Held this week in Tavastia club, Helsinki, WTF (Welcome To Finland) Capital of Metal is a brand new international showcase and conference event that concentrates on new metal music. The event is organised by Nahka Agency, and Music Finland.

Held in the country's capital Helsinki, on May 22nd and 23rd,WTF – Capital of Metal will host eight new and exciting metal and alternative rock acts on the verge of their international breakthrough, showcased not only to industry professionals, but also to the fans. The event will take place at Finland's number one rock club, Tavastia, and its smaller, but equally atmospheric basement club, Semifinal.

In addition to six showcase sets by select artists on Thursday 22 May, the live event will expand to Friday 23rd with 2 more acts pre-heating the room for Kiuas who will perform their 20-year-old classic album The Spirit of Ukko in its entirety.

For music industry professionals, there will be a casual panel program and networking events throughout Thursday and Friday. Most events will be held at Tavastia and Semifinal. You can register here as a professional. See the event's website for the complete program.

Music Finland has invited an international delegation of metal music professionals to the event. Scroll down to see the list of our international guests!

The showcase program

Thursday, May 22nd:

• Awake Again
• Cvlt Ov The Svn
• Rabbit Cult
• St. Aurora
• Stoned Statues
• Vermilia

Friday, May 23rd:

• Brymir
• Kneel Before The Death
• Kiuas

International industry professionals:

• Merle Doering (Catch 22 Agency, Germany)
• Chris Jäger (Summer Breeze Open Air, Germany)
• Darren Edwards (Live Nation Sweden, Sweden)
• Benny Bats (Triple Bookings, The Netherlands)
• Juan Ortiz de Zaldumbide (That Music Agency, Sweden)
  
• Martin Gustafsson (Republic 66, Sweden)
• Melanie Schmidt (Century Media, Germany)