Rockstadt Extreme Fest 2019
• festival review •

The first day of Rockstadt Extreme Fest 2019, held on August 1st, featured a lineup that included both iconic bands and promising newcomers, setting a high standard for the days to follow.

Betraying The Martyrs provided a jolt of energy with their intense, synth-driven approach to metalcore. Their dynamic performance featured powerful vocals and complex arrangements that showcased their technical prowess and stagecraft. Unearth and Adept, both staples in the metalcore scene, delivered high-octane performances that were met with enthusiastic moshing and crowd interaction. Their aggressive riffs and rapid drumming fueled the festival's energy levels and set a vigorous tone for the remainder of the evening. Crystal Lake brought their brand of hardcore metal to the stage, infusing the festival with a spirited and commanding presence. Their set was a display of raw power and passion, further enhancing the day's dynamic range of performances.

Katatonia, the first major act of the day, delivered a performance that was both introspective and powerful. Celebrating the 10th anniversary of their album "Night is the New Day," they played the album in its entirety. Their music, known for its melancholic and sometimes ethereal quality, captivated the audience, filling the fortress with its haunting melodies and deeply moving lyrics. The precision of their performance, coupled with their ability to evoke a palpable sense of longing and despair, made their set a standout moment of the day.

Paradise Lost headlined the day with a masterful performance, solidifying their status as pioneers of gothic metal. Their set included a well-rounded selection from various albums, including tracks like "Enchantment" from Draconian Times, "Beneath Broken Earth" from The Plague Within, and "Blood and Chaos" from Medusa, showcasing their evolution and diversity in sound over the years. The haunting melodies, combined with the band's powerful stage presence, resonated deeply with the audience, creating an immersive experience. This performance was part of a broader festival experience that was celebrated for its well-organized nature and diverse range of acts, providing a robust start to the festival and setting a high bar for the days to follow​.

Local bands such as Gothic, Sur Austru, and Dinumbra also took the stage, each adding a unique flavor to the festival's lineup. Gothic delivered a riveting performance that blended elements of gothic metal with the aggressive undertones of death metal, while Sur Austru offered a fusion of atmospheric black metal with elements inspired by Romanian folklore, providing a cultural immersion through metal music. Dinumbra leaned into a heavier, more intense sound, capturing the essence of extreme metal with their powerful drumming and aggressive guitar riffs.

The first, more well-known formation of the second day was Onslaught, the British thrash metal band that brought an electrifying start to the festivities. Known for their high-speed riffs and aggressive vocal style, Onslaught is often celebrated for their contribution to the thrash metal genre, particularly during the 1980s resurgence. Tracks from their seminal albums like "Power from Hell" and "The Force" were likely highlights, offering a taste of classic British thrash metal with a modern twist.

Hailing from Hungary, Ektomorf delivered a potent mix of thrash metal spiked with hardcore elements. Renowned for their ferocious sound and dynamic performances, Ektomorf captivated the audience with rapid-fire guitar riffs and compelling, sing-along choruses, perfectly catering to fans in search of adrenaline-pumping metal.

Candlemass, the Swedish doom metal pioneers, graced the Adrian Rugină Stage at Rockstadt Extreme Fest 2019 with their quintessentially slow, heavy riffs and epic compositions. Celebrated for their monumental influence on the doom metal genre, their performance was a journey through doom's melancholic depths, highlighted by their distinctive sound that combines mournful melodies with crushing heaviness. Candlemass not only pleased long-time fans but also drew in new listeners with its robust delivery and the commanding presence of their lead vocalist, Johan Längqvist, whose deep, operatic voice added a profound layer to their sound.

Korpiklaani, the Finnish folk metal band, concluded the evening's performances on the Brașov stage at Rockstadt Extreme Fest 2019 with their vibrant and energetic set. Known for their lively fusion of heavy metal with traditional Finnish folk music, their performance was a festive highlight, bringing an infectious energy that had the crowd dancing and singing along. Their set typically includes a mix of fast-paced polkas, waltzes, and drinking songs, all performed with traditional folk instruments like the accordion and violin alongside electric guitars and drums. Korpiklaani's ability to blend these elements creates a unique concert experience that stands out in a metal festival lineup.

And finally, the headliner of the second day on the Adrian Rugină Stage was Six Feet Under. Known for their raw and unrelenting approach to death metal, the band delivered a powerful performance that captivated the festival attendees. Led by the charismatic Chris Barnes, former vocalist for Cannibal Corpse, Six Feet Under showcased their mastery of the genre with a set that featured bone-crushing riffs and visceral lyrical themes. The lineup, featuring Jeff Hughell on bass, who brought his technical prowess and heavy grooves, and the dynamic drumming of Marco Pitruzzella, added layers of intensity to the performance. Guitarist Ray Suhy complemented the ensemble with his heavy, aggressive playing that perfectly matched the band's dark and intense aesthetic.

As a band that has been a staple in the death metal scene for decades, Six Feet Under's presence as the headliner underscored their enduring appeal and influence in the metal community, ensuring the day ended on a high note with a memorable showcase of their brutal, uncompromising sound.

The third day of Rockstadt Extreme Fest 2019, held on August 3rd, brought a thrilling lineup to both the Brasov and Adrian Rugina Stages.

On the Brasov Stage, Asphyx, the Dutch death/doom metal veterans, delivered a robust showcase of their hallmark sound that merges brutal death metal with haunting doom influences. Their set likely spanned their rich discography, highlighting a profound, guttural vocals and the stark contrast between slow, oppressive doom sequences and the rapid intensity of death metal. Following them, Clawfinger energized the stage with their distinctive rap metal approach. Known for their socially conscious lyrics and infectious, aggressive riffs, their performance was both dynamic and thought-provoking. Clawfinger included fan favorites like "Nigger" and "The Truth" which not only showcase their distinctive sound but also their commitment to addressing social issues through music.

Before the headliners, on Adrian Rugina Stage, we had Bloodbath, the Swedish supergroup known for their pure death metal sound. With a lineup featuring members from notable bands like Opeth and Katatonia, their performance was a showcase of relentless aggression and technical prowess. Tracks from albums such as "Nightmares Made Flesh", "Grand Morbid Funeral" or the latest "The Arrow of Satan Is Drawn" likely dominated their set, delighting fans with their heavy, ominous soundscapes.

And, at the end of the day, as headliners, appeared the heavy metal monsters, Accept, who concluded the evening's performances spectacularly. As stalwarts of German heavy metal, their set was a festival standout, packed with anthems such as "Balls to the Wall" and "Metal Heart." The combination of powerful guitar riffs and Mark Tornillo’s robust vocals captivated the audience, who sang along enthusiastically, reveling in the band’s celebrated heavy metal legacy. This performance not only energized the crowd but also highlighted Accept’s enduring influence in the metal genre.

On the fourth day of the festival, we had a bunch of less-known bands, but with uniwue styles of play. Lucky Thirteen opened with their energetic brand of rock-infused metal, setting an enthusiastic tone. They were followed by Evergreed, whose blend of melodic metalcore captivated the audience with catchy hooks and powerful vocals. Abigail then took the stage, offering a raw and old-school black metal experience that appealed to purists with its gritty sound. The Arson Project introduced a furious grindcore set, assaulting the senses with rapid-fire rhythms and aggressive vocals. Hteththemeth, known for their eclectic and avant-garde approach, provided a contrast with their unique fusion of genres that intrigued the crowd. Moving to the more intense acts, Hexis unleashed a blistering combination of black metal and hardcore, creating a visceral live experience. Brothers Till We Die energized the crowd with their hardcore-influenced metalcore, emphasizing solidarity and intense breakdowns. Walking Dead On Broadway offered a brutal display of deathcore, showcasing down-tuned riffs and crushing intensity. 1349 brought Norwegian black metal to the fore, delivering a relentless, speed-driven performance. Mgla, a Polish black metal band, with a compelling black metal sound, contributed to a rich tapestry of metal styles that defined the festival's diverse appeal.

The final day of the festival was capped off by performances from some of the most prominent bands in the metal scene: Soilwork, Hypocrisy, and Dimmu Borgir. Each brought their unique strengths to the stage, providing an unforgettable close to the festivities.

Soilwork took to the stage with their melodic death metal that blends catchy melodies with aggressive metal riffs. Their performance was likely a powerhouse of energy and precision, showcasing their ability to maintain a perfect balance between melody and metal ferocity.

Following Soilwork, Hypocrisy, led by the legendary Peter Tägtgren, delivered a set that was a testament to their long-standing influence in the death metal genre. Known for their blend of atmospheric and brutal music, Hypocrisy's performance would have featured tracks spanning their extensive catalog, pleasing fans with both new hits and classic favorites.

The night and the festival drew to a close with a spectacular performance from Dimmu Borgir. As pioneers of symphonic black metal, their show was probably both visually and sonically stunning. Known for their elaborate stage setups and dramatic flair, Dimmu Borgir's performance would have combined their intense, orchestral-inspired metal with an impressive stage show, creating an immersive experience that epitomized the grandeur of their music.

Rockstadt Extreme Fest 2019 was definitely one for the books. Reflecting on the festival, it seems to have struck a good balance, offering a solid lineup that included bands new to Romania, which was a welcome initiative.

The festival's logistics and amenities were well-organized. The introduction of a new card system for purchases within the venue was a significant improvement, addressing the issue of lost tokens which had been a problem in the past. This change streamlined transactions, making it easier and quicker for festival-goers to buy food, drinks, and merchandise without the hassle of handling tokens or cash. The food and drink options at the festival were both affordable and varied, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences. Reports suggest that the food was tasty and reasonably priced, a notable improvement from previous years. The availability of cheap beers was particularly popular among attendees, providing a cost-effective way to stay hydrated and enjoy the festival.

Overall, Rockstadt Extreme Fest 2019 was a well-rounded event that offered more than just music; it provided a full festival experience with good food, efficient services, and a welcoming atmosphere, all set against the picturesque backdrop of the Transylvanian landscape.