Samael Creative exists to vanquish design mediocrity to make bands and brands more commercially successful through impenetrable ideas and bulletproof creativity.
#LetTheMonsterLoose

Welcome to the dark side

My name is Richard Samael Forsman.
I'm a multimedia creative freelancer based in Helsinki, Finland and I offer art, photography, graphic design, web design, video and motion graphics for big brands to garage bands.

So, where do you want to start?

Find out who Samael is, see what Samael does, or head to the contact page and send your message to the deepest pits of Helsinki.

Just relax, grab a cold one, and make yourself comfortable. I got this.

Latest From Social Media

Check out the latest posts from the Samael Creative Instagram and follow for more creative magick.
TURMION KÄTILÖT at Tavastia-klubi⁠, Helsinki⁠ 🤘🔥🔥🔥
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Finnish industrial metal juggernauts TURMION KÄTILÖT took over Tavastia in Helsinki on March 2nd, 2024, filling the venue to maximum capacity with no need for additional warm-up acts. I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing their performances countless times, and they consistently deliver some of the best live performances.

Even arriving a bit late and finding myself capturing shots from behind the packed audience couldn’t diminish the thrill of seeing TURMION KÄTILÖT once again. After a hiatus of a couple of years since my last visit to Nummirock, the band proved that their electrifying stage presence and ability to create an unforgettable experience remain as potent as ever.
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All photos by
@samaelcreative
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Gear:⁠
Sony a7RV⁠
Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II⁠
Sony FE 24mm F1.4 GM⁠
Sigma DG DN Art 85mm F1.4⁠
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⁠@turmion_katilot_official
@tavastiaklubi
@tuonelamagazine

#gallery #digitalart #photography #photographer #musicphotography #turmionkätilöt #turmionkatilot #discometal #metalband #musicmagazine #band #concertphotography #gig #livemusic #graphicdesign #creative #valokuvaaja #valokuvaajahelsinki #finland #musiclovers #sonyalpha #sonynordic #tavastia
ALLT at On the Rocks⁠, Helsinki⁠ 🤘🔥🔥🔥
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March kicked off with a bang at On the Rocks, featuring a diverse lineup of CRUCIFY THE FAITH, KARMANJAKAH, and ALLT. The night was a mix of local talent and Swedish acts, offering an array of experiences for the eager audience.

The pinnacle of the night belonged to ALLT, the headlining act from Sweden. With a progressive metalcore sound that has garnered attention in the local metal scene, ALLT delivered a performance that was well worth the wait. Anthems like “Paralyzed” and “Severance” reverberated through the venue, showcasing the band’s prowess in creating memorable and impactful music.

Despite being a relatively new presence in the metalcore scene, ALLT has already left an indelible mark, with their tracks becoming staples in local metal bars. The anticipation for their live performance was met with resounding success, leaving fans eager for more. With the promising potential displayed on stage, it’s only a matter of time before ALLT graces the bigger stages of metal festivals, solidifying their position in the genre.
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All photos by
@samaelcreative
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Gear:⁠
Sony a7RV⁠
Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II⁠
Sony FE 24mm F1.4 GM⁠
Sigma DG DN Art 85mm F1.4⁠
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⁠@alltband
@ontherockshelsinki
@tuonelamagazine

#gallery #digitalart #photography #photographer #musicphotography #allt #alltband #alltsweden #metalcore #metalband #musicmagazine #band #concertphotography #gig #livemusic #graphicdesign #creative #valokuvaaja #valokuvaajahelsinki #finland #musiclovers #sonyalpha #sonynordic #ontherocks
CRUCIFY THE FAITH at On the Rocks⁠, Helsinki⁠ 🤘
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March kicked off with a bang at On the Rocks, featuring a diverse lineup of CRUCIFY THE FAITH, KARMANJAKAH, and ALLT. The night was a mix of local talent and Swedish acts, offering an array of experiences for the eager audience.

The evening began with the homegrown sounds of CRUCIFY THE FAITH, local guys whom I’ve witnessed on stage multiple times. I felt sorry for them because, once again, the audience did the most Finnish thing by standing far back from the stage, leaving the front completely empty except for me and another photographer. I guess it’s easier for us to move around and take our shots, but I find the band also gives better shows when the audience gets close and shows some excitement. Despite a somewhat reserved audience, the band delivered a solid performance.
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All photos by
@samaelcreative
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Gear:⁠
Sony a7RV⁠
Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II⁠
Sony FE 24mm F1.4 GM⁠
Sigma DG DN Art 85mm F1.4⁠
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⁠@crucifythefaith
@ontherockshelsinki
@tuonelamagazine

#gallery #digitalart #photography #photographer #musicphotography #crucifythefaith #metalband #musicmagazine #band #concertphotography #gig #livemusic #graphicdesign #creative #valokuvaaja #valokuvaajahelsinki #finland #musiclovers #sonyalpha #sonynordic #ontherocks #otr
DEAD BY APRIL at Tavastia-klubi⁠, Helsinki⁠ 🤘
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Closing the night with grandeur were Swedish headliners DEAD BY APRIL, frequent visitors to the Helsinki scene. Featuring tracks from their latest album, “The Affliction,” the audience warmly embraced the fresh material. Adding an unexpected twist, the band brought on guest Samuel Ericsson, a martial artist and social media influencer, injecting rap elements into select songs. The fusion seamlessly fits into the DEAD BY APRIL show, creating a memorable experience for everyone present.
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All photos by
@samaelcreative
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Gear:⁠
Sony a7RV⁠
Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II⁠
Sony FE 24mm F1.4 GM⁠
Sigma DG DN Art 85mm F1.4⁠
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⁠@deadbyapril_official
@ericssonsamuel
@tavastiaklubi
@tuonelamagazine

#gallery #digitalart #photography #photographer #musicphotography #deadbyapril #samuelericsson #metalband #musicmagazine #band #concertphotography #gig #livemusic #graphicdesign #creative #valokuvaaja #valokuvaajahelsinki #finland #musiclovers #sonyalpha #sonynordic #tavastia
ONE MORNING LEFT at Tavastia-klubi⁠, Helsinki⁠ 🤘
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Amidst the Swedish invasion, local party animals ONE MORNING LEFT took the stage. A newcomer to their sound, I was pleasantly caught off guard by the infectious, feel-good energy they radiated. Drawing parallels to party bands like ELECTRIC CALLBOY, their performance was accompanied by distributing beach toys to the audience and some post-show protection. Discovering bands like ONE MORNING LEFT leaves a lasting impression when experienced live and is one of the biggest reasons I love to go and see shows from bands outside my little comfort bubble.
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All photos by
@samaelcreative
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Gear:⁠
Sony a7RV⁠
Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II⁠
Sony FE 24mm F1.4 GM⁠
Sigma DG DN Art 85mm F1.4⁠
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⁠@onemorningleftofficial
@tavastiaklubi
@tuonelamagazine

#gallery #digitalart #photography #photographer #musicphotography #onemorningleft #metalband #musicmagazine #band #concertphotography #gig #livemusic #graphicdesign #creative #valokuvaaja #valokuvaajahelsinki #finland #musiclovers #sonyalpha #sonynordic #tavastia
SELF DECEPTION at Tavastia-klubi⁠, Helsinki⁠ 🤘
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Despite the public transportation strikes turning Helsinki’s center into a ghost town on February 2nd, 2024, the anticipation for the triple treat of SELF DECEPTION, ONE MORNING LEFT, and DEAD BY APRIL at Tavastia stage drew a massive crowd. The line to enter wrapped around the block, but everyone got inside really fast after the door were opened. Despite concerns about the strikes affecting the show, the event went on without a hitch. The venue was packed well before the first notes echoed through the air.

Kicking off the night was SELF DECEPTION. This was my first experience witnessing their live performance, despite being a dedicated listener for quite some time. Bassist Patrik Hallgren brought a breath of fresh air with his vibrant leopard-patterned outfit, complete with a pink cowboy hat later during the show. The choice of attire perfectly complemented the atmosphere that had me sweating after just a few songs into the set, even without standing under the intense stage lights.
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All photos by
@samaelcreative
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Gear:⁠
Sony a7RV⁠
Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II⁠
Sony FE 24mm F1.4 GM⁠
Sigma DG DN Art 85mm F1.4⁠
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⁠@selfdeception_official
@tavastiaklubi
@tuonelamagazine

#gallery #digitalart #photography #photographer #musicphotography #selfdeception #metalband #musicmagazine #band #concertphotography #gig #livemusic #graphicdesign #creative #valokuvaaja #valokuvaajahelsinki #finland #musiclovers #sonyalpha #sonynordic #tavastia
OMNIUM GATHERUM at On the Rocks⁠, Helsinki⁠ 🤘
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The eagerly awaited sold-out show at On the Rocks in Helsinki on January 19th, 2024, featuring MARIANAS REST and OMNIUM GATHERUM, lived up to the hype.

The main event of the evening belonged to OMNIUM GATHERUM, the headlining act of the night that had recently unleashed their new EP, “Slasher” to the delight of fans worldwide. Having just completed a successful European tour, the band was set to embark on a global journey, gracing stages in countries such as Mexico, Colombia, Costa Rica, and even the legendary 70,000 Tons of Metalcruise in the Caribbean, launching from Miami, USA.
For those unfamiliar with OMNIUM GATHERUM, the Helsinki show was a revelation. The band’s playful and wild performance showcased not only their musical prowess but also their incredible stage charisma. As a photographer capturing the essence of the night, I found myself captivated by the dynamic energy radiating from the stage. OMNIUM GATHERUM had not only met expectations but exceeded them, stealing the hearts of everyone in attendance, including me.
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All photos by
@samaelcreative
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Gear:⁠
Sony a7RV⁠
Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II⁠
Sony FE 24mm F1.4 GM⁠
Sigma DG DN Art 85mm F1.4⁠
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⁠@omniumgatherumofficial
@ontherockshelsinki
@tuonelamagazine

#gallery #digitalart #photography #photographer #musicphotography #omniumgatherum #metalband #musicmagazine #band #concertphotography #gig #livemusic #graphicdesign #creative #valokuvaaja #valokuvaajahelsinki #finland #musiclovers #sonyalpha #sonynordic #ontherocks
MARIANAS REST at On the Rocks⁠, Helsinki⁠ 🤘
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The eagerly awaited sold-out show at On the Rocks in Helsinki on January 19th, 2024, featuring MARIANAS REST and OMNIUM GATHERUM, lived up to the hype.

Kicking off the night was MARIANAS REST, who set the stage for the wild ride to come. Their performance, though more subdued compared to the headliner, proved to be a solid and familiar experience for those already acquainted with the band. MARIANAS REST delivered a calm yet captivating show, preparing the crowd for the energetic onslaught that awaited them.
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More photos in my site. Link in my bio!⁠
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All photos by
@samaelcreative
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Gear:⁠
Sony a7RV⁠
Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II⁠
Sony FE 24mm F1.4 GM⁠
Sigma DG DN Art 85mm F1.4⁠
⁠
⁠@marianasrestofficial
@ontherockshelsinki

#gallery #digitalart #photography #photographer #musicphotography #marianasrest #metalband #musicmagazine #band #concertphotography #gig #livemusic #graphicdesign #creative #valokuvaaja #valokuvaajahelsinki #finland #musiclovers #sonyalpha #sonynordic #ontherocks
IN MOURNING at On the Rocks⁠, Helsinki⁠
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I kicked off my music photography journey for the year in the familiar and vibrant atmosphere of On the Rocks, Helsinki, where ANYALA and IN MOURNING were set to play on January 4th, 2024.⁠
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The much-anticipated headliner, IN MOURNING, the melodic death metal act from Sweden, took the stage later in the evening, fulfilling the expectations of many in the crowd. The band delivered an outstanding performance, and the personal interaction with Tim Nedergård truly elevated the impact of my captured moments from that unforgettable night.⁠
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More photos in my site. Link in my bio!⁠
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All photos by @samaelcreative⁠
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Gear:⁠
Sony a7RV⁠
Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II⁠
Sony FE 24mm F1.4 GM⁠
Sigma DG DN Art 85mm F1.4⁠
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#gallery #digitalart #photography #photographer #musicphotography ⁠#inmourning #metalband #sweden #musicmagazine⁠⁠ #band #concertphotography #gig #livemusic⁠ #graphicdesign⁠ #creative #valokuvaaja #valokuvaajahelsinki #finland #musiclovers #sonyalpha #sonynordic #ontherocks
ANYALA at On the Rocks⁠, Helsinki⁠
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I kicked off my music photography journey for the year in the familiar and vibrant atmosphere of On the Rocks, Helsinki, where ANYALA and IN MOURNING were set to play on January 4th, 2024.⁠
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The evening kicked off with a powerful performance by the Lahti-based band ANYALA. Despite a slight unease in their stage presence and vocals, the overall energy they brought to the stage was undeniable, leaving the audience thoroughly entertained.⁠
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More photos in my site. Link in my bio!⁠
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All photos by @samaelcreative⁠
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Gear:⁠
Sony a7RV⁠
Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II⁠
Sony FE 24mm F1.4 GM⁠
Sigma DG DN Art 85mm F1.4⁠
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#gallery #digitalart #photography #photographer #musicphotography ⁠#anyala #anjala #metalband #lahti #musicmagazine⁠⁠ #band #concertphotography #gig #livemusic⁠ #graphicdesign⁠ #creative #valokuvaaja #valokuvaajahelsinki #finland #musiclovers #sonyalpha #sonynordic
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SAMAEL IS BASED IN THE DEEPEST PITS OF HELLSINKI - FINLAND
THE COUNTRY OF THE MOST METAL BANDS PER CAPITA IN THE WORLD

Are you ready to rock?