Live Review : Sweden Rock Festival on June 7th 2023

The journey is a long one with the early start (3am from the house), but we finally make it from the North West of England to just outside Sölvesborg in the southern region of Blekinge, Sweden. To be fair our trip is fairly painless, with a decent flight to Copenhagen, train to Sölvesborg, and the festival shuttlebus to the site. Once we get there everyone is mega friendly and helpful, and it’s no ordeal or fuss sorting our press accreditation and campsite access. There are a few campsites dotted around nearby the festival site (but none included in the festival ticket), but we plumb for the nearest and craziest in Camp’n’Rock. Despite some surprised reactions from those who hear we’re camping there, the site has a proper permanent toilet block, outdoor water points, firebreaks, loads of bins and onsite security. It turns out to be relatively spacious and has a good atmosphere. But enough of that, ready to rock, we make our way into the festival site proper.

With five stages spread out like a battlefield there are no noticeable sound bleeds or particular crunch points. We’re initially confused by the Sweden Stage right at the main entrance becoming a bottleneck, until we realise there are actually a couple of different entrances and it’s no remotely an issue…in fact it affords good access to that stage from the far side if needed, and the other stages through the other entrance. Even when trying to move through a crowded area of the site the vibe here is so damn friendly and laid-back (while still rocking hard as hell!) that it doesn't cause much of a ruckus like it might do at other festivals do. They've clearly put some thought into the viewing lines for all the stages as well, with raised areas and whatnot being a common theme. If it’s not a banked slope for the Sweden Stage, then it’s The Festival Stage (sharing main stage claim together with the Rock Stage sat directly opposite) sitting atop a gnarly little slope to the front of the stage, providing a perfectly raised vantage point for all the eager eyes.

We stumble upon Dynasty and Deathstars on our way to the press area, catching a taste of their rocking wickedness, and also notice that the ground surface throughout the site is very different to most UK festivals. Instead of being grass and woodchip it’s gravel and sand. It makes sense if you think of drainage and maintenance but, as we discover across a weekend of zero rainfall, it allows for a lot of dust to blow constantly. It does cover you head-to-toe, and plays havoc with the camera equipment, but in all other ways is a great alternative.

Having settled in with for a spot and lockers in the Press Area, it's time to dive headfirst into covering our first band of the weekend—Soilwork. Those mad bastards slay it with their relentless rhythm section and vocals that soar and grind. The crowd eats it up like ravenous beasts. Their tight and pure metalcore is a perfect start to our weekend.

We manage to catch the end of Spidergawd as they tear it up with their bass sax, belting out vocal harmonies, unleashing dirty riffs and delivering face-melting solos. The way they blend it all with a delectable dose of Queens of The Stone Age-style structure and groove is spot on.

Jinjer are as majestically slick as they are deliciously brutal. Their technical metal is some of the heaviest on show this weekend, and in Tatiana Shmayluk they have a sonic chameleon, traversing every style and vibe known to man - from brutal pig squeals and guttural growls to soaring cleans.

Over on the Festival Stage, Airbourne, as predictable as a punch to the gut AC/DC infused rock n’ roll, deliver the goods. They're always the life of the party, with frontman Joel O'Keeffe oozing energy like a nuclear reactor gone wild.

And so to one of the highlights for us, the mighty Def Leppard. Those magnificent lads from Sheffield continue to perform their awesome catalogue with passion, professionalism and enthusiasm. They hit every note with precision and flair, and the setlist of hits doesn’t fail to deliver on every hope and expectation of the beaming crowd. Next to me Johann leads the charge, belting out every lyric like a man possessed, and our joy is uncontainable.

No time for us to catch our breath though, as Avatar storm onto the Sweden Stage, armed with balloons and sparklers. As always, they’re theatrical and certifiably insane. Despite the language barrier, I comprehend every command the frontman Johannes Eckerström delivers to the crowd in between songs, urgently demanding them to shout louder and unleash their primal fury. He is a master showman at work, and the whole band are wielding their unique artistry like a weapon. There’s something for everyone with these guys, with funk-infused, groove-laden metal combined with a performance aesthetic that'll make your head spin.

Meanwhile, on the Rock Stage, Clutch, the ever-soulful metal sonic titans, are on top form tonight. Neil Fallon takes on the role of a preacher man possessed by demons, while the rest of the band lock in tight, unleashing a musical inferno that engulfs us all. I brave the front barrier and delight in every single second of their set as they ignite the crowd and stage with their bluesy rock metal. Before hitting the VIP bar, and preparing for tomorrow, we take in Motley Crue’s set, and whilst they dish out crowd-pleasing tunes it’s no match for what has been a slew of awesome bands on an awesome first day.

Check the “In The Flesh” page for more photos!
Avatar, Def Leppard, Airbourne, Jinjer, Soilwork