REVIEW: REF 2024- Day 6

The final day of Rockstadt Extreme Fest 2024 delivered a thrilling conclusion to six days of high-energy performances, leaving fans with unforgettable moments and anticipation for next year.
Rockstadt Extreme Fest 2024
Rockstadt Extreme Fest 2024

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

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

The set was a comprehensive journey through their storied career, spanning material from their early days right up to the present. John McEntee, the band’s sole original member, was on killer form, delivering earth-shaking gutturals and blood-curdling screams while dishing out a plethora of filthy riffs. This performance was a powerful reminder of why Incantation is so revered in the death metal scene, even if they are sometimes criminally overshadowed by other bands from the same era. They’re still performing with the same fire and passion for death metal that they had back in 1990. Oh, boy, if you’ve never seen them live, do yourself a favor and change that—because catching Incantation on stage is an absolute masterclass in old-school death metal that no self-respecting fan should miss.

Incantation

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

Incantation

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

Adrian Rugină Stage was then taken over by the Australian post-hardcore titans The Amity Affliction at 18:00, delivering a set that was as emotionally charged as it was musically devastating. Known for their powerful blend of metalcore and post-hardcore, the band brought a performance full of anthemic choruses and crushing breakdowns that resonated deeply with the crowd, particularly their most devoted fans. The Amity Affliction has always been a band that wears its heart on its sleeve, and this show was no exception. With a musicality as heavy and hard-hitting as the intensely emotional lyrics delivered by vocalist Joel Birch, the set covered themes that struck a chord with many in the audience—suicide, gun violence, religion, and mental illness. The raw emotion in Birch’s voice was palpable, as he poured his soul into every word, creating a visceral connection with those in the crowd who have faced similar struggles.

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

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

The audience, a swirling mass of vigor and enthusiasm, seemed almost to merge with the band’s intensity. Heads bobbed and bodies surged in perfect synchronicity with the thunderous riffs and the unrelenting drumbeats. Each track was delivered with an unbridled ferocity, the band’s precise, high-speed assault on the senses leaving no room for anything but complete immersion.

Napalm Death

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

And yes, what truly set this show apart was the palpable connection between the band and the audience. It wasn’t just about the music; it was about the shared experience of raw, unfiltered passion. The energy radiated off the stage and flowed into the crowd, creating a loop of mutual exhilaration that was impossible to ignore.

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

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

Their act was every bit as powerful and captivating as I remembered, filling the place with an energy that had fans—including me—moving and singing along with a fervor that mirrored those earlier days.

Lacuna Coil

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

The group’s ability to seamlessly integrate both classic hits and newer tracks into their setlist showcased their versatility and enduring appeal. Whether it was the haunting melodies or the intense riffs, Lacuna Coil delivered each song with precision and passion. Their chemistry on stage, fueled by the synergy between the vocalists and the rest of the band, created an electrifying atmosphere that had fans moving in unison.

Lacuna Coil

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

Then, Exodus from America took over  Brașov Stage at 20:55, delivering a set full of blistering speed and aggression, and… oh my! They verily demonstrated why they’re one of the pillars of thrash metal. Their setlist was a thrash metal showcase, featuring a powerful selection of tracks from their early and most influential works. Each song was executed with the fervor and accuracy that thrash fans anticipate, reinforcing Exodus’s enduring impact and relevance in the metal scene. In an era when thrash metal was reaching its zenith, their set embodied the spirit and power of the genre’s golden years.

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

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

As the band members made their entrance, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. The air was charged with energy as the first powerful riffs tore through the night, sending a ripple of movement through the crowd. Horns shot up into the sky like a sea of battle flags, a tribute to the band that has become synonymous with the darker, more introspective side of the genre. Insomnium has an uncanny ability to create an immersive experience, and from the first note, it was clear that this performance would draw everyone in, deeper and deeper.

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

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

For me, this performance was something I had been waiting to experience again since the last time I saw them. The way the music ebbs and flows, carrying you through moments of darkness and light, is something that only Insomnium can deliver. They have a way of blending the brutal with the beautiful, creating soundscapes that are both punishing and deeply emotive. I even shed a tear or two during “Unsung“, a testament to how deeply their music resonates.

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

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

At 23:05Brașov Stage was dominated by the legendary American industrial metal pioneers, Fear Factory. The setlist was a journey through the band’s extensive catalog. As they powered through their set, the crowd was already on fire, but when they launched into “Demanufacture”, things truly went ablaze. The intensity in the air was palpable as the stage lights synced perfectly with the driving rhythms, creating an electrifying atmosphere. The audience erupted, the energy surging to a new level as the band delivered this iconic track with precision and power. It was a moment where everything clicked, and the performance reached its peak, showing just how potent and enduring Fear Factory’s influence remains.

As the clock struck midnight, Andrei Calmuc Stage was enveloped in darkness, signaling the arrival of the infamous Watain from Sweden. Midnight and Watain—what more could one ask for at a metal festival? Their stage presence was nothing short of commanding, truly worthy of the notorious name they bear.

Watain

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

Emerging with torches ablaze, the band created a spectacle that was both terrifying and mesmerizing, setting the tone for the dark ritual that was about to unfold. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation as Watain began their set, their unholy aura seeping into every corner of the venue.
Watain

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

As the first notes of “The Devil’s Blood” echoed through the place, the stage was set ablaze with an array of fire effects, casting an infernal glow that danced ominously with the music. Danielsson’s vocal performance was particularly enthralling, marked by an array of intricate gestures and dramatic movements that seemed to summon the very essence of the song’s dark themes. His presence was hypnotic, with each phrase delivered as though it were a sacrament in a grand, malevolent ceremony.
Watain

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

When Watain performed “Hymn to Qayin” the night reached its most intense moment. The haunting melodies and relentless ferocity of the song resonated deeply, creating a primal experience that captivated the audience. The combination of Danielsson’s fervent delivery and the band’s sinister instrumentation made it feel as though the very forces of darkness had been summoned to the stage.
Watain

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

The flames illuminated the shadows of the band, amplifying the already intense atmosphere and creating a scene of apocalyptic grandeur. It felt as though the stage itself had become a conduit for otherworldly forces, with the pyrotechnics heightening the sense of ritualistic fervor. The combination of Danielsson’s impassioned vocals and the fiery spectacle forged a moment that transcended mere performance, plunging the audience into an unforgettable experience of dark art.
Watain

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

Then, at 00:15, Adrian Rugină Stage saw Pendulum bringing a dramatic shift in atmosphere with their drum and bass-infused electronic rock. Seeing them was an experience I had long yearned for, having never before witnessed their live performance. Hailing from Australia, Pendulum brought a distinct blend of drum and bass with an electrifying energy that was truly infectious. From the moment they took the stage, their impact was profound. Their setlist was a masterful journey through their most iconic tracks, including explosive renditions of “Voodoo People“, “Halo” and “Come Alive“. The bond between Pendulum and their audience was tangible, with their music striking a deep chord and heightening the shared enthusiasm. Witnessing their live act for the first time was an indelible highlight, underscoring that some experiences are worth the wait, and that Pendulum’s stage presence is truly formidable.

Finally, at 01:35 on Andrei Calmuc Stage, Frog Leap, the brainchild of Norwegian YouTuber Leo Moracchioli, closed out the festival with metal covers of popular songs. I shall be as candid as possible: I was not particularly well-versed in his work. However, driven by sheer curiosity, I chose to stay, and I quickly realized that this was indeed the quintessential “leap” one requires on the final day of a festival. Frog Leap’s stage presence was as captivating as their recorded material, with Moracchioli leading the charge with his commanding energy and charismatic performance. The ability to transform pop anthems into metal anthems live was a vivid demonstration of remarkable creativity and musical prowess.

The sixth day of Rockstadt Extreme Fest was a spectacular finale, featuring a range of unforgettable performances. From The Devil’s Trade‘s atmospheric set and Crimena‘s groove metal assault to the intense shows by Show Me the Body and Misery Index, the day was packed with highlights. The diverse sounds of Shy, Low and Maybeshewill offered a serene contrast, while Armored Saint and Incantation delivered powerful and memorable recitals. The night saw The Amity Affliction‘s emotionally charged set and Urne‘s heavy sludge, leading into Napalm Death‘s relentless grindcore fury. Watain‘s dark and ritualistic performance was a striking centerpiece, while Insomnium came up with a deeply engaging set that resonated throughout the crowd. The intensity continued with Fear Factory‘s industrial metal and K.K.’s Priest‘s classic heavy metal anthems, before Pendulum brought a high-energy, electronic twist. Finally, Frog Leap closed the festival with an inventive mix of metal covers, providing a vibrant and energetic end to the event.

Now that the final notes have faded and the festival grounds are quiet, how is everyone handling the post-festival blues?

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