Sweden Rock Festival happens every June outside the small city of Sölvesborg (just over 11,000 residents) and was first conceived back in 1992. It has had some of the biggest names in rock grace its stages and 2024 is no exception! This week out of 90 bands due to play the massive event, the first six bands have been announced via social media and they haven’t disappointed.
First up is Birmingham heavy metal hard hitters Judas Priest. They made their debut in 1974 and haven’t stopped since. March 2024 will see the band unleash their 19th studio album titled “Invincible Shield” while the current single “Panic Attack” is making the rounds. Rob Halford has been sharing his vocal talents with Dolly Parton on her rock album, “Rockstar” which is due to be released on 17th November and Rob has dueted with the Queen of Heavy Metal, Doro Pesch. Together they have taken on Bonnie Tyler’s 80s hit “Total Eclipse of the Heart” and I have to say, I didn’t think it was a duet I needed in my life, but I love it!
The Grand-daddy of Shock Rock, Alice Cooper is gracing the stage with his amazing band including the talented Nita Strauss, Tommy Henrickson, Ryan Roxie, Glen Sobel and Chuck Garric. Alice will be sharing tracks from his 29th (that’s insane) studio album, “Road” but will of course include the hits we all know his and love him for especially 1989 smash hit “Poison”.
Australian Metalcore heavy weights Parkway Drive make their SRF debut this year. The band kicked off in 2003 but found hit the jackpot with fifth album “Ire” back in 2015. Their latest offering in 2022, “Darker Still” has pushed the bands to new fans and grabbed the attention of SRF. They are often referred to a radio friendly version of metal core to ease in audiences to the genre, do you agree?
Next up is the metal opera band Avantasia which started out as a one off, two part project back in 2001 led by singer Tobias Sammet. They have played SRF a few times over the years but nothing since 2014, the crowd are sure to be awaiting this amazing band with open arms. The band have made a name for themselves through their performances both on and off the stage and have included vocalists such as Ronnie Atkins (Pretty Maids) and Eric Martin (Mr Big). Check out their latest album “A Paranormal Evening with the Moonlight Society” on Spotify now!
Festival season couldn’t go by with Bruce Dickinson making an appearance somewhere or another. BUT, alas he is not with Iron Maiden, he returns with his new solo project “The Mandrake Project”, the first outing on his own since 2005. The tour supporting this venture kicks off in April 2024 and will sure gain him many fans. A lot of Bruce’s solo stuff is heavier than what we’re used to hearing from him as the frontman of Maiden but still has the flickers of classic rock floating around in the musical notes. Let’s see what else Bruce can do!
To round up the announcement was Germany’s Electric Callboy, who are very hard to define into a genre but are often referred to as Electronicore but they prefer the term “Pornometal”, whatever genre they are, they really know how to bring the party. Pornometal probably does describe them best as a lot of their songs are based on sex and debauchery but take on an ironic tone to be laughed at. Since their formation in 2010, they’ve blasted out two EPs and six albums and have only get better with each new singer. The latest addition is with Nico Sallach lending his pipes to the band’s latest offering, “TEKKNO” landed the band their first number one record and included hits such as “Pump It” and “Spaceman”.
If that is just the big hitters, I can’t wait to see who the other 84 bands are! Sweden Rock Festival brings so many people together for an epic weekend of fantastic music, showing the best of what is out there. SRF 2024 tickets go on sale on Tuesday 31st October at 10:00 (CET) and will be available via Ticketmaster. Hit the link now to check out prices or to be alerted when they go on sale.
Next time to book the time off work, you will need it from Wednesday 5th June to Saturday 8th June 2024, get yourselves there!
GlamRat 