The final day of Rockstadt Extreme Fest 2024 was nothing short of epic, bringing six days of intense music and unforgettable moments to a triumphant close. The last day was packed with performances that spanned the spectrum of metal and rock, leaving fans with memories they’ll carry until next year.
The day began with the haunting and atmospheric sounds of The Devil’s Trade at 13:10 at Andrei Calmuc Stage. This solo project from Hungary, delivered a powerful mix of dark folk and melancholic melodies. From performing in basements in his hometown to gracing stages across Europe, the mastermind behind the project has been on a relentless journey of musical exploration. The gig at Rockstadt Extreme Fest set a reflective tone for the early afternoon, drawing the crowd into a world of introspection and raw emotion.
Shortly after, Brașov Stage erupted with the groove metal of Crimena from Romania at 13:45. Their punchy, heavy riffs and aggressive vocals were a jolt of energy for the gathering audience, making sure everyone was wide awake and ready for what the day had in store. Crimena are known for their unique style of stirring up the masses. I’ve seen them many times, and the effect on the crowd is always the same. Whether they’re playing well-known tracks or introducing new material, there’s that commanding presence the band has that never fails to captivate. Their ability to connect with the public is unmatched, creating an atmosphere where every riff and every shout resonates deeply, leaving the crowd energized and united under the powerful force of their music.
Next, Adrian Rugină Stage welcomed the American band Show Me the Body at 14:30, who unleashed a raw and powerful performance. Their unique blend of hardcore punk with industrial noise elements was a visceral experience that set the mosh pits into motion, with fans feeding off the band’s intense energy.
On Brașov Stage, Misery Index from the United States brought their potent mix of death metal and grindcore at 15:20. Their relentless speed and precision kept the energy at a fever pitch, with fans furiously headbanging and losing themselves in the sheer force of the music.
As the crowd moved to Andrei Calmuc Stage at 15:40, they found a change of pace with Shy, Low from the United States. The band’s post-rock ambiance provided a refreshing contrast, offering expansive soundscapes that allowed for a moment of introspection amidst the day’s chaos.
Back at Adrian Rugină Stage at 16:10, the American rock band A Place to Bury Strangers delivered their signature noise-rock assault. The walls of sound and feedback reverberated across the festival grounds, creating an immersive experience that enveloped the audience in their sonic storm.
Meanwhile, the English band Maybeshewill continued the post-rock journey on Andrei Calmuc Stage at 15:50, with cinematic compositions that created an ethereal atmosphere, captivating everyone present with their intricate sound.
As the evening approached, America had still a lot to say. Thus, Armored Saint took over Brașov Stage at 17:05. The veterans of the heavy metal scene brought a set full of energy and nostalgia, delighting old-school metalheads with their classic sound. They unleashed a barrage of bangers that celebrated the best of their extensive discography, including fan favorites. Armored Saint’s performance was a masterclass in retroactive heavy metal ferocity, with plenty of air guitaring, headbanging, and crowd participation. The band’s chemistry was palpable, each member delivering their part with an infectious enthusiasm that resonated with both long-time fans and newcomers alike.
At the same time, Andrei Calmuc Stage was ignited by the relentless ferocity of Incantation from the United States, as they unleashed a brutal death metal assault at 17:05. Their dark and intense performance drew a dedicated crowd of extreme metal fans, with their raw power and aggression resonating deeply among the audience. The band was in absolutely ferocious form, delivering a thick, meaty sound that added to the aural devastation raining down on the crowd during their set.

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

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

Incantation at Rockstadt Extreme Fest 2024
© Astrid Pichler [Fraufrostwind]
Urne, from UK, followed on Andrei Calmuc Stage at 18:20, delivering a sludge metal act that was both heavy and introspective. Their crushing riffs and powerful vocals continued to keep the crowd engaged and immersed in the music. Looking to experience the thrill of live music like never before? Urne is the answer. What was particularly notable about Urne was its instrumental precision and appropriateness. Furthermore, the audience itself contributed to the spectacle with remarkable performances, including a mesmerizing display involving the Hula Hoop!
The legendary Napalm Death stormed Brașov Stage at 18:55, bringing their grindcore fury to the masses. Anyone who’s been to a Napalm Death concert knows to expect a ferocious onslaught of sound, but that evening was something else entirely. As a long-time fan, I thought I had seen it all, but this performance took things to a whole new level. From the moment the first chords struck, it was clear that this show would be an unforgettable experience. Originating from England, Napalm Death unleashed a sonic blitzkrieg that rattled every corner of the venue. The sheer force of their music was palpable; it felt as though the very air around us was vibrating with their relentless energy.

Napalm Death at Rockstadt Extreme Fest 2024
© Astrid Pichler [Fraufrostwind]

Napalm Death at Rockstadt Extreme Fest 2024
© Astrid Pichler [Fraufrostwind]
As the final notes of their set faded into the night, the aftershock of their performance lingered, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present. Napalm Death proved once again why they are legends in the grindcore scene, pushing the boundaries of extreme music with every show.
At 19:40, progressive metal enthusiasts gathered at Andrei Calmuc Stage for the Dutch group Textures. The band’s complex rhythms and dynamic shifts showcased their technical prowess, keeping the audience thoroughly engaged. Now, Textures is a band that truly excels at translating their intricate, meticulously crafted music into an exhilarating live experience. From the very moment they ascended the stage, it was evident that their performance would be nothing short of enthralling. It proved to be a fascinating experience to revisit and rediscover the nuances of their compositions, revealing layers of their artistry that only deepened the appreciation for their work.
However, not all aspects of their live shows are without critique. The stage setup, while generally impressive, occasionally featured elements that can detract from the overall experience. For instance, the oversized neon lights above the stage, while visually striking, were, sometimes, overwhelming.
As the sun set, Lacuna Coil brought their gothic metal sound to Adrian Rugină Stage at 19:50. I was waiting for Lacuna Coil with the same enthusiasm I had during my teenage years. As the anticipation built up, it felt like stepping back into a time when their music first captured my imagination. The Italian band, led by the charismatic vocals of Cristina Scabbia and Andrea Ferro, captivated the crowd with their haunting melodies and powerful stage presence. The band’s dual-vocalist approach is one of their most defining features, creating a unique blend of melodic and powerful elements in their music.

Lacuna Coil at Rockstadt Extreme Fest 2024
© Astrid Pichler [Fraufrostwind]

Lacuna Coil at Rockstadt Extreme Fest 2024
© Astrid Pichler [Fraufrostwind]

Lacuna Coil at Rockstadt Extreme Fest 2024
© Astrid Pichler [Fraufrostwind]
Meanwhile, on Andrei Calmuc Stage at 21:00, God is an Astronaut from Ireland offered a stark contrast with their post-rock melodies. Their atmospheric and expansive soundscapes provided a moment of calm in the storm of metal, transporting the audience to another world.
God is an Astronaut transcended the ordinary, crafting sonic experiences that were nothing short of mesmerizing. Their gig was a symphony of intricate soundscapes and evocative emotions, where every note was a deliberate stroke on a vast musical canvas. This band didn’t just play music; they constructed auditory worlds, inviting the audience to lose themselves in a voyage of profound depth and complexity.
When talking about God is an Astronaut, one must take into the account the following thing: their artistry lies not only in their technical brilliance but in the sheer emotional intensity they bring to each performance. They have a unique ability to evoke a spectrum of feelings, drawing the listener into a narrative that unfolds with cinematic grandeur. Their music is an exploration of contrasts—ethereal and grounded, serene and turbulent—each tune a meticulously crafted masterpiece that resonates with both heart and mind.
K.K.’s Priest, from UK, featuring former Judas Priest guitarist K.K. Downing, hit Adrian Rugină Stage at 22:00 with a set of heavy metal anthems. The band’s performance was a tribute to the classic era of heavy metal, with fans singing along to every riff and chorus.
At 22:30, Insomnium brought their melancholic and melodic death metal to Andrei Calmuc Stage. The crowd gathered at Rockstadt Extreme Fest was buzzing with excitement, and I was no exception. Having seen Insomnium before, I knew we were in for something special, but nothing could quite prepare me for the raw power and emotion that Finland’s own melodic death metal titans would unleash that night.

Insomnium at Rockstadt Extreme Fest 2024
© Astrid Pichler [Fraufrostwind]
With every track, the connection between the band and the audience grew stronger. Their music, with its blend of heaviness and haunting melody, resonated on a visceral level. The crowd responded in kind, their energy feeding off the band’s intensity. The mosh pits exploded into life, a swirling mass of bodies moving in sync with the relentless beats and crushing riffs. Yet, amidst the chaos, there was a sense of unity—an understanding that this music was as much about catharsis as it was about the raw power of the moment.

Insomnium at Rockstadt Extreme Fest 2024
© Astrid Pichler [Fraufrostwind]
As the set neared its climax, the band unleashed their full power, driving the crowd into a frenzy. The relentless pace, the soaring melodies, the thunderous drums—all of it came together in a perfect storm. And when the final note reverberated through the night, there was a brief moment of silence before the cheers erupted, a testament to the impact they had left on every person in the audience.

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