I’m an old guy. Real old. Back in the day live albums served two purposes: 1) They pumped new life into otherwise flat tracks by capturing them in an electrifying live performance. Think KISS Alive, JUDAS EAST Unleashed in the East, RAINBOW On Stage. I told you I was old. 2) They fulfilled a contractual obligation for the band to release a certain number of albums within a designated timeframe. Think, Ozzy Osbourne’s Speak of the Devil or GUNS AND ROSES, Greatest Hits (Live). But more recently a third purpose has arisen—Just because. Just because . . . collectors might dig it; just because long-term fans demand it; just because the band felt like it. 

I’m guessing it’s that third reason why BATTLE BEAST recently released Circus of Doom, Live in Helsinki 2023—that is, they just felt like it. Filmed and recorded at Helsinki Ice Hall in front of 3,000 ecstatic fans, the album is their first live album in their 15+ year history. Eero Sipilä (bass) says of the recording: “Our homecoming show was certainly one for the books. After the endless Covid delays, with our closest friends in the audience and our biggest production brought alive on stage, this night served as a true celebration of live music and life itself.”

The album itself comprises 16 tracks, including a short intro, and has a full runtime of an hour and 14 minutes. Tracks include most of Circus of Doom as well as picks from No More Hollywood Endings and Bringer of Pain.

For listeners new to BATTLE BEAST, the album is a great intro to the band—at least for the last eight years. For existing fans, well, it’s just great to listen to and watch such an incredible performance, especially, of course, the splendor of Noora Louhimo. Even if you’ve have seen the band live, the video captures a perspective you just can’t get no matter what seat you could possibly score in person.

Since I am such an old guy, I have to remark on the quality of recording and production that is accessible nowadays, making Circus of Doom, Live in Helsinki 2023 not only a great album to listen to but an incredible performance to watch. Not a bad track on the album. For new fans, a great introduction. For existing fans, a reminder of why you fell in love with them in the first place.