In the heart of London on a shadowy Sunday night, the lost boys of metal, Finnish goth rockers The 69 Eyes took the stage. These enigmatic figures stand somewhere between the haunting melodies of Sisters of Mercy and the rebellious spirit of Billy Idol. Their music transcends boundaries, merging gothic rock with glam metal and a dash of classic rock ‘n’ roll—a unique concoction affectionately known as “goth ‘n’ roll.”
At the forefront of this dark spectacle was Jyrki 69, the charismatic Finnish singer who has long been the face and voice of The 69 Eyes. The band’s musical journey has seen them evolve from their glam metal roots to the captivating world of gothic rock, epitomized in their latest creation, Death of Darkness, released earlier this year. Over the years and since their inception in 1992, The 69 Eyes have produced a formidable catalogue of 13 studio albums, each a testament to their musical prowess.
As the lights dimmed, the audience was transported by the opening chords of the classic “Devils,” setting the stage for an enchanting night. The setlist was a carefully curated selection of their extensive discography, featuring four mesmerizing tracks from “Blessed Be” and a dynamic duo from their latest release, Death of Darkness—the eponymous title track and the pulsating “Drive.”
Jyrki 69, in his prime, prowled the stage, casting his spell with an alluring charisma that held the audience captive. The band’s performance was an electrifying spectacle, executed with precision and boundless energy. It was clear that these Finnish vampires had discovered the elixir of eternal youth in their music.
The evening was distinguished by a striking exhibition of gothic flair. Nevertheless, what made this night truly exceptional was the audience—a gathering of creatively distinct individuals unbound by convention. Observing the diverse assembly, it appeared that dressing up wasn’t just a nod to Halloween, but possibly an everyday ritual for them. The venue housed a captivating amalgamation of metal devotees, gothic aficionados, punk enthusiasts, and glam admirers, each contributing to a tapestry of musical diversity that echoed the very essence The 69 Eyes’ music encompasses.
The evening was punctuated with gothic grandeur and musical brilliance. “Gothic Girl” and “Wasting the Dawn” sent shivers down the spine, while “Dance D’Amour” cast a bewitching spell over the audience. The night reached its zenith with their rendition of Boycott’s “Gotta Rock,” a cover that electrified the crowd and left them hungry for more.
As the final notes reverberated through the venue, it was abundantly clear that The 69 Eyes still reign supreme in the world of gothic rock and metal. Their performance was a tantalizing feast for the senses, a symphony of darkness and allure that showcased their enduring mastery.
The 69 Eyes are not just a band; they are a captivating experience, a journey into the heart of gothic rock. If you are a devotee of this genre, their live show is an unmissable opportunity to immerse yourself in the enchanting magic that defines gothic rock and the timeless power of The 69 Eyes.
