Credit: Peterson Marti
Our festival pilgrimage is reaching its end and as our team is preparing to start packing, we have a couple more running orders to go through. We're just a couple of weeks away from Wacken Open Air welcoming fans in the infield so as we comb the timetables and aligning our individual lists, it is our sacred duty to help you guys construct a list of your own.
If you're new here, the pilgrimage series is our attempt to navigate messy and oftentimes clashing festival running orders by suggesting to festival goers 10 bands they shouldn't miss under any circumstances. Here's our picks.
01. Dust Bolt
If you've been around for a while, you know we have a soft spot for the Bavarian thrashers. The band has appeared on numerous European festivals and toured with renown acts in the past years, while their latest album, "Trapped In Chaos", received praise from press and fans. Dust Bolt is about to embark into the new chapter of their career and we're here for it.
When: Friday, 15:00-15:45
Where: W:E:T stage
02. Finntroll
While it's not unusual for people to make fun of stage gimmicks, Finntroll are fortunate to be accepted for exactly who they portray to be; elven creatures with pointy ears, black-striped pale faces and sharp cheekbones. The Finns are considered pioneers in the folk metal genre, combining catchy melodies with groovy guitars and lyrics exclusively in Swedish, and experts at crafting a very entertaining show even for non-believers.
When: Wednesday, 20:15-21:15
Where: Wackinger stage
03. Dropkick Murphys
There's really not much to say about DKM as their reputation is greater than the band. The Bostonians are veterans in Celtic punk, having influenced generations of aspiring musicians. And you know a band is actually good at what they're doing when they lose one vocalist and it doesn't affect the overall outcome. Are you sure you want to sleep on this party?
When: Saturday, 00:15-01:30
Where: Faster stage
04. Kreator
The German powerhouse will be returning on Wacken's stage and this can only mean one thing: CHAOS. We recently saw Kreator and their explosive stage production in all its glory on a small festival setting, so you can bet that this show will be a fucking warzone. With renewed energy and an arsenal full of pit-hits and fan-favorite riffs, we're down for the hell on earth we like to call "friendly violent fun".
When: Thursday, 20:15-21:45
Where: Harder stage
05. Burning Witches
We always make an effort to catch these ladies on festival billings and frankly, you should too. With a no-fucks-given attitude, they brought a much-needed breath of fresh air in the heavy metal scene. They also dropped a brilliant album recently, so be prepared to have your mind blown away by their engaging noise and captivating stage presence.
When: Saturday, 15:00-15:45
Where: W:E:T stage
06. Wardruna
The thing we love the most about metalheads is that they can appreciate good music even if there isn't any distortion involved, and artists receiving praise for their unique approach to music, often paying homage to their ancestors. Wardruna produces soulful music based on acoustic instruments alone, giving a whole new, and quite literal, meaning to the word "folk", and creates an immersive experience that will engulf the listener.
When: Friday, 23:15-00:30
Where: Faster stage
07. Vixen
Now, now, hear us out. This is not your normal metalhead suggestion so feel free to skip this step but we strongly advise that you don't. Vixen appeared in the LA glam scene in the late 80s but unfortunately the timing was wrong. Despite enjoying some fame from their banging singles and a gold debut album, their career never took off the way it should have. The band reunited a few years ago and for nostalgia's sake, we believe you should pay them a visit.
When: Thursday, 16:00-17:00
Where: Faster stage
08. Alestorm
Pirates, drinking, mild misanthropy and debauchery. That's it.
Oh and a huge inflatable duck.
When: Saturday, 16:30-17:30
Where: Harder stage
09. Dog Eat Dog
It would be impossible to complete this list without mentioning at least one hardcore band so, skipping the obvious, we go for the OG. Dog Eat Dog are credited as one of the first hardcore bands to combine their punk roots with rap, which was later infused with brass sounds. Even though they never fully crossed the line of ska, their crossover was significant in their scene, helping them achieve their current acclaimed status. Having witnessed the madness of their shows at an indoor festival in the past, we are ready for a big party and countless crowdsurfers.
When: Friday, 20:00-21:00
Where: Headbanger stage
10. Dark Tranquility
Last but certainly not least, Dark Tranquility are among the most respected bands in their genre. In the transcending experience that is their show, they are able to produce a certain darkness that feels comforting for the listener, without being overwhelming, touching all our soft spots and sensitive nerves. One of their biggest assets however is definitely Mikael Stanne, whose emotive singing is only rivaled by his earthy growls. Don't let the early slot discourage you, it will be worth it.
When: Thursday, 15:30-16:30
Where: Louder stage
Wacken Open Air takes place on August 02-05 2023 and is sold out.
For info, visit wacken.com.
0 σχόλια :
Post a Comment