Punk and hardcore scene draws the line at racism, fascism

A few hundred fans of defiant protest music gathered at the Rooster Fest in Lahti last weekend, according to a report by Finnish public broadcaster Yle.

The punk and hardcore scene in Finland is small but tightly knit, with members ranging from a few dozen to a couple of hundred people. The community is open to almost all discussions—except for racism, fascism, or opposition to transgender rights or immigration, said Mikko Laine, vocalist of the band Health Issues.

“You can criticize immigration, as long as you do it without racism,” Laine clarified. He added that while some opinions can be challenged within the scene, the feedback may not always be positive.

Antti Sirvo, organizer of Rooster Fest, said punk and hardcore music are more relevant today than ever, citing the rise of fascism as a key reason. “I’m turning 50 this year, and I feel angrier than ever about how people treat each other and how those in power behave,” Sirvo said.

Laine, who performed his first gig in the early 1990s, agreed, noting that modern issues like transgender rights—rarely discussed in the 90s—now fuel the music’s defiance. Lyrics often stem from anger and frustration, but also aim to cultivate empathy and kindness, Sirvo said.

While punk once thrived on nihilism and substance use, younger fans now gravitate toward hardcore, which a group of 20-somethings described as a more welcoming and structured community. Eemeli Hietanen, who transitioned from punk to hardcore after sobering up, said the scene’s small size—estimates range from tens to a few hundred—fosters close bonds, with members often interacting beyond music.

Ideals within the group vary, from teetotalism and animal rights to pacifism, though some members also serve in the military reserves.