer as you looked at the ground.

It made Mikko get up from his seat “he’s my teammate, I know him better than you do.” If his mother knew what he was doing she would have been on the next flight over from Finland “there it is again!” You complained shaking your head.

You felt hurt that your best friend couldn’t be happy for you as you finally found a guy who could treat you well “I am sorry but why can’t you just act like you are happy that I’m happy!” You felt like you were going in circles with him as you weirdly craved his approval.

The hockey player groaned “because I don’t want to stand here and watch you get hurt!” Mikko yelled causing you to shift back a few paces “then you don’t have to.” Venom laced your voice as you turned around and marched yourself to the front door.

Mikko sighed as he watched you open the door “where are you going?” The hockey player asked as he placed his hand on his hip “far away from you.” The response came from your lips as quick as you shut the door behind you making sure that you grabbed your car keys beforehand.

Tears clouded your eyes as you drove off not really knowing or caring where it was that you landed up at. Rain began to fall around you all as you continued until your eyes couldn’t take it anymore “I know it’s late but can I come in?” You begged knocking on the door as tears streamed down your face.

It might not have brought you as much comfort as he might have thought but Mikko had the worst night of his life. He slept on the chair in your room as he hoped to see you if you came back. Right after you left was the first time that he truly realized the potential for consequences due to his actions. The hockey player called Emily, a girl you worked with in the hopes that she could tell him where you were. Of course she didn’t but rather left him with the message that if he truly had no clue where you were then maybe he wasn’t as good of a friend as he once thought.

Practice had gone horribly as Nathan made sure to go tough on the boy until Gabriel was there to put an end to the fight that the boys almost had “enough you two!” He groaned standing in between his teammates in order to stop them from hitting each other.

All they did was glare at each other as their drama went beyond the team dynamic “what the hell are you playing at today!” Mikko grumbled as he spat at his teammate “maybe you should be asking y/n that.” As those words left Nathan’s lips Mikko’s clenched fist swung at his teammate.

You made your way into the arena as your sandals hit the floor “what are you doing here?” Mikko looked up from his icepack to see you stood there “Gabriel didn’t want you going home alone.” You grumbled crossing your arms .

It took him seconds to get up and follow as you spun on your heel “wait up!” He complained grabbing his duffel bag as he made sure to follow you “look let’s just get you home so I can leave again.” You should have said no to the captain, you would have told Gabriel that you had better things to do but instead you didn’t want to say no because you didn’t want to leave Mikko.

Even as you were irritated at him you watched his bruised hand brush over your thigh “I’m sorry.” He mumbled locking his pinky with yours.

The gesture made your heart swell “for punching him or for being a dick?” You sent him a glare as you pursed your lips together.

Mikko felt his heart pound as you walked back to your car. He weirdly didn’t have an answer for you which caused you to both sit in pure silence.

Orange and yellow leaves painted the windows of your car all the way until you drove him back to the house.

You chewed at the inside of your cheek as you turned to Mikko “I think we should take some time apart.” You gripped your hands around the steering wheel as you sighed.

The hockey player clicked his tongue “wait.” He stopped himself as he looked at you “I love you.” Mikko blurted out causing you to go silent.

Scanning his face for any part of a lie yet it was clearly all true “I’m should go.” Mikko sighed as he went to unlock his door but you were all too quick and beat him to it as you kept it locked.

Mikko furrowed his eyebrows as he frowned “look you clearly aren’t interested in what I said so just let me-” his complaint was short lived as your lips locked into his.

It took him a few moments before Mikko kissed you back letting his hand hold your head as it kept you there “Mikks-” you moaned as his tongue slid over your lower lip.

You felt his other hand go to your waist “wait,” you pulled away “I love you too.” Your words made him laugh “you think I didn’t get that from the kiss?” Mikko ran his fingers over your cheek.

[lageografiademicamino]

UMK 2024 Song Review - Sara Siipola

The hype is very real around Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu (UMK), the Finnish national selection for Eurovision and the race to Malmö continues with a ballad this time!

Sara Siippola - Paskana

Sara Siipola is fairly a new name in the sky of Finnish female artists. She kind of popped out of nowhere making a record deal with Sony Music in 2019 and releasing her first singles which were fairly successful. She also released her debut album "Kaunis Kun Itken" two years later and last year she was seen in popular music tv-show "Tähdet, Tähdet".

Still never heard of of her before and the artist announcement did nothing to me.

Paskana is power song that gives no hope. It's very raw lyrically and vocally.

It's a modern ballad with immediate hook. The song itself is not a traditional power ballad but does instrumentally push its boundaries. The electronic beat has 80's sound which also reminds many of the Russian girl duo t.A.T.u's sound. R'n'b beat separates it from an average ESC ballad and makes this super easy to listen.

Sara's voice can be compared to Amy Winehouse's being capable of interpreting the painful text brilliantly. The topic of being "paskana" which is translated as fucking wreck, is easily relatable. Social media quickly filled on Monday night with heartfelt comments from people around the world crying and feeling this song.

This is simply captivating - you can't pass this without stopping to listen to this and feeling what she sings. This will translate across language barriers.

ESC doesn't allow swearing so in case of winning UMK Sara would have to find another title for her song which might be a difficult task. There have been hopes of her translating this into English or pieces of it but I do hope this masterpiece remained in Finnish. Also this would differ quite a lot from our previous ESC entries. The last time we heard a female ballad from Finland was in 2017 with NormaJohn.

In a scenario where she didn't win UMK she might be the next Bess (Ram pam pam, 2022) or Kuumaa (Ylivoimainen, 2023) which either were the winning acts but made the biggest hits of their careers with the help of UMK. Reactions have been positive everywhere you go and her UMK videoclip has already been viewed over 240 000 (more than Sexmane) times. She's on her way to stardom!

What do you think of the third UMK24 track and would you vote for Sara Siipola to go all the way to Malmö? UMK final takes place on February 10th!

[skimblestrap]

1986 Helsinki tidbits

I've made it my lifes mission to find out everything I can about Helsinki 1986 apparently. Well, maybe it has something to do with the fact it's literally the best non-rep in Finland (in my humble opinion. sorry but Tampere 2017 and Lahti 2007 do not look good)

Anyway, here's some characters!

Skimbleshanks (Tom Pöysti) and Mistoffelees (Harri Heikkinen)

Would love to see more of Misto, I'm intrigued by his curly hair... AND I want to hear a recording of Skimble, his actor has a very pleasant voice. (Also: Skimbles Finnish name, Toppa-Roy, directly translates to Sugarloaf-Roy :) )

Mungojerrie (Langry Chellaf), Victoria (Helena Haaranen (?)) and Rumpleteazer (Maire Alho (?))

Only thing I have to say is that Mungojerrie was played by a famous circus actor!

Munkustrap (Arto Rintamäki) and a cat I can't identify.

Nothing more to say than Munk is bald and that other cat looks really cool (It might be Demeter but I really can't say. It's Impossible to find pictures of most of the actors)

[nerdy-prude]

Imma rant about a show I haven't ranted about here before; Ducktales! (The new version)

I really like the 2017(?) Ducktales. The show looks nice, voices are great, storyline is interesting and jokes are funny. I find most episodes highly entertaining but there is one episode spesifically that was just a huge dissapointment. S3, ep 3; "Double-O-Duck in you only crash twice!"

After quick research it has come to my atenttion that Double-O-Duck is a character many fans knew already. Having this information earlier might have made my watching experience a bit nicer than what it was.

You see, the person who did the title translations in Finland, was clearly out for blood. They translated the name Double-O-Duck as Double Duck.

I have read through countless amount of Donald Duck comics and my favorites have always been the ones were our loveable, clumsy and unlucky protagonist is secretly working as a spy called Double Duck! We get those unlucky, clumsy moments but also action scenes, cool bad guys, plot twist and the good old fashioned spy movie feel that is created by suits, gadgets and secret names. Whats not to love?

So there I was, browsing trough Disney plus, when I saw new episodes had finally come. I read trought the titles and what do I see? I spy episode with a character that is suposedly Double Duck! I did not, however, read the description as I didn't want to get the slightest bit of spoilers.

You can imagine my disapointment when the episode was nothing, NOTHING like I had expected and I do mean that in the worst way possible.

It wasn't that the episode was bad, I just couldn't shake off my dissapointment. I really tought I'd see Donald get his own episode where he can be pretty much the cooles Duck alive! There are some good Donald episodes where he shows off his adventure skills but this would have been his own little secret. Double Duck means a lot to me. I loved, no I still love those comics. I remember playing this Double Duck game as a kid that I just loved. The game is no longer a thing, just a memory. And when I finally tought my fave spy was gonna get shown on screen, welp, I ended up dissapointed and sad.

[tilbageidanmark]

MOVIES I WATCHED THIS WEEK #201:

The best films of the week: 'A taxi driver', 'Sudden fear', 'Sharper', 'The eloquent peasant', 'Rocks in my pockets', 'If anything happens I love you', 'Windy day', 'Late autumn', 'The big wait'.

2 BY KOREAN DIRECTOR JANG HOON, BOTH WITH STAR SONG KANG-HO:

🍿 A TAXI DRIVER (2017), my first by director Jang Hoon, is one the five best Korean films I've ever seen. What style! What a balance of emotional complexity, technical proficiency and political subtext! It's based on true events which happened during a perilous time in South Korean history. Song Kang-ho (The father in 'Paradise') is a street-smart taxi driver, who takes a German journalist into Gwangju and witnesses with him the student uprising and massacre that occurred there after the 1980 Coup d'état. Maybe even better than Scorsese's 'Taxi Driver'?... 10/10.

🍿 Jang Hoon directed only 4 features, and all were huge money makers in Korea. But his 2010 SECRET REUNION disappointed me greatly. It was just a standard police action film revolving around a North Korean sleeper cell of trained assassins, and it was unremarkable. 2/10.

🍿

"Who are you? Another relative? You have broken 18 dicks! I'll kill you, all gorillas, all policemen and all the Dutch"

THE SUNDAY WOMAN is an unusual Italian comedy about a murder investigation. An eccentric architect is bashed on the head with a large stone phallus, and the clueless police force is scrambling to solve the high-society death.

It's definitely worth watching for the star power of "Commissioner" Marcello Mastroianni (with his sexy baritone voice), Jean-Louis Trintignant as a secret gay patrician and Jacqueline Bisset as the radiant, bored wife of a wealthy businessman. Also for the unmistakable score by Ennio Morricone's.

The director's ambiguous style makes the confusing 'Chinatown'-like plot even more convoluted. It's also wonderful to see the streets of Turin as they were in 1975. 7/10.

🍿

2 OF DIRECTOR DAVID MILLER'S (??) BEST FILMS:

🍿 How come I never even heard of the stylish, smashing Noir thriller SUDDEN FEAR from 1952?? Milf'ish Joan Crawford is a rich and successful San Francisco playwright, who falls for younger actor Jack Palance, while he schemes to murder her for her inheritance. He looks here like one of the greatest film villains, with his chiseled jaw and piercing eyes, and his side-lover Gloria Grahame is just gorgeous. (Interesting side note: Crawford mentions that there were 2,174,000,000 people in the world at that time. Mmmm...) 9/10.

🍿 "If it didn't take men to make babies, I wouldn't have anything to do with any of you..."

LONELY ARE THE BRAVE is a 1962 new revisionist Western with Kirk Douglas as the "last" old-fashioned cowboy, a rugged individual and independently free. He's a 'Rebel without a cause', a freewheelin' ranch hand who refuses to join the contemporary society of mortgages and driving licenses. Unfortunately, he's now roaming a modern New Mexico which is filled with highways, Jeeps and helicopters. It's obvious that it's going to end up badly. Still, I did not expect the symbolism of his horse getting hit in a rainstorm by a long-hauling truck carrying toilets. (and chauffeured by Archie Bunker!). With young wife-of-a friend Gena Rowlands.

🍿

HEAVY TRIP, (2018), a sweet comedy from Finland about 'Impaled Rektum', a Heavy Metal band from a small rural town which after 12 years of practicing, still have never played a live gig. I have absolutely zero interest in "symphonic post-apocalyptic reindeer-grinding Christ-abusing extreme war pagan fenno-scandian metal" or any other kind, but this was highly entertaining. Its mood reminded me of "Miss little sunshine", even though story wise the two had no connection whatsoever. 7/10.

🍿

THE GETAWAY, Sam Peckinpah's suspenseful action-thriller of a Texas bank heist and Lovers on the run. Starring real-life, super-cool married couple Steve McQueen and Ali MacGraw. Also co-starring both "Virgil Sollozzo" and "Al Nery" (which makes sense as this too was filmed in 1972), as well as Silm Pickens.

Also with Quincy Jones' distinct jazzy score, highlighted by Toots Thielemans' mournful harmonica sound. In Peckinpah's usual misogynistic manner, there are multiple incidents of guys slapping women around, including the otherwise-loving McQueen. Also, the famous bad guy who kidnap a meek husband and his naughty wife, and then humiliates him by sleeping with the wife in front of him. I've seen a similar story multiple other times, but can't remember where. Re-watch♻️. 8/10.

RIP, Quincy Jones!

🍿

THE ELOQUENT PEASANT (1969) is the most unusual film I saw this week. It's an Egyptian morality tale based on a 4,000 year old story from the 'Middle Kingdom' of Egypt. A poor peasant is robbed by a noble man of all his possessions, and he's seeking justice from a Pharaoh, by applying flowery arguments to make his case. His language skills are so appreciated by the ruler, that he delays his verdict, just so he can hear him speak longer. It's composed in the most beautiful Technicolor brushes, and has a striking, radiant look. It was restored and preserved by Martin Scorsese's 'World Cinema Foundation' (together with the director's 'The Night of Counting the Years' which is next on my list).

🍿

ANYTHING FOR HER (2008) is a French thriller by a first time director. Diane Kruger and her husband are an ordinary couple with a kid, when she is suddenly arrested for a murder she didn't commit, but is wrongly convicted for it and is sentenced to 20 years in prison. The first two acts are okay, but unremarkable. The last suspenseful 30 minutes are dynamite!

🍿

FILMS WITH 100% SCORE ON ROTTEN TOMATOES X 2:

🍿 ROCKS IN MY POCKETS (2014), "A funny film about depression", is the most amazing adult animation feature from Latvia I've ever seen! I simply cannot understand how come there are original and amazing masterpieces like this out in the world which are completely off the radar. For. ex., it was submitted by Latvia as their official entry for the 87th Academy Award, but was not even nominated.

The trailer is all one needs to see before deciding if the movie is right for them. 💯 score on Rotten Tomatoes. 10/10! [*Female Director*]

🍿 Re-watch ♻️: IF ANYTHING HAPPENS I LOVE YOU won the Oscars in 2020. A married couple is wordlessly grieving the death of their 12 year old daughter [in a school shooting]. Inspired by (and reminiscent of) the Dutch 'Father and daughter' which also won the Oscars (in 2000). 💯 score on Rotten Tomatoes. It's Devastatingly Sad.

🍿

Re-watch of the clever thriller SHARPER. An excellent long-com game, equal to the best of the 'Grifters' genre (in spite of the final, improbable twist). With an exceptional score that includes both Talking Heads and Cole Porter at the right moments. 9/10. ♻️.

🍿

PUT OUR MÄRTA FIRST OR AS LUCK WILL HAVE IT is a traditional Swedish comedy from 1945. I watched it only because I was led to believe that it was some "obscure science-fiction comedy about drag queens", but it wasn't. It's obscure all right. But the sci-fi element was limited to a 2006 opening scene, with an old man telling his granddaughter the story about a hero from 1945, and the rest of the movie is just a flashback. The exact cross dressing plot was later used better on 'Some like it hot': 2 unemployed musicians can only get a job with a traveling women's band, so one of them has to dress up as a woman. [it even has some important scenes on a train, just like Wilder's!]. Unsurprisingly it morphs into a straight-up feminist message film, a-la-Tootsie, with a call for equal rights and free love. But it is told in a very dated, low-brow, broad comedic style. The director, Hasse Ekman, was apparently the most acclaimed Swedish director after Sjöström and before Bergman. 2/10.

🍿  

WHO KILLED JAZZ (Documentary, 2021) is a skillfully-made and impressionistic analysis of the economics of the live jazz music scene. The genre as a whole still flourishes, but the musicians themselves cannot make a living in it. Recommended.

🍿  

ITALIAN POETIC REALIST VITTORIO DE SETA IN 1955 X 3:

🍿 ISLANDS OF FIRE, a wordless natural documentation of fishermen and villagers on the island of Stromboli during a volcanic eruption in 1954. He did 10 ethnographic shorts like this during this time.

🍿 THE AGE OF SWORDFISH, another awesome story of Sicilian fishermen spear-fishing a large swordfish, a custom that disappeared around that time. 8/10.

🍿 PEASANTS OF THE SEA is even more brutal; A fleet of boats capture a large school of Tuna, and kill them all in an orgy of blood and guts. CW. 9/10. De Seta was really talented.

🍿

“Ouch-e-megouch!"

MAGIC TOWN (1947) was the last movie I anxiously watched the night before the election, while being depressed by opposing polls predicting the winner. It was recommended because city slicker James Stewart played a public opinion pollster (for time on film) who moved into Small Town USA, believing that there he can find a perfect reflection of the country as a whole. But this Frank Capra-lite was terrible all around, with a lame-ass romance, and reactionary politics, including the outlandish proposition in one of the polls that "79% favor a woman for president" [Screenshot Above]. Ridiculous! 1/10.

🍿

A BUNCH OF SHORTS:

🍿 BORED ON EDUCATION (1936), my first 'Our gang' episode, and the only one (Out of 220) to win an Oscar. The series was notable for featuring black & white children acting as equals during the Jim Crow era. I didn't realize that the series lasted for 22 years, and employed many sets of kids replacing others who grew out of their roles.

🍿 WINDY DAY (1968) was an adorable animation about two cute little sisters who chatter over each other's as they play and playact, in the cutest, most natural voices. 9/10.

🍿 GOD OF LOVE won the Oscars in 2010. It's a quirky independent comedy in a French New Wave style. A goofy-looking, young Brooklynite lounge singer receives an anonymous box of 'Love Darts' and becomes a local Cupid. Cute. 7/10.

🍿 LATE AFTERNOON (2017) a tender Oscar-nominated Irish story about an old woman who doesn't remember much of anything anymore. 10/10. [*Female Director*]

🍿 In LUCKY FISH (2022), two Asian-American girls exchange glances across the tables at a Chinese restaurant, and then meet by the magical gold fish tank to kiss. Pretty adolescent and not very deep. [*Female Director*]

🍿 PORTRAIT OF GOD (2022), a short horror story about a religious girl who prepares a presentation about a painting of God. Everything I don't like about the Horror genre is here: The eerie soundtrack, the mystical questions that remain unanswerable, the scary jump-cuts, the implied danger, the ambiguous undertone of evil. It's all so unnecessary. 1/10.

🍿 THE BIG WAIT (2023) is a lovely Australian documentary about a couple who lives alone in the middle of nowhere, and maintains a 6-cabin B&B in pristine condition, for visitors who hardly ever come there. 8/10.

🍿 MNEMONADE, a brand-new A.I.-generated short about the Sands of Time and an old woman with dementia. It's not quiet yet there, but as I said a year ago here, I'm sure that within a year, two max, we'll start seeing 'Good' A.I. features, and that in 2025, I'll be viewing some of them. (Via).

🍿

(ALL MY FILM REVIEWS - HERE).

[spinef0ryou]

Interview with Ville Valo in Metal Hammer magazine, words by Alexander Milas. Transcript under the cut

It’s a gloomy November evening in London and inside the crystalline bowels of the Universal Music tower there are dark goings-on under a winter moon. An arcane gathering of power-brokers, decision makers, and tastemakers, has convened to hear the first, dulcet tones of a new record in its entirety - a lyrical and melodious exsanguination called Neon Noir. Less an album, the subject of tonight’s attention is more like a swan song played in reverse or a departed loved one’s voice playing in the wind. We’ll get to that.

There are no robes here, such vestigial ornaments long since done away with to provide anonymity on public transportation, but the importance of these proceedings is in no way diminished. This is how the music industry in all its mysterious dealings determines where and when its various powers are to be invoked - an Illuminati-like network of aligned hands is this rogues' gallery of journalists, label managers and festival promoters. Even the helmswoman of the gazette you hold in your verv hands can be seen lurking in the shadows.

At the centre of the dim chamber stands a lone, flat-capped figure, his chiselled visage peculiarly, vampirically unchanged by the many years since he first graced the cover of an international publication such as this, and let it be said that he was never a stranger to these folios.

If anything can be said of Ville Valo's appearance it's that he could teach anyone half his age a thing or two about self-presentation - and, for the record, they'd be 23 at time of publication. Svelte, casually besuited and elegantly understated in his attire - all different hues of black, obviously - he's been affably chatting with the gathered conclave with such fluidity and confidence that anyone would think it's something he does every day, and anyone who knows his incongruous penchant for reclusiveness when off the stage would suspect that maybe he's changed since we saw him last.

For the record, he does not, and he has not. Ten long years have passed since His Infernal Majesty's final release, the career summation that was 2013's Tears On Tape, and it has been five years since Him played their final note on the second of two sold-out nights at the London Roundhouse in December of 2017. Their concluding song was the aptly chosen, syrupy dirge of When Love And Death Embrace, and the mortuary pallor of its refrains couldn't have been better matched to the forlorn mood of that distinctly funereal moment.

For many, it was a farewell to one of life's few constants: Him were less like a band and more like a comforting gothic world to those who fell prey to its blackened enchantments, and as if further affirmation is needed, no one in the field of music has since emerged to even remotely fill the heartagram-shaped hole left in Ville's wake. As the lights in the venue went up to reveal no shortage of streaked mascara, it would have been impossible to surmise whether we'd ever hear from Ville again - such was the finality of that tour and the deathly vibe of that night.

More desolate still was the long silence that ensued after the 26-year adventure he spearheaded under an iconic banner designed by his own hand. Eight records, ten million sales and countless fans getting heartagram tattoos of variable quality were the tallies of Ville's musical ledger.It was over. Him was dead. Their founder was gone. And then, quietly, headless blooms began to flank his headstone.

First came the news that he was blowing off the cobwebs to undertake a tour of Finland to record and perform songs by the late, beloved Finnish singer-songwriter Rauli 'Badding' Somerjoki, with Somerjoki's old band, Agents. The project smashed the charts in Finland before they eventually disbanded.

More silence followed until March 2020, when an unheralded EP was released under a new banner, VV complete with an updated reimagining of the famed heartagram. A portent of what was to come, Gothica Fennica Vol. 1 was far from alien to anyone familiar with Him's long-established sound, but it also bore the hallmarks of a songwriter unbound by the restraints of collaboration or co-writing. As the world smouldered, it was a hopeful omen that perhaps not everything had been lost to the pandemic.

We retreat from the listening session to a quieter room to shine to shine a neon light on the story of the rebirth and toil that followed, a res-erection-

Ville shoots a look as if to say, 'You're not gonna write that, are you?' Well…

“‘Promo tours are like Bullet-point for my Valentine.”

Ville has sunk into his armchair, a body deflated. We've just been talking about the sometimes less-than-rock'n'roll demands of album promotion, and how while just 10 years have passed since Him's final release, a lifetime of change in the industry's inner workings has followed. It's Thursday and Ville's already done the rounds in Berlin this week, plus a big photo session, too - rumour has it that a smoke machine for a cover shoot triggered a confrontation with security here yesterday. Whoever the photographer was that bolted the door shut so the shoot could continue remains a mystery at the time of going to press.

But despite Ville's tiredness after two days of media-based pokes and prods and his first international flight in five years, he's still exhibiting a remarkably playful way with words: the product of voracious reading and self-confessed Anglophilia that can make it easy to forget this is his second language, although as we'll soon discover there are some words that resist translation.

We're reflecting on how many times he's appeared in the pages of Metal Hammer. I produce a photo from many years gone by, taken by Mick Hutson. It's Ville, looking like a goth deer caught in headlights, sitting in the back of a limo between the late Dimebag Darrell and Mötley Crüe's Nikki Sixx on his way to the Metal Hammer Golden God awards. He smirks.

"It was a playground, wasn't it?" he says of the Ville of yore. "Oh my god, that was a weird one. I remember Dimebag - he'd been up all night, and there's me stuck in the middle. I gave my Golden God award to Zakk Wylde's daughter. He told me she was a huge fan and I'd had a sip too many, so…”

And let it be said that by the time Him went stratospheric - a runway stretching between 2000's Razorblade Romance and 2003's definitive Love Metal - there were few publications that weren't peppering their pages with images of Ville. photogenic but, more importantly, hilarious, his wry and dismissive self-regard tempered the styled polish of his many covershoots. In a time when emo was king, Ville brought something current but gleefully out of step with fashion, musical and otherwise, but he persevered because, arguably, beyond the music he possessed that rare quality that escapes so many whose trade is on the road and in music studios. He was interesting, and Him and their legion of fans were their own movement. For a time, if you ever stood at the back of one of their sold-out shows, it looked something like Beatlemania directed by Tim Burton.

“What would you say to yourself back then?” He smiles and takes a moment before replying.

“It isn't a horror movie thing, but my oldest self has whispered to my younger self many times. You know, I could have done stuff way wiser in the sense of trying to become more successful in terms of money, listening to record companies or whatnot, because people had a damn hard time trying to figure out what we were all about. I wouldn't do anything differently because then I wouldn't be here - that's the beauty of it."

And, tracing the course of what Ville did, what he's doing now, there's little to suggest that anything has changed in terms of his resistance to the common methods of self-promotion. In a time of compulsive micro-blogging and algorithm-feeding content, the official 'Heartagram' Instagram account posts at roughly the same rate as the Vatican. Be it about the preservation of mystery or a refusal to play the game, let it never be said that he didn't do it his way.

“I’m a slow learner. I only learned about the eggplant emoji yesterday! But as for those whispers, it's something to do with the nonlinearity of time," he continues. "I had some foresight to the pandemic, though, and found myself a house with a photography studio which I turned into a music studio. It's one big room that enabled me to spread around all the weird pieces of kit from all eras - sort of my creative central. During the pandemic, that's all I did. There was no rhyme or reason, I just thought it was time to move on and do something different. It could have been my older self whispering to my younger self in the middle of the night, like, 'Now's a good time. You'll understand it better in a few years.' So yeah, it could be one of those things."

We notice a white wall in the corridor is covered in dozens of Sharpie signatures from fellow artists who’ve passed through. Some are small, while pop groups Bastille and Westlife have gone big with huge cubital letters. Unimpressed, Ville reaches for a glow-in-the-dark V sticker from his breast pocket and wryly sticks it up at the top. Always a rebel.

Was it hard to decide which direction to go in after Him?

“Musically, I'm a pair of bell-bottoms," he says. "If you want to follow hits, you're always going to be too late. Music and art is essential for my wellbeing, it's the air that I breathe - it's natural for me, but at times I've felt like a human among the lizard people, an infiltrator from another galaxy. The only thing I can do is the thing I can do."

Of course, it raises the question of how VV and indeed Neon Noir came about. That Ville has always presided over every detail of his music is no secret - there's never been a doubt as to whose vision it all was, and the ending of Him is just as important as the beginning we're here to discuss. As anyone who's seen the end of a relationship will know, the signs of impending demise can appear long before the cracks emerge, and the conclusion of Him was no different. To paraphrase a singer named BB on the prologue to VV, the thrill was gone...

"Expiration is funny when it comes to bands," he says matter-of-factly. Whatever wounds may have been inflicted, they have long since closed, and he's at ease when prompted on what went down.

"It didn't happen overnight - we'd started having trouble after Tears On Tape. Gas (Lipstick] had left the band and we found a new drummer, which was fantastic for a time, but we just couldn't find it in ourselves - a new album. We started working on ideas, but they didn't sound very good. The adult way to approach things is that if it's something you really do love, you have to love them enough to let them go when the right moment comes. The spark was no longer there, so timing-wise, it was good - I wouldn't have minded it to happen a little earlier because now I see the end of my own career in the distance. I never wanted it to feel like a job. You'll see bands touring where it quite clearly is. Something so central needs to be full of passion and laughter and joy and tears - dramatic, like a pint of milk."

Dairy funny. Have you been in touch with the guys since then, we ask?

"I haven't been in touch with Gas in more than 10 years," comes the reply. "And Linde [Mikko 'Linde' Lindström, guitarist] is quite a solitary fellow who's not a big talker anyway. But Mige [Mikko 'Mige' Paananen, bassist] was a bit of a Rick Rubin on the album. He was like this weird guru that came by every three months and gave me a stamp of approval, like, 'Yeah, this is fine.' He's one of my earliest childhood friends and one of my best mates still, so we keep in touch - that's rare. It's been 35 years or something..."

It was that relationship that provided something of the lifeline that Ville needed. He describes the feeling after Him's final show as something akin to phantom limb syndrome, where amputees report sensation in appendages that are no longer there.

"I felt like an outsider, an outcast," he says. "[I felt like] I didn't understand myself, and that the world doesn't understand me or that I didn't belong. It's a profound feeling, you know, to existentially feel that you don't understand the world or your place in it. Funnily enough, how I got through that was writing. The pandemic really painted everyone into a corner. I wasn't suicidal, but there was a tinge of depression as well, not seeing tomorrow or the worth of the day after tomorrow. People reacted in different ways. I forced myself back to music, and music gave me the gift of song once again. I was able to pull off a couple of Sabbath rip-offs, so that made me feel better. That was a big deal."

Ville will go on to animatedly recount how the loss of purpose and trajectory coupled with the worldwide shutdown was in some sense the perfect reset post-Him, and while he hit a very low ebb, it was precisely the kind of downtime he needed and hadn't had since Him's formation when he was just a teen.

"There was no scheduling, nobody to communicate with about what I was working on, so it was very unfiltered intuition, straight to tape or whatever recording medium, and I found myself having goosebumps like I'd never had before. Well..." his eyes impishly go to the ceiling, "musically, at least. I'm scared of stuff being really repetitive - it's nice to enjoy a binge watch on Netflix, but you're never gonna get the time back. That doesn't mean, 'Don't do it! But enjoy the now, take advantage of the time. That's what we'll be doing when we go on tour with the band next year, challenging myself to do lots of things and not step into a sort of zombified existence. People are so distracted…”

At the beginning of the Divine Comedy, the main character - Dante Alighieri's Pilgrim - wrote of finding himself in a dark wood halfway through the walk of life; the straight path, lost. It was a roundabout way of describing the confusion that can come with middle age, but in his mid-4os and with the deep shadows and brilliant highlights of an illustrious career in the rear-view mirror, I wonder aloud if the same could be said of the current predicament.

Dante's come up because, as is often the case with Ville, the subjects of language and literature are never far away. I ask him to elaborate on that tinge of depression he's mentioned, and he says one thing. and lets it hang in the air: "Kaiho."

Sorry?

"Kai-ho," he says again, slowly. It's a Finnish word, he explains, that defies direct translation but describes the twist of emotions he was detangling in the wake of a lifetime on the road and in the limelight. "It isn't a negative feeling. It's a bittersweet reverie. I think Finnish people find it profoundly positive as well, because it also means that you have lived, you have loved and that you experience things that actually make a difference, at least to you personally, hopefully, for the people around you."

Did you struggle?

"I had a month where I didn't get out of bed," he states.

"Around that long, at least. I was pretty worried about it. I forced myself up and back to music through conversations with mates, you know, getting my spirits up a bit, but it was a weird feeling. It's not like you can't get up. You just don't want to get up. You don't want to do anything and you can't really do anything: just super-tired, some form of post-traumatic stress after all the years. It could be that it took a while for it to hit, and it coincided with a pandemic. I wasn't able to do anything, so my body and my mind told me to get the sleep I missed back in the day. Thankfully I slept it off, but life doesn't get any easier. It's getting more complicated, more bittersweet - a tough combo. A pint half full, half empty…”

Of course, the wrought-iron melody of Neon Noir's various paeans to love and loss wouldn't seem correct if they came from a place of emotional buoyancy, but if the slump Ville describes really was just making up for lost sleep-time, he's making no bones about his desire to get back to work.

"I'm not thinking about the end, but what I do realise is that, thinking in logical terms, it's going to be really weird if I'm 60 and still in it, which means that I have less than that in terms of album cycles. It starts to get a bit scary because I've done music all my life, but then again, thinking like that makes me smile."

So how does a 46-year-old's vision of love change from, say, a 20-year-old's?

"Well, maybe we haven't had that 'one true love' in the traditional sense in Shakespearean drama: the overwhelming one that takes over everything. You can't compare relationships and you shouldn't - different times, different people, different chemistry, different reasons. Music is still at its best when it's a soundtrack to important events."

So how does Neon Noir reflect your own life?

"It's very sincere - it encapsulates things. The indecisiveness on whether I belong to the camp of Black Sabbath or Depeche Mode, the constant struggle with good and evil. Run Away From The Sun is the first song I wrote and I didn't know if I had a song in me at all, but I had to start from somewhere. I had all these ideas. I started to do it and follow my intuition. I wasn't in a rush, I had no deadlines - I didn't even know if I was going to continue, and that was the most fruitful ground, because it felt real and unadulterated by pressure…”

As new as it all is for Ville, there are some things that have remained unchanged, or perhaps present is a better word. The heartagram was, after all, the gothic bat-signal of the early 00’s onward...

"It was everything Him stood for," he says. "I just wiggled that one line and realised it has my initials, and that was the reason I called the project VV, and I liked that it had a 'V for Victory' kinda vibe to it, and visually it had the traditional aspect to it, a current iteration of the same idea. It's symbolic, because I didn't want to force myself to take a completely different route musically. I'm not an actor, and Him all happened very organically. I was finding my voice, or whatever you want to call it, through Type O and Black Sabbath back then, and I still am."

From the mood in the room it's a welcome return indeed. It seems that for the first time in a lifetime he's found his path -with the help of a little neon to hold back the darkness.

LIGHTS OUT

Ville Valo reveals the dark secrets behind new album Neon Noir

01: ECHOLOCATE YOUR LOVE

"I was enjoying a documentary on the navigational skills of bats and imagined their nocturnal courting calls bouncing eerily between the walls of the abyss in a gothic ping pong-fashion. To make sure I was communicating this musical vision clearly, I included a cowbell in the middle eight, just because whenever one can, one should."

02: RUN AWAY FROM THE SUN

"The light at the end of the tunnel can sometimes shine so bright it’s scary, and my running-away skills have been highly developed over the years by sweeping most of my issues under the carpet. There are also a few church bell samples ringing among all the 80s-inspired synth sequences, only to make sure the ever-fickle balance between good and evil doesn't err on the side of Skywalker."

03: NEON NOIR

“ A cheerful memento mori if there ever was one, and my first guitar solo on record. The working title was 'Vangelis Halen' and I think I managed to get fairly close in marrying the claustrophobic beauty of Blade Runner with the reckless abandon of VH, in a sort of funeral-car-crash-in-slow-motion-type setting.”

04: LOVELETTING

“ An ode to the setting sun and a tale of dancing on the razor's edge between holding on and letting go. A moribundle of joy in a patchouli garden, with handclaps."

05: THE FOREVERLOST

"The Finnish tourism board should definitely include ‘Nyctophile Shangri-La' as a tagline promoting Finland from now on instead of the worn-out Santanic slogans of yore. A menace-à-trois between Andrew Eldritch, Jaz Coleman and Peter Hook.”

06: BABY LACRIMARIUM

“Quite a traditional love song written by someone who takes the Poe in poetry a wee bit too seriously. A study on blocked tear ducts and The Cure."

07: SALUTE THE SANGUINE

"None of the ways out are easy, so taking the road less travelled is always the preferred method. 'If I could only say the same about the music,’ mutters the little Devil on my shoulder."

08: IN TRENODIA

"A world-building exercise at its bleakest, 'Trenodia' representing a highly modified utopia lit by every shade of blue, with a suitably melancholy soundtrack played at the wrong speed."

09: HEARTFUL OF GHOSTS

"Heartful Of Ghosts is essentially a heart-wrenching tale of paranormal love and supernatural betrayal. Sonically, this lies somewhere between a lava lamp and acupuncture... with fangs.”

10: SATURNINE SATURNÁLIA

"Saturnine Saturnalia is romantic doom and gloom at its very finest, and probably the most Sabbathian moment there is on the album. I dug out my Excalibur - the deranged fuzz pedal and vintage army flask-combo that Mige of Him built me many a moon ago - and tended to my tinnitus with gusto.”

11: ZENER SOLITAIRE

"Imagine if this was Phil Spector's ghost reinterpreting Goblin's soundtrack for Dario Argento's movie Suspiria in glorious lo-fi."

12: VERTIGO EYES

"When you meet someone whose eyes are as hypnotic as watching the Vertigo logo spinning on your turntable, you're either in love or your drink has been spiked. This is a nod to the ghosts of the past, present and future, and a suitably hallucinatory way to end the record."

[brookstonalmanac]

Holidays 7.10

Holidays

Armed Forces Day (Mauritania)

Army Day (Albania)

Battle of Britain Anniversary Day

Battle of Poltava Day (Russia)

Beatles Day (Liverpool, Hamburg)

Capybara Appreciation Day

Chronic Disease Awareness Day

Clerihew Day

Cumin Day (French Republic)

Don't Step On A Bee Day (UK)

Flag Day (Mongolia)

Global Energy Independence Day

Gospel Day (Kiribati)

His Masters Voice Day

International Glut1 Awareness Day

International Safewords Day

Lá Cuimhneacháin Náisiúnta (National Day of Commemoration; Ireland)

Lady Godiva Day

London Bridge Falling Down Day

Merchant’s Festival (Elder Scrolls)

Minion Day

Naadam Day (Mongolia)

National All American Pet Photo Day

National Caleb Day

National Contour Day

National Fish Farmers Day (India)

National Kitten Day

National Lineworker Appreciation Day (Canada)

National Stella Day

National Transplant Financial Coordinator Day

Natto Day (Japan)

Nikola Tesla Day

Oils and Concentrates Day

Police Radio Day

Protogeneia Asteroid Day

Rhodes Day (Rhodesia)

710 Day

Silence Day (Meher Baba)

Srebrenica Memorial Day

Stay Away From Bees Day

Teddy Bear's Picnic Day

Telstar Day

Uniwaine (Senior Citizens’ Day; Kiribati)

U.S. Energy Independence Day

World Airway Disorders Day

World Miniature Golf Day

World Shuvit Cancer Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

Beer Distributors Day

National Piña Colada Day

National Pizza Day (Brazil)

Pick Blueberries Day

Independence & Related Days

Bahamas (from UK, 1973)

Federal Republic of New Potato Land (Declared; 2017) [unrecognized]

Wyoming Statehood Day (#44; 1890)

2nd Wednesday in July

National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving (Montserrat) [2nd Wednesday]

Weekly Holidays beginning July 10 (2nd Week of July)

Sweetheart Days Festival (Minnesota) [2nd Wednesday; thru Friday]

Festivals Beginning July 10, 2024

American Cheese Society Annual Conference (Buffalo, New York) [thru 7.13]

European Balloon Festival (Igualada, Spain) [thru 7.14]

EXIT (Novi Sad, Serbia) [thru 7.14]

Love International Festival (Tins, Croatia) [thru 7.16]

Mad Cool Festival (Madrid, Spain) [thru 7.13]

Ossipee Valley Fair (South Hiram, Maine) [thru 7.14]

Riddu Riđđu (Manndalen, Norway) [thru 7.13]

Sandcastle Contest (Belmar, New Jersey)

Tangomarkkinat (Seinäjoki, Finland) [thru 7.14]

Vegan Summerfest (Johnstown, Pennsylvania) [thru 7.14]

Winona County Fair (St. Charles, Minnesota) [thru 7.14]

Woody Guthrie Folk Festival (Okemah, Oklahoma) [thru 7.14]

Feast Days

Alice Munro (Writerism)

Amalberga of Maubeuge (Christian; Saint & Widow)

Amalburga (Christian; Saint & Virgin)

Antony and Theodosius Pechersky (Christian; Saints)

St. Bathilda (Positivist; Saint)

Camille Pissarro (Artology)

Canute IV of Denmark (Christian; Saint)

David Teniers III (Artology)

Day of Holda (Goddess of the Underworld; Anglo-Saxon, Norse)

Feast Day of Knut the Reaper, Hela, Holda and Skadi (Norse)

Feast of Translation of Saint Maclovius, Bishop of Saint-Malo (Christian; Confessor)

Feast of The Seven Brothers (Januarius, Felix, Philip, Silvanus, Alexander, Vitalis, and Martialis; Christian; Martyrs)

Felicitas of Rome (Christian; Martyr)

The First Sermon of Lord Buddha (Buddhism; Bhutan)

Giorgio de Chirico (Artology)

Hela’s Day (Pagan)

Joe Shuster (Artology)

Kanute IV, King of Denmark (Christian; Martyr)

Knut the Reaper's Day (Norse; Scotland)

Marcel Proust (Writerism)

Mel Blanc Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Millennial Fairy Olympics, Day 5 (Shamanism)

New Robe for Athena Day (Ancient Greece)

Otto Freundlich (Artology)

Pina Colada Day (Pastafarian)

Reach Out and Touch a Green Leaf Day (Starza Pagan Book of Days)

Reg Smythe (Artology)

Ronnie Cutrone (Artology)

Rufina and Secunda (Christian; Martyrs & Virgins)

Rusty (Muppetism)

Septic Bralu Diena (Ancient Latvia)

Seth Godin (Writerism)

Seven Brothers (Christian; Martyrs)

Sixto Rodriguez (Humanism,)

Tita or Tatata Ita (Muppetism)

U Festinu (a.k.a. Feast of St. Rosalia; Palermo, Italy) [thru 7.15]

Viaticum of Llefoed Wynebglawr (Celtic Book of Days)

Victoria, Anatolia, and Audax (Christian; Saints)

Wickerwork Giants Parade & Festival (Douai, France)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Butsumetsu (仏滅 Japan) [Unlucky all day.]

Fatal Day (Pagan) [13 of 24]

Prime Number Day: 191 [43 of 72]

Unfortunate Day (Pagan) [39 of 57]

Premieres

Ball Four, by Jim Bouton (Sports Memoir; 1970)

The Brave Little Toaster (Animated Film; 1987)

Cocky Cock Roach (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1932)

Cool World (Animated Film; 1992)

The Day of the Triffids, by John Wyndham (Novel; 1951)

Do Way Diddy Diddy, by Manfred Mann (Song; 1964)

Escape from New York (Film; 1981)

The Fox and the Hound (Animated Disney Film; 1981)

Greyhound (Film; 2020)

A Hard Day’s Night, by The Beatles (Album; 1964)

Heat Wave, by Martha and the Vandellas (Song; 1963)

Homesteader Droopy (Tex Avery MGM Cartoon; 1954)

The Hot Spell, featuring Farmer Al Falfa (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1936)

Lethal Weapon 4 (Film; 1998)

I Got You Babe, by Sonny and Cher (Song; 1965)

I Love You Beth Cooper (Film; 2009)

In Search of Lost Time, by Marcel Proust (Novel; 1927)

In the Midnight Hour, by Wilson Pickett (Song; 1965)

Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (Film; 1985)

Minions (Animated Film; 2015)

Moon (Film; 2009)

Mother Necessity (America Rock Cartoon; Schoolhouse Rock; 1976)

New Maps of Hell, by Bad Religion (Album; 2007)

Ode to Billie Joe, by Bobbie Gentry (Song; 1967)

The Oily American (WB MM Cartoon; 1954)

The Old Guard (Film; 2020)

Once Upon a Mouse (Disney Cartoon Documentary; 1981)

The Outpost (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1942)

Palm Springs (Film; 2020)

Parachutes, by Coldplay (Album; 2000)

Pi (Film; 1998)

Pink Valiant (Pink Panther Cartoon; 1968)

She Wolf, by Shakira (Album; 2009)

Small Soldiers (Animated Film; 1998)

Smoke Signal (Animated Film; 2018)

Son of Schmilsson, by Harry Nilsson (Album; 1972)

Summertime, recorded by Ella Fitzgerald (Song; 1936)

Tempted, by Squeeze (Song; 1981)

Trouble with Lichen, by John Wyndham (Novel; 1960)

Unnatural Death, by Dorothy L. Sayers (Novel; 1927) [Peter Wimsey #3]

Up N’ Atom (Color Rhapsody Cartoon; 1947)

The Wayward Pups (Happy Harmonies Cartoon; 1937)

We Are the Champions/We Will Rock You, by Queen (UK Song; 1977)

Your Hit Parade (TV Series; 1950)

Today’s Name Days

Engelbert, Knud, Raphael (Austria)

Feliks, Srećko, Viktorija (Croatia)

Amálie, Libuše (Czech Republic)

Knud (Denmark)

Saima, Saime, Saimi (Estonia)

Saima, Saimi (Finland)

Ulrich (France)

Knud, Engelbert, Raphael, Sascha (Germany)

Amália (Greece)

Amália (Hungary)

Armando, Marziale, Pietro, Rufina (Italy)

Lielvardis, Lija, Olīvija, Uve (Latvia)

Amalija, Eirimė, Gilvainas (Lithuania)

Anita, Anja (Norway)

Aleksander, Amelia, Aniela, Filip, January, Radziwoj, Rufina, Samson, Sylwan, Sylwana, Witalis (Poland)

Amália (Slovakia)

Cristóbal (Spain)

André, Andrea, Anund (Sweden)

Anthony (Ukraine)

Emanuel, Emmanuel, Gage, Immanuel, Manuel, Manuela (USA)

Emanuel, Immanuel, Maos, Manuela, Ulla, Ulrich, Ulrika, Ulrike (Universal)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 192 of 2024; 174 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 3 of week 28 of 2024

Celtic Tree Calendar: Tinne (Holly) [Day 4 of 28]

Chinese: Month 6 (Xin-Wei), Day 5 (Yi-Hai)

Chinese Year of the: Dragon 4722 (until January 29, 2025) [Wu-Chen]

Hebrew: 4 Tammuz 5784

Islamic: 3 Muharram 1446

J Cal: 12 Red; Foursday [12 of 30]

Julian: 27 June 2024

Moon: 21%: Waxing Crescent

Positivist: 23 Charlemagne (7th Month) [St. Bathilda]

Runic Half Month: Ur (Primal Strength) [Day 2 of 15]

Season: Summer (Day 21 of 94)

Week: 2nd Week of July

Zodiac: Cancer (Day 20 of 31)

[religion-is-a-mental-illness]

By: Roy Eappen and Ian Kingsbury

Published: Jun 28, 2023

A federal court last week struck down an Arkansas law banning the provision of sex-change procedures—off-label “puberty blockers,” opposite-sex hormones and surgery—to minors. In the June 20 ruling, Judge James M. Moody Jr. repeatedly cited the Endocrine Society, the professional organization of physicians who specialize in hormones. He wrote that the society has “published widely-accepted clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of gender dysphoria” that “were developed by experts in the field” and “are recognized as best practices.”

In truth, over the past decade transgender activists have co-opted the Endocrine Society and other professional organizations to promote such treatments for adolescents and even young children. Their guidelines are based on flimsy evidence, giving the appearance that invasive and irreversible treatments are beneficial for young patients despite a growing body of evidence to the contrary. The guidelines have been used by lawmakers in states such as California and New York to endanger children—and now by judges to block state efforts at protecting youngsters.

A few days before Judge Moody’s ruling, we attended the annual meeting of the Endocrine Society, of which one of us (Dr. Eappen) is a member. We found that endocrinologists are aware of the society’s failings and rue its elevation of transgender activism over medical expertise and patient needs.

The Endocrine Society endorsed medical “transition” for young people in 2017. It published the “clinical practice guidelines” for the “treatment of gender-dysphoric/gender-incongruent persons” that Judge Moody cited. At the time, there was little good research on this issue, and the Endocrine Society admitted the guidelines were largely based on evidence of “low” or “very low” quality. The society nonetheless recommended that some children receive a “hormone regimen that will suppress the body’s sex hormone secretion, determined at birth and manifested at puberty.”

At this year’s meeting, we had frank and fruitful discussions with endocrinologists who provide hormonal treatments to kids with gender dysphoria, as well as some who don’t. Without exception, they acknowledged that the society’s evidence base for pediatric gender transition is weak, at best. Yet while they’re aware of the guidelines’ shortcomings, they’re afraid to voice their concerns. The society’s full-throated endorsement of gender-affirming care implied condemnation of anyone who holds differing views. Medical professionals are being cowed into silence and coerced into providing treatments they know are dangerous to children.

Perhaps the most telling interactions were with European endocrinologists, who were there to discuss the latest research and treatments in the specialty. Those we spoke with expressed surprise that the U.S. hasn’t banned, or at least severely restricted, such treatments for adolescents and children.

England, Sweden and Finland have all taken this path, and Norway is likely to follow. Belgium, France, Ireland and Italy are also raising concerns. These countries are following the science, which shows that the claimed benefits of hormonal intervention for young people fail to outweigh the risks.

Most disturbing, endocrinologists on all sides of this debate told us that practitioners aren’t complying with the precautions set forth in the society’s guidelines. Despite the document’s call for careful mental-health screening and its acknowledgment that most cases of childhood gender dysphoria naturally resolve during puberty, endocrinologists recognize that some of their peers are rushing young patients to irreversible hormonal treatments. Every endocrinologist we spoke with supports doing more to ensure that these guardrails are enforced, and many favor erecting new ones.

Judge Moody’s ruling cites the Endocrine Society’s guidelines in a lengthy section titled “Findings of Fact,” which is essentially a recitation of transgender ideology. A trial judge’s findings of fact are all but unreviewable on appeal. By allowing ideologues to hijack their organization, endocrinologists are making themselves complicit in a scientifically baseless movement that inflicts serious harm on children’s physical and mental health.

Dr. Eappen is a practicing endocrinologist in Montreal and a senior fellow at Do No Harm. Mr. Kingsbury is Do No Harm’s research director.

[ Via: https://archive.is/TPpis ]

Published: Jul 9, 203

Stephen Hammes’s response (Letters, July 5) to our op-ed (“The Endocrine Society’s Dangerous Transgender Politicization,” June 29) proves our point: The Endocrine Society is ignoring the dangers that sex-change treatments pose to children.

Dr. Hammes, president of the Endocrine Society, leaves out that the society’s pro-sex-change guidelines are based on “low” or “very low” quality evidence. He says nothing about the growing number of progressive European countries that are abandoning America’s model of gender-affirming care following systematic reviews of the evidence.

Dr. Hammes says that “2,000 studies published since 1975” support gender-affirming care. Yet many of these studies show negative results or nonresults, while all suffer from methodological problems like selection bias or a lack of proper control groups. These failings make it impossible to say whether drugs and surgeries were superior to less invasive alternatives like psychotherapy or even placebos. All but two dozen studies involved adults who transitioned as adults, not children, meaning more than 1,900 of the studies Dr. Hammes cites have no bearing on this issue. The layman may be impressed by the large number, but evidence-based medicine is concerned with the quality and reliability of research, not its quantity.

If Dr. Hammes is so confident in the Endocrine Society’s guidelines, he should have no problem launching a systematic review of all risks and benefits of hormonal interventions. It is more than warranted, six years after the guidelines were released. Until then, states have no choice but to pass laws to protect children from well-intended but harmful practices.

Roy Eappen, M.D., and Ian Kingsbury, Ph.D. Do No Harm Montreal and Marblehead, Mass.

[ Via: https://archive.is/2wUMl ]

==

Quality matters, not quantity. Someone claiming to be a scientist should really not be making an Appeal to Popularity.

[goat-esc-winner-showdown]

ROUND 1 WINNERS

Round 1 Poll 1: "What's Another Year" - Johnny Logan (Ireland, 1980) vs "Arcade" - Duncan Laurence (Netherlands, 2019)

Round 1 Poll 2: "Tu te reconnaîtras" - Anne-Marie David (Luxembourg, 1973) vs "Euphoria" - Loreen (Sweden, 2012)

Round 1 Poll 3: "J'aime la vie" - Sandra Kim (Belgium, 1986) vs "Ein bißchen Frieden" - Nicole (Germany, 1982)

Round 1 Poll 4: "Puppet on a String" - Sandie Shaw (United Kingdom, 1967) vs "The Voice" - Eimear Quinn (Ireland, 1996)

Round 1 Poll 5: "Boom Bang-a-Bang" - Lulu (United Kingdom, 1969) vs "Tom Pillibi" - Jacqueline Boyer (France, 1960)

Round 1 Poll 6: "Rise Like a Phoenix" - Conchita Wurst (Austria, 2014) vs "Toy" - Netta (Israel, 2018)

Round 1 Poll 7: "Refrain" - Lys Assia (Switzerland, 1956) vs "Everyway That I Can" - Sertab Erener (Turkey, 2003)

Round 1 Poll 8: "Diva" (דיווה) - Dana International (Israel, 1998) vs "Satellite" - Lena (Germany, 2010)

Round 1 Poll 9: "Si la vie est cadeau" - Corinne Hermès (Luxembourg, 1983) vs "La det swinge" - Bobbysocks! (Norway, 1985)

Round 1 Poll 10: "Nous les amoureux" - Jean-Claude Pascal (Luxembourg, 1961) vs "Un banc, un arbre, une rue" - Séverine (Monaco, 1971)

Round 1 Poll 11: "Dors, mon amour" - André Claveau (France, 1958) vs "Ne partez pas sans moi" - Céline Dion (Switzerland, 1988)

Round 1 Poll 12: "1944" - Jamala Jamala (Ukraine, 2016) vs "Save Your Kisses for Me" - Brotherhood of Man (United Kingdom, 1976)

Round 1 Poll 13: "Waterloo" - ABBA (Sweden, 1974) vs "Hold Me Now" - Johnny Logan (Ireland, 1987)

Round 1 Poll 14: "Take Me to Your Heaven" - Charlotte Nilsson (Sweden, 1999) vs "Zitti e buoni" - Måneskin (Italy, 2021)

Round 1 Poll 15: "Why Me?" - Linda Martin (Ireland, 1992) vs Ukraine "Wild Dances" - Ruslana (Ukraine, 2004)

Round 1 Poll 16: "Stefania" (Стефанія) - Kalush Orchestra (Ukraine, 2022) vs "De troubadour" - Lenny Kuhr (Netherlands, 1969)

Round 1 Poll 17: "Only Teardrops" - Emmelie de Forest (Denmark, 2013) vs "Nocturne" - Secret Garden (Norway, 1995)

Round 1 Poll 18: "Hallelujah" (הללויה) - Milk and Honey (Israel, 1979) vs "Molitva" (Молитва) - Marija Šerifović (Serbia, 2007)

Round 1 Poll 19: "Diggi-Loo Diggi-Ley" - Herreys (Sweden, 1984) vs "I Wanna" - Marie N (Latvia, 2002)

Round 1 Poll 20: "Fairytale" - Alexander Rybak (Norway, 2009) vs "Merci, Chérie" - Udo Jürgens (Austria, 1966)

Round 1 Poll 21: "Fångad av en stormvind" - Carola (Sweden, 1991) vs "A-Ba-Ni-Bi" (א-ב-ני-בי) - Izhar Cohen and the Alphabeta (Israel, 1978)

Round 1 Poll 22: "Après toi" - Vicky Leandros (Luxembourg, 1972) vs "Love Shine a Light" - Katrina and the Waves (United Kingdom, 1997)

Round 1 Poll 23: "Dansevise" - Grethe and Jørgen Ingmann (Denmark, 1963) vs "Fly on the Wings of Love" - Olsen Brothers (Denmark, 2000)

Round 1 Poll 24: "Making Your Mind Up" - Bucks Fizz (United Kingdom, 1981) vs "L'Oiseau et l'Enfant" - Marie Myriam (France, 1977)

Round 1 Poll 25: "Insieme: 1992" - Toto Cutugno (Italy, 1990) vs "Everybody" - Tanel Padar, Dave Benton and 2XL (Estonia, 2001)

Round 1 Poll 26: "All Kinds of Everything" - Dana (Ireland, 1970) vs "In Your Eyes" - Niamh Kavanagh (Ireland, 1993)

Round 1 Poll 27: "Hard Rock Hallelujah" - Lordi (Finland, 2006) vs "Net als toen" - Corry Brokken (Netherlands, 1957)

Round 1 Poll 28: "Een beetje" - Teddy Scholten (Netherlands, 1959) vs "Heroes" - Måns Zelmerlöw (Sweden, 2015)

Round 1 Poll 29: "Rock 'n' Roll Kids" - Paul Harrington and Charlie McGettigan (Ireland, 1994) vs "My Number One" - Helena Paparizou (Greece, 2005)

Round 1 Poll 30: "Running Scared" - Ell and Nikki (Azerbaijan, 2011) vs "Amar pelos dois" - Salvador Sobral (Portugal, 2017)

Round 1 Poll 31: "Poupée de cire, poupée de son" - France Gall (Luxembourg, 1965) vs "Believe" - Dima Bilan (Russia, 2008)

Round 1 Poll 32: "Vivo cantando" - Salomé (Spain, 1969) vs "Tattoo" - Loreen (Sweden, 2023)

[a-silent-symphony]

TARJA TURUNEN Says She Is Supportive Of Current NIGHTWISH Singer FLOOR JANSEN: 'We Are Sisters In Metal'

During an appearance on a recent episode of the "Scars And Guitars" podcast, former NIGHTWISH vocalist Tarja Turunen was asked if she has ever had any interactions with current NIGHTWISH singer Floor Jansen. She responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "We are in touch, and recently more, because she came up with the really horrible news of being sick. [Editor's note: Jansen recently revealed that she was diagnosed with breast cancer.] So I've been in touch with her. But ever since she joined NIGHTWISH, I was there for her. So it's, like, I don't have any… Actually, I hope she's fine and everything is great with her and she's happy. That's what I wish. Now and then when I am in Netherlands, if I have concerts in Netherlands, she's poking by and so on and so on. It's really, really nice.

"In general, hey, I feel in metal, we are sisters in metal — we all are like sisters in metal," she continued. "We actually do support each other, all of us.

"When I started in metal, I felt a little lonely, because there were not too many girls around in the festivals I went; I was mainly the only girl all around," Tarja revealed. "And nowadays it's so incredible to see so many female vocalists. They approach me — if I do not recognize them, they approach me — they come and talk. And it's really lovely. We have this really beautiful connection and a lot to share. And that is also… I really enjoy it so much nowadays. It has changed a lot."

In December 2020, Turunen took part in an Instagram Live chat with Jansen. You can watch the entire 48-minute discussion below.

Turunen and Jansen previously performed a duet together at the 2013 edition of the Metal Female Voices Fest at Oktoberhallen in Wieze, Belgium. The women joined forces on a cover version of "Over The Hills And Far Away", originally written and recorded by the Northern Irish singer and guitarist Gary Moore and previously covered by NIGHTWISH on the 2001 EP of the same name.

Jansen made her live debut as the frontwoman of NIGHTWISH on October 1, 2012 at Showbox Sodo in Seattle, Washington following the abrupt departure of the band's lead singer of five years, Anette Olzon.

Jansen officially joined NIGHTWISH in 2013 and made her recording debut with the group on 2015's "Endless Forms Most Beautiful" album.

NIGHTWISH's ninth studio album, "Human. :II: Nature." , was released in April 2020 via Nuclear Blast. The effort is a double album containing nine tracks on the main CD and one long track, divided into eight chapters on CD 2.

In 2019, Turunen dismissed Internet chatter about her possible return to NIGHTWISH after her December 2017 onstage reunion with the band's then-bassist/vocalist Marco Hietala during a "Raskasta Joulua" concert in Hämeenlinna, Finland.

"I know a lot of fans would love to see something happen, but it's a very long distance away," she told Kerrang! magazine. "Personally, I don't see anything happening with me and them, to be perfectly honest. Marco came a little later into the band; he wasn't there since the beginning. He was always a guy I was close to. Me and [NIGHTWISH keyboardist/leader] Tuomas Holopainen, however, haven't seen each other in a long time… but we have been in touch. It's not bad. The past is what it is; we can't change that. We can only change the future."

Turunen was fired from NIGHTWISH at the end of the band's 2005 tour by being presented with an open letter which was published on the NIGHTWISH web site at the same time. In the letter, the other members of NIGHTWISH wrote: "To you, unfortunately, business, money, and things that have nothing to do with emotions have become much more important."

Holopainen later called the decision to part ways with Turunen "the most difficult thing I ever had to do." For her part, Tarja said the way she was kicked out of the group proved that her former bandmates were not her friends. "Maybe one day I'll forgive, but I will never forget," she said.

Tarja will release a new collection, "Best Of: Living The Dream", on December 2 via earMUSIC.

[child-of-hurin]

Other versions of that scene I want to archive here:

Tosca - Te Deum (AMARTUVSHIN ENKHBAT) Teatro di San Carlo (2020)

The grotesque penitents, Scarpia's dog, the living statue in the precarious stone structure... I love it. (Also, I haven't posted a Scarpia whose voice I didn't like, but this one is just absolutely gorgeous)

Ambrogio Maestri "Tre sbirri, una carrozza…Va Tosca" (Te Deum) Opening Gala Firenze

Love this more traditional production still putting a little at the end by having the revolutionaries stage a (futile, but unnerving) demonstration and capturing the priest. Also love Scarpia grasping the cross at the end...

And this is not production related, but I love the twisted camera angles slowly untwisting. Hell yeah

Jared Ice - Va, Tosca! (Te Deum) (2017)

These costumes just look to me like they were designed by Tom of Finland idk we stan. You could not convince me this Scarpia wants Tosca for herself tho and I'm writing Scarpia/Cavaradossi fanfic in my mind as I watch this... I do like the choir being hostages forced to pray immensely, I think it's a very inspired choice

"Va, Tosca" (Tosca) Te Deum - Thomas Cannon 2017

Set in the Spanish civil war! A thousand points for that alone! A small detail, but Scarpia bowing politely to the priest and simply continuing his depraved daydream feels right. I also love the inconstancy -- Scarpia smiles, frowns, then smiles again, etc, etc, just to end on (what looks like) a sensual daydream. Sometimes the most banal is also the most terrifying in context.

[gaymer-hag-stan]

So, I have a list of Eurovision songs from 2004 onwards ranking which entries did the best based on average score.

This year's Loreen, Käärijä, Noa Kirel and Marco Mengoni all made the list

1. Norway - 2009 - Alexander Rybak - Fairytale - 78.6%

2. Sweden - 2015 - Måns Zelmerlöw - Heroes - 77.9%

3. Portugal - 2017 - Salvador Sobral - Amar pelos dois - 77%

4. Sweden - 2012 - Loreen - Euphoria - 75.6%

5. Ukraine - 2022 - Kalush Orchestra - Stefania - 67.4%

6. Austria - 2014 - Conchita Wurst - Rise Like a Phoenix - 67.1%

7. Ukraine - 2004 - Ruslana - Wild Dances - 66.6%

8. Sweden – 2023 – Loreen – Tattoo – 66.5%

9. Finland - 2006 - Lordi - Hard Rock Hallelujah - 65.7%

10. Russia - 2015 - Polina Gagarina - A Million Voices - 64.7%

11. Serbia and Montenegro - 2004 - Željko Joksimović and Ad-Hoc Orchestra - Lane Moje - 62.6%

12. Bulgaria - 2017 - Kristian Kostov - Beautiful Mess - 62.5%

13. Italy - 2015 - Il Volo - Grande amore - 62.3%

14. Denmark - 2013 - Emmelie de Forest - Only Teradrops - 61.6%

15. Finland – 2023 – Käärijä – Cha Cha Cha – 60%

16. Greece - 2004 - Sakis Rouvas - Shake It - 60%

17. Italy - 2021 - Måneskin - Zitti e Buoni - 57.4%

18. Russia - 2006 - Dima Bilan - Never Let You Go - 55.8%

19. Netherlands - 2014 - The Common Linnets - Calm After the Storm - 55%

20. France - 2021 - Barbara Pravi - Voilà - 54.7%

21. Serbia - 2007 - Marija Šerifović - Molitva - 54.4%

22. Ukraine - 2016 - Jamala - 1944 - 54.2%

23. Russia - 2008 - Dima Bilan - Believe - 53.9%

24. Germany - 2010 - Lena - Satellite - 53.9%

25. Russia - 2012 - Buranovskiye Babushki - Party for Everybody - 52.6%

26. Israel - 2018 - Netta - Toy - 52.4%

27. Australia - 2016 - Dami Im - Sound of Silence - 51.9%

28. Netherlands - 2019 - Duncan Laurence - Arcade - 51.8%

29. Bosnia and Herzegovina - 2006 - Hari Mata Hari - Lejla - 51.5%

30. Azerbaijan - 2013 - Farid Mammadov - Hold Me - 51.3%

31. Greece - 2005 - Helena Paparizou - My Number One - 50.4%

32. Sweden - 2014 - Sanna Nielsen - Undo - 50.4%

33. Russia - 2016 - Sergey Lazarev - You Are the Only One - 49.8%

34. United Kingdom - 2022 - Sam Ryder - Space Man - 49.7%

35. Italy - 2019 - Mahmood - Soldi - 49.1%

36. Spain - 2022 - Chanel - SloMo - 49%

37. Azerbaijan - 2011 - Ell and Nikki - Running Scared - 48.4%

38. Ukraine - 2007 - Verka Serduchka - Dancing Lasha Tumbai - 47.7%

39. Switzerland - 2021 - Gjon's Tears - Tout l'univers - 47.3%

40. Ukraine - 2013 - Zlata Ognevich - Gravity - 46.9%

41. Sweden - 2022 - Cornelia Jakobs - Hold Me Closer - 46.7%

42. Turkey - 2004 - Athena - For Real - 46.4%

43. Belgium - 2015 - Loïc Nottet - Rhythm Inside - 46.3%

44. Ukraine - 2008 - Ani Lorak - Shady Lady - 45.6%

45. Iceland - 2009 - Yohanna - Is It True? - 44.3%

46. Serbia - 2012 - Željko Joksimović - Nije ljubav stvar - 43.4%

47. Cyprus - 2018 - Eleni Foureira - Fuego - 43.2%

48. Greece - 2008 - Kalomira - Secret Combination - 43.2%

49. Malta - 2005 - Chiara - Angel - 42.1%

50. Russia - 2007 - Serebro - Song #1 - 42%

51. Azerbaijan - 2009 - AySel and Arash - Always - 42%

52. Norway - 2013 - Margaret Berger - I Feed You My Love - 41.8%

53. Australia - 2015 - Guy Sebastian - Tonight Again - 41.8%

54. Italy - 2011 - Raphael Gualazzi - Madness of Love - 41.4%

55. Iceland - 2021 - Daði og Gagnamagnið - 10 Years - 41.4%

56. Israel – 2023 – Noa Kirel – Unicorn – 41.3%

57. Sweden - 2011 - Eric Saade - Popular - 40.5%

58. Cyprus - 2004 - Lisa Andreas - Stronger Every Minute - 40.4%

59. Sweden - 2004 - Lena Philipsson - It Hurts - 40.4%

60. Armenia - 2014 - Aram Mp3 - Not Alone - 40.3%

61. Italy – 2023 – Marco Mengoni – Due vite – 39.9%

62. Ukraine - 2021 - Go_A - Shum - 39.9%

63. Latvia - 2015 - Aminata - Love Injected - 39.7%

64. Armenia - 2008 - Sirusho - Qélé, Qélé - 39.4%

65. Romania - 2006 - Mihai Trăistariu - Tornerò - 38.7%

66. Russia - 2019 - Sergey Lazarev - Scream - 38.5%

67. Sweden - 2006 - Carola - Invincible - 38.2%

68. Russia - 2013 - Dina Garipova - What If - 38.1%

69. Moldova - 2017 - SunStroke Project - Hey Mamma - 38%

70. Switzerland - 2019 - Luca Hänni - She Got Me - 37.9%

71. Turkey - 2010 - Manga - We Could Be the Same - 37.2%

72. Belgium - 2017 - Blanche - City Lights - 36.8%

73. Lithuania - 2006 - LT United - We Are the Winners - 36.4%

74. Norway - 2008 - Maria - Hold On Be Strong - 36.1%

75. Turkey - 2009 - Hadise - Düm Tek Tek - 35.9%

76. Romania - 2010 - Paula Seling and Ovi - Playing with Fire - 35.5%

77. United Kingdom - 2009 - Jade Ewen - It's My Time - 35.1%

78. Sweden - 2017 - Robin Bengtsson - I Can't Go On - 34.9%

79. Ukraine - 2011 - Mika Newton - Angel - 34.8%

80. Sweden - 2019 - John Lundvik - Too Late for Love - 34.7%

81. Romania - 2005 - Luminița Anghel and Sistem - Let Me Try - 34.6%

82. Norway - 2019 - Keiino - Spirit in the Sky - 34.4%

83. Austria - 2018 - Cesár Sampson - Nobody but You - 33.9%

84. Italy - 2017 - Francesco Gabbanni - Occidentali's Karma - 33.9%

85. Germany - 2018 - Michael Schulte - You Let Me Walk Alone - 33.7%

86. Israel - 2005 - Shiri Maimon - HaSheket SheNish'ar - 33.7%

87. Latvia - 2005 - Walters and Khaza - The War Is Not Over - 33.5%

88. Serbia - 2022 - Konstrakta - In corpore sano - 33.3%

89. Greece - 2013 - Koza Mostra feat. Agathon Iakovidis - Alcohol Is Free - 33.3%

90. Turkey - 2007 - Kenan Doğulu - Shake It Up Şekerim - 33.1%

91. Hungary - 2014 - András Kállay-Saunders - Running - 33.1%

92. Finland - 2021 - Blind Channel - Dark Side - 33%

93. Denmark - 2010 - Chanée and N'evergreen - In a Moment like This - 32.6%

94. Ukraine - 2006 - Tina Karol - Show Me Your Love - 32.6%

95. Moldova - 2005 - Zdob și Zdub - Boonika bate toba - 32.4%

96. Bulgaria - 2007 - Elitsa Todorova and Stoyan Yankoulov - Water - 31.7%

97. Azerbaijan - 2010 - Safura - Drip Drop - 31.7%

98. Serbia - 2008 - Jelena Tomašević feat. Bora Dugić - Oro - 31.7%

99. North Macedonia - 2019 - Tamara Todevska - Proud - 31.7%

100. Azerbaijan - 2019 - Chingiz - Truth - 31.4%

Full YouTube playlist

Semi Full Spotify Playlist because some songs are just not on Spotify 😭😔😞

[x--daughters-of-darkness--x]

BUTCHER BABIES' CARLA HARVEY To Sit Out European Tour

BUTCHER BABIES co-vocalist Carla Harvey will sit out the band's upcoming European tour with FEAR FACTORY and IGNEA in order to undergo emergency surgery on her left eye.

Harvey shared the news of her absence from the trek earlier today in a social media post. The 47-year-old singer, who co-founded BUTCHER BABIES in 2010 with fellow vocalist Heidi Shepherd, posted a photo of her performing with her bandmates, and she included the following message: "Here's a picture of a girl in her happy place; unfortunately i won't be in that happy place on the upcoming @butcherbabies Euro run. Love you all but i have to sit this one out!

"I have a history of problematic vision and I had to have a major surgery about 10 years ago in my right eye for a retinal detachment. On our summer tour the telltale symptoms repeated themselves in my left eye. I've been hoping to avoid major surgery but it is clear that it must be done. My emergency surgery will include a healing process of laying face down for a number of days with a gas bubble in my eye."

Carla added: "This is the first time in fifteen years i won't be able to join my friends on stage but right now my health and sight take precedence for me. While I am gutted that I cannot make the tour the risk of me waiting till after a tour to do such a surgery is too great and includes permanent vision loss. The beauty of having two vocalists is that Heidi can cover for me until i'm better!

"Hoping to make it out for part of this euro run...go to the shows, have a blast and support my bandmates for me! I'll see you soon!"

In the comments section, Shepherd voiced her support for her bandmate, writing: "Sending all the love and healing. We'll hold down the fort while you heal. We need those beautiful eyes to work!!! Love you!"

BUTCHER BABIES' tour with FEAR FACTORY and IGNEA is scheduled to kick off on October 27 in Nottingham, United Kingdom and conclude on December 16 in Helsinki, Finland.

BUTCHER BABIES released a double album "Eye For An Eye..." and "…'Til The World's Blind", in July. The double album celebrates the tenth anniversary of BUTCHER BABIES' critically acclaimed debut, "Goliath", released on July 9, 2013 via Century Media Records.

BUTCHER BABIES' previous album, 2017's "Lilith" was produced by Steve Evetts (THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, SEPULTURA, SUICIDE SILENCE) and marked the band's recording debut with drummer Chase Brickenden, who replaced Chris Warner in 2016.

In July 2019, longtime BUTCHER BABIES bassist Jason Klein announced his departure from the band. He has since been replaced by Ricky Bonazza.

[worldgirlsportal]

The Top 10 Hottest Finnish Women of 2023

While Finland might not be the first country that comes to mind when you think of beautiful women, it actually has some of the most stunning ladies in the world. From blondes to brunettes and everything in between, Finnish women are sure to catch your eye. Here are the top 10 hottest Finnish women of 2023.

Why Finnish women are some of the most beautiful and hottest in the world?

Hottest Finnish women are blessed with natural good looks and they take great care of their appearance. They tend to be slim with blonde hair and green or blue eyes, although there are also plenty of brunettes and redheads. Finnish women are also very sporty, so they often have toned bodies.

In addition to their physical beauty, Finnish women are also known for being friendly and fun-loving. They are easy to approach and they enjoy spending time with friends and family. So if you’re looking for a beautiful and exciting partner, a Finnish woman could be the perfect choice.

Top 10 Hottest Finnish Women of 2023 There are many beautiful women in Finland, but these ten ladies stand out from the rest.

Jaana Pelkonen

Jaana Pelkonen is a Finnish member of parliament and television presenter. She is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful women in Finland, and has been voted one of the country’s hottest female politicians. Pelkonen is a strong advocate for women’s rights and has been a leading voice in the fight for gender equality in Finland.

She is also an experienced television presenter, and has hosted a number of popular shows on Finnish television. In addition to her work in politics and television, Pelkonen is also a successful model and has appeared in numerous magazines and advertisements.

Click here -> Finnish Flair: Top 10 Instagram Models from Finland

Viivi Pumpanen

Viivi Pumpanen is no doubt one of the hottest Finnish women. She was crowned Miss Finland in 2010 and since then she has been living in Nurmijärvi. The 34-year-old beauty pageant titleholder is known for her impeccable sense of style and her enviable figure.

With her long blonde hair and brown eyes, Pumpanen is the epitome of Scandinavian beauty. There is no doubt that Viivi Pumpanen is one of the most beautiful women in the world.

Click here -> Beauty from the North: Meet Finland's Hottest Instagram Models

Sara Sieppi

Sara Sieppi is a Finnish television host, social media personality and Miss Finland of 2011. Hailing from Tornio in Lapland, she was the first runner-up in the 2011 Miss Finland pageant before eventually taking over the title from Pia Lamberg. Since then, Sara has become a household name in Finland and has amassed a large social media following.

Her relationship with TV personality Roope Salminen was widely followed in the Finnish media. In 2016, she was voted as one of the Hottest Finnish Women by Maxim magazine. There is no doubt that Sara Sieppi is one of the most popular faces in Finland today.

Click here -> Gorgeous Finnish Influencers: 10 Must-Follow Instagram Models

Satu Tuomisto

The 2008 Miss Finland, Satu Sinikka Tuomisto is a Finnish model who also took part in the Miss Universe 2008 competition. In August 2017, she got married to Petri Aarnio, and divorced in summer 2019.

She is also known for her work as a model and actress. Satu has appeared in magazines such as Vogue, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar. She has also done campaigns for major brands such as Calvin Klein, H&M, and Ralph Lauren. In addition to her modeling work, Satu has also acted in some TV shows and movies. Satu is not one of the most popular models in Finland, but she is considered to be one of the country’s sexiest women.

Click here -> Finnish Beauties Unleashed: The Top 10 Instagram Models in Finland

Janina Fry

Janina Päivänsäde Fry is a Finnish pop singer and model. She hosts the show Bella on Finnish television channel Nelonen. Janina’s breakthrough came in 1993 when she won the “Maiden of Finland” beauty pageant and made it to the semi-finals in Miss World that same year. Since then, she has been considered one of the hottest Finnish women around.

In addition to her work on television, Janina has also released several but not much successful albums and singles. She is currently living in Stockholm, Sweden since 2021. With her good looks and talent, there is no doubt that Janina will gain a success in the years to come.

Click here -> Northern Sensations: Discover Finland's Most Stunning Instagram Models

Sofia Belorf

Sofia Belorf is a Finnish, Moroccan fitness athlete and model. She won the bikini fitness world championship in November 2015 at the IFBB World Championships in Budapest. The Hottest Finnish Women list has Sofia placed at #5.

This Hawk-eyed diva has a body that screams ‘fitness.’ Even more amazing is her humble personality which is portrayed on her social media platforms where she is quite active. On one of her posts, she wrote “I am not skinny, I am not curvy, I am fit and I am proud of it”. This goes to show that this gorgeous lady is comfortable in her skin and loves herself just the way she is. What an inspiration indeed! Keep doing you, Sofia! The world is yours for the taking.

Click here -> From Finland with Love: 10 Captivating Instagram Models to Follow

Pia Lamberg

An actress, fashion model and beauty pageant titleholder, Pia Lamberg is crowned Miss Finland 2011. Pia Lamberg has been voted as one of the hottest Finnish women alive. She is beautiful, confident and has an amazing body. Pia Lamberg is a successful model and has walked the ramp for many top designers.

She is also a popular actress and has acted in many movies and television shows. Pia Lamberg is a role model for many young girls and women all over the world.

Click here -> Finnish Fashionistas: The Trendsetting Instagram Models of Finland

Sara Chafak

There is no shortage of beautiful women in Finland, but Sara Chafak is definitely one of the hottest. This Finnish beauty pageant winner of Moroccan origin was crowned Miss Finland 2012 and represented her country in Miss Universe 2012.

With her striking features and sultry looks, it’s no wonder she was a unanimous choice for the title. But beyond her physical beauty, Sara is also a smart and successful businesswoman. In other words, she’s the total package. If you’re looking for the most beautiful Finnish woman, Sara Chafak is definitely a top contender.

Click here -> Finnish Goddesses: 10 Instagram Models Redefining Beauty in Finland

Janni Hussi

Janni Hussi is a Finnish fitness model, blogger, entrepreneur, sports presenter, YouTuber and media personality. She has been ranked as one of the Hottest Finnish women 2023. Hussi has also been featured in Sports Illustrated, Playboy and Men’s Health.

Hussi is best known for her appearances in TV shows, including; Huomenta Suomi, Big Brother 2022, Bisonimafia and the second season of Survivors Finland. In addition to her modeling work, Hussi also has a successful YouTube channel under his own name. Thanks to her success in both the fitness and business world, Hussi is considered one of the most inspiring women in Finland.

Click here -> Finnish Magic: Unveiling the Top 10 Instagram Models from Finland

Kiira Korpi

Kiira Korpi is one of the most beautiful women in Finland. She is a former figure skater, and a three-time European medalist, a two-time Cup of China medalist, a five-time Finnish national champion. She has graced the covers of many magazines, including Elle, Maxim, and Sports Illustrated.

Korpi is also a popular Instagram influencer, with over 95k followers. In addition to her good looks, Korpi is also known for her positive attitude and friendly personality. She is a role model for many young Finnish women and an inspiration to people all over the world. Thanks to her success in both figure skating and modeling, Kiira Korpi is one of the hottest Finnish women around.

Click here -> Insta-Famous in Finland: Meet the Hottest Instagram Models of the North

What are Finnish women known for?

Finnish women are known for their independence and strong sense of self. They are highly educated and have a strong commitment to equality. Finnish women are also active in the workforce, with nearly two-thirds of working-age women employed. In addition to their professional accomplishments, Finnish women are also active in the arts, sports, and other extracurricular activities.

Finnish women are frequently seen as role models in their communities and are known for their dedication to family and friends. As a result, Finnish women are highly respected members of society who are known for their many contributions to the country.

What is the beauty standard in Finland?

Finnish women are often lauded for their natural beauty, and it’s no wonder why. The Finnish standard of beauty is much different than what is commonly seen in the media. Finnish women are typically thought of as being tall, slender, and fair-skinned. They also tend to have blue or green eyes.

While these physical features are certainly considered to be attractive, Finnish women are also prized for their independent spirits and down-to-earth attitudes. In a country where nature is ever-present, Finnish women are seen as being in tune with the natural world. This appreciation for the outdoors helps to keep Finnish women looking young and vibrant. It’s no wonder that the Finnish standard of beauty is so highly respected by others around the world.

How tall are Finnish girls?

Finnish women are some of the tallest in the world, with an average height of about 5 feet 7 inches (1.7 meters). This is due in part to the fact that Finnish women tend to have longer legs than women from other countries.

Finnish women also tend to have a higher proportion of ” lean body mass,” which includes muscle, bone, and organ tissue. This may be due to the fact that Finnish women have a higher level of activity than women from other countries.

In addition, Finnish women tend to consume a diet that is high in dairy products, which contain calcium and other nutrients that are essential for bone growth. As a result of these factors, Finnish women tend to be taller than women from other countries.

Are Finnish girls friendly?

Finnish women are known for being shy and reserved, but once you get to know them they are actually very friendly and warm. Finnish culture is very individualistic, so Finnish women are used to taking care of themselves and not relying on others. This independence is one of the things that makes Finnish women so attractive – they are not looking for a man to take care of them, but someone to share their life with.

Finnish women are also well-educated and have interesting careers, so they are definitely worth getting to know. So if you’re looking for a friendly Finnish girl, don’t be afraid to approach one and strike up a conversation. You might just find your perfect match.

Click Here to More Beautiful Finnish Instagram Models: https://www.worldgirlsportal.com/list-of/instagram-models-from-finland/

[metalmessage]

Radiant, enchanting & uplifting!

Action: KATE NORD Base: Casperia • Italy Genre: Symphonic Fantasy Metal Title: Compass To Your Heart’s Desire FFO: Nightwish, Epica, Enya Format: Album Label: Independent Release: Dec. 16, 2022

🌐 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙤 & 𝙋𝙍 Action: 𝗠𝗘𝗧𝗔𝗟 𝗠𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗔𝗚𝗘 ᴳᴸᴼᴮᴬᴸ • 𝐸𝓈𝓉. 2001 https://www.metalmessage.de/PR_KATE_NORD_en.php

Bulletpoints: • Deeply soulful, upliftingly visionary debut album • Sensational clear, operetta-like female vocals • Inspiring noble mix of Melodic, Power & Symphonic Metal

https://www.youtube.com/embed/9f1yYLIXZ78 [ Embrace The Cold • Lyric Video ]

Kate says about the song: „This is a dark and epic story about facing difficult times and the struggle to keep going nonetheless. ‚Embracing the cold‘ is not about giving up or bending to your circumstances, but is rather a metaphor for radical acceptance of your situation and trying to make the most out of what you have. Embrace the cold, to find your way back to the sunlight!“

https://www.youtube.com/embed/Qeen4n2uWZ8 [ Compass To Your Heart’s Desire • Album Teaser ]

KATE NORD is a classically trained Finnish singer/songwriter who creates high quality SYMPHONIC FANTASY METAL in central Italy.

With her versatile, impressively clear as well as amazingly soprano strong exceptional voice, this fabulous golden throat can easily compete with the best and most famous of the entire guild.

LINE-UP: Kate Nord • Vocals, Keys, Orchestration Francesco Mattei • Guitars Andrea Arcangeli • Bass Omar Campitelli • Drums

„Compass To Your Heart’s Desire“ is KATE NORD’s debut album as a solo artist, with a special guest solo by Timo Tolkki, popular by Finnish Power Metallers Stratovarius.

TRACKS 01. Recitative To The Moon 01:47 02. All Alone 03:28 03. The North Wind And The Troll 03:50 04. Embrace The Cold 02:59 05. Wither And Rust (feat. Timo Tolkki) 05:04 06. Dream Of Daylight 05:37 0. Breathe In The Night 03:43 08. Dance Of The Fairies 02:58 09. Aeternam Vale 04:24

„Compass To Your Heart’s Desire“ is inspired by Scandinavian folk tales about trolls and fairies and the illustrations to these tales, such as the works of John Bauer, as well as fantasy novels as well as the works of the world famous fantasy grandmaster J. R. R. Tolkien.

„Compass To Your Heart’s Desire“ is embedded in wonderfully powerful Heavy/Power Metal sounds with slamming drums and furious distortion guitars, often bursting with fully melodic, catchy outbursts.

FLASHBACK: Her first release as a solo singer was a cover of Howard Blake’s „Walking In The Air“ in 2017.

Kate’s musical resume includes formal studies in classical singing in both Finland and Italy. She began her music studies in Porvoo, Finland with pianist Diana Bärlund, who also taught former Lordi keyboardist Awa (Leena Peisa).

Kate already appeared as a lyricist of the Italian Progressive Power Metal ensemble Noveria since the band’s formation in 2013. She was also featured as a guest vocalist on Noveria’s album „Forsaken“, released 2016 via Scarlet Records.

MEDIA FEEDBACK:

98 / 100 ➤ „… a stunning album … a must for any fan of (female fronted) Symphonic Metal … fantastically beautifully composed and arranged … goosebumps … beauty and purity … phenomenal voice … incomparable … if you think Tarja Turunen is the best female singer, then Kate Nord comes right after!“ (Musika)

95 / 100 ➤ „… very melodic, harmonic structures … a good album full of first-line classic elements … KATE NORD’s beautiful voice is unique with a clean, white and soft register! Excellent soprano!“ (Darkzen Dragon)

9 / 10 ➤ „With a good sound … style influenced by Nightwish, Xandria, Amberian Dawn, including her soprano skills … intense songs … very emotional and melancholic … brilliant vocal performance … very outstanding … an exquisite album … recommended from start to finish …“ (Locos Por El Power Metal)

9 / 10 ➤ „… an exhibition of classical vocals … outstanding … has a unique ability to transport emotions … very well produced … KATE NORD sets a very high bar in terms of individual performance … very promising … Symphonic Metal fans can be very excited about ‚Compass To Your Heart’s Desire‘ …“ (Metal Temple)

80 / 100 ➤ „… reminds me of a good Nightwish, Epica, Within Temptation … so good for those who prefer something more melodic, clear and beautiful rather than something heavy and aggressive … Timo Tolkki is a guest musician … I can recommend it to those who like opera and classical music, and it is also suitable for those who listen to pop music, as a few songs are quite catchy …“ (MariMetal)

7,5 / 10 ➤ „… will not fail to appeal to fans of formations such as Epica and Nightwish, but also to those who are not generally accustomed to sounds of this kind, resulting in an effective product that is worth giving a chance.“ (Heavy Metal Webzine)

7,5 / 10 ➤ „… turned out quite pompous … immediately the intro shows their skills in all facets … the voice is clearly focused … very harmoniously kept … everything sounds like from one cast … who likes Nightwish, Within Temptation, Epica or the soundtrack to ‚The Lord Of The Rings‘ (keyword: Enya), should definitely listen in here!“ (Crossfire)

7 / 10 ➤ „… brings back memories of glorious Nightwish times with Tarja as the front woman … musical treat …“ (Metal DE)

7 / 10 ➤ „… varied vocals that give you goosebumps especially in the middle registers … fantastic melodies … KATE NORD’s songwriting talent is beyond question on this album … from brisk to gloomy, bombastic to dreamy and classical to Metal, the artist glides through the stylistic elements with her songs and skillfully combines them into a coherent, entertaining album … fans of female fronted Metal and Symphonic Metal may heartily enjoy!“ (Der Hörspiegel)

➤ „… practices her soprano voice with bravura … opera-inspired … stunning classical content … imagine Nightwish mixed with Rhapsody Of Fire with female vocals taking classical singing to the extreme … this is it.“ (Metal Addicts)

➤ „This album is awesome, Symphonic Metal with touches of Progressive and Power Metal, masterfully executed, with great arrangements and beautiful vocals … excellent work …“ (Metal Pedia)

➤ „Tremendous listening experience … even if I don’t like to draw comparisons, in the case of KATE NORD some with Tarja are obvious, after all they both have the same home … so if you like to be enveloped by symphonic sounds and enchanted by a beautiful voice, this is the right address!“ (Metalmamas Neuigkeiten)

➤ „… a promising debut and an artist to keep an eye on if female-fronted Symphonic Metal is your thing.“ (Sea Of Tranquility)

➤ „… this is tightly packed … good production … soul piercing through every line and riff … KATE NORD’s singing voice is clear in every word, in every syllable, and she is the clearest of all … her high voice is no different from a graceful fairy goddess … great … her throat is the best … as for the symphonic part, it is both elegant and beautiful, changing depending on the song … everything can make happy … truly heavenly …“ (Noisewriter) etc. Credits [ Logo: Nicolas Spreutels ] [ Pic: Marco Savi • SPF Produzioni ] [ Artwork: Nicolas Spreutels ]