Sweden Rock Festival

[Guest Satanisk_Slakt]

The winners of Ginza Metal Battle:

Damn Delicious (SE)

The proud, and worthy, winners of the Ginza Metal Battle are Damn Delicious from Falkenberg on the west coast of Sweden. They formed in 2006 and count Backyard Babies as their prime influence. Which makes sense, considering that one major reason they were victorious was, according to the jury, "a beat that many other bands would kill for". Thanks to this and other winner qualities the band have now recorded the single "Living a Lie" with none others than Matti Alfonzetti (The Poodles) and Ronnie Lahti (Backyard Babies, Dead By April) as producers. Plus, they get to demonstrate their talent and hunger at our very own favorite festival.

[Scaramouche]

So cool they booked Cinderella! I'm definitely going to see them. Just bought my 4 day ticket. Seems like it's almost sold out now.

[Guest Satanisk_Slakt]

Yeah, I've forgotten to buy it. I'll do it tomorrow.

[Guest Satanisk_Slakt]

I've bought the tickets!

Here's two smaller bands I've never heard of.

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F.K.Ü. (S)

Certain thrash lovers are sceptical towards FKÜ from Sweden. If a band takes a name that is the acronym of "Freddie Krueger's Ünderwear", dresses up as said "Nightmare on Elm Street"-antihero on stage, and writes lyrics exclusively as tributes to old horror movies and metal legends - is it even possible to take them seriously? Absolutely, since FKÜ are dead serious when it comes to songwriting. In fact, they're probably one of the best bands of their kind at the moment. They have made three albums, and the most recent one, last year's "Where Moshers Dwell", is definitely the band's biggest success so far. The music is solid old-school thrash, equally classy whether you find the lyrics amusing or not. The greatest moshpit alert of this year's SRF?

STEELWING (S)

Steelwing is Sweden's newest stars in the new wave of traditional heavy metal, also featuring compatriot bands like Enforcer, Portrait, In Solitude and Helvetets Port. The band got signed by Nuclear Blast after winning a contest against more than 1200 bands from around the globe. Now their debut "Lord of the Wasteland" will arrive on April 30th. Some of you, primarily Swedes, may remember these talented true metal fighters as Scavenger or Hellevator, but now when they finally introduce themselves at the international metal scene it is under the Steelwing monicker.

[Scaramouche]

I've too many bands I need to check out!

[Guest Satanisk_Slakt]

DUNDERTÅGET (S)

Robert Dahlqvist played guitar with the Hellacopters but also wanted a side project where he also handled lead vocals. The year was 2004, and the new band was named Thunder Express after a song by MC5. Under this name, the band released two albums filled with raw and rootsy rock music, influenced by the likes of the Rolling Stones, the Faces, Fleetwood Mac and of course the Hellacopters. However, their big national break came when they "translated" their name to Dundertåget (literally "Rumble Train") and switched to Swedish lyrics. The first Dundertåget album "Skaffa ny frisyr" ("Get a New Haircut") was one of the most talked-about records in Sweden in 2009. This April, the band will release their sophomore album. "Dom feta åren är förbi" ("The Fat Years are Gone"). And in June, one of Sweden's hottest bands at the moment makes their SRF debut.

[LightningBolt]

SO MANY GREAT BANDS....

Times like these make me wish I was born as a European.

[Guest Satanisk_Slakt]

Latest poster:

[Guest Satanisk_Slakt]

If they are schemed so that they don't play at the same time, I will go and see these bands:

Guns N' Roses, Aerosmith, Gary More, W.A.S.P., Bachman & Turner, Danzig, Sabaton, UDO, Opeth, Mastadon, Nazareth, Behemoth, Stratovarius, The Quireboys.

Not a fan of these bands, but it could be cool to have seen them too, so if I can I will probably see at least parts of their concerts:

Slayer, Cinderella, Magnum, D-A-D, Dundertåget,

[Kriminiminell]

At least Danzig is/was semi-interesting.

First year in history that Kamelot isnt playing?

[Guest Satanisk_Slakt]

It's getting better and better.

MICHAEL MONROE (FIN)

Finnish singer Michael Monroe (né Matti Fagerholm) is best known from Hanoi Rocks, one of the most influential bands in modern glam history. Their five records from 1981-84 have influenced bands like Poison and Guns N' Roses. But Mike has also released several solo albums, including the classic "Not Fakin' It" (1989), and led acts like Jerusalem Slim and Demolition 23. In 2002-09 Mike once more fronted Hanoi Rocks, releasing three more fine rock albums. Now the singer is once more on his own, excepting of course his illustrious back-up musicians. Namely guitarist Ginger (The Wildhearts), bassist Sami Yaffa (Hanoi Rocks, New York Dolls, Joan Jett) and drummer Jimmy Clark (Deborah Harry, Joan Jett). Top-notch musicians and three decades of stellar rock'n'roll to boast - Michael Monroe is one of the genuine rock'n'roll articles at this year's SRF.

[Scaramouche]

Woah, then I'll see Michael Monroe two times in June, awesome!

Michael and Duff joked(?) about

. How cool would it be if Loaded joined Michael Monroe and came over for Sweden Rock, hmmmm

[Guest Satanisk_Slakt]

Grave Digger (D)

Grave Digger from Germany have made major contributions to heavy metal history not once, but twice. Once following their debut "Heavy Metal Breakdown" (1984), which put them at the frontline of the exploding German metal scene. And once more spearheading heavy metal's triumphant return in the 90s, with such albums as the famous "Middle Ages Trilogy" - "Tunes of War" (1996), "Knights of the Cross" (1998) and "Excalibur" (1999). Grave Digger have continued creating fan-fave records in the 21st Century, like "The Grave Digger" (2001) and last year's "Ballad of a Hangman" (a new album is on its way). Now one of the world's leading "true metal"-bands make their highly anticipated comeback at SRF, as always with indefatigable singer Chris Boltendahl at the helm.

[Guest Satanisk_Slakt]

SATOR (S)

Sator was discovered by the Swedish public in 1988, thanks to their bizarre version of "Oh Mama" by female pop-duo Lili & Sussie. Their album debut "Slammer" arrived the same year, and "Stock Rocker Nuts" in 1990. These albums contained ballsy and punk-influenced rock'n'roll and established Sator as a cult act in Sweden. The third record "Headquake" (1992) was actually a bona fide hard rock release. It was a great success that has since become a classic, but Sator still chose not to continue in that direction. Instead they returned to their roots, but the album releases became more scarce and the band itself all but invisible. In 2009, Sator was at the crossroads: quit, or give it all once more and show the youth of today where bands like Backyard Babies and the Hellacopters have their roots. They chose the latter, and will now return to SRF in 2010.

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What day do the bands play?

Wednesday 9/6:

U.D.O - Michael Monroe - Alestorm - The Quireboys - Sator - F.K.Ü.

Thursday 10/6:

Aerosmith - Slayer - Danzig - Nazareth - Mother's Finest - Y&T - Dundertåget - Jorn

Friday 11/6:

Gary Moore - Billy Idol - Cinderella - Rick Springfield - Mastodon - Magnum - D-A-D - Steel Panther - Behemoth - Grave Digger

Saturday 12/6:

Guns´N Roses - W.A.S.P. - Bachman & Turner - Opeth - Saga - Watain - Anvil - Raven - Stratovarius - Unisonic - Point Blank

Changes can occur

More confirmed days coming soon.

Final running order will be up in the beginning of April.

[Guest Satanisk_Slakt]

CHICKEN SHACK (UK)

When the British blues movement exploded in the 60s, gradually moving into heavier territory, Chicken Shack was one of the most appreciated bands. The original, classic line-up - Stan Webb (guitar, vocals), Andy Sylvester (bass), Christine Perfect (keyboards, vocals) and Dave Bidwell (drums) - released two popular albums: "Forty Fingers Freshly Packed and Ready to Serve" (1968) and "OK Ken" (1969). Then, in the wake of their greatest hit, Etta James cover "I'd Rather Go Blind", Christine left the band and later turned up in Fleetwood Mac. Some turbulent years later, Chicken Shack folded in 1974. Band leader Stan Webb, highly ranked as a guitarist, still revives his "baby" from time to time, in order to serve massive doses of traditional, blues-based rock to a live audience. Next stop: SRF.

**********************

Great band!

[Guest Satanisk_Slakt]

The Saturday will be intense.

Guns´N Roses - W.A.S.P. - Bachman & Turner - Opeth - Stratovarius - Unisonic (Michael Kiske from Helloween)

[Chris Axl]

Just bought tickets!!! It's gonna kick fucking ASS!

Guns N' Roses, Aerosmith, Cinderella, Ratt, WASP, Monroe, HOLY SHIIIT

[LightningBolt]

I love Grave Digger.

[Guest Satanisk_Slakt]

NASCENCY (S)

This year's winners of the Project Independent Europe contest are Nascency from Varberg at the Swedish West Coast. This constellation plays death metal and was formed in 2006. Their style is defined by fast, deliberately original riffs. Still their most conspicuous characteristic is their two singers, enabling them to alternate between roaring growls and more pristine vocals. Nascency are currently recording new songs, that can soon be enjoyed at myspace.com/nascencyband.

[Zint]

Does this festival ever do webcasts?

[Guest Satanisk_Slakt]

No, unfortunately not.

STONE SOUR (US)

On the release of the eponymous debut from Des Moines' Stone Sour in 2002, many mistook the band for a new side-project by Slipknot-members Corey Taylor (vocals) and Jim Root (guitar). As it were, the duo had been in Stone Sour even before Slipknot, and when the latter took a break the two released an album by their "other" band. The sound was more melodic than Slipknot's - it has been referred to as post-grunge - and many were surprised by how well Taylor mastered "normal" singing. Stone Sour released their second album "Come What(ever) May" in 2006, and started getting serious attention from audiences outside America as well. Currently, during another gap in Slipknot's schedule, Stone Sour is working on their third album for a possible August release. But we don't have to wait that long to see one of the currently most talked-about names of modern American metal at SRF.

[Guest Satanisk_Slakt]

DREAM EVIL (S)

One of Sweden's most beloved heavy/power metal-bands was formed by guitarist and Hammerfall producer Fredrik Nordström. The line-up was completed by Greek guitar virtuoso Gus G (Firewind and currently Ozzy Osbourne), singer Niklas Isfeldt, bassist Peter Stålfors and drum veteran Snowy Shaw (Mercyful Fate, King Diamond etc.) and debuted in 2002. Dream Evil's big native break came with album number three, "The Book of Heavy Metal" (2004). The title track was an immediate anthem with Swedish metalheads and is already an established classic. January 2010 saw the release of the band's fifth album "In the Night", where Dream Evil prove that despite a few line-up changes, they still adhere to melodic heavy metal with a healthy hint of humor.

*********

Never heard of them.

[Guest Satanisk_Slakt]

SKYCLAD (UK)

Skyclad, 20 years old this year, is often called the first folk metal-act. Their blend of thrash metal and Celtic folk music made them one of the genuinely unique bands of the early 90s. Many were also impressed with the exceptionally witty lyrics by then singer Martin Walkyier (ex-Sabbat). After ten albums, including classics like "Jonah's Ark" (1993) and "Prince of the Poverty Line" (1994), Walkyier left the band in 2001. Skyclad then promoted guitarist Kevin Ridley frontman, and restored the fans' confidence with the impressive "A Semblance of Normality" (2004). Skyclad's most recent release is "In the All... Together" (2009), a marked step towards their early, earthbound roots. If you like folk metal but have not yet discovered Skyclad, don't miss their SRF debut - this is the band that inspired all of your idols.

[Guest Satanisk_Slakt]

MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP (D)

It is now 30 years since German guitar-hero Michael Schenker released the eponymous debut of the Michael Schenker Group. This made him a third time creator of hard-rock history, after co-founding Scorpions and elevating Brits UFO to superstardom. Now Schenker is about to enter the stage to celebrate the 30th anniversary of "Armed and Ready", "Cry for the Nations" and the rest of the classics on MSG's debut. By his side we find two more band-members from that era: drummer Simon Phillips (Judas Priest, Mike Oldfield, Ian Gillan, Toto) and not least vocalist Gary Barden. Schenkers trusted associate Wayne Findlay delivers rhythm guitar and keyboards, while the bass comes courtesy of legend Neil Murray (Whitesnake, Gary Moore, Black Sabbath, Brian May). A formodable dream team for any fan of traditional melodic hard rock.

[Snake Eyes]

You'll enjoy Nazareth, their always great live. Nice local lads, their up the pub for a chat often.