CONCERT REVIEW: Ville Valo - Kælan Mikla Live at Saint Andrew’s Hall

HIM (aka His Infernal Majesty) is one of the biggest, most successful bands to come out of Finland. Love Metal is not only the name of their fourth full-length album, but it is a genre of music they invented. So, it is fair to say many were dismayed when these Finnish fellas broke up six years ago. Yet hope was rekindled when frontman Ville Valo (aka VV) announced his debut solo album in 2022. Neon Noir (Heartagram Records, read our review here) was released earlier this year and has received high praise. Now the man is on the road again sharing his new tunes and some HIM classics on his headlining world tour. Valo brought his romantic rock to Detroit and blessed Saint Andrew’s Hall with his presence. The Live Nation venue was a perfect pit stop for this tour since it is a premiere music site that caters well to hot and flashy rock bands. Our local baseball team, The Detroit Tigers, had their opening day the same evening as Valo’s big show so the streets of the city were bustling and full of hubbub. That energy spilled into the beloved hall and made the night a colorful experience.

Iceland’s trio, Kælan Mikla opened the evening. The lights dimmed and otherworldly noises were rigorously ejected. These bright, ethereal-looking women blared out disco beats, flute, and a variety of synths that conveyed a progressively diverse sound. They twist their unique outpourings up with an 80’s spirit which springs forth an unexpected presentation that showed off their intriguing songwriting. There was a spunk and keenness in their delivery such as frontwoman Laufey Soffia belting banshee-like vocals. They had an aloofness in their romantic, yet chilly tone that held stories of magic and folklore. This one-of-a-kind act set a fun, whimsical, and eccentric tone that meshed well with Valo’s own fantastic flavors. Which makes them an ideal opener for this tour.

The crowd was a unique blend of goths and bros. Many wandered in after the baseball game and the combination was amusing. More than three people passed out in the crowd and had to be carried out by security. Some witnessed a few dudes get removed for disruptive behavior and then there was the classic mascara-running chick complaining about her dirty high heels as she stood in a pile of her own vomit. When the stage went dim again, the soft, subtle, and seductive pink lights that illuminated the room were a major contrast to the chaotic crowd.

The attendees roared as Valo’s symbol, the Heartagram was lit, and as the rockstar himself strode onto the stage. Shrieks of delight blared as the band swung into the first number off the solo album, ‘Echolocate Your Love’. Valo maneuvered around the stage with ease as he flirted with his onlookers using his angsty, passion-filled numbers dealing with matters of the heart. His calm, confident presence made his serenading addictive, and many avid fans pressed their way closer to the stage. The reverb, distorted guitar, and heaviness from the band members all carried the same kind of attractive approachability as Valo’s singing. The man’s ability to hit his base range notes and then his falsetto seemed effortless. There was grace, fortitude, and a pure kind of pleasure from each player. The colorful lights seemed to glow as Valo’s narrow hips swayed while he belted out popular numbers of the new album like the title track, ‘Loveletting’, and ‘Run Away From the Sun’. He moved fae-like, almost as if he glided and hovered while whispering sweet nothings to all the bleeding hearts in the audience. His peaky blinder cap sat perfectly crooked, just like his smile. The absence of HIM’s guitarist, Mikko Linstrom was felt when the band’s favorites like ‘Right Here in My Arms’ and ‘Join Me in Death’ were played. The weight and edge of how HIM members played was missing, yet this new act made a valiant effort at recreating the popular pieces. After an encore where Valo’s crooning caressed and inspirited his zealous fans, it was time for final bows. The applause continued long after the beloved rockstar left the stage. To the attendees who could actually walk in a straight line out of the building left with their hearts full. The sports fans made it a unique evening of music, yet it was still a romantic experience for many.