Credit: Dearohwell photography
Final step in our festival pilgrimage is none other than Summer Breeze Open Air. After sitting out last year much to our dismay, the team will be making the grand return to the Bavarian (un)holy grounds on August 16th and the excitement is peaking, to say the least. The festival has a phenomenal lineup for a second year in a row, once again boasting great diversity in the genres represented. Now being fans of different kinds of noise ourselves, this is just ticking all the right boxes.
In case you're new here, the pilgrimage series is our attempt to help festival goers navigate confusing and very often clashing running orders by suggesting 10 band they shouldn't miss under any circumstances.
01. Gatecreeper
The Arizona metallers have crafted a signature noise influenced by both the Swedish guitars and the Florida tradition, gaining respect not just from metalheads but from hardcore kids alike. With a groovy identity and an intense, burly sound, they are guaranteed to get some pits going and heads bobbing. The perfect way to kick off the festival.
When: Wednesday, 16:50-17:35
Where: T-stage
02. Hatebreed
There's few bands who keep the hardcore spirit alive without sacrificing their values, and Hatebreed flies the flag of the movement. One of the most influential acts of our lifetime, they are responsible for the rise of metallic hardcore as we know it, and our recent experience at Jera On Air only validates why they're one of the more revered bands around. Plus their shows are... Not for the faint-hearted, to say the least.
When: Saturday, 17:40-18:40
Where: Main stage
03. Amenra
Amenra equals darkness; their performance resembles more a ritual than an actual show, where the listener is immersed into deep, borderline chaotic, experience. The intensity of their music is undeniable and whether they're playing a festival or a dark basement, as the band translates their chagrined compositions into redemptive art. And as one of our editors says, "no matter how many times you hear 'Razoreater', it will give you chills like the first time".
When: Friday, 22:25-23:25
Where: T-Stage
04. Brand Of Sacrifice
A band that's been on our radar for the longest time, Brand Of Sacrifice represents the new generation of deathcore music. The Canadians aim for skill and technicality without compromising the potential of melody by strategically employing strings and choral arrangements, proving that clever and unpredictable songwriting can really elevate a band's music. And their recent EP that took a different experimental route, is a testament to that.
When: Saturday, 15:45-16:30
Where: T-stage
05. Epica
The writer of this text is quite certain Epica has been brought up on another pilgrimage post but honestly, we're fanboys so we'll make an exception. The Dutchies have been ripping stages all over Europe for a few months now, proving why they're one of the biggest names in symphonic metal. Whether they go full throttle with pyros or just plain visuals, they transform the stage into a dreamscape (pun intended), where they unravel their majestic compositions.
When: Wednesday, 19:10-20:30
Where: Main stage
06. Wolfheart
The melodic death metal outfit has been breaking out in the recent years and with good reason. As their inspiration ignites, their storytelling becomes a vehicle of expression. Their last album, "King Of The North", received critical praise and established them as one of the leading acts of their genre. The band has been on the road almost non-stop to promote the record, including a busy festival run and gaining new fans along the way. Definitely a worthy pit stop.
When: Thursday, 18:35-19:35
Where: T-stage
07. Fit For An Autopsy
We are beyond biased when it comes to Fit For An Autopsy. Other than last year's "Oh What The Future Holds" still being on heavy rotation, our every encounter with the band has been nothing short of pulverizing. Their tracks are heavy but ridiculously well-crafted, while vocalist Joe Badolato is a true force of nature; his imposing figure dominates the stage as he spews his lungs out, skillfully producing hellish noises.
When: Thursday, 15:45-16:30
Where: Wera Tool stage
08. Drain
Drain has been on a linear trajectory for a while now, to say the least. This hardcore phenomenon has created a lot of hype around their name and we are both curious and excited to finally see them in action. With a very promising album out, their shows are beyond entertaining; their high-octane energy can make any crowd move, while their clever riffs and contagious hooks will stick in your head for days. Plus their cover of The Descendents' "Good Good Things" is just so bloody good!
When: Friday, 16:35-17:05
Where: Wera Tool stage
09. Megadeth
Rightly perceived as the architects of thrash metal, Megadeth is always worth catching for the nostalgia of it. Even if you disagree with things that mainman Dave Mustaine has said over the years, we strongly believe that for his contributions to the extreme metal sound he should be excused. Grab a beer, sit back and enjoy a bloody good show.
When: Wednesday, 21:15-22:45
Where: Main stage
10. Eluveitie
Over the years we've talked plenty of times about Eluveitie's incredible shows; their uplifting music, the energy and chemistry on stage, and of course Fabienne Erni's lungs of steel. The Swiss folk metal masters have found the perfect recipe for songs that are catchy without being cheesy and heavy to attract different audiences but intricate enough to keep people's attention. Plus it takes a lot of skill and dedication to headbang while playing the hurdy gurdy.
When: Friday, 23:25-00:35
Where: Main stage
Summer Breeze Open Air takes place on August 16-19 in Dinkelsbühl, Germany.
For info & tickets visit summerbreeze.de
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