Rockstadt Extreme Fest 2023
• festival review •

Rockstadt Extreme Fest 2023, held from August 2 to August 6, transformed the tranquil town of Râșnov into a haven for metal enthusiasts. Nestled at the base of the historic Râșnov Fortress in Transylvania, Romania, the festival spanned five intense days, featuring a diverse lineup of bands that catered to every facet of the metal spectrum.

Day 1

The first day was not just about the music; it was about acclimatizing to the festival's setup. Festival-goers busied themselves with loading money onto festival cards, checking out the merch stands, and sampling the food and drinks on offer. However, the rain quickly became the day's dominant theme. The journey to the festival site turned into a wet adventure, with the narrow road almost turning into a river, ensuring no one arrived with dry socks. Once inside, the rain eased slightly, and the atmosphere under the tent stage felt nostalgic for long-time attendees. Eyehategod's performance on the smallest stage was particularly memorable, capturing the raw energy suitable for the more intimate setting. This band stood out as a highlight, bringing a gritty performance that resonated deeply with the crowd​.

In the late afternoon, on the Andrei Calmuc stage, Legion of the Damned delivered a ferocious set that electrified the audience at Rockstadt Extreme Fest 2023. The Dutch death-thrash metal band brought their signature intensity, with bone-crushing riffs and relentless drumming that had the crowd moshing and headbanging from start to finish. Highlights included tracks from their latest album, showcasing their brutal sound and dark, atmospheric themes.

As a long-time fan of Sacred Reich, their performance at Rockstadt Extreme Fest 2023 was a personal highlight for me. They performed on the main stage, but despite not being the top-billed act, they delivered a set that stood out among the day's performances. The thrash metal veterans, known for their politically charged lyrics and relentless energy, did not disappointed. Phil Rind, engaging and charismatic, interacted frequently with the crowd, creating an inclusive and energetic atmosphere. His banter between songs was both humorous and insightful, touching on social issues that the band's songs often address. Wiley Arnett's guitar solos were razor-sharp, cutting through the thick wall of sound with precision. Dave McClain's drumming was a powerhouse of rhythm and aggression, driving each song forward with relentless energy. The bass lines, laid down by Phil Rind, provided a robust foundation, while Joey Radziwill's rhythm guitar added depth and texture to their live sound.

The headliners on the Adrian Rugină stage, Dropkick Murphys, brought a surprising twist to the metal-heavy lineup, proving their versatility with energetic mosh pits that justified their place at the festival. Despite the rain and the delays, the energy remained high. Soulfly closed the day with a powerful performance, although the logistics of getting back to Brasov meant some, including myself, missed parts of their set.

Late into the night, Soulfly closed the first day of Rockstadt Extreme Fest 2023 with an electrifying performance. Despite performing on one of the smaller stages, a fact that seemed mismatched with the band's stature, Max Cavalera and his crew delivered a show worthy of a main stage. Max, in top form, led the band through a high-energy set that had the crowd roaring. Their powerful blend of groove and thrash metal resonated deeply with the audience, who responded with intense mosh pits and enthusiastic cheers. Highlights of the performance included fan favorites like "Prophecy" and "Eye for an Eye," showcasing Cavalera's commanding stage presence and the band's tight musicianship.

Day 2

On the second day of Rockstadt Extreme Fest 2023, Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons delivered an unforgettable and humorous performance. Known for their high-energy shows and connection to the legendary Motörhead, the band didn't disappoint. One of the most memorable moments came when they got the crowd to yell "Fuck You, Tyla Campbell." This playful banter added a fun, light-hearted element to their set. The band, consisting mainly of Phil Campbell's relatives—Todd Campbell on guitar, Dane Campbell on drums, and Tyla Campbell on bass—put on a spectacular show. The only non-relative, vocalist Neil Starr, led the band through a powerful set that resonated deeply with the audience.

Hypocrisy's performance at Rockstadt Extreme Fest 2023 was a standout event. Headlining the Brașov Stage on the second day, the band delivered a powerful and intense set that captivated the audience. Known for their melodic death metal, Hypocrisy played a mix of classic hits and newer material, including tracks like "Chemical Whore," "Warpath," and "Roswell 47."

Following Hypocrisy, the spotlight shifted to the Adrian Rugină Stage, where Architects took the stage. Although not one of my personal favorites, Architects proved to be a crowd-pleaser. Their performance was marked by high energy and a dynamic stage presence, which resonated well with the audience.

Day 3

The third day of Rockstadt Extreme Fest 2023 saw an electrifying performance by Therion in the late afternoon. The Swedish symphonic metal band captivated the audience with their powerful blend of operatic vocals and heavy metal instrumentation. The band's set featured the powerful and innovative guitar work of founder Christofer Johnsson, whose creative vision has driven Therion's unique sound. Lead vocalist Thomas Vikström captivated the audience with his versatile range, seamlessly transitioning between operatic tones and metal growls. Soprano vocalist Lori Lewis added an ethereal quality to the performance with her operatic vocals, enhancing the dramatic and grandiose feel of their music.

Following Therion, hardcore legends Lionheart took the stage and delivered an intense and high-energy performance. Igorrr brought a unique and avant-garde mix to the festival with their blend of electronic, baroque, and metal music. Their performance was a sensory overload, combining intense beats, classical elements, and heavy guitar riffs.

As night fell, black metal pioneers Mayhem took to the stage. Known for their dark and atmospheric performances, they did not disappoint. With a setlist that spanned their storied career, Mayhem's performance was intense and immersive, captivating fans with their raw energy and sinister stage presence​.

Amorphis, another of my favorite bands since the era of their iconic album "Tales from the Thousand Lakes," delivered an electrifying performance at Rockstadt Extreme Fest 2023. With Tomi Joutsen's powerful and emotive vocals leading the charge, seamlessly blending deep growls with melodic singing. Esa Holopainen's masterful guitar riffs and solos added a rich, melodic layer to the set, while keyboardist Santeri Kallio's atmospheric synths created an immersive soundscape. The rhythmic foundation provided by bassist Olli-Pekka Laine and drummer Jan Rechberger was both solid and dynamic, driving the band's complex compositions with precision and energy.

The night continued with Meshuggah, who closed the main stages with their technical and complex brand of extreme metal. Known for their intricate rhythms and polyrhythmic structures, Meshuggah's performance was a masterclass in musicianship. Their powerful and precise delivery left a lasting impression on the audience, solidifying their status as one of the leading bands in the metal community.

Finally, on the smaller Andrei Calmuc stage, Marduk closed the night with a relentless and ferocious set. The black metal veterans delivered an uncompromising performance filled with blistering speed and dark themes.

Day 4

Discharge, the legendary punk band known for their raw and aggressive sound, delivered a high-energy set on the Adrian Calmuc stage. Their performance was marked by relentless speed and powerful riffs, with classics like "Protest and Survive" and "The Possibility of Life's Destruction" igniting the crowd. The band's signature D-beat rhythm and politically charged lyrics resonated with the audience, creating an intense and engaging atmosphere. Fans responded with vigorous mosh pits and loud cheers, showcasing the timeless appeal of Discharge's punk anthems​. Following Discharge, Finnish black metal band Impaled Nazarene took the stage, bringing their notorious blend of speed and aggression. Their set was a whirlwind of ferocious guitar work, rapid-fire drumming, and Mika Luttinen's raw, snarling vocals. Capping off the night on the Adrian Calmuc stage was Abbath, the iconic black metal artist known for his theatrical presence and powerful music. Abbath's set was a dark and captivating experience, featuring tracks from his solo career as well as classics from his time with Immortal. Songs like "Count the Dead" and "Winterbane" were delivered with Abbath's signature grim charisma and heavy, frostbitten riffs. The stage presence of Abbath, complete with corpse paint and dramatic gestures, added a visually striking element to the performance.

Agnostic Front brought their hardcore punk energy to the main stage at Rockstadt Extreme Fest 2023. Known for their influential role in the New York hardcore scene, they delivered a set full of raw, aggressive energy that got the crowd moving.

Death metal veterans Obituary followed with a crushing performance that exemplified their status as genre pioneers. Their set included classic tracks such as "Slowly We Rot" and "Chopped in Half," featuring John Tardy’s guttural vocals and the heavy, grinding guitar riffs that define their sound. The band’s tight performance and dark, brooding atmosphere captivated the audience, leaving a lasting impact on the festival-goers​.

As headliners, In Flames closed the night with a powerful and dynamic performance. The Swedish melodic death metal band delivered a set that spanned their extensive catalog, from early hits like "Only for the Weak" to newer tracks from their latest album. The band's energetic stage presence and engaging performance kept the audience enthralled. With Anders Fridén’s commanding vocals and the band’s tight instrumentation, In Flames proved why they are a staple in the metal scene and a fitting headliner for the festival.

Day 5

The final day of Rockstadt Extreme Fest 2023 kicked off powerfully on the Andrei Calmuc stage with a brutal performance by Immolation. Known for their intense death metal sound, the band delivered a set that was both relentless and precise. The crowd responded with enthusiastic headbanging and mosh pits, fully immersed in the raw energy that Immolation brought to the stage​.

Following Immolation, Dying Fetus took the Adrian Rugină stage by storm. Their set was a masterclass in technical death metal, featuring complex guitar riffs, brutal drumming, and guttural vocals. Songs like "Your Treachery Will Die With You" and "Homicidal Retribution" were crowd favorites, sparking vigorous mosh pits and intense crowd participation.

Then, the main stages saw a series of spectacular performances, starting with Epica. The Dutch symphonic metal band captivated the audience with their powerful blend of operatic vocals, orchestral arrangements, and heavy metal. Simone Simons’ ethereal voice and the band's dynamic compositions created an immersive experience, highlighted by tracks like "Cry for the Moon" and "Unchain Utopia". Trivium followed, bringing their blend of metalcore and melodic death metal to the stage.

Arch Enemy delivered a powerhouse performance, characterized by Alissa White-Gluz's commanding stage presence and powerful growls. The setlist included crowd favorites such as "War Eternal" and "Ravenous," with Michael Amott and Jeff Loomis providing shredding guitar solos that electrified the audience. Their performance was a highlight of the festival, reinforcing their reputation as one of the leading bands in the metal scene.

Closing the festival on a high note, Alestorm brought their unique brand of pirate metal to the stage. Known for their humorous and entertaining performances, they had the crowd dancing and singing along to tracks like "Drink" and "Keelhauled." The band's infectious energy and fun-loving spirit created a joyful atmosphere, providing a perfect ending to an intense and memorable festival. The playful antics of Christopher Bowes and the catchy, upbeat songs left the audience in high spirits, celebrating the conclusion of Rockstadt Extreme Fest 2023 with laughter and cheer

As the final notes of Alestorm’s exuberant pirate anthems faded into the night, Rockstadt Extreme Fest 2023 came to a close not with a solemn farewell, but with a festival-wide sing-along that echoed through the Transylvanian hills. The eclectic mix of laughter, camaraderie, and raw metal energy left an indelible mark on every attendee. Under the shadow of Râșnov Fortress, the audience, adorned in band tees and festival bracelets, transformed the festival grounds into a jubilant celebration of metal and community. This year’s edition will be remembered not just for the stellar performances but for the sense of unity and the shared experience of music lovers from around the world, who together forged unforgettable memories amidst the historic and mystical landscape of Transylvania. With promises of even greater things to come, Rockstadt Extreme Fest 2023 ended on a high note, setting the stage for an eagerly anticipated return next year​.