It's A Folkfest Of The North At Hangar 1819 On March 27th

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All Photos By Rocky Kessenger/@through_the_metal_lens

Folk Metal Fiesta: Flamingos, Swords, and Booze Galore!

On March 27, 2025, Hangar 1819 in Greensboro, NC, hosted an unforgettable night featuring NINI, TROLLFEST, ENSIFERUM, and KORPIKLAANI, bringing together an eclectic mix of energy, humor, and raw musical power.

Opening the night, NINI immediately energized the crowd with a vibrant stage presence, clearly proud of their unique musical style blending traditional elements with modern flair. Their genuine dedication to fans was evident, especially post-show when the band enthusiastically took Polaroid photos, personally signing every picture with smiles and gratitude. Throughout their set, the energetic rhythms and charismatic interactions kept the crowd actively engaged, setting a cheerful and expectant mood for the evening. Highlights such as "Longma", "Homeland" and their playful cover of Britney Spears' "Baby One More Time" resonated strongly, leaving everyone buzzing with excitement for the acts to follow.

Norway's TROLLFEST amplified the excitement with their uniquely entertaining performance, highlighting their humorous approach to metal music. From the moment they stepped onstage in flamboyant pink flamingo costumes, the band's dynamic energy never faltered. Their comedic yet powerful approach created an immediate connection with the audience, demonstrated vividly by the unforgettable "Kaos Wall of Death" during "Kaptein Kaos", a spectacle my wife found astonishing and captivating. Bassist Lodd Bolt's enthusiastic lead of the conga line during "Pina Colada" perfectly embodied the group's playful spirit. The relentless interaction and fun-filled antics showed TROLLFEST's unwavering dedication to delivering an exceptional experience, proving their performance memorable irrespective of audience size. AVATAR you should probably take these guys on tour.

Finnish folk-metal veterans ENSIFERUM took the stage with the fiery intent of conquering the night. Their meticulously selected setlist, filled with powerfully epic anthems such as "In My Sword I Trust" and "From Afar", initially charged the atmosphere with fierce energy. However, the intensity dipped slightly midway, possibly due to the inclusion of deeper cuts unfamiliar to newer fans. Nonetheless, bassist Sami Hinkka's and keyboardist/vocalist Pekka Montin's magnetic performances consistently maintained high spirits on stage. Though their direct audience interaction was sparse, their vivid thematic portrayal of battles, honor, and triumph sustained a vigorous response from fans. Overall, ENSIFERUM's set remained a compelling showcase of robust musicianship and authentic metal power.

Closing the night spectacularly, KORPIKLAANI provided an immersive experience, far surpassing expectations. The band masterfully merged traditional folk instruments like the accordion, played vibrantly by Sami Perttula, and violin, expertly wielded by Tuomas Rounakari, into their explosive metal sound. Every detail of their performance from their visually eclectic wardrobe that cleverly combined 1930s elegance with modern metal aesthetics, notably including the drummer's cheetah-print, and attire added delightful visual layers to their already infectious music. Vocalist Jonne Jarvela energetically connected with the crowd, compelling fans to dance, chant, and raise their glasses throughout unforgettable performances of "Vodka", "Beer Beer" and the jubilant "Happy Little Boozer". The band's extensive setlist also showcased deeper cuts like "Saunaan" and "A Man With a Plan", each song maintaining a contagious festive spirit that kept the audience enthusiastically engaged. KORPIKLAANI's dynamic stage presence, coupled with their warm and humorous interactions especially notable during playful banter and amusing anecdotes shared between songs transformed the evening into an extraordinary celebration. The spirited, carnival-like ambiance created by KORPIKLAANI enveloped the venue entirely, making every moment feel like a joyous gathering among friends. Their infectious joy, humorous interactions, and polished musicianship elevated the evening to a remarkable peak, encapsulating the true essence of folk-metal camaraderie and leaving fans with memories that will surely last a lifetime.

Check out some more photos from the show!
All Photos By Rocky Kessenger/@through_the_metal_lens