There are no coincidences when one seeks synchronicity; and it seemed appropriate that Solstice’s Finland jaunt would manifest around the Autumn Equinox. Coming at the end of a tremendously successful Summer, our mini-tour with Cardinals Folly closed the season with a long weekend of cathartic mayhem.

It was the first time in Finland for both the band and myself. The will to visit always high in intent but not so much in opportunity. A country of profound beauty, with the 1000km journey through Tampere, Turku and Jyväskylä endlessly embellished by vast forests and countless lakes. Yet many tales have been told of the Finnish people’s reticence, that perhaps the response may be polite and reserved by nature of such calming surrounds.

Such speculation could not be further from the truth. For each night, sold out or near capacity, we were greeted by the warm, wild response of maniacs eager to sing along to every word. Raising their fists and banging their heads in abandon.

It was not just the natives that came to lend their steel; with fans from Italy, France and Sweden flying up to share the party and surf the crowd. Making the most of civilised late-late licensing hours, many conversations were had with friends old and new. Inspired by a sincere sense of community and mutual appreciation that transcends and transgresses boundaries.

We offered something special in return, looking back to Lamentations and even Isen Torr for a few choice cuts from the archives. It was an absolute pleasure to assault the audience with nine minutes of Mighty and Superior machine-gun bass through the rebirth of ‘Englander’. Only the Strong indeed…

This has been the best tour I’ve ever played, and I offer my humblest gratitude to all who made it happen. Especially to Ilmari and Henry from Metal Warning who gave their Tour Management all. Thanks also to the other bands we played alongside; and the venues and local promoters who took us into their hearts and beer-strewn backrooms. All must agree this was a long time coming, and we hope to return again in some capacity.

For now, as the world spins to darker nights, we too will look inwards and focus on the new album over the next months. Writing goes very well, with the meticulous song craftsmanship that defines our output. My own contributions demand a challenge I am more than willing to accept, and I am pleased by how much I have already developed as a musician.

Outside the band, I continue with my own projects. The Orphan shoot progresses as availability allows, Trismegistus Hex takes a new direction toward different forms of collaboration, and even greater opportunities have coalesced to further my freelance career.

Life’s for the taking!