Church hymns make way for heavy metal masses

Published 17 September, 2008, 15:51

Edited 16 September, 2009, 08:15

In Finland, heavy metal music is already part of mainstream culture. But it seems its growing popularity knows no bounds. One metal band has taken to touring the country’s churches, giving concerts during services. And

“This is not the Church's plan. Bishops did not plan this. It was started by five metal fans, three of whom worked at a church,” said Mikko Saari, a co-founder of Metallimessu (Metal Mass) band to AFP news agency.

While heavy metal is not usually associated with Christian churches of any denomination – and some brand it as devil’s music – in Finland it is widely accepted. The capital Helsinki endorses numerous dedicated metal clubs, regular gigs and even karaoke bars. Three of the current top-10 music hits are by metal acts.

Saari believes the style suits the Finnish character. “Finns are known to be reserved, serious and very honest … Somehow heavy metal fits into this as it is no-nonsense, honest, straightforward and quite gloomy,” he said.

Some believers are not happy with churches hosting heavy metal concerts with their ear-piercing guitar solos and deafening vocals. And music fans sometimes accuse the Lutheran Church of co-opting their music to lure young people. However, others say the idea is just brilliant.

“For me, metal mass was a surprise,” said Kimmo Kuusniemi, one of Finland's metal music pioneers. “Metal music and church did not fit in the same room.”

But for the youngsters the Metal Mass is a lot of fun and a new way to see religion.

“It's nice that there are slightly different church services compared to the usual ones,” said 15-year-old Teea Pallaskari, who skipped geography class to make it to a metal gig.

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