70000tons of Metal Artist Spotlight 2024: I Am The Night

Countdown to 2025: 20 Days

SOOOOOOON, the famous word for 70000tons of Metal cruisers know to love and hate. And one thing you learn is announcements are always unpredictable. After experiencing the 2024 edition to its fullest capability, we captured all sixty-two bands, bringing back our Artist Spotlight, our countdown to the 2025 voyage, leaving on January 30 in Miami, setting sail to Ocho Rios, Jamaica, and returning on February 3, 2025. Round 12, the 2024 experience, took place from January 29 – February 2, sailing from Miami to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, on the Freedom of the Seas.

70000tons 2024 Round 12: ARTIST 27 of 62 I Am The Night

Markus Vanhala’s resume speaks volumes about his dedication to the metal scene, participating in Omnium Gatherum, Insomnium, Cemetery Skyline, Wolftrap, Manitou, Malpractice, and I Am The Night. No stranger to 70000tons of Metal, Vanhala has performed multiple times with Omnium Gatherum (3x), Insomnium (3x), and I Am The Night (1x). His relentless work ethic, from pulling double duty on tours to constantly creating new music, leaves one wondering how he manages it all.

In 2024, Vanhala introduced the supergroup Cemetery Skyline and their debut album, Nordic Gothic. However, 2024 all started at 70000tons, where he performed four sets with two bands on board. While Omnium Gatherum will be discussed soon, I Am The Night’s raw black metal aesthetic stood out. This project diverges from melodic death metal, showcasing a darker, grittier style. The band, featuring members from Swallow the Sun, ex-Omnium Gatherum, etc. members, includes Janne Markkanen (bass), Okko Solanterä (vocals), Juuso Raatikainen (drums), and Juho Räihä (guitar).

I Am The Night delivered two sets on the cruise: the first on January 30, 2024, at Studio B Ice Rink Theater at 2:30 PM, and the second on February 1, 2024, closing out the Star Lounge at 10:45 PM. We caught their first performance, and they exceeded all expectations. The dim blue and red stage lighting set the tone for their haunting aesthetic. All masters at their craft, the group went into material like they’d performed together for over three decades.

Side projects like I Am The Night are a rare treat, especially given the demands of their primary bands. Seeing them live, particularly at an event like 70000tons, is an unforgettable experience—one that may not happen again soon. If you ever get the chance, don’t miss I Am The Night.

What’s next for I Am The Night?

Between a packed schedule with Omnium Gatherum and Insomnium, as well as Swallow the Sun’s new album Shining and Cemetery Skyline’s debut, I Am The Night still found time to make an appearance at Tuska Festival. As for future plans, including more shows or a follow-up to their 2022 debut, While the Gods Are Sleeping, nothing has been confirmed for 2025 thus far. Here’s hoping there’s more to come from I Am The Night.

What is the Artist Spotlight?

Well, it’s more than a review of their performance; as 70000tons goes, each band is a headliner, and we treat each one as such, giving them their own spread, discussing who they are and what they’ve been up to since the cruise. Each spotlight coincides with any updates from 70000tons organizers (if any), leading to days before setting sail. An extensive coverage like no other.

What does 70000tons 2025 look like?

There’s a reason why we want to keep going until we can’t. With at least 120 promised shows, bands performing twice within four days, including an All-Star Jam, Belly Flop Contest, Shore Excursions, meet and greets, clinics, workshops, pool girls and boys, hot tub mosh pits, cosplay madness, and much more. 2025, round 13 of 70000tons of Metal will bring cruisers back on the Independence of the Seas, setting sail on January 30 from Miami to Ocho Rios, Jamaica, and returning to Miami on February 3, 2025. Tickets are available here. Also, check out the essential packing guide here.

70000tons 2025 Lineup [34 out of 60]:

Arcturus
Benighted
Beyond Creation
Candlemass
Crownshift
Decapitated
Delain
Emperor
Ex Deo
Finntroll
Flotsam & Jetsam
Hammerfall
Ihsahn
In Extremo
Kalmah
Krisiun
Majestica
Mork
Onslaught
Samael
Septicflesh
Sepultura
Sonata Arctica
Stratovarius
Subway to Sally
Swallow The Sun
Symphony X
Tankard
The Kovenant
The Zenith Passage
Trollfest
Trouble
Twilight Force
Unleash the Archers