REVIEW: REF 2024- Day 3

The third day of Rockstadt Extreme Fest 2024 turned into an unforgettable journey through the diverse realms of metal. From crushing riffs to atmospheric melodies, the stages at Râșnov Fortress came alive with intense performances that kept the crowd enthralled from start to finish.

Starting at 14:30 on the Adrian Rugină Stage, June Turns Black from Romania was a revelation. Having never encountered them before, their gig smashed any expectations. The intense and raw sound, coupled with their powerful stage presence, set a high standard for the day and immediately engaged the crowd, turning the atmosphere electric.

At 15:20, Gaerea from Portugal took over the Brașov Stage with their atmospheric black metal, creating a hauntingly beautiful experience. To be fair with you all, when I saw them on the lineup, I knew immediately that I had to make my way to Rockstadt Extreme Fest. In my eyes, they were headliners in their own right. Their performance was nothing short of extraordinary.

The way they commanded the stage, combined with their enigmatic costumes, added an extra layer of mystique that was impossible to ignore. Gaerea is the kind of band you go to when you want to feel something profound, when you crave an experience that transcends the ordinary. They delivered an intense, almost otherworldly atmosphere that left the audience utterly captivated—a performance that was not just heard, but felt deep within.

Meanwhile, on the Andrei Calmuc Stage at 15:50, Norna from Switzerland brought a heavy, doom-laden set that contrasted nicely with Gaerea’s performance. Their slow, crushing riffs resonated with the crowd, building a deeply immersive experience. Norna’s songwriting is defined by its kinetic impact, where each ponderous chord and resonant fill carries a palpable, electrifying force. Their set was a masterclass in the art of creating a dense, atmospheric soundscape, with every note and rhythm meticulously crafted to enhance the mood and intensity. The band’s ability to conjure such a powerful and enveloping atmosphere left everyone enthralled, making the desire to witness more of their set.

By 16:10, with beers in hand and anticipation running high, we were all ready for Tankard to deliver the crushing show we knew was coming. And oh, boy, Tankard from Germany shifted the mood on the Adrian Rugină Stage with their thrash metal anthems, injecting a dose of humor and delivering a high-energy performance that got everyone headbanging and laughing along. As one of the “Big Four“, Tankard graced us with all the sheer brilliance and unrelenting energy that have made them legends. Their set was a perfect storm of ferocious riffs and powerful vocals, reminding everyone why they remain at the pinnacle of the genre.

Destroyer 666 from Australia continued the assault at 17:05 on the Brașov Stage with their blend of thrash and black metal. Their ferocious stage presence and relentless music kept the energy levels high. Destroyer 666 has always been one of my favorite bands. Whether we’re talking about their classic tracks that made them famous or their newer songs, they have something unique.

Thus, the Brașov Stage was bathed in originality and raw intensity. Destroyer 666’s set was a testament to their mastery of blending thrash and black metal, creating an electrifying atmosphere that left the audience invigorated and craving more.

But who said that Germany didn’t have more to offer? At 17:05, Slope took the Andrei Calmuc Stage and came up with a punchy hardcore set, maintaining the momentum with aggressive and fast-paced music. Slope boldly embraced the exhilarating fun at Rockstadt Extreme Fest, putting on a show charged with infectious energy that redefined the vibrant spirit of their music. The audience was driven into a frenzy, moshing and stage diving throughout the performance.

At 18:00, the Adrian Rugină Stage witnessed Destruction from Germany deliver a quintessential thrash metal experience. There’s something about the Teutonic thrash metal subgenre that has captivated me since my teenage years as a metalhead, and Destruction has been at the heart of that passion. As part of the “Big Four” of Teutonic thrash metal, alongside Kreator, Sodom, and Tankard, Destruction has earned their place as legends in the genre. Their act at Rockstadt Extreme Fest showed exactly why they’ve maintained such a powerful presence in the metal world. They tore through the setlist with precision, delivering tight performances of iconic tracks that spanned their storied career. The band’s energy was infectious, their stage presence commanding, and their musicianship razor-sharp. They didn’t just play music—they thrashed and tore up the stage, keeping the momentum high and the audience in a constant state of exhilaration. Whether they were revisiting classics or showcasing newer material, Destruction proved that their brand of metal is as potent as ever, igniting the crowd in a way that only true legends can.

As 18:20 approached, the Andrei Calmuc Stage featured Cro-Mags from the USA, unleashing a hard-hitting set of crossover thrash that fused punk energy with metal heaviness. The pit intensified, mirroring the band’s relentless performance, as their raw aggression and high-octane sound electrified the crowd.

At 18:55, Bury Tomorrow from the UK took the Brașov Stage, delivering a performance that perfectly balanced aggression with melody, showcasing their distinct metalcore sound. What set Bury Tomorrow apart was not just their musical precision but the powerful connection they forged with the audience. From the first note, the band’s energy was contagious, sparking an immediate response from the crowd. The interaction between Bury Tomorrow and their fans was truly something special. The band’s constant movement across the stage seemed to fuel the crowd’s enthusiasm, leading to a surge of crowd surfing that transformed into a sea of exhilarated fans. The circle pits quickly became a swirling vortex of energy, driven by the band’s intense rhythms and electrifying presence.

At Andrei Calmuc Stage, by 19:40 Massacre from the USA delivered a dose of old-school death metal. Their brutal and uncompromising sound shook the stage, appealing to the true metalheads in the audience. Massacre was pure hell on stage, embodying the raw essence of death metal. I had long awaited such a moment, and when it finally came, it felt like a dream.

By 19:50, Baroness took the Andrei Rugină Stage and delivered an unforgettable performance that showcased their unique blend of progressive metal and sludge. Known for their intricate compositions and emotional depth, Baroness captivated the audience with a set that was as dynamic as it was powerful. From the moment they began, the band’s signature sound—characterized by its rich melodies, heavy riffs, and thoughtful lyrics—created an immersive experience. The crowd was immediately drawn in by the raw energy and technical prowess of the band, which translated into an engaging and memorable show.

And since we had left Germany for a while, it was the perfect moment to reconnect with some of the thrash metal pioneers. At 20:55, Sodom stormed the Brașov Stage with their fierce and unrelenting thrash metal. Their show was the peak of thrash prowess, characterized by lightning-fast riffs and relentless rhythms that kept the crowd’s adrenaline surging throughout their set.

The setlist was a meticulously crafted journey through Sodom’s storied discography, featuring a perfect mix of their timeless classics alongside some of their newer material. This balance ensured that both long-time fans and newer listeners were equally captivated.

Having seen Sodom numerous times before, I can confidently say that their Rockstadt Extreme Fest performance was a monumental confirmation of their ability to evolve while staying true to their thrash roots.

The crowd’s energy was a continuous wave of fervor and appreciation, with cheers and chants reverberating between songs. The spontaneous outbursts of support added a personal touch, highlighting the deep connection between the band and their devoted fans.

Meanwhile, at 21:00 on the Andrei Calmuc Stage, Comeback Kid from Canada brought a fresh wave of hardcore energy. Comeback Kid took the stage with an exhilarating display of hardcore energy, reminding us why they are such a formidable force in the genre. The band’s set was a relentless barrage of driving rhythms and intense vocals that electrified the crowd from start to finish. The vocals, characterized by their echoey delay, drew comparisons to bands like Higher Power but with a deeper, more resonant range. This vocal style added a unique depth to the performance, enhancing the emotional impact of their songs and creating a powerful connection with the audience. Their performance was a standout moment, offering a visceral and immersive experience that is often hard to come by. The band’s set was a high-energy affair, with each song delivered with precision and passion.

At 22:00, the Adrian Rugină Stage saw Hatebreed from the USA storm the stage with their aggressive brand of hardcore. Their intense performance was a call to action, resonating deeply with the crowd. Hatebreed showcased the quintessential power of heavy metal.

The frontman was a dynamic force, captivating the audience with his magnetic presence and pouring his soul into every lyric. His ability to connect with the people was evident as he led them through powerful chants and high-energy tracks. Meanwhile, the band’s relentless barrage of riffs and thunderous rhythms created a seismic impact that reverberated throughout the venue.

The atmosphere was electric, with the audience fervently chanting “Hatebreed! Hatebreed! Hatebreed!” in a unified roar of support. This overwhelming display of enthusiasm only heightened the intensity of the show. Hatebreed’s set was a force of nature, shaking the venue to its core and leaving the crowd in awe of their commanding prowess.

At 22:30 on the Andrei Calmuc Stage, Amenra from Belgium presented a mesmerizing and deeply emotional set. From the moment they took the stage, the atmosphere shifted dramatically, enveloping the audience in a profound silence that only a few bands can inspire. The usual concert noise gave way to a reverent stillness, showcasing the band’s unique ability to command attention and evoke deep emotional responses.

The band’s set was characterized by its dramatic shifts in dynamics. They wove together heavy, distorted riffs with ethereal, atmospheric passages, crafting a sonic landscape that was both expansive and intense. Each track felt like a voyage, moving seamlessly between crushing heaviness and serene quiet.

The set included a blend of older and newer material, each piece meticulously crafted to enhance the immersive quality of the show.

In essence, Amenra’s appearance at Rockstadt Extreme Fest was a deeply moving event. Their ability to combine intense, heavy music with profound emotional depth made their set a transcendent experience. For anyone fortunate enough to witness it, it was an opportunity to experience music as a form of spiritual and emotional expression.

The following suit, Eluveitie from Switzerland, introduced a folk metal element at 23:05 on the Brașov Stage, blending traditional instruments with heavy riffs.

Their set was a vibrant tapestry of ancient melodies and modern metal, showcasing their trademark ability to merge the old with the new.

The performance was marked by a dynamic interplay between traditional folk instruments like the bagpipes, hurdy-gurdy, and fiddles, and the heavier, more aggressive tones of electric guitars and drums. This fusion created a distinctive sound that is both rich and powerful, offering a refreshing change from the more straightforward metal acts of the festival. The band’s intricate arrangements and energetic execution brought a lively and festive atmosphere to the stage. A jubilant and eclectic celebration of folk metal.

As midnight passed, Eivør from the Faroe Islands captivated the late-night audience at 00:10 on the Andrei Calmuc Stage with her ethereal and haunting voice. That was the moment when the festival offered a pause for introspection amidst the surrounding chaos.

Now, when you witness Eivør and her mesmerizing stage presence, it is impossible not to anticipate an unforgettable act. Yet, despite all expectations, she manages to continually astonish and leave you in awe.

Known for her ethereal voice and evocative music, Eivør has a devoted following who find solace and inspiration in her melodic expressions. Her ability to weave emotional depth and intricate soundscapes into her performances makes her a unique and cherished artist.

At the festival, Eivør’s set was nothing short of enchanting. Her music, rich with haunting melodies and dynamic energy, created a mesmerizing atmosphere that provided a soothing contrast to the more intense acts of the day. Her presence on stage was magnetic, drawing the audience into a world of lyrical beauty and atmospheric sound.

At 00:15, the Adrian Rugină Stage came alive with Kreator from Germany, delivering a high-octane thrash metal showcase that was both blistering and meticulously executed. Known for their relentless energy and precision, Kreator’s display was a masterful blend of anthemic riffs and dynamic stagecraft, electrifying the crowd with their fierce delivery.

Having witnessed Kreator before, I can say that their appearance at Rockstadt Extreme Fest far exceeded my previous encounters with the band. The intensity and precision they brought to their set were unparalleled, elevating their usual ferocity to new heights. Each song was delivered with a razor-sharp edge and a driving force that had the audience thrashing and shouting in unison.

As the final notes of H09909 echoed through the festival grounds, it became clear that Rockstadt Extreme Fest 2024 Day 3 was a whirlwind of emotions and genres, showcasing the expansive range within the metal scene. Each stage had offered its own unique and immersive experience, contributing to a day filled with unforgettable moments and diverse musical expressions. The festival’s rich tapestry of sounds and performances ensured that every attendee left with a sense of exhilaration and appreciation for the eclectic nature of the metal world.