ARTISTS 2013

If someone would have told us a few years ago we wouldn’t have believed it ourselves – but in 2013 Kiss comes to SRF. The New York quartet debuted in 1974 and had their major breakthrough the following year with ”Alive”. This release is still regarded as one of the greatest live albums of all time, and a historical landmark for the band that was to become the most famous one of the late 70s. (With all due respect to the Bee Gees and the Sex Pistols.) Nobody could help being astonished, and in some cases repulsed, by Kiss’s amazing live shows with their grandiose effects and the makeup-covered faces of the band members. The original lineup of Paul Stanley (vocals, guitar), Gene Simmons (vocals, bass), Ace Frehley (guitar, vocals) and Peter Criss (drums, vocals) remained intact until 1980. Dutimg this period Kiss made rock history with songs like ”Rock and roll all nite”, ”Detroit rock city”, ”Strutter”, ”I was made for lovin’ you”, ”Love gun” and many, many more. The members’ true appearances were not made public until 1983, when Kiss began their ”unmasked” period – another era of great success. However, in 1996 the time had come for the band to once more put on their makeup and costumes, to take their legendary show into the 21st century. Today, alongside Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons we find drummer Eric Singer and guitarist Tommy Thayer behind the well-known masks. A lineup that has proven itself capable of not just presenting the old classics, but of creating new ones as well. Of which the band’s new album ”Monster” is ample proof. ”You wanted the best – you got the best. The hottest band in the world – KISS – at SRF 2013!” ” KIss will play at Sweden Rock at Thursday June 6!

It is a great honor, in more ways than one, for us to introduce Rush as the first announcement for Sweden Rock Festival 2013. Firstly, they are one of the most legendary and influential rock bands in history with total album sales exceeding 40 million; secondly, this marks the Sweden Rock Festival debut that so many have longed for; and last but not least - this will be Rush's first appearance at a European festival in 34 years! Rush are arguably world champions of timing. Ever since their 1974 debut they have constantly been on par with the progress of rock, and more than once they have accelerated it. They have paved the way for such sub genres as progressive metal, synth rock and alternative metal. Their skill and discipline on their instruments have influenced countless musicians (to name but a few; Metallica, Queensrÿche, Dream Theater and the Foo Fighters). They have raised the intellectual bar for rock lyrics with their fascination for philosophy, natural science and literature. And lest we forget, they released and keep releasing successful and groundbreaking albums, including classics as "2112" (1976), "A farewell to kings" (1977), "Moving pictures" (1981), "Power windows" (1985), "Counterparts" (1993) and "Vapor Trails" (2002). The Canadian trio's new studio album "Clockwork Angels" will be released on June 11th. The first single, "Headlong flight", is out now. In 2004, Rush played in Sweden for the first time in 25 years, selling out the Globe Arena in Stockholm. The overwhelming audience response marked the beginning of a passionate love story between the band and Sweden, and on June 8th 2013 they will be back again. The event promises to be a magnificent assault on all senses - Geddy Lee (vocals/bass), Alex Lifeson (guitar) and Neil Peart (drums) tell us that the stage production will be one of the greatest in Rush's entire history, and the biggest they have ever brought to Europe. Their show at Sweden Rock Festival will be the only festival appearance in Europe, and the band's first festival appearance since they played at Pinkpop in Holland in 1979. Rush will bring their full stage production to Sweden Rock!

In 2013, Europe celebrate the 30th anniversary of the year in which they released their first album. Which would be the ultimate location to celebrate this glorious moment with their Swedish fans? Obviously at SRF, that witnessed the band’s triumphant return to the live environment in 2004. That’s how Europe themselves regard it anyway. Consequently, we’re now proud to proclaim Europe’s return to SRF in 2013 for their only Swedish performance of the anniversary year! And it will be a grandiose event indeed, promises singer Joey Tempest. The stage show will be one of the greatest, if not the greatest of the band’s entire career (certain very special guest stars will also appear). The setlist will be specially composed from Europe’s entire nine-album discography. Including their cult debut ”Europe” (1983), multi-million seller ”The final countdown” (1986) and their most recent outing ”Bag of bones” (2012) which has now reached gold status. The performance will also be filmed for a dvd-release, so make sure you’ll be present when a piece of Swedish rock history will be both created and preserved for posterity. For the record: today’s version of Europe is identical to the classic ”The final countdown”-lineup: Joey Tempest (vocals), John Norum (guitar), John Levén (bass), Mic Michaeli (keyboards) and Ian Haugland (drums).

Edguy’s singer Tobias Sammet was already one of power metal’s most successful composers when he launched Avantasia in 2001. This majestic rock opera project, featuring a multitude of metal stars, was yet another huge success. Avantasia was originally intended as a one-off project, but in 2008 returned with more music and also made their live debut – at SRF. By their own accord, this concert remains a very dear memory to them. Which is why they are eager to return to SRF in 2013, following the release of their sixth album ”The mystery of time”. A request that we gladly accept. Tobias Sammet promises an even more celebrity-filled show, which says a lot since previous performances have included such names as Kai Hansen, Michael Kiske, Jørn Lande and Bob Catley. This will be Avantasia’s only show in Sweden for the summer of 2013.

45 years as a band, 29 studio albums and over 60 chart hits. Status Quo is undisputedly one of Europe’s most legendary rock bands. During the period 1972-1976 the band ruled the charts with their boogie-dominated, versatile hard rock albums and a multitude of hits like ”Caroline”, ”Down down”, ”Paper plane”, ”Roll over lay down” and ”Wild side of life”. Subsequent mega hits like ”Rockin’ all over the world” (1977) and ”Whatever you want” (1979) upheld the success, but not least in the eyes of hard rock fans, the preceding era remains the golden age of Status Quo. Fortunately, the band flirts rather explicitly with said golden age on their most recent albums ”In search of the fourth chord” (2007) and ”Quid pro quo” (2011). They remain, as always, an energetic live act – as would be expected from the band that arguably invented headbanging.

One of the perennial favorites of the SRF crowd knows exactly how to spoil one of their most trusted fan bastions. This time Saxon will deliver the most grandiose show they ever brought to SRF. Expect smoke, pyrotechnics, and of course – expect the Eagle with a capital E. We shouldn't have to mention that this will be the band's only Swedish concert with this massive show, but we’re doing it anyway. As SRF veterans are already aware, Saxon is always a remarkable live band, so if you’ve never seen them before this is even more of a chance not to be missed. Obviously there will be classics in abundance, as well as tasty treats from the band’s by then released 20th (!) studio album. Which will undoubtedly be just as good as we’ve learnt to expect from one of the biggest, most reliable bands in classic heavy metal.

Changing vocalists can prove fatal to a band’s career. Especially when the former singer is a Legend with a capital L. Germans Accept have passed this test with flying colors. The band’s reunion, with American Mark Tornillo (ex-TT Quick) in lieu of Udo Dirkschneider behind the microphone, has been a tremendous success. Their comeback album ”Blood of the nation” (2010) was met with raving enthusiasm and its sequel ”Stalingrad” (2012) repeated the success. But ”just” because Accept has entered a new golden age, they haven’t forgotten about the old one. Mega classics like ”Balls to the wall”, ”Fast as a shark” and ”Metal heart” are usually still in place in the setlist when one of the world’s most legendary heavy metal bands hits the stage.

Melodic death metal that is not poppy, nor influenced by folk music though the lyrics deal with Norse mythology and Viking themes. Amon Amarth from Stockholm have walked their own path on their way to becoming one of the most succesful death metal-bands of our time. They formed as early as 1992 and got their first minor breakthrough with their lauded fourth album ”Versus the world” (2002), where their sound for the first time was dominated by heaviness rather than speed. From that point, Amon Amarth earned increasingly greater success with albums like ”With Oden on our side” (2006), ”Twilight of the thunder god” (2008) and ”Surtur rising” (2011). Powerful guitar work, a relentless rhythm section and grandiose achievements from Johan Hegg, a frontman who both looks and sounds as if he was was born to perform in a band like this – a combination that has made Amon Amarth international metal stars.

Sweden favorites UFO were largely responsible for shaping melodic hard rock as we know it. Originally, as in 1969, they played space rock but changed direction a few years later and reached their commercial peak during 1974-78. This era bred a barrage of classic UFO songs like ”Doctor doctor”, ”Lights out”, ”Only you can rock me”, ”Rock bottom”, and many more. Like many 70s acts, the 80s were tougher on UFO, but they have since bounced back. Today’s version of UFO includes classic members Phil Mogg (vocals), Andy Parker (drums) and Paul Raymond (keyboard/guitar) plus guitar hero Vinnie Moore – a team that is probably the most popular UFO lineup since the classic era.

In the early 90s, Skid Row was one of the world’s biggest bands. The albums ”Skid Row” (1989) and ”Slave to the grind” (1991) contained a mighty blend of sleazy melodies and heavy metal mayhem, and songs like ”18 and life”, ”Youth gone wild” and ”Monkey business” became big hits. The fact that the band’s classic line-up split up in 1996 and vocalist Sebastian Bach became a solo artist did however not mean that the world had seen the last of Skid Row. In 2003 their comeback album ”Thickskin” arrived, featuring new singer Johnny Solinger, and Skid Row has remained a highly prolific live act. The time has now come for their SRF second visit with us (their first was in 2007), around the same time as their sixth album ”United world rebellion – chapter 1” sees the light of day.

When Rick Springfield played at Sweden Rock Festival in 2010 it was his first visit to Scandinavia in over 20 years, and it would be a lie to say that the show was anything than a big success, with even the toughest metal fans in the huge audience singing along to songs like ”Jessie’s Girl”, ”Love Somebody”, ”Living in Oz” and ”Don’t talk to Strangers”. A film team followed Rick during his stay at SRF and a lot of the material ended up in the movie ”Affair of the Heart”, which was released in the USA last year and deals with Rick’s fantastic relationship to his fans (it’ll be out on dvd shortly). 2012 also saw the release of the critically acclaimed album “Songs for the End of the World”, which showcases a more modern and heavier Rick Springfield than ever before. And 2013 will give this testosterone-filled Australian entertainer the rights to once again set the Festival Stage on fire and deliver the energetic and intense rock show that is his trademark!

Five Finger Death Punch is arguably one of the hottest bands at present from the wave of modern American metal that is sweeping across Europe. Their three albums – ”The way of the fist” (2007), ”War is the answer” (2009) and ”American capitalist” (2011) – have all been certified gold in the USA, which means sales of more than 500 000 copies each. Songs like ”Under and over it”, ”Far from home”, ”Remember everything” and ”Coming down” have also become hit singles. Five Finger Death Punch have previously extended their march of triumph to Europe at festivals like Download. Now its SRF’s turn. This will be the bands only show in Sweden next summer!

More than ten million copies sold and a global hit in ”Heat of the moment”. Asia’s eponymous debut was one of the biggest sensations of 1982. Not unexpectedly, since they were among the finest musicians in rock with merits from the likes of Yes, King Crimson and Emerson Lake & Palmer. That time, Asia’s classic lineup was regrettably short-lived, but since 2006 John Wetton (vocals/bass), Geoff Downes (keyboards) and Carl Palmer (drums) are back together, now with young guitar virtuoso Sam Coulson adding new energy and edge to the Asia sound. ”XXX” from 2012 is the third album since the comeback and proves that Asia is still one of the most grandiose and skillful bands in melodic rock.

”Long stick goes boom”, ”Bedside radio”, ”Screaming in the night” and ”Headhunter” are just a few of all the classic 80s-tracks by Krokus. The Swiss act made, essentially, the ultimate headbanging music – AC/DC-influenced with an extra metal edge – and consequently became one of Europe’s biggest hard rock bands. Krokus live and thrive in the present as well. Their last album ”Hoodoo” (2010) was a big success and the coming ”Dirty dynamite” is in for a hot reception as well, since it is also being recorded by the (almost) complete classic Krokus line-up: singer Marc Storace, guitarists Fernando Von Arb and Mark Kohler and bassist Chris Von Rohr. So far, Krokus have sold thirteen million albums but they’re still ever so hungry.

The year was 1982, the movie ”Rocky III” and the theme song ”Eye of the tiger”. This one song guaranteed Chcago’s Survivor their place in rock history forever. But it didn’t end there. Instead Survivor kept producing hit after hit, including ”I can’t hold back”, ”High on you”, ”The search is over” and not least ”Burning heart”, the theme from – that’s right – ”Rocky IV” (1985). They are, in short, one of the biggest AOR bands ever, and now the time has finally come for the first SRF appearance of their long career. Original guitarist Frankie Sullivan is in charge as always, and by his side we once again find classic, and still amazing Survivor vocalist Jimi Jamison. This will be the only show in Scandinavia!

One of the biggest, most influential doom metal bands of all time have released their last studio album. Candlemass’s bassist and leader Leif Edling has decided to end the band on a high note, and thus make ”Psalms for the dead” (2012) their swan song. As a live band, they will remain active somewhat longer – however, their only Swedish festival appearance in 2013 will Sweden Rock Festival, where they have been selected as Wednesday’s closing act. The man behind the microphone is nowadays Mats Levén, the top vocalist who has stood by Edling’s side in Abstrakt Algebra and Krux. There will of course be nuggets from such legendary albums as ”Epicus doomicus metallicus” (1986) and ”Nightfall” (1987), but also newer material that actually can hold its own even in such esteemed company.

With their debut album ”Backstreet Symphony” (1990) Londoners Thunder, with their roots firmly planted in bluesrock soil, climbed fast to the top among the melodic hard rock-bands. Strong melodies, pompous ballads and the Danny Bowes’ characteristic voice didn’t leave much to want for for fans of the genre. Songs like ”Love Walked In”, ”Higher Ground” and ”Dirty Love” are considered classics today, 24 years later. With their second album ”Laughing On Judgement Day” (1992), with singles like ”Everybody Wants Her” and ”A Better Man” they consolidated their position, with the album reaching 2nd place in the British Album Chart. At this point in time, the grunge movement had started to gain more attention, with classic hard rock acts like Thunder being pushed out from the mainstream. But unbothered by that, and with the exception of a short period in the beginning of the millennium, Thunder have continued to both release great albums (”Bang!” from 2008 being the most recent) and tour the globe over the years. And the touring has paid off – believe us when we say that when Thunder visit SRF for the second time it is as one of the best live acts in the genre!

”Ahead of their time” doesn’t even come close. At The Gates’ fourth album ”Slaughter of the soul” (1995) could be the most groundbreaking release of all in melodic death metal, also known as The Gothenburg sound. Nobody denies that, not least, contemporary Amerian metal would’ve been vastly different without it. At The Gates itself folded shortly after the release, and a legend was born. Consequently, the band reunited for a series of live shows in 2008 (at SRF, among other places), for a more grandiose closure than their sad demise in 1996. However, the following well deserved success was too big not to repeat, so now, five years later, they’re back at SRF: Tompa Lindberg (vocals), Anders Björler (guitar), Martin Larsson (guitar), Jonas Björler (bass) and Adrian Erlandsson (drums).

The term ”eccentric genius” could have been tailor-made for Devin Townsend. He had his breakthrough in 1993 as the singer of Steve Vai’s short-lived Vai outfit. In 1994-2007 he led Strapping Young Lad, one of the most original and lauded bands in the harder side of metal. Last but not least he has released 14 studio albums under his own name, the most recent five as The Devin Townsend Project (the sixth one is on its way). The Devin Townsend Project is characterized by no two recods being the same, and everything being possible. Devin expresses all sides of his multi-faceted personality, with the results being both extremely brutal as well as soft and mellow – and always with simply extreme results. Now one of the most innovative characters in metal is coming to SRF.

What Metallica is in ”the big four”, Kreator is in Germany’s ”big three” – the biggest of the nation’s thrashers. Kreator debuted in 1985 and albums like ”Pleasure to kill” (1986) and ”Extreme aggression” (1989) are milestones in thrash history. In the 90s, the band’s records became increasingly experimental and genre-defying. However, their return to thrash on ”Violent revolution” (2001) was applauded by the fans and success has continued with consequent releases, most recently ”Phantom Antichrist” (2012). In 2013, Kreator will return to SRF after a six year absence.

When Finnish band Sonata Arctica emerged in 1999, they were mainly inspired by their countrymen in Stratovarius. Consequently, they became a power metal band, and from the start a successful one. Starting with their third album, ”Winterheart’s guild” (2003), Sonata Arctica moved in a more progressive direction, particularily influenced by Queen. This has been increasingly predominant on subsequent releases, not least their most recent album ”Stones grow her name” (2012). This has rendered Sonata Arctica accolades from many others besides power metal fans, without the band being forgotten by their core audience. And Tony Kakko is still one of his genre’s most celebrated vocalists.

One of the most bizarre rock bands of all time was born in 1986. Finnish director Ari Kaurismäki was in a bar with two singer friends and an idea materialized. The two vocalists would form a band, parodying the waning power of the Soviet Union, and Kaurismäki was to shoot their promo video. The band became the Leningrad Cowboys, and the promo video became several motion pictures. Leningrad Cowboys turned into a ”real” band, whose music is a mix of polka mixed with more or less heavy rock and elements of pretty much every other genre of music you can think of. The lyrics are, unsurprisingly, humorous and several twisted covers are also part of the weaponry. After eight studio albums it is now time for this cult band, thirteen (!) members strong, to debut at SRF.

Raubtier’s Swedish break arrived immediately with their 2009 debut single, ”Kamphund” (Fight dog). Their heavy, yet extremely catchy industrial metal with lyrics in their native tongue caused many comparisons to Rammstein. However, Raubtier promptly proved their originality. Their uncommon influences include military life as well as life in the rough cold in the thinly populated North of Sweden. To date they have released three successful studio albums, most recently ”Från Norrland till Helvetets Port” (From the North of Sweden to the Gates of Hell). Not to mention several more acclaimed singles like ”Låt napalmen regna” (Let the napalm rain), ”Sveriges elit” (The elite of Sweden) and ”Besten i mig” (The beast in me). Raubtier will also sing the Swedish National Anthem on Swedens National Day before they go on with their own full set.

The unofficial Queen of heavy metal is a perennial favorite with Swedish fans. As the singer of 80s’ band Warlock, Dorothee ”Doro” Pesch became one of Germany’s leading heavy metal stars. Following four classic albums with that band, she commenced a solo career in 1989. Since then Doro has, among many other things, released eleven studio albums, all with some variation boasting an admirable fidelity to traditional heavy metal. As the title suggests, her latest album ”Raise your fist” (2012) has an especially high ”fists in the air”-quality, as do Doro’s live shows.

Thin Lizzy – legends and infinitely loved by the SRF audience for such songs as ”The boys are back in town”, ”Don’t believe a word” and ”Jailbreak”. Now they change name to Black Star Riders, since guitarist Scott Gorham and cohorts don’t want to release new material as Thin Lizzy without the late Phil Lynott who passed away in 1986. The band’s first album as Black Star Riders arrives in May, and according to A&R guru Monte Conner who has signed the band to Nuclear Blast ”it doesn’t just sound like Thin Lizzy, but like classic Thin Lizzy”! Gorham’s current sidemen are an impressive lot: bassist Marco Mendoza (ex-Whitesnake, Ted Nugent), drummer Jimmy DeGrasso (ex-Megadeth, Alice Cooper), guitarist Damon Johnson (ex-Alice Cooper, Sammy Hagar) and singer/guitarist Ricky Warwick (The Almighty). Of course there will be both new songs and Thin Lizzy classics when said gang is unleashed at SRF.

In the early 70s’, Sweet’s glam rock broke through with a string of hit songs: ”Funny Funny”, ”CoCo” and ”Poppa Joe” gave them their first visits on the top lists, but it was with songs like ”Blockbuster”, ”Teenage rampage”, ”The six teens”, ”Turn it down” and of course ”Ballroom Blitz” that the band truly became a household name. The classicl line-up was put to rest in 1979 when singer Brian Connolly got fired from the band. For many, many years there were rumors about a reunion, but it never happened before Connolly passed away in 1997.These days, the only remaining member from the classic line-up is guitarist Andy Scott. The band sporadically still releases new music, but it is definitely on stage that these gentlemen still deliver high octane glam rock – with a clear focus on all the immortal hit songs! It has now seven years since the last time Sweet made a huge success at Sweden Rock Festival, and now it’s time again. Sweet will perform on Wednesday, the 5th of June.

One of the great survivors from the New wave of British heavy metal and perennial favorites with lovers of classic metal. Demon’s discography so far encompasses twelve studio albums, from their 1981 debut ”Night of the demon” to the brand new ”Unbroken”. The records’ sound may vary from diabolical to melodic, progressive light or simply raw, but two elements are constant: the foundation is always traditional heavy metal, and there is the grandiose and characteristic voice of Dave Hill. All this has earned Demon a place in metal history and spawned classics like ”Don’t break the circle” and ”Night of the demon” – songs that remain in the band’s setlist to this day.

Jason Newsted is best known for having handled four string duties in Metallica 1986-2001. Before that, he was the driving force behind the fellow thrash metal band Flotsam And Jetsam and since his departure from Metallica Jason has played with Ozzy Osbourne, Voivod, Echobrain and Papa Wheelie, to name a few. Now he is rebooting his career with a brand new band, and the style of music is exactly what title of the group’s acclaimed debut EP implies: “Metal”. That Jason is now also singing should come as no surprise to fans of his former employers – in Metallica, Jason did loads of background vocals, and even sang lead at a few shows when James Hetfield was incapacitated. Dare we hope for a Metallica tune or two in the set of Newsted’s first Sweden Rock Festival appearance? This will be the only show in Sweden this summer!

Paradise Lost have been called inventors of Gothic metal and are undoubtedly one of the biggest melancholy rock bands in history. They debuted in 1990 and made metal history with such works as ”Gothic” (1991), ”Shades of God” (1992) and their biggest commercial success ”Draconian times” (1995). Today they are experiencing a second golden age, not least with their thirteenth and most recent album ”Tragic idol” (2012). Paradise Lost are also noted for their stability – only excepting a succession of drummers. Thus, the band fronted by singer Nick Holmes and guitarist/main composer Greg Mackintosh display a commanding presence that only years of collaboration can create.

Gothenburg's Amaranthe is one of Sweden's hottest metal acts right now, whose members have histories in such bands as Kamelot, Dream Evil, Nightrage and Engel. Their sound could be described as a combination of power metal and – very – melodic death metal, spiced up with contemporary sound effects, catchy hooks and, lest we forget, triple lead vocals with male and female, fair and brutal all together. The band's debut ”Amaranthe” arrived in 2011 and was a big success. The highly anticipated sophomore album will appear in early 2013.

Hardline’s debut ”Double eclipse” (1992) is a sparkling diamond from the ”alternative”-dominated 90s. Since then the band has vanished and reapperared somewhat unpredictably, but at the time of their fourth album ”Danger zone” (2012), phenomenal singer Johnny Gioeli declared that Hardline was back to stay. Gioeli has previously appeared at SRF with his current employer Axel Rudi Pell, but this marks the SRF debut of his own brainchild. Considering that this in fact is Hardline’s first show ever in Sweden, we hope that this will bring joy to many a devoted fan of AOR and melodic rock!

Right behind Dream Theater and Symphony X, the British band Threshold is one of the most important bands in progressive, melodic metal right now. Their debut album, “Wounded Land”, came out in 1993 and the band was soon embraced by prog metal afficiniados. 2007’s “Dead Reckoning” saw them breaking through to a wider audience, making them a force to be reckoned with on the melodic metal scene as a whole. By that time, original vocalist Damian Wilson had been replaced by Andrew “Mac” McDermott and made a name for himself with projects like Ayreon, Aina and Star One, the musical Lés Miserables and guest appearances with After Forever, Praying Mantis and Mostly Autumn to name a few. Now, Wilson is back in the band and their new album “March of Progress” has been getting rave reviews. Apart from a gig at the Sweden Rock Cruise in 2008, this will be Threshold’s first appearance ever before a Swedish audience.

Guitarist Gus G (Kostas Karamitroudis) is now world famous as Zakk Wylde’s replacement with Ozzy Osbourne. But those who know their melodic metal are familiar with him since way before, from bands like Dream Evil, Nightrage and obviously Firewind. The latter constellation is Gus’ own baby and its music can, for simplicity’s sake, be described as neo-classical power metal. Firewind debuted in 2002 and are currently hotter than ever, thanks to the great success of their seventh and most recent album ”Few against many” (2012). On top of all that, the band’s remaining members are equally talented as Gus himself. We’re talking about such heavyweights as keyboard player Bob Katsionis (Septic Flesh, Revolution Renaissance) and singer Apollo Papathanasio (Spiritual Beggars, Evil Masquerade).

One of the great cult bands in Swedish hard rock feels it’s time to call it a day. Albums like ”Dreamhunter” (1987) and ”Organized crime” (1989) and such songs as ”Get you on the run”, ”We are one” and ”World of promises” made Treat one of the classic Swedish bands of melodic hard rock. The new millenium saw the welcome reunion of the band, and their comeback album ”Coup de grace” (2010) made the fans cheer with delight. However, Treat feel that one should end on a high note. Thus singer Robert Ernlund, guitarist Anders Wikström, drummer Jamie Borger and keyboard player Patrik Appelgren will do one final tour before calling it quits for good (the bass will be handled by Fredrik Thomander). If you want to join the farewell party, SRF 2013 is the place to be.

Folk punk and rock was a big thing in 1980s’ Britain. Entering the 90s it had perished, said the critics. Along came The Levellers to become the biggest band the genre had ever seen. Their first five albums, released in 1990-97, were all gold sellers, producing such hits as ”One way”, ”15 years”, ”This garden” and ”Just the one”. Subsequent releases were less successful commersially, but in recent years The Levellers have experienced a renaissance on their home turf, following albums in bona fide style. Now the SRF crowds will also get to experience this original act – who said that a social conscience and high spirits were mutually exclusive?

In 1990, the golden age of glam, the Quireboys debuted with ”A bit of what you fancy” and singlehandedly put good old British pub rock back in the limelight. Songs like ”Hey you” and ”7 o’ clock” became hits and the London band stuck to their guns on albums like ”Bitter sweet & twisted” (1993) and ”Homewreckers & heartbreakers” (2008). In 2009, the Quireboys released ”Halfpenny dancer”, demonstrating how well the acoustic format suits their classic songs. This is exactly the format where we’ll get to enjoy them this time at SRF.

UK born Australian Jon English became a household name in Scandinavia in 1980, when he when he appeared in the lead role of the incredibly popular TV mini-series “Against the wind” as the convict Jonathan Garreth. Together with writing partner Mario Millo he also wrote the theme song of the series, “Six Ribbons”, which became a number one hit in six countries. In Sweden and Norway he became something of a superstar. He had his big breakthrough in Australia as an artist as early as in 1972, when at the age of 22 he was given the prestigious and demanding lead role of Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar. The show’s success kept him busy for the next five years, touring all over Australia and New Zealand. During the same time, Jon also recorded four albums. But after his third chart topping hit single, “Words are not enough”, and an Australian tour with Thin Lizzy in 1977, he took a break from music to focus on his acting career. In the 80’s, Jon returned to rock and got widespread recognition in most of the western world. Now the time has come for Jon English to return to Scandinavia and at his Sweden Rock Festival debut he will be backed by Swedish hard rockers Spearfish, so expect some powerful rock music spiced with Jon’s outstanding and soulful whisky-laden voice. And yes, he will play “Six ribbons”!

With his debut ”Ja, dä ä dä” (Yes, it is) (1969), Pugh Rogefeldt created a milestone of Swedish rock music. His collected solo works include immortal songs like ”Dinga linga Lena” (Silly-nilly Lena), ”Hog farm” and ”Små lätta moln” (Little light clouds). In the 80s he gained further fame with ”super group” Grymlings, featuring fellow Swedish legend Mikael Rickfors. More recently, Swedish viewers have seen him in the TV-success ”Så mycket bättre” (So much better), but it is still as a rock’n’roll performer on stage he is at his very best.

Traditional hardrock and heavy metal is back with a vengeance in Sweden. Bullet can take a lot of credit for this. Ever since their inception in 2001 this band has upheld the same ideals as the legendary AC/DC, Accept and Krokus – powerful riffs, unbridled energy and no messing around. Their discography so far includes four full-length albums: ”Heading for the top” (2006), the breakthrough release ”Bite the bullet” (2008), ”Highway pirates” (2011) and ”Full pull” (2012). These releases have made Bullet one of Sweden’s hottest rock’n’rollers, earning them the privilege of opening for AC/DC as well as leaving the crowd at SRF hot and sweaty in 2006 and 2009, thus rendering their return much requested.

In 2013 Vader celebrate their 30th anniversary, release their 10th studio album ”Straight to hell”, and perform at SRF for the first time. The Poles are one of the most reliable acts in death metal, having consistently done their own thing since their 1992 debut ”The ultimate incantation”. Thay have also succeded in expanding their fanbase through all these years. Not surprisingly, since more recent outputs as ”Impressions in blood” (2006) and ”Welcome to the morbid reich” (2011) are quite equal to the band’s oldest material. In addition, main man Piotr ”Peter” Wiwczarek remains a growler of the highest calibre. This will also be Vader’s only Swedish festival appearance in 2013 – a given highlight for death metal lovers.

The cult classic ”(Empty) tankard” on the debut ”Zombie attack” (1986) established an image of Tankard that lives on to this day, on their fifteenth studio album so far, ”A girl called Cerveza” (2012). The image of the ”thrash metal band with songs about beer”. An oversimplification, to be sure, but an epithet that is quite pleasing to the band members themselves – not to mention their fans. These fans are known for their loyalty, not surprisingly since Tankard themselves have also always been loyal to traditional thrash metal. Another reason is that the band shows no sign of losing energy, neither on stage, on record or at the bar.

Better late than never. Hypocrisy, one of Sweden’s most classic death metal bands, have actually never played at SRF before. They formed in 1990 around Peter Tägtgren – later famous also as a producer and as the leader of Pain. Hypocrisy began as a traditional, diabolical death metal band but later evolved in a more melodic direction, often with scifi-influenced lyrics. The Hypocrisy of today delivers quality material in both styles, and this spring will see the arrival of their twelfth studio album, the long awaited follow-up to ”A taste of extreme divinity” (2009).

America in the 80s had more than hair metal and thrash metal to offer headbangers. There was also genuine heavy metal with an epic touch and progressive leanings, represented by the likes of Savatage, Cirith Ungol and Manilla Road. The latter Kansas residents debuted in 1980 and released several albums that rank among the finest in history by many metal traditionalists: ”Crystal logic” (1983), ”Open the gates” (1985) and ”The deluge” (1986). Manilla Road went into hiatus in 1992 but returned in 2000 and released ”Atlantis rising” the following year – fortunately in fine form. In 2013, original vocalist Mark Shelton and cohorts will be releasing their 16th studio album ”Mysterium” and also make their SRF debut. Which will, incidentally, be their only Swedish festival appearance of the year.

Masters Of Reality, led by singer, multi-instrumentalist and producer Chris Goss, is one of the true cult bands of heavy rock. They formed in the state of New York but are often associated with California’s famed Palm Desert scene, also including Kyuss, Queens Of The Stone Age and Fu Manchu. However, Masters Of Reality is not an orthodox stoner rock act, but offers a more eclectic mix with ingredients like blues, progressive rock and psychedelic pop. They’re not the most prolific of bands, though – since 1988 they have only released six studio albums, most recently ”Pine/Cross Dover” (2009). We were lucky enough to catch them at the right time and we are thrilled to present their SRF-debut.

In an age when many thought 70s-influences to be synonymous with stoner rock, along came Witchcraft to set the record straight. Using vintage instruments and intentionally primitive recording methods, they managed to sound astonishingly ”old”, and very good, on record. The albums ”Witchcraft” (2004), ”Firewood” (2005) and ”The alchemist” (2007) paid great homage to the band’s inspirations Pentagram and Roky Erickson and were backed up by extensive touring. This was followed by a period of silence that Witchcraft are now breaking. Firstly, with their fourth and heaviest album ”Legend”. Secondly with their equally anticipated return to the live stage.

Naglfar is one of the most famous Swedish black metal bands. They debuted with ”Vittra” in 1995 and their sound has often been compared to countrymen like Unanimated, Sacramentum and Dissection. The band’s career could be divided into two eras. The first one featured Jens Rydén (later Profundi and Thyrfing) as a frontman and ”Diabolical” (1998) and ”Sheol” (2003) as creative highpoints. The second one had, and still has, former bassist Kristoffer ”Wrath” Olivius as the singer and began with the lauded masterpiece ”Pariah” (2005). In 2013 Naglfar arrives at SRF for one of their rare live appearances, the year after their sixth album ”Téras” ended a five-year long hiatus in the recording department.

Heathen is one of the most original of the classic Bay Area thrash metal-acts. Their debut ”Breaking the silence” (1987) distinguished itself with its strong melodies and the clean(ish) vocals of David Godfrey-White. Their second outing, ”Victims of Deception” (1991), was a milestone in progressive thrash. Heathen went on hiatus for the remainder of the 90s, but 2010 saw them return with another strong album, ”The evolution of chaos”. Now the fourth album is on its way, as well as the band’s SRF debut – as always with David White and guitar wiz Lee Altus (also in Exodus) at the front.

Crazy Lixx is one of the most influential names among current Swedish glam acts. Their debut album ”Loud minority” arrived in 2007, featuring the single ”Heroes are forever”. Their sophomore effort ”New religion” (2010) maintained the combination of catchy hooks and a glam-oriented soud. The latter album helped spread the word of the band internationally and paved the way for ”Riot Avenue” (2012). Here Crazy Lixx show signs of renewal – the sound is rougher without sacrificing the essential melodies.

Vegard Sverre ”Ihsahn” Tveitan made metal history as the frontman of Emperor – one of the mightiest names in black metal history. After the band’s final studio release in 2001, Ihsahn chose a more eclectic path, first in Peccatum (with his wife Heidi ”Ihriel” Solberg Tveitan) and later as a solo artist. His first solo effort ”The adversary” (2006) was rooted relatively firmly in his black metal past, whereas progressive elements dominate the subsequent ones, most recently ”Eremita” (2012). Ihsahns massive array of influences encompasses, apart from metal, ambient, classical music and much, much more. Labeling him one of the great pioneers in harder metal may sound pompous, but is not a big exaggeration.

Civil War is something of a new Swedish melodic metal supergroup. Their lineup includes four former Sabaton members and one of Sweden’s most acclaimed metal singers, Nils Patrik Johansson (Astral Doors, Lion’s Share, Wuthering Heights). The debut EP ”Rome is falling” was released in November 2012 – preceded by its namesake single – and the full-length album will arrive in May. Civil War has already got a lot of positive attention and will make their very first live appearance at SRF 2013.

They got their national break in 2008, when their debut single ”Time and again” was the theme song for the Swedish version of ”Survivor”. Since then Corroded from the north of Sweden have released three albums, most recently ”State of disgrace” (2012) which confirmed their status as one of Sweden's most popular hard rock acts at present. Following, among other things, a tour with Avenged Sevenfold, more and more people refer to the band as ”Sweden's next big metal export”. Corroded's brand of heavy rock is, simply put, influenced by each rocking decade from the 70s and onwards, though the final product is unmistakably modern.

The frontman of Swedish legends Backyard Babies is currently a successful solo artist. Perhaps most notably with the song ”Leaving home”, which was a major national hit in 2011. With his third solo album, ”Ruins of a riot”, Nicke Borg goes back to his roots with groove-based, rough and unpretentious rock. Today’s version of Nicke Borg Homeland includes former Bullet guitarist Erik Almström as well as Nicke’s old Backyard Babies associate, bassist Johan Blomquist. This means that the SRF audience can expect numerous Backyard Babies classics in a setlist ripe with old and new goodies.

Do you like classic, groove-based, bluesy and vicious rock à la Aerosmith, the Rolling Stones and ZZ Top? Are Blackberry Smoke and Black Stone Cherry more recent favorites of yours? If so, don't miss out on Stacie Collins. America's new rock'n'roll queen also sings like a daughter of fallen Lynyrd Skynyrd-hero Ronnie Van Zant, and plays harmonica like a god(dess). And not just according to us, but to none other than Classic Rock Magazine on the topic of Stacie Collins' second and most recent albums ”Sometimes ya gotta” (2010). Possibly one of this year's hottest SRF-debutantes.

In the mid-90s, media and the major labels all but lost interest in traditional metal. Morgana Lefay soldiered on nonetheless. The Swedish quintet adamantly stuck to their own, ominous-sounding brand of heavy metal, influenced by the likes of Savatage, Metal Church, Crimson Glory and Sanctuary. Their early albums ”Knowing just as I” (1993), ”The secret doctrine” (1993), ”Sanctified” (1995) and ”Maleficium” (1996) are landmarks in Swedish metal history. The band continued as Lefay from 1998, reinstalled the name Morgana Lefay in 2004 and went on indefinite hiatus in 2007. The quintet was renowned for their brilliant live shows, with charismatic singer Charles Rytkönen as the focal point. We’re now very proud to present their first full-length live show since 2007 (with a shorter set at the Sweden Rock Cruise in October 2012 breaking the ice), as well as the only gig they have booked at the moment.

Satans debutalbum ”Court in the act” (1983) har ofta hyllats som ett av de mest betydande släppen från New wave of British heavy metal. Låtarna var av högsta klass och kombinationen av melodier och upptemporiff nydanande – om du inte har hört originalet kanske du känner till Blind Guardians cover på plattans öppningsspår ”Trial by fire”. Bandet upplöstes efter en rad byten av medlemmar och bandnamn. Inte förrän 2011 återförenades Satan i ”Court in the act”-sättningen, inklusive sångaren Brian Ross, känd från Blitzkrieg, och kärnduon från Skyclad Steve Ramsey (gitarr) och Graeme English (bas). Det efterlängtade comebackalbumet släpps under våren och följs av deras första liveframträdande i Skandinavien någonsin – vilket också blir det enda i Sverige för sommaren 2013.

Some call them power metal, others call them ”plain” hair metal – everyone calls them a cult band. Axxis from Dortmund broke out of the underground with their very first album ”Kingdom of the night” (1989), the best selling debut by a German metal band at that point. The exceedingly catchy melodies and original vocals by Bernhard Weiss made Axxis stand out from the very beginning. They still do, eleven more studio albums later. Many a Swede discovered Axxis in 2007, when they triumphantly opened for Helloween and Gamma Ray on tour. Now the time has come to renew our acquaintance with what has often been called one of Germany’s best live acts.

California’s Huntress is one of the most talked-about new metal bands today. Their debut ”Spell eater” arrived in spring 2012, on the surface ”just” another occult-inspired album by newcomers. However, Huntress’ style of heavy metal contains way more of the 80s than the 70s, frequently bordering on thrash metal. Band leader and self-proclaimed white witch Jill Janus also possesses a highly original and multifaceted voice. Her piercing shrieks and theatrical outbursts add another dimension to songs like ”Eight of swords”, ”Spell eater” and ”Snow witch”.

All good things come to an end. Swedish death metal heroes Vomitory have reached theirs. They formed in 1989 and have never strayed from their genre’s original raw and straightforward ideals. This gave them both attention and respect when their debut ”Raped in their own blood” arrived in 1996 – with death metal in general sounding markedly different at the time. In total the band has released eight albums, most recently ”Opus mortis VIII” in 2011, and all of them are equally stylistically faithful. Now, after 24 years, Vomitory have proclaimed their imminent dissolution. At SRF you get to take a final farewell of a truly classic, Swedish death metal-battalion.

Sweden’s pride of Southern rock has been covered in praise from genre enthusiasts, not to mention reviewers. The band’s discography thus far encompasses three albums: ”Here to save you all” (2001), ”The second coming” (2007) and ”This heaven goes to eleven” (2011). The track ”Yesterdays and tomorrows” off the latter was even distributed through the mighty Classic Rock Magazine. Backdraft’s third appearance at SRF sees them embracing yet another cherished Southern rock attribute: namely triple guitars. The band takes the stage featuring all three guitarists who were ever part of the lineup, for the first and only (?) time.

Blues man Michael Katon is known as the guitarist from Hell (!), Michigan. However, it was at the pubs in Detroit, rock city, that he developed his characteristic, raw style of playing. His debut didn’t appear until many years later, but ”Boogie all over your head” (1984) was worth the wait. Sophomore effort ”Proud to be loud” (1988) was in turn a modern blues-rock classic. Since then Michael Katon has stuck to his guns, regardless of passing trends, producing a number of fine albums in the process. Most recently in 2012, when he released both ”Hard on! (the boogie)”, featuring fresh material, and the cover album ”Blue tooth (blues I cut my teeth on)”.

In 2010, five musicians from different generations gathered to play 70s’ style hard rock with Swedish lyrics. They took the name Mårran (the nickname of bassist Morgan Korsmoe) and from there it just took off. In 2012 they released their two (!) first albums, hailed by both critics and fans alike. This thanks to the strong material and the band forming such a strong unit. Then again, the line-up does include such names as organ player Max Lorentz (formerly with numerous Swedish rock heroes), drummer Björn Inge (ex-November) and singer Göran Edman (ex-John Norum, Yngwie Malmsteen et al).

Few more recent power metal-acts have made an impression similar to that of the heroes from the genre’s golden age around the turn of the millenium. Bloodbound from Sweden rank among the more successful ones. Their debut ”Nosferatu” (2005) was praised domestically and their fifth and most recent album ”In the name of metal” (2012) is equally ripe with strong melodies and catchy choruses. Bloodbound also have their darker moments, without ever abandoning the domains of power metal. And the band’s previous trouble with singers seems a thing of the past, with the arrival of Patrik Johansson (also in Dawn Of Silence).

Norwegians Magic Pie are currently one of Europe’s greatest acts in traditional progressive rock. They have released three albums since 2005 (number four is on the way), all of whom have received great praise. The band’s sound is built primarily on 70s’ influences, but also includes other ingredients, such as contemorary prog metal. In other words, this is the band for those of you who like vintage Genesis, Dream Theater, the Flower Kings – or even Tower Of Power. Coincidentally, singer Eirikur Hauksson should be known to heavy metal cognoscenti as a former member of Artch.

Sister Sin formed in Gothenburg and was originally regarded as a sleaze act. This label seems pretty distant now, after three albums filled with raw, traditional hard rock. Think Wasp, Motörhead, Accept and vintage Mötley Crüe – street metal, as Sister Sin themselves named their sound. The band, featuring excellent singer Liv Jagrell, has to date mostly been active on the American club scene. Now their new album ”Now and forever” has set the ball rolling in their home country as well.

Swedish radio station Rockklassiker are putting together a band named Rockklassiker All-Stars for a one-off show at this year's Sweden Rock Festival. So far, the band is made up of Europe drummer (and morning radio DJ) Ian Haugland, ZZ Top look-alike afternoon DJ Cloffe and Rockklassiker's "action reporter" Heavy, also known in Sweden for being a member of the band Dökött. Not much of an all-star line-up, one might argue, but starting from now, action reporter Heavy will be working hard to get well-known musicians to join the band. Up until the festival, he will be calling famous artists on live radio and try to persuade them to be part of the show. So, you can expect the line-up to expand gradually over the weeks to come!

Gothenburgians Spiders are a prominent addition to the new wave of traditional hard rock with roots all the way down in the 60s. After several lauded vinyl singles and EP:s, their full-length debut ”Flash point” arrived in October 2012. The psychedelically tinted sound gives associations to both Pentagram, Blue Cheer and even Motörhead. In short, productive guitarist John Hoyles (Troubled Horse, ex-Witchcraft) has picked another winner, and his wife Ann-Sofie is one of Sweden’s currently most promising rock singers.

Sherilyn Fenn’s mischievous, seductive character from the ”Twin Peaks” tv-series has lent her name to this modern, but at the same time nostalgic sounding, metal act. Audrey Horne was formed by members formerly associated with black metal luminaries like Enslaved and Gorgoroth, but even though the music is dark and heavy, their own sound is more reminiscent of Alice In Chains, Faith No More and A Perfect Circle. Add a little 70s vibe to the description and you’ll get the big picture. The band generated much positive praise even from their debut in 2005 and their fourth full-length album ”Youngblood” will arrive in 2013.

Traditional blues rock is not what you primarily associate with the early 80s. However, Nine Below Zero achieved cult status in 1980-83, when they released their first three albums and with their uptempo intensity became one of London’s most celebrated club acts. The band also toured with the Kinks and the Who before folding. They were reactivated in 1990, experiencing a dramatic surge in audience interest following the lauded album ”It’s never too late” (2009). Now Nine Below Zero will be arriving at SRF for their sole Swedish performance in 2013.

Hillbilly rock Swedish style. That’s how The Scams were described when their debut ”Noize, booze ’n’ tattooz” arrived in 2007. The sound of The Scams is rough, groove-laden, sweat-soaked and wears its rural heart on its sleeve – the metropolitan glitz and glamor couldn’t be further away. The band’s succeding releases ”Rock and roll krematorium” (2011) and ”Bombs away” (2012) maintain the winning formula and not surprisingly, the band is rapidly growing in popularity. If you liked their countrymen the Hellacopters but craved for something more bad-ass, look no further.

Leprous has rapidly emerged as one of the major hopes for Norwegian progressive metal. Their first album ”Tall poppy syndrome” was released in 2009 and its sequel ”Bilateral” (2011) received praise from far and wide. What makes Leprous special is, among other things, their ability to spice up their sound from the most brutal departments of metal, and still remain faithful to the traditions of progressive rock. Especially since the arguably most important of those traditions is breaking with tradition. It’s hard to describe Leprous more precisely, but if your thing is philosophical, intellectually challenging music, this is the band for you.

When Martin Prahl's Skelter Wheel enters the stage one can expect timeless rock music influenced by bands and artists such as Springsteen, Thin Lizzy, Tom Petty and Rush. Prahl 2011 released his solo debut "Through the dark". The solo project eventually evolved into a band, with a raw rock feeling in a more prominent position. The self-titled album ”Martin Prahl’s Skelter Wheel” was released in September 2012. Just like the debut, the new album was extremely hailed by the critics. This is a band you really do not want to miss if you like timeless soulful rock.

Sahg come from Bergen, Norway, a well-known black metal metropolis. This quartet, however, delivers what could possibly be described as up-tempo doom metal, and include Audrey Horne-guitarist Thomas Tofthagen. Sahg has previously released three albums with the inspired titles ”Sahg 1” (2006), ”Sahg II” (2008) and ”Sahg III” (2010), respectively. The releases gained well deserved appreciation on the band’s home turf and also resulted in a tour in North America with Celtic Frost. At present Sahg are recording their fourth album – would you venture a guess what the title will be?

Klogr from Italy sport a dark and ominous sound in the realms between alternative rock and alternative metal. Their influences include Metallica, Tool, A Perfect Circle and Porcupine Tree – in other words, there are plenty of progressive elements. The band consists of skilled musicians and are already an experienced live act. Klogr’s debut album ”Till you decay” arrived in 2011 and their current EP, similarly named ”Till you turn”, contains among other stuff the single ”King of unknown”.

Mia Klose is a Swedish vocalist whose influences include both Guns N’ Roses and Samantha Fox – in short, the 80s in general. Her debut album is entitled ”London”, after the Stockholm-born artist’s current hometown, and is a team effort by herself and her co-composers/co-producers Danny Drama and Melly. Nobody will be surprised to know that Mia excels in catchy hooks and choruses, and reviewers from all over Europa are already calling her a possible future star of ”hair metal”.

”Released – Live and unsigned” is, as some of you may know, an annual rock competition whose winner gets to grace one of the stages at Sweden Rock Festival the following year. On December 21st, the day the world did not end, The Last Band were crowned the victors this time around. This quartet is based in Gothenburg, has made an ep entitled ”Mean machine” and play ”high class white trash steamroller rock’n’roll”. Brimming with attitude, obviously, and in addition to the gig the SRF crowd can also look forward to the band’s up and coming debut album. Curious about their music, but prefer cd’s over the Internet? Check out the May issue of Sweden Rock Magazine, and you’ll find not only a free cd-single but also an article on the band.

Armageddon, apocalypse, timpanis and trombones. The Dead And Living wanders across overturned tombstones, spider webs and dusty wooden floors. From the debut album "Decadance" (2010) to "The Last Men Standing" (2013), the decadence orchestra has sharpened its claws and gathered ammunition for the conquest of the people's souls. Punk is dead – and it has never sounded better!

Since the start up in 2009, Stockholm-based Imber have built a reputation as a strong live band by touring Sweden and Europe. Their first release, the EP "The Breaking Point" (2012), was followed by exclusively positive reviews, with descriptions such as:"heavy riffs, growls and catchy melodies. Imber's debut EP makes the old metal heart beat fast and leaves you wanting more."

Days Of Jupiter is a promising hardworking rockband from the northern parts of Sweden with an adamant will to succeed. Their debutalbum "Secrets Brought To Life" consists of 10 american-style modern, heavy and melodic tracks, and the band displays their music in their live-set perfectly. The follow up to "Secrets Brought To Life" is due early 2014.

Jaggernaut is a Gothenburg based uprising band consisting of members from known acts such as Lost Horizon, Full Strike, Fatal Smile, Luciferion, Arise, Against The Plagues and Twilight Illusion. This fusion of different artistic expressions and musical backgrounds has resulted in a wide spectrum of styles and a newdirection. The foundation is classic metal, but the sound contains everything from uplifting melodies, technical, aggressive thrash riffs and occasionally even punky “in your face” arrangements, groovy backwards-rhythms, mystical astral synths and effects.

With a versatile sound which is both brutal and melodic, Overworld combines influences from all over the world with a dead-on sense for hits. Everything from modern American metal to grandiose arena rock with a touch of Japan is explored; Overworld mix everything the band loves into something unique of their own. In the spring of 2013 the band will release the new single “My Reality”.

System Annihilated released their debut album ”Furor” in March 2013. With this in the luggage and years of experience already at the age of 18, they are ready to head out and spread their music like the plague. This is heavy, groovy and angry metal from the deep forests of northern Sweden.

The Drake Equation is a progressive metal core act from Sweden with influences from electronic music as well as pop. Pulled together by their burning passion for music, they've been on the road since 2009, delivering live shows filled with energy. The Drake Equation have toured Sweden and shared stages with bands such as The Haunted, Adept and Hardcore Superstar. 2012 they entered the competition Released - Live & Unsigned and made it all the way to the final. The EP "Variables" will be released April 23rd.

Regal Demise consists of five guys from southern Sweden finding their inspiration in bands like The Ghost Inside, For the Fallen Dreams and Parkway Drive. In short, this is a hard-/metalcore band best enjoyed live where they deliver at full speed from start to finish.

No Sweden Rock without the secret men who play hard rock in their own special way. They also have a huge amounts of hats which makes it even more exotic. Keep your eyes open. Good Neighbours can show up anywhere and anytime at the festival area and beyond...