Bear Reviews Music!
After a decade of music journalism for Musicalypse and Tuonela Magazine that started in 2011 and continues to this day, I’ve developed a love of writing critical analyses of things that interest me. Please enjoy everything from live reports and album reviews, and even the occasional monthly collections of featured singles!
My goal, as a critical reviewer, is not to trash people’s work, because effort deserves respect. I try my best to be objective, while still sharing my personal feelings based on my own experiences.
Interested in having me review your album? More info here!
FESTIVAL REPORT: Kosmos Festival 2026
Bear Wiseman returned to her favorite festival, the gathering of electronic tribes, Kosmos Festival, for the fifth time in 2026. In this festival report, she explores the entire festival area before settling down to enjoy the Cosmic Circus.
Auri Live in Helsinki: Bringing Magic to the Finnish Summer Music Scene
Bear Wiseman returns once more to Auri’s audience to see how the show has evolved since the EU tour, as well as how the band fares in an outdoor venue. Check out how the show went in this life report.
Where You Go We’ll One Day Follow, pt. III
From Kitee to Rovaniemi and down to Helsinki and Tampere, Bear Wiseman and Kathy Criswell travel around Finland to see Johanna Kurkela, Robin la Joy, Martijn Westerholt, and Mikko Mustonen in Eye of Melian during their 2026 Finnish tour. Part III covers the shows in Helsinki, Turku, Kuopio, and Tampere.
Where You Go We’ll One Day Follow, pt. II
From Kitee to Rovaniemi and down to Helsinki and Tampere, Bear Wiseman and Kathy Criswell travel around Finland to see Johanna Kurkela, Robin la Joy, Martijn Westerholt, and Mikko Mustonen in Eye of Melian during their Finnish tour in 2026. Part II covers the shows in Rovaniemi, Kuusamo, Oulu, and Raahe.
LIVE REPORT: Rabbit Cult & Machinae Supremacy
Machinae Supremacy celebrated the release of their new self-titled album in April 2026, featuring Rabbit Cult as their warmup act.
Where You Go We’ll One Day Follow, pt. I
From Kitee to Rovaniemi and down to Helsinki, Bear Wiseman and Kathy Criswell travel around Finland to see Johanna Kurkela, Robin la Joy, Martijn Westerholt, and Mikko Mustonen in Eye of Melian all around the country. Part I covers the shows in Kitee, Espoo, and Kouvola.
From Finland to the Forest of Forgetting for Eye of Melian’s Album Release Show
Yet another chaotic journey from Finland (and other countries) to the Netherlands, to a 4.5 hour queue outside Hedon in Zwolle, Johanna Kurkela’s international cheering squad met up once more to see Eye of Melian’s album release show for “Forest of Forgetting.”
LIVE REPORT: Diamonds Are Forever
Showband Spectre and Divalicious joined forces for a James Bond themed event at Kannusali on November 29th, 2025, featuring vocalists Helena Haaparanta, Janne Lohilahti, and Sara Nuutinen. Read this live report to hear what classics they played and what stood out!
Ayreon 30th Anniversary Live: An Amazing Flight Through Time
Ayreon returned to the 013 Poppodium stage in Tilburg over September 12th-14th, 2025. Read this live report to find out what sort of experience the Saturday evening show was!
A Trip Through My Imagination, Inspired by Auri
After two nights of Auri debuting live at Kiteesali, Bear Wiseman decides to take a journey inward at the Tampere-talo show on August 16th. Head on over to Substack to read the full imagination-dump during this event!
A Girl Traveling with Her Friends: Frolicking Around Finland to See Auri’s Live Debuts
A journey from gathering the fans and road-tripping up to the Röskö camping site, to witnessing the first-ever live shows from Auri, this live report and travel blog talks about how community has the potential to elevate a love of music
FESTIVAL REPORT: Kosmos Festival 2025
Ten years in, Kosmos Festival remains one of Finland’s most incredible gatherings of electronic music lovers, fire dancers, and free spirits. This festival report breaks down the full experience, from arriving to the forest festival site, to the fantastic stages, the food stalls, brilliant artwork, nighttime rituals, and the soul of a community still dancing under the stars.
FESTIVAL REPORT: Tuska Festival 2025
For the first time in 13 years, Bear had to miss Tuska Festival, so she deputized Anna S. and ScarletMemory Photography! From sizzling street food to soaring guitar solos, Tuska Festival 2025 delivered its signature blend of mainstream metal madness. This report covers not just the music, but the full experience of what it felt like to be there. Whether you're here for the pit or the people, here's everything you need to know about Helsinki’s biggest and heaviest weekend!
On Tour with Marko Hietala - Live in Finland 2025
On tour again! Check out my crew blog from selling merch on Marko Hietala’s album release tour for “Roses from the Deep,” covering the Finnish leg from February 7th-15th, 2025.
LIVE REPORT: arottenbit, Machinae Supremacy, & Master Boot Record @ Ääniwalli, Helsinki
A night of chiptune innovation! This live report of arottenbit, Machinae Supremacy, and Master Boot Record in Helsinki will take you through the overall vibe and highlights of this unexpected yet totally killer event.
LIVE REPORT: Johanna & Mikko Iivanainen ft. Maria Kalaniemi & Timo Alakotila
A report of Johanna & Mikko Iivanainen’s Christmas show featuring Maria Kalaniemi & Timo Alakotila live at Kaukasten Juhlatalo in Hyvinkää on December 14th, 2024
LIVE REPORT: Johanna Kurkela - Joulun Lauluja
A report of Johanna Kurkela from her joulun lauluja tour, live at Tampereen Tuomiokirkko on December 7th, 2024
LIVE REPORT: Mystinen Musaa Kabaree
An event report of the Mystinen Muusa [Mystical Muse] Cabaret live at Alakulttuuritalo Alimus in Helsinki on October 23rd, 2024
LIVE REPORT: Smalltime Players
A report of Smalltime Players live at Sellosali in Espoo on October 19th, 2024
LIVE REPORT: Smalltime Players
A report of Smalltime Players live at Rekolan Kino in Vantaa on October 16th, 2024
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