If there were a title for Finland’s most uplifting and positive rapper, Ege Zulu would win it year after year. Proudly repping Roihuvuori, he’s made a name for himself with his infectious energy and undeniable charisma.

Ege’s sound fuses the rhythmic bounce of Marseille rap, the warmth of afropop and the raw edge of hip-hop, creating a groove-driven experience that’s impossible to stand still to. Known for his irresistible singles like Fantasiaa, Melankolia and Tunnista tuntiin (feat. BEHM), Ege Zulu brings singing, dancing, laughter, joy, and surprises – just like the perfect summer festival night. Expect all this and more when he takes the stage at Ilosaarirock!

Every single Finnish person probably remembers where they were when our pride and joy Lordi won Eurovision back in 2006. At least we do – vividly. Ever since that spring of 2006, a fire’s been burning in the Ilosaarirock office. A fire that’s been screaming about one specific injustice: Finland’s loudest ambassadors of hard rock and heavy metal, Lordi, have never played the Ilosaarirock stage. That injustice is finally being put right – nearly 20 years later.

Known for their Finnish DNA-defining hits such as Hard Rock Hallelujah and Would You Love a Monster Man, Lordi has released 13 albums over a career spanning more than three decades, played countless shows around the world and yes – made Eurovision history. Their live shows are praised for being loud, theatrical and absolutely relentless, and now the monster show is finally coming to Laulurinne.

After July, there will be one question that matters: do you remember where you were when Lordi played Ilosaarirock for the very first time? (And the only right answer: in the crowd!)

One of Finland’s most influential pop pioneers, ABREU, is bringing her Portuguese-flavored show to Ilosaarirock! Known for her fiery productions, captivating performances, and unmatched energy, ABREU has been shaping the Finnish pop scene for nearly two decades, earning her place as one of the country’s most beloved pop stars.

In November 2024, ABREU announced she’ll be taking a multi-year hiatus starting in 2026. Before that, she’s treating fans to an extensive club tour and, luckily for us, a select few festival appearances—including one at Laulurinne. So, get ready to welcome ABREU to the stage for the last time (for now)!

You asked for it, and we made it happen—Ilosaarirock is proud to welcome one of the festival’s most requested acts, Haloo Helsinki!, back to Laulurinne with their high-energy show!

Haloo Helsinki!’s list of achievements is nothing short of staggering. Over their nearly 20-year career, the band has earned countless #1 hits, won multiple Emma awards, and sold out clubs, arenas, and festivals all over the country. Yet, year after year, they continue to prove why they remain one of Finland’s most beloved and influential acts. Their eagerly awaited eighth studio album can’t come soon enough, and the countdown to their next Ilosaarirock performance can never go fast enough!

Undisputedly the most popular band in Finland, JVG needs no introduction.

For over a decade, the charismatic duo of Jare and VilleGalle has dominated the country’s playlists, broken countless streaming and radio records and earned every superlative thrown their way – and then some. Few Finnish acts have reached, or ever will reach, what JVG has built. And still, they keep moving forward – bold, curious, undefeated.

It’s hard to imagine what the Finnish music scene would look like today without JVG. Luckily, we don’t have to. There’s freedom and joy – and then there’s that very specific kind of freedom and joy that only happens when you’re in a festival crowd with 24,000 other people, singing Frisbee at the top of your lungs into a festival night falling over Laulurinne. Getting chills over here, folks!

Finland’s most progressive sibling trio, Von Hertzen Brothers, brings to Ilosaarirock a powerful blend of progressive rock, intricate psychedelic tones and catchy melodies. Their music has always been a mix of experimentation with a massive, refreshing and even playful atmosphere, taking their audience on a true rollercoaster ride of rock music.

If we had to describe a VHB show in just one word, it would be captivating. Under the spell of these music masters, even a regular festival set becomes a journey of its own, where powerful guitar riffs, incredible dynamics, and raw emotions stay with you until the very last note. Expect to hear tracks from their latest album In Murmuration this summer, along with everything else VHB has in store for us in July. Oh, the bliss!

The Finnish rap scene is evolving at lightning speed, and one of its brightest new trailblazers is young rapper AHTI. Fresh off the release of his second studio album, AHTI has quickly captured the attention of rap fans across Finland with his irresistibly honest lyrics and commanding live performances.

Despite his young age, AHTI’s music carries a depth and perspective beyond his years, delivering messages that resonate across generations. On stage, he’s effortlessly captivating—so natural it’s hard to believe he’s just at the beginning of his career. Don’t miss the chance to witness this rising rap star live at Laulurinne!

Finnish-American artist Averagekidluke stands out as one of the most distinctive voices in domestic hip-hop today. With a career that has already made waves in the Finnish music scene, he’s an artist whose talent and success defy easy comparisons.

Averagekidluke’s music has an irresistible pull. His effortlessly smooth and unique flow, razor-sharp lyrics, and infectious beats keep fans coming back for more—and there’s no better way to experience it than live. Be sure to catch Akl’s highly anticipated Ilosaarirock debut!

One of Finland’s brightest superstars, Jenni Vartiainen, is returning to the Ilosaarirock stage! Last summer marked her triumphant return after a long break, but for over a decade, Jenni’s music has touched hearts and held Finnish audiences in its spell.

Jenni’s musical depth truly shines when this magnetic performer steps onto the stage. Her delicate ballads become even more powerful, as the audience joins in, while her more rhythm-driven hits like Malja and En haluu kuolla tänä yönä seem to grow even larger with the skill of her live band. Rumor has it that Jenni is putting the finishing touches on her highly anticipated fifth album, which fans across Finland are eagerly awaiting. While we don’t yet know exactly what Jenni has in store for us, we’re certain it’ll include future classics that take us on a journey through the extremes of life—shifting between sorrow, joy, and every emotion in between. Classic Jenni Vartiainen, as always.

One of Finland’s most compelling and beloved songwriters, pehmoaino will perform a one-of-a-kind special concert at Ilosaarirock – together with the Joensuu City Orchestra.

pehmoaino, also known as Aino Morko, is without a doubt one of the most important and recognisable voices of her generation. Her music, praised by both audiences and critics alike, finds a balance between softness and edge, light and shadow. Just when you think you’ve figured her out, she changes direction. And that’s the beauty of pehmoaino.

Simply put, pehmoaino writes and performs songs that don’t ask permission to stay under your skin. This summer, they will expand into something completely new, as the strings, winds and deep brass tones of the Joensuu City Orchestra build a rich, full-scale sound around them. This performance will not be repeated – and there’s no reason it should be.

Joensuu City Orchestra is a 35-piece symphony orchestra known for its versatility and energy. Over the years, the orchestra has joined forces with artists such as CMX, Samuli Putro, Insomnium and Stam1na on the Ilosaarirock stage. The joint performance by pehmoaino and the Joensuu City Orchestra is arranged by Antti Rissanen, who will also take the stage as the conductor.

costee’s raw-edged, melancholic alt-pop has cemented his place among Finland’s most compelling singer-songwriters. His emotionally unfiltered songs have racked up over 100 million streams, three platinum albums and a fiercely loyal fanbase – the kind who think nothing of tattooing his lyrics onto their skin.

A recent UMK finalist, costee speaks to listeners through brutally honest songwriting, sharpened by his gritty vocals and a visual aesthetic laced with drama. On stage, he doesn’t need grand gestures – stepping into the light is enough. Are you ready?

The new wave music phenomenon OLGA isn’t here to play around – she’s here to shatter the dusty boundaries of Finnish pop music. Drawing inspiration from electronic realms and the catchy rhythms of dance-pop, OLGA creates innovative, fresh, and above all, unmistakable pop that has no competition – at least not in Finland.

OLGA has released only a handful of singles, but her music and message are united by one clear theme: confidence. Anthems like Uus Bitch, Stadi (Alicia) feat. Isac Elliot, and Iskelmää have given us a taste of a dazzling and undoubtedly long-lasting pop star whose shine can’t be dimmed. If Charli XCX’s brat summer hit the mark for you, don’t miss OLGA’s summer 2025!

Antti Autio’s powerful lyrics and captivating, intricate guitar playing have made him a standout figure in Finnish indie music. When combined with his storytelling – at once comforting and unsettling, tender and powerful, yet always approachable and wrapped in its own unique mystique – the result is mesmerizing. It’s unmistakably Antti Autio.

On stage, Antti and his band create pure magic. With the whole band perfectly in sync, they craft moments where time seems to slip away. The energy of their performances builds and swells like the waves on Lake Pyhäselkä behind Laulurinne – shifting from quiet, reflective pauses to massive, intoxicating surges that pull the crowd into the moment. This is what it feels like to be alive!

Here are just a few words that come to mind when talking about Finland’s pop unicorn, Benjamin: confident, energetic, charismatic, exceptionally talented and a true trendsetter for the future. In our opinion, the title of king of Finnish pop no longer needs to be claimed by anyone else – it fits Benjamin better than anyone.

Benjamin’s disco-infused pop is unapologetically bold, sexy and addictive, just like good pop music should be. And when the artist takes the stage, it becomes downright irresistible. With his magnetic stage presence, Benjamin commands the crowd, making every moment unforgettable. At his Ilosaarirock show, you’ll experience an artist who gives it all, and makes his audience do just the same.

Swallow the Sun, a band that blends melodic doom and death metal, is one of the indisputable jewels of Finnish metal music. The internationally acclaimed band’s latest album, Shining, released in October 2024, is already being hailed as one of the best metal albums of recent years – both fierce and beautiful, like a freezing sunrise in the night sky.

The boldness and depth of Swallow the Sun’s latest releases, along with their extensive world tours in recent years, have propelled the band to new heights. At Ilosaarirock, they will deliver an intense and immersive performance that will leave a lasting impact on the audience long after Laulurinne’s stage falls silent.

The brightest new star in Finnish pop-rock has arrived. Singer-songwriter LINDA may have only released a handful of tracks, but from the very first listen, it’s clear – this young artist is destined for something big.

With a background as both a rock band frontwoman and a double bassist, LINDA’s music fuses pounding guitars and deep, driving basslines with irresistibly catchy pop melodies and sharp, insightful lyrics. The result? A sound that feels both fresh and nostalgic at the same time.

Word on the street is that LINDA’s first festival summer is set to be something special – bold visuals, raw energy, and an unapologetic rock’n’roll show. Be there when LINDA brings it on!

Everything Grande Mahogany touches turns to gold. Their sound, rich in funk, alternative rock, afro-psychedelia, and R&B, combined with Jesse Essel’s soulful voice, evokes images of both past and present musical pioneers—among whom Grande Mahogany stands tall and firmly on their own.

There’s no denying that Grande Mahogany is one of the brightest stars in Finland’s music scene, with big things expected from them. Their debut album As Grande As has earned rave reviews across the country and beyond, showcasing a collection of tracks so impressive that it’s hard to imagine how they could top it. But if anyone can, it’s Grande Mahogany themselves. It would be pure madness to miss out on one of Finland’s most talked-about live performances!

Once again, it’s the Jyväskylä crew making moves – rappers Tohtori Getto and Axel Kala, both part of the legendary Finnish rap collective KPC, are joining forces on the Ilosaarirock stage this July!

Tohtori Getto, once part of the underground favorite Korstoraatio, has been called the torchbearer of the Memphis sound in Finnish rap – and for good reason. His smoky, razor-sharp delivery paired with heavy, hard-hitting beats has lit the way toward the top tier of the local hip hop scene.

Axel Kala, also hailing from Finland’s rap capital, is known for his crisp and uncompromising sound. His latest singles Sisään (feat. DJ Ibusal) and Huudeil fame (feat. Lyttä & Tohtori Getto) are a perfect showcase of his style and precision.

With tightly matched articulation, infectious flows and sharp-eyed lyricism, this duo is set to deliver one of Ilosaarirock’s most exciting hip hop sets. Come see for yourself!

There must be something in the water in Jyväskylä – at least if the rising stars of Finnish music are any indication. Artist-producer Aaro630 is the latest talent to continue the region’s musical winning streak, carving out a fresh and irresistibly unique path while boldly reinventing the landscape of Finnish rock.

Aaro630 creates music that is simultaneously dangerous, tender, dynamic, and melancholic. His tracks fuse catchy pop melodies and gritty guitars with brooding lyrics in a way that cements his place as one of the most intriguing names in the Finnish music scene. This summer, Aaro630 will make his debut on the Ilosaarirock stage – and it’s certain it won’t be his last. Let’s go!

Sara has been a cornerstone of Finnish alternative rock for decades. The band is known for its dark, multifaceted sound, evolving from nu-metal to indie rock and eventually exploring more electronic landscapes. Lead singer Joa Korhonen’s distinctive, melancholic voice and powerful delivery are trademarks of the band, proven by timeless tracks like Vielä muodostan varjoni, Rauhan aika and their haunting rendition of Hector’s Yhtenä iltana.

Sara’s constant drive to challenge themselves and innovate makes them not only captivating but especially thrilling on stage. After years away, the band is returning to the Ilosaarirock stage next summer, and we can barely contain our excitement. If you’re still undecided about whether to catch Sara’s set, let us remind you of something we wrote back in 2009: “If one half of the couple wants to go to dream and the other half wants to scream, the sweet spot of agreement might just be found in Sara’s embrace.”

Rap knows no age – at least not when it comes to British drill rap duo Pete & Bas. These gentlemen from London, both well over 70 years old, are living proof that with tight flow, self-aware street credibility, and high-energy live performances, you can still become a global sensation – even as retirement age looms.

Pete & Bas are one of the most delightful and surprising wild cards in modern rap. Their darkly humorous lyrics, solid beats and razor-sharp punchlines make it clear: this is no hobby for some oldies, but a serious duo of musicians. Add in Peter “Pete” Bowditch and Basil “Bas” Bellgrave’s unwavering attitude and ice-cold stage presence, and even the stiffest crowd will soon realize they’re witnessing something very real. Yo, youths – take notes!