By Rebecca Clark

Some shows just hit differently and the lineup of The Funeral Portrait and The Rasmus at The Song and Dance in Syracuse on April 23rd was one of those rare, genre-blending moments where everything clicked. Both bands brought their own flavor, yet complemented each other so well in both energy and spirit. It was a full-on experience where fans and artists fed off each other’s energy in the best way.

The Rasmus
It’s been sixteen years since The Rasmus last toured the U.S., but they proved they were more than worth the wait, making every second of their return count. For many of us, it felt surreal to finally see them perform live on US soil again. With a legacy built in Finland and around the globe, seeing them play a more intimate venue like The Song and Dance felt both humbling and powerful. They weren’t just here to play songs they were here to reconnect, to rediscover that magic with American fans.

Their set was impeccable. From the first notes of “First Day of My Life” to the explosive closer “In the Shadows,” The Rasmus reminded us that their music isn’t just nostalgic, it’s timeless. New tracks “Rest in Pieces” and “Creatures of Chaos” fit seamlessly with fan favorites like “Guilty” and “Livin’ in a World Without You.” The passion in their music still burns bright after all these years, and hearing it live made it feel brand new again.

Lauri Ylönen is a frontman who inhabits the stage. His movements, his voice, his connection with the crowd, it’s like every part of him is tuned into the music. Bassist Eero Heinonen brought the crowd closer, literally, with his interaction and energy. Aki Hakala was an absolute force on drums, standing up and throwing himself into every beat. Guitarist Emilia “Emppu” Suhonen was a total bad ass, intense, expressive, and utterly captivating to watch.

Even though they technically opened the night, The Rasmus felt like a headliner in their own right. It was evident they had some of their fans in the house and they were singing every word, and you could feel the love in the room. It was the kind of set that wins hearts, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they walked away with a few new fans that night. Meeting them after the show only added to the magic, they were humble, warm, and genuinely present with everyone they spoke to. It’s rare to find a band that sounds this good and cares this much.

Setlist:
First Day of My Life
In My Life
Rest in Pieces
Time to Burn
Guilty
October & April
Creatures of Chaos
No Fear
Living in the World
In the Shadows

The Funeral Portrait
If you’ve never been to a Devotion Ceremony, The Funeral Portrait is here to convert you. Their performance was a full-blown theatrical ritual with neon coffin lights, flower bouquets, incense, and a fanbase (aka the Coffin Crew) ready to worship.

Lee Jennings is a frontman with purpose. Every move he makes, every word he sings, carries weight. He commands the stage not with ego, but with an intense emotional presence that draws you in. One of the most touching moments came when he talked about “Hearse for Two,” a track that almost didn’t make it onto their album. It was written from his grandfather’s perspective after losing his wife (Jennings grandmother) of 60 years. Holding a black bouquet of roses, Jennings reminded us what real love looks like and how fleeting time can be and he added that there is one thing he wants in his life, to love someone that much, and if you got that person, hold them for as long as you can.

The rest of the band brought unmatched energy. Caleb Freihaut is a chaotic delight spinning, dancing, even licking his guitar while bending backward. Robert Weston amped up the intensity, throwing himself into the performance while connecting with fans. The moment when Weston and Freihaut shared a kiss on stage wasn’t just bold, it was a beautiful statement that resonated deeply, giving voice to their LGBTQ+ fanbase.

Their setlist was stacked with raw, emotional tracks from Suffocate City as well as favorites like “Flowers in the Attic” and “Casanova (C’est La Vie).” Live, their sound feels like a modern take on the My Chemical Romance era, emo heart with a rock ‘n’ roll bite. They don’t just bring the Warped Tour vibe back, they breathe new life into it.

After the show, every band member came out to meet fans, sign merch, and take photos. Jennings had a long line of people waiting, and he took his time with each and every one. You can feel how much this band cares, and that makes a difference.

There was no telling exactly what to expect going into the show, but The Funeral Portrait quickly proved that their live performance takes everything to the next level. Emotional, theatrical, and intense—they brought it all and left nothing behind.

Setlist:
Chernobyl
You’re So Ugly When You Cry
Paper Mache Man
Blood Mother
Voodoo Doll
Doom & Gloom
Generation Psycho
Flowers in the Attic
Hearse for Two
Stay Weird
Dark Thoughts
Holy Water
Suffocate City

Encore:
Alien
Casanova (C’est La Vie)

The Funeral Portrait Photo Gallery

The Rasmus Photo Gallery