Pate Mustajärvi unfazed by scathing review of new album in Helsingin Sanomat

Tampere-based rock legend Pate Mustajärvi remains unfazed by a scathing review of his new music in Helsingin Sanomat. Through his manager, Mustajärvi stated, “It’s a wonderful thing that in Finland everyone can freely express their opinions without fear of repercussions.”

Critic Arttu Seppänen described Mustajärvi’s solo album, following his time with the band Popeda, as so poor it could be considered conceptual art. The album, titled “Pelkkää Patee,” marks Mustajärvi’s thirteenth solo release. Seppänen gave it only one star, exclaiming, “Oh my God! What rubbish is this?” further stating, “This cannot be listened to sober, for heaven’s sake.”

Mustajärvi served as the frontman of Popeda for 46 years, with his final performance with the band taking place at Ratinan Stadium in Tampere in September 2023. At that concert, Popeda performed for a packed audience, marking the end of an era with Mustajärvi as their lead singer. The band continues to tour with Olli Herman now stepping in as the frontman.