One year goes by in a flash. Unfortunately four days passes by even faster – especially when you’re in the company of a whole bunch of old (and new) friends, beautiful weather, cold beverages and, of course, great music. 2022 was the first year live music could be enjoyed after a two year pandemic and the euphoria that could be witnessed at Sweden Rock Festival that year was something you had to experience to understand.
Fortunately, that was also the case this year. What was different this year was that the first day had been extended to a whole day instead of a half-day as it was before. I dug that. However, everything wasn’t great. The fact that Live Nation had decided to sell even more tickets this year meant that the festival was more crowded than ever which in turn took away some of the easy going feel the festival has always had. And more cues. Also, the VIP area nowadays feels like a dance-club or something. It has totally lost its charm. Other than that, no complaints, only love.
When it comes to the bookings this year, the festival gets a big high-five from me. Of course there was the usual “planned to watch but fucked it up” but also a couple “didn’t plan to watch but did”. After watching Dynazty and Soilwork it was back to the cottage for a beer in the sun before Airbourne. Well, too much of a good time and Airbourne went out the window. Shit happens. Also, the Testament – Wig Wam clash was a bummer but I have seen Testament numerous of times so I chose Wig Wam. Bad move. No shadow over the band but the sound made it unlistenable. What an anti-klimax. I only watched a few songs but went off for a burger and a beer. That was day one.
Day two – missed U.D.O. Well, missed and missed, I chose the cottage. Truth is, I’m not all that interested in Udo’s solo stuff. I did watch a few songs with Katatonia. A good band with killer musicians but their music has never stuck with me. However, they did a good job with their melancholic music in the heating sunlight.
Perfect Plan was another band I had looked forward to see after their brilliant performance at the Frontiers Festival in Stockholm.
However, friends dragged me away to see Behemoth, a band I’m not the least interested in but I got stuck for a while. Great show, tight as hell, great performances – and I actually dug some of the songs. But after a while it got to samey to these ears and I left for the Pistonhead Tent and Perfect Plan. Where I got disappointed. Something didn’t click, maybe it was something with the PA, but Kent Hilli sounded off-key and a bit sour here and there and the guy’s a terrific singer. They’re a killer band but something didn’t cut it all the way this evening.
Another band that fell behind was Symphony X, this year’s “I don’t have a clue why” moment. They were on my list but I completely forgot that they were playing. Yes, cottage activities were going on. Thundermother clashed with Chez Kane who was one of the acts I was looking forward the most to watch. They also clashed with Pantera who I wouldn’t had seen anyway. Because I don’t like them. Thundermother was a bummer because they have a completely new line-up that I would have loved to have seen.
Apart from my own little mis-haps, the over-sold crowd bit and the VIP area debacle (next year hire a DJ who knows that Sweden Rock Festival is actually a ROCK happening) Sweden Rock Festival 2023 was successful in every aspect. Sheer joy! To be able to get to hang out with family, some of your dearest friends, listening to great music in the heat of the sun for four days is a blessing. A blessing meant in the most non-religious way possible. The countdown for Sweden Rock Festival 2024 has begun.
Wednesday 7th June
Thursday 8th June
Friday 9th June
Saturday 10th June
CD & Festival reviews 