Sweden Rock Festival: Day 1 – Wednesday
So finally. The most wonderful time of the year is about to start. Finally, it is what we call, time to go home. I was going rather late this year – last year, I went up already on Monday, and this year, not until Wednesday. The original plan did though include me going up already on Tuesday in fact, but life happens.
I went on a bit of a deadline seeing Art Nation, one of the bands I pretty much came here to see was performing somewhat early. Not super early, but early enough to stress me. After a few ifs and buts, I finally made it onto the road and blasted some old mix-CD’s I made when I was younger. Seriously, I made them like six or seven years ago, and I still love them today. I guess it’s because it reminds me of old songs, don’t you think?
I was on a pretty good time schedule. It wasn’t perfect – I was set to arrive about an hour or so before Art Nation was about to go on stage, but it could most deffo be worse. I had the oppurtunity to stop by a beautiful stop-place, and I really need to try to make it a thing to stop here. Maybe use a disposable grill?
At 16.50 I had finally parked and gotten out of my car, and said good bye to the little bug that kept me company in the car for the last hour. It was a bit too heavy for him to crawl out, so he held on tight. I went to exchange my ticket first thing, where I met up with Sofia, Johanna and Malin. Sooner than expected, would you know! Already at 17.15 we had our bracelets, yellow and blue, which felt ironic to me considering “The Lion From The North” has been one of my most played songs on a daily basis.
Art Nation
But! With that said, we made it in, we made it to Art Nations stage and I was stoked, beyond stoked to get to see them for the first time as a fan. I saw them, as you guys might know, at Skogsröjet last year and I fell in love with them on an instant.
They opened their set with “One Nation” which for me, seemed to be quite odd for an opener, I had expected it to be something more you know… up beat? The song was quickly followed by “I’m Alive”. The first single of the album, “The Real Me” was next on the list, and I was happily surprised to discover how much heavier it is live! I loved it. I was followed by what I personally thought would be the opener, “Need You To Understand”.
The band was pretty energetic, but I felt that some, or may I say, most of the memebers, seemed to be a bit nervours or holding back a bit. But Alexander was slaying it. The crowd was… so so I’d say. Probably die hards at the front, but that’s about it.
“Kiss up and Kick Down” was next, and I really love this one. I can’t really put my finger on it, but I just do. “Paralyzed” was next on the list, followed by “Don’t Wait for Salvation”. Alexander spoke of how important it is to enjoy yourself, to dance, to have fun. And for this, they used “Start a Fire”… and you know… I like the song, not gonna lie, but on the same time this choice surprised me. It’s not a that fun of a song, in all honest. “All In” was next on the list, before they wrapped the whole set up with “Ghost Town”.
It was such a good show. It was so good seeing them again, and like this, and seeing a band being on the rise. It makes me happy. Til next time!
After this, I went back to my car to have dinner and to set up my tent at the camping. The weather here is pretty shitty not gonna lie – it’s been a bit small rain, but fuck. After getting some help from Sofia to get up some of my stuff, I joined them in their tent for some hanging out before going to see Grave Digger. In the POURING RAIN. Like, waterfall kind of pouring.
Grave Digger
I must admit, I have never really listened to this band, but I was intrigued to see them. They had quite the crowd, and they delievered a really, really good set. I enjoyed every minute of it, despite being caught in the rain from hell. Really cool to see Axel Ritt in action as well!
After Grave Digger was done, I hit up some of the recordstores to check out the supply. I was looking for “No Grave But The Sea”, but didn’t find the edition I wanted. I was so disappointd it’s almost patethic, but hey. What can I say?
I did managed to find some things to. The second Powerwolf box – “History of Heresy” and Sabaton’s “The Swedish Empire Live”, DVD the latter. It was a nice find, and a small start. I need to get the money to my bank, but I have my eyes on a lot of things…
Now, I’m sitting here in the car hoping the rain will calm down eventually so I can go back to the camping and cuddle down in my tent. As if, right?
// Sara
June 8, 2017 at 1:47 pm
Enjoy the 2nd history of heresy box. I have both and love em. 🙂