The 69 Eyes

The 69 Eyes Death of Darkness Tour Descends Upon Buffalo, NY

It was a chilly night in Buffalo, NY when The 69 Eyes played the Rec Room. It was the first time in their nearly 35 year history, they performed in the historical city. Fondly referred to as the Helsinki Vampires, it was no surprise the venue was packed with a crowd mostly clad in black leather, vinyl, and tons of heavy black eyeliner.

**Archzie & Timo-Timo – The 69 Eyes – Rec Room, Buffalo, NY**

Elvis Presley’s Heartbreak Hotel blared over the club sound system as The 69 Eyes took the small stage. Vocalist, Jyrki 69 did his ode to Elvis moves with his back to the crowd. They quickly ripped into the title track off their 2004 release Devils. The crowd ate it up, singing along to every word.

Jyrki’s deep, commanding voice had everyone’s attention throughout the evening. He has a brooding charisma about him that is part Elvis and part Peter Steele. That being said he also stands very much as his own performer as he belts out classics and newer material such as Gothic Girl and Drive. The crowd sing along song like Burn Witch Burn went over smashingly; not a soul in the venue stood in silence.

Drummer, Jussi 69, made sure he was not lost behind the drum set, as so many are. He routinely stood on his drums and help rile up the crowd’s energy in between songs. Bass player Archzie kept the mood dark and haunting with his rumbling basslines. Completing the gothic atmosphere, was the intense guitar duo of Bazie and Timo-Timo.

The passionate evening was full of gothic tales of the supernatural, as well as love and loss. The crowd was left with an unsatiable need for more. Hopefully, that can be remedied soon.

I must also note, the band left the stage to Are You Lonesome Tonight, another Elvis song.

The tour was in support of their 13th release Death of Darkness, released in 2023, showcases the band’s transformation and progression.