REVIEW: REF 2024- Day 2

Day 2 of Rockstadt Extreme Fest was nothing short of electrifying, a whirlwind of raw energy and musical prowess that left the audience spellbound.
Rockstadt Extreme Fest 2024
Rockstadt Extreme Fest 2024

Day 2 of Rockstadt Extreme Fest was nothing short of electrifying, a whirlwind of raw energy and musical prowess that left the audience spellbound. The festival grounds buzzed with anticipation as Svalbard took the Andrei Rugină stage, and the opening notes heralded the beginning of an extraordinary day.

Hailing from the industrial heart of Bristol, England, Svalbard emerged as a beacon of raw emotion and musical intensity. Set to start at 14:30, Svalbard’s fusion of post-hardcore and post-metal packed a visceral punch that resonated deeply with the audience. From the very first chord, it was evident that this band was here to make a statement. Serena Cherry’s ethereal yet powerful vocals intertwined seamlessly with Liam Phelan’s guttural screams, creating a hauntingly beautiful contrast that set the tone for their set. The rhythmic backbone provided by drummer Mark Lilley and bassist Matt Francis was relentless, driving the music forward with unyielding ferocity. As the echoes of Svalbard’s last note faded into the afternoon, the audience was left in a state of euphoria, eagerly anticipating the rest of the day. Rockstadt Extreme Fest Day 2 had only just begun, but thanks to Svalbard, it had already reached soaring heights.

At 14:40, just ten minutes after Svalbard’s set began, Bipolar Architecture took the Andrei Calmuc Stage by storm. This international band, rooted in both Berlin, Germany, and Istanbul, Türkiye, delivered a breathtaking performance that showcased their unique brand of post-metal. Bipolar Architecture’s music is an incredible exploration of atmospheric soundscapes and crushing intensity. Their ability to blend haunting melodies with heavy, downtuned riffs created a dynamic and immersive experience for the listener. The intricate layers of their sound, from the delicate guitar work to the powerful drumming, were meticulously crafted to evoke deep emotions and introspection. Each song was a journey in itself, with sweeping crescendos and explosive climaxes that captivated the audience. Rockstadt Extreme Fest Day 2 continued to unfold, but the impact of Bipolar Architecture’s set would linger long in the minds of those who witnessed it.

By the time the clock struck 15:00, the Brașov Stage was ready for one of the hardest-working bands in the industry: Cancer Bats. This Canadian hardcore punk band from Toronto, Ontario, took the stage with unstoppable force. Having never seen Cancer Bats live before, I approached their performance with curiosity, and they did not disappoint. Cancer Bats’ music is a ferocious blend of hardcore punk, metal, and southern rock—a combination that creates an explosive and high-energy show. The band’s relentless energy and high-octane performance were met with an equally fierce response from the audience. The crowd’s enthusiasm was palpable, matching every burst of intensity from the stage with their own energetic reactions.

At 15:50, the energy of Rockstadt Extreme Fest surged once more with the arrival of Take Offense on the Andrei Calmuc Stage. This American crossover/thrash metal band, hailing from Chula Vista, California, brought a fresh burst of intensity to the festival. I must admit I was eager to experience their renowned energy and dynamic vocals. The band’s music, a vigorous mix of crossover and thrash metal, resonated with infectious energy and aggression. The driving riffs and commanding vocals created an exhilarating atmosphere, and the crowd responded with equal enthusiasm.

At 16:10, the Andrei Rugină Stage roared to life with the arrival of Toxic Holocaust. This thrash metal powerhouse, known for their ferocious live shows and relentless energy, was ready to unleash their sonic fury on the audience. Toxic Holocaust is always a great band to witness, and their performance at Rockstadt Extreme Fest was no exception. From the moment they took the stage, the band’s high-octane riffs and aggressive vocals electrified the crowd. Toxic Holocaust’s music, with its raw intensity and blistering speed, created an atmosphere of pure exhilaration.

Around 17:05, the Brașov Stage was primed for an entirely different kind of experience. The crowd was buzzing with anticipation for Gutalax, a band renowned for their chaotic and hilariously wild performances. Hailing from the Czech Republic, Gutalax has made a name for themselves in the grindcore scene with their outrageous antics and infectious energy. Gutalax is one of those bands that defy conventional descriptions. Their shows are a riot of absurdity and sheer fun, and Rockstadt Extreme Fest was no exception. Having seen them before, at the same festival, I knew what to expect, but they still managed to surprise and entertain with their unique brand of musical mayhem. From the moment Gutalax took the stage, the atmosphere transformed into a carnival of grindcore madness. The band, known for their comedic stage presence and toilet-themed humor, immediately set the tone with their outrageous costumes and props. The audience, fully aware of what was to come, eagerly embraced the chaos, ready for a show that would be as entertaining as it was musically intense. One of the highlights of their performance was the crowd interaction. Gutalax has a knack for breaking down the barrier between the stage and the audience, inviting fans to be part of the madness. Whether it was through inflatable props being tossed into the crowd or spontaneous dance-offs, the band ensured that everyone was having a good time.

At the same hour, 17:05, the Andrei Calmuc Stage was graced by the Italian heavyweights, Ufomammut. Known for their hypnotic blend of psychedelic sludge, stoner, and doom metal, Ufomammut promised to take the audience on a transcendent journey through sound. I must admit, it was a bit challenging to hop between stages, trying to catch both Gutalax and Ufomammut, but I managed it. The moment I arrived at the Andrei Calmuc Stage, I was enveloped in a sonic wave that was both heavy and mesmerizing. The band’s performance was nothing short of an odyssey. From the opening track, Ufomammut created an atmosphere that was thick with anticipation and reverence. Their use of repetitive, droning riffs combined with ethereal synths and powerful drumming created a soundscape that was both crushing and uplifting. The interplay between these elements was seamless, each note building upon the last to create a continuous flow of sound that was hypnotic.

The next set, Kvelertak, was a blast. Performing on the Adrian Rugină Stage, the Norwegian heavyweights took the stage with their unique blend of black metal, rock’n’roll, and punk. Their triple guitar attack and raw vocals had the crowd roaring with approval, especially during the fan favorites.

Kvelertak

Kvelertak at Rockstadt Extreme Fest 2024
© Astrid Pichler [Fraufrostwind]

Moving to the Brașov Stage, with the clock showing 18:54, death metal veterans Suffocation delivered a brutal set that was nothing short of devastating. Witnessing Suffocation was a breathtaking experience, as they delivered a performance that was nothing short of magnificent. Their unparalleled prowess in death metal was on full display, leaving the audience in awe of their technical brilliance and sheer power.

Suffocation

Suffocation at Rockstadt Extreme Fest 2024
© Astrid Pichler [Fraufrostwind]

Crossover thrash legends D.R.I. brought their high-speed punk energy to the Andrei Calmuc Stage. The vocalist’s energy and captivating ideas kept the pit lively and engaged throughout the performance.

Brutus, the force from Belgium, provided a sonic shift with their blend of post-metal, punk, and shoegaze on the Adrian Rugină Stage around 19:50. Stefanie Mannaerts’ drumming and vocal performance was a highlight, with her emotive delivery resonating deeply with the audience.

Power metal maestros DragonForce brought their trademark speed and melody to the Brașov Stage. Having seen DragonForce before, I was prepared for their impressive technicality, but this experience was exceptional. Powerful and fierce, yet undeniably great, their set was a whirlwind of virtuosity and infectious energy. With blistering guitar solos and soaring vocals, DragonForce delivered a performance that felt both exhilarating and transcendent, showcasing their unparalleled prowess in a way that left the crowd in awe.

Hardcore veterans Terror took the Andrei Calmuc Stage with an explosive set. The intense vocals and the band’s unwavering aggression made for a powerful performance that had the crowd moshing and stage diving. Moving from one stage to another was rewarding, as both bands were gems on their respective stages.

Testament, the venerable titans of thrash metal, delivered an unparalleled exhibition of auditory mastery on the Adrian Rugină Stage, leaving an indelible mark on all who bore witness. With a performance that can only be described as nothing short of spectacular, they unleashed a sonic tempest that was both thunderous and precise, showcasing their extraordinary technical prowess with an unwavering ferocity. From the very first note, the band demonstrated an electrifying command over their instruments, weaving intricate tapestries of sound that resonated with an almost divine brutality. Their musical dexterity was matched only by their relentless energy, as each member contributed to a performance that was as flawlessly executed as it was ruthlessly exhilarating. The synergy among the band members was palpable, creating an immersive experience that transcended mere performance and entered the realm of the sublime. The crowd, enraptured by the sheer force of Testament’s presence, was propelled into a state of ecstatic fervor, their collective energy serving as a testament to the band’s legendary status.

Testament

Testament at Rockstadt Extreme Fest 2024
© Astrid Pichler [Fraufrostwind]

Philadelphia’s Jesus Piece brought a heavy, chaotic energy to the Andrei Calmuc Stage. Their metallic hardcore sound, coupled with the ferocious vocals of their frontman, kept the pit lively and engaged throughout the performance.

The next set, known for their chaotic live shows, The Dillinger Escape Plan, did not disappoint on the Brașov Stage. Their mathcore complexity and intense stage antics kept the audience on their toes, ending the night on the Brașov Stage with a bang.

Melodic death metal titans The Black Dahlia Murder came to the Andrei Calmuc Stage with a brutal and energetic set. The dynamic vocal range and the band’s precise musicianship were highlights of the night. Having never seen them before, I was completely mesmerized by their performance.

The Black Dahlia Murder

The Black Dahlia Murder at Rockstadt Extreme Fest 2024
© Astrid Pichler [Fraufrostwind]

The crowd did an amazing job, fueling the band’s energy with relentless cheers and an electrifying mosh pit, making the entire experience unforgettable.

The Black Dahlia Murder

The Black Dahlia Murder at Rockstadt Extreme Fest 2024
© Astrid Pichler [Fraufrostwind]

Closing the Adrian Rugină Stage, Amon Amarth unleashed their Viking metal fury. With epic tales of Norse mythology set to thunderous riffs, Johan Hegg and company delivered a grandiose performance, completed by their signature stage props and unforgettable anthems.

Amon Amarth at Rockstadt Extreme Fest 2024

Amon Amarth at Rockstadt Extreme Fest 2024
© Astrid Pichler [Fraufrostwind]

Having experienced the indomitable force of the band in the past, I eagerly returned to witness their epic spectacle once more, driven by an insatiable craving for their mesmerizing brutality. Their previous performances had already etched an unforgettable mark upon my memory, leaving me awestruck by their thunderous majesty and Viking valor. Now, as I stood once again in their formidable presence, I was ready to be swept away by their unparalleled mastery of melodic death metal.

With Thor’s hammer in hand, elaborate costumes, and on-stage battles reminiscent of a dramatic reenactment, their performance was elevated with an extra layer of excitement and authenticity.

Amon Amarth at Rockstadt Extreme Fest 2024

Amon Amarth at Rockstadt Extreme Fest 2024
© Astrid Pichler [Fraufrostwind]

Amon Amarth at Rockstadt Extreme Fest 2024

Amon Amarth at Rockstadt Extreme Fest 2024
© Astrid Pichler [Fraufrostwind]

Returning to see Amon Amarth was not just a mere revisit; it was a pilgrimage to the very heart of metal’s epic domain, where the echoes of past glories and the anticipation of new conquests melded into a singular, awe-inspiring experience.

Amon Amarth at Rockstadt Extreme Fest 2024

Amon Amarth at Rockstadt Extreme Fest 2024
© Astrid Pichler [Fraufrostwind]

Ending Day 2, Converge delivered an intense and emotional performance on the Andrei Calmuc Stage. The band’s performance was nothing short of therapeutic—it was raw, cathartic, and deeply moving. Their set felt like an emotional release, as if they were channeling every ounce of intensity and feeling straight into their music. It was the kind of experience that hits you in the gut and stays with you long after the last note fades. If you ever get the chance to see Converge live, do yourself a favor and go. Their live shows are a powerful testament to the transformative power of music and how it can touch the very core of your being. Their statement about giving emotions and impressions at the festival wasn’t just words; it was a promise they delivered on with such authenticity. Experiencing their performance felt like a profound, emotional journey—one that’s truly worth taking.

Day 2 of Rockstadt Extreme Fest was a rollercoaster of intense performances, showcasing a diverse range of metal subgenres. From the atmospheric beginnings with Svalbard to the epic conclusion with Converge, the day was filled with unforgettable moments, making it a highlight of the festival.

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