Timo Rautiainen & Trio Niskalaukaus in Mikkeli

Timo Rautiainen & Trio Niskalaukaus is a Finnish heavy metal band formed in Jyväskylä in 1996 and led by singer and guitarist Timo Rautiainen. Its slow, heavy songs pair Finnish lyrics with subjects including grief, social unease and environmental damage. The band is known for albums including Itku pitkästä ilosta, Rajaportti and Kylmä tila, and songs such as “Rajaton rakkaus,” “Surupuku” and “Lumessakahlaajat.” The band toured Finland during its original run and also performed in Germany after recording German-language versions of its material. It stepped away from the stage after concerts in 2004, then reunited for shows in 2017. The comeback reached Tuska in Helsinki and Nummirock in Kauhajoki.