Song #3- Finland- Dark Side
Finland has decided to go back to their success story and send us some good old rock, and I am not complaining one bit. This is a bit more futuristic and techno than classic rock, but I love the fusion of genres. I know that a lot of people aren’t fans of the lyrics, and that’s okay, but I can’t help but admire Finland for sending such a bold song, and I really like the lyrics in this. Yes, the mood is dark and reckless, but the brutality and apathy felt towards the world is palpable and, to an extent, relatable. After a year of hell, it’s nice to have a song to scream at the top of your lungs while headbanging, just stopping caring for three minutes about anything but the music. It’s loud and full on from start to finish, with the electric guitar motif instantly hooking me in, before the vocals take centre stage- I love the gruff shouty voices and the ‘hoo hoo’ yells (yes, I am calling them that, I did music at GCSE it’s a technical term) and the duo work well together vocally. It’s not really a song for clean, pretty harmonies but it would be nice to hear the two distinct voices separately at some points in the song. The guitars are phenomenal in this- almost distinct enough to have their own lyrics, loud and brash all the way through. The pace is fast and furious, and the bass guitar is sublime too. Everything just fits perfectly together. The chorus is both memorable and instantly catchy, and I love the moment when the two singers are alone with the drums when suddenly the guitars make their entrance. The moments of quiet serve as a powerful contrast against the louder moments, giving us some variety. And the chorus is just awesome- I was singing along by the end of my first listen. It’s truly epic and gives me goosebumps every time. And the final chorus where everything just goes full throttle, like the worlds about to end and they’re making the most of the last few seconds- it’s just absolutely insane! This whole song is just WOW. It’s moody, rebellious, fast, loud and anthemic. I’m absolutely hooked on this.
Prediction: This is qualifying, no doubt. The televoters will not let this fail, and I imagine juries will back it a little as well, although they don’t tend to go for rock. Still, never say never. Finland won with rock in 2006, and although I don’t think they’ll get the top spot, I think this will do remarkably well. It might struggle a little in the final given the competition from Italy, but I think the futuristic, pop vibe sets this song apart and will attract enough fans to do well. 8-12, I’d guess.
Photo credit: Yle Mona Salminen
4. Lithuania- Discoteque
5. France- Voila
6. Russia- Russian Woman
7. Ukraine- Shum
8. Malta- Je Me Casse
9. San Marino- Adrenalina
10. North Macedonia- Here I Stand
11. Cyprus- El Diablo
12. Azerbaijan- Mata Hari
13. Netherlands- Birth of a New Age
14. Switzerland- Tout L’univers
15. Moldova- Sugar
16. Iceland- 10 Years
17. Spain- Voy a Quedarme
18. Israel- Set Me Free
19. Czech Republic- Omaga
20. Belgium- The Wrong Place
21. Croatia- Tick-Tock
22. Norway- Fallen Angel
23. Denmark- Øve Os På Hinanden
24. Latvia- The Moon is Rising
25. Sweden- Voices
26. United Kingdom- Embers
27. Romania- Amnesia
28. Ireland- Maps
29. Serbia- Loco Loco
30. Poland- The Ride
31. Greece- Last Dance
32. Australia- Technicolour
33. Germany- I Don’t Feel Hate
34. Albania- Karma
35. Austria- Amen
36. Slovenia- Amen
37. Georgia- You
38. Estonia- The Lucky One
39. Portugal- Love is on my Side
The Euro-Vine 