» Getaway Rock Festival 2015

Getaway Rock Festival 2015

Just like previous years, Getaway Rock Festival offered its visitors three days of fun, filled with concerts by a string of quality bands. The festival located in Gävle, Sweden has many positive attributes and I could well repeat those I listed last year. That being said, a couple of complaints could be made this time.

First, it took forever to collect one's press pass as only one staff was handing them out. Secondly, there were fewer toilets this year and the location of some were not the best either, making the site more crowded. It should be pointed out though that actions were taken to improve the toilet situation. Talking to other visitors, one got the sense that the organisation was not quite as satisfactory this year and I have to say I got the same feeling, although the general organisation was still good.

At the time of writing, it is seems unclear whether there will be another festival next year, as it is rumoured that the financial side has suffered for some time. The attendance was a bit smaller this time too. If it turns out that this edition of Getaway Rock was the last, it would be a great shame. Metal Covenant have been present for all five editions, and it has been very nice indeed, witnessing an excellent collection of artists at a convenient festival site.

Getaway has also served a superb purpose for metal fans in Northern Sweden, as they have had a festival closer to than the other ones in Southern Sweden, making the journey cheaper and more comfortable. Also, as Getaway has taken place in August it has been something to look forward to following other festivals earlier in the summer. Big thanks to Getaway Rock Festival for these five years, but we plus the rest of Sweden's metalheads are sure hoping that we get the chance to return.

Also make sure to check out corresponding interviews made during the festival this year with a trio of classic heavy metal acts: Accept, Saxon and Helloween.
//Mozzy

Reviews by Mozzy/Tommy

Thursday - August 06

Band: Deathstars
Red Stage 16.30-17.30

~ By Mozzy
The sun is in full bloom as Deathstars take the stage, contrasting with their black clothes, white make-up and darker music. That is not something that seems to deter the quartet who proceed to deliver their pulsating industrial/gothic metal, with a distinguishable, own sound and hook-filled material. The gig does not really take off initially and the guitar is too low in the mix, but that is fixed after a while. While the response is good from the start, not least from a good number of true Deathstars fans gathered, Cyanide sees a more excited crowd reaction, just like fan favourite Blitzkrieg.

Whiplasher Bernadotte (Andreas Bergh) is an eye-catching frontman with great stage presence and a bit of an enigmatic aura, and he impresses with his varied vocals, switching between deeper and higher pitches. Bassist Skinny Disco (Jonas Kangur), whipping his long dreads, guitarist Nightmare Industries (Emil Nödtveidt) and drummer Vice (Oskar Leander) also put in a dynamic effort. Although I'm not a true fan like many of those gathered in front of the stage, it is unquestionable that Deathstars are a good live band.

Performance: 6 chalices of 10
Stage sound: 6 chalices of 10
Best: Blitzkreig
Worst: The average start

(sorry, no setlist)

Band: Saxon
Green Stage 17.30-18.30

~ By Mozzy
And so Saxon are back at Getaway and back in Sweden, and they are of course just as welcome by the audience as every other time. Singer Biff Byford comments on the early stage time, but in a light-hearted way and it surely does not have any implications on the reception Saxon get. It takes a couple of songs, but from Power And The Glory and onwards, the crowd is really showing its love for this English heavy metal institution.

Rock ´n´ Roll Gypsy from Innocence Is No Excuse is an unexpected and very nice inclusion in the set, and it is followed by Battering Ram, the title track from the upcoming album. It is a heavy and aggressive number which gets a good response. The rest of the show consists of classic, cherished Saxon songs, and the love shown from the crowd is clearly felt and appreciated by the band, creating an all-round wonderful vibe. The delivery from the band is splendid as always, with Byford singing splendidly and commanding the stage. Together with a set crammed with favourites plus the audience's affection, the result is yet another successful Saxon gig in Sweden.

Performance: 8 chalices of 10
Stage sound: 8 chalices of 10
Best: Princess Of The Night
Worst: That Saxon just get an hour.

Setlist:
Motorcycle Man
Sacrifice
Power and the Glory
Rock 'n' Roll Gypsy
Battering Ram
Heavy Metal Thunder
And the Bands Played On
747 (Strangers in the Night)
Crusader
Princess of the Night
Wheels of Steel
Denim and Leather

Band: Status Quo
Green Stage 19.30-20.45

~ By Mozzy
Status Quo was an unexpected booking by Getaway Rock, which is a more metal-oriented festival. Approaching the stage after my interview with Saxon's Biff Byford, who also wanted to see Status Quo, the party is well under way. The average age of the spectators is clearly higher than usual, but the enthusiasm among them is splendid to witness. There is happiness in the air with people dancing, grooving and rocking going on to the music which is so damn catchy and has awesome boogie groove. One cannot avoid to be dragged along, and looking around in the crowd even the metal fans attending seem to be enjoying themselves. During In The Army Now, which everyone knows, there is loud singing and a superb atmosphere.

In a live setting, the Quo sound gets grittier and punchier and rocks like hell. The guitar sound is great and drummer Leon Cave contributes with heavy drums. Whatever their relationship is like off the stage, on it main duo Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt joke with each other and it is fun to see them in action. Rossi's singing is not without flaws tonight though. Apart from this legendary couple, it is also a treat to watch bassist John ´Rhino´ Edwards who is skilled on his instrument and who displays an infectious joy onstage, constantly interacting with the audience. At the end of the show we get some true Status classics to rock out to which further establishes that this was a cool booking by Getaway.

Performance: 7,5 chalices of 10
Stage sound: 8 chalices of 10
Best: Down Down
Worst: Rossi's voice suffers sometimes.

Setlist:
Caroline
Something 'bout You Baby I Like
Rain
Paper Plane
What You're Proposing/Down the Dustpipe/Wild Side of Life/Railroad/Again and Again
Big Fat Mama
Creepin' Up On You
In the Army Now
Drum Solo (The Caveman)
Roll Over Lay Down
Down Down
Whatever You Want
Rockin' All Over The World
Rock And Roll Music/Bye Bye Johnny

Band: At The Gates
Red Stage 20.45-21.45

~ By Mozzy
This is the fourth time I see At The Gates this year, the third taking place the previous weekend at Wacken Open Air. The band has been busy on the live circuit since releasing the acclaimed comeback album At War With Reality, and it sure isn't a bad thing getting to see them again. That the gig at Getaway is long-awaited is obvious from the packed crowd, and Death And The Labyrinth is a strong opening before Slaughter Of The Soul and Cold kick off a frenzy in front of the stage. The sound is very good and the band put in a forceful effort, with vocalist Tompa Lindberg in a cheerful mood as always.

Now that more time has passed since the latest record, it is even more evident just how strong the new material is, as the songs in the set feel like essential inclusions. The Book Of Sand (The Abomination), is played at the end and is one of the highlights tonight. As for the overall crowd reception, however, the selections from Slaughter Of The Soul get the biggest response and those golden death metal songs are of course as awesome as ever to hear. This is another terrific display by At The Gates, and what a successful year it has been for the Swedes.

Performance: 8 chalices of 10
Stage sound: 8 chalices of 10
Best: Blinded By Fear
Worst: ---

Setlist:
Intro: El Altar del Dios Desconocido
Death And The Labyrinth
Slaughter Of The Soul
Cold
At War With Reality
Terminal Spirit Disease
The Circular Ruins
Under A Serpent Sun
Heroes And Tombs
World Of Lies
City of Mirrors
Suicide Nation
Nausea
Kingdom Gone
The Book Of Sand (The Abomination)
Blinded By Fear

Band: Rob Zombie
Green Stage 21.45-23.15

~ By Mozzy
Headlining the main stage the first day is a familiar figure that has been quite a regular visitor of Sweden during the last few years: Rob Zombie. The ambitious American, also an acclaimed film director, always delivers a visually entertaining show and this time is no different. Although not the whole show can be brought, there are the usual stage props and podiums plus a cool light show. The main ingredient though is Zombie himself, who is a showman with loads of stage presence, one you cannot take your eyes off. He puts in a dynamic and agile effort, showing off his cool dance moves, and during White Zombie hit More Human Than Human he jumps down to the barrier to engage with the thrilled fans.

Together with some catchy, groovy tunes, the show is entertaining and the crowd is having fun. At the same time, some numbers in the set are more average and the choice to include a few covers or snippets of them is arguable, although they are cool to hear. This suggests that Zombie does not have enough good songs of his own, and such a case can be argued. More quality material from the White Zombie period could surely be thrown in.

Performance: 6,5 chalices of 10
Stage sound: 8 chalices of 10
Best: More Human Than Human
Worst: Some ordinary material.

Setlist:
Teenage Nosferatu Pussy
Superbeast
Scum Of The Earth
Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine
Living Dead Girl
Dead City Radio And The New Gods Of Supertown
Drum Solo
More Human Than Human
Sick Bubble-Gum
Pussy Liquor
Meet The Creeper
Never Gonna Stop (The Red, Red Kroovy)
Blitzkrieg Bop
(Ramones cover)
Thunder Kiss '65
(with Guitar Solo and "School's Out" snippet)
--------
Dragula

Band: Accept
Red Stage 23.15 - 00.30

~ By Tommy
The newborn Accept have by now grown to be an extremely well-oiled machinery and this evening showed no sign of being an exception to that. I have seen them a handful of times and this was by far the best concert thus far. The sound on this festival is usually quite above average, but during Accept's gig it was nothing less than impeccable, which suits their distinct riff based music very well and really lifts everything to new heights.

Mark Tornillo is great as a frontman and steps up and displays just enough showmanship and is conducting the show with steady hands but also leaves plenty of space and time to Peter Baltes and Wolf Hoffman to shine and recieve their well deserved ovations. As my female companion said to me, in regards to Hoffman: "if a man treats a guitar like that, imagine what he could do to a woman..."

The new axeman Uwe Lulis is understandably keeping everything a bit to himself on the left wing but still makes a solid impression, being the great rhythm guitarist that he is. The guys all truly personify the expression "joy of playing". From start to finish, it was tight as hell with a razor sharp and fat sound and had the setlist been just a tad bit better this would have been sniffing at a top grade.

Performance: 9 chalices of 10
Stage sound: 9 chalices of 10
Best: Pandemic/Teutonic Terror
Worst: That the gig is not 30 minutes longer.

Setlist:
Stampede
Stalingrad
London Leatherboys
Restless and Wild
Final Journey
Princess of the Dawn
Losers and Winners
Midnight Mover
Pandemic
Fast as a Shark
--------
Metal Heart
Teutonic Terror
Balls to the Wall

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Friday - August 07

Band: Anaal Nathrakh
Red Stage 17.45-18.45

~ By Mozzy
Having been impressed by Anaal Nathrakh at House Of Metal in 2013, the band's first appearance in Sweden, it was a must to check out the band at Getaway Rock. The Birmingham outfit has a unique sound that mixes extreme metal with other elements, and it is uncompromising and has the audience's attention. The band put in a committed effort and singer Dave Hunt is an engaging frontman.

His banter between songs is full of social criticism as well as black humour. When he teasingly orders that there will be no moshpit the crowd does not obey and serious action is going on to the speedy bits. Outdoors during a sunny afternoon like this the impact is not the same, but Anaal Natrakh's performance provides an energizing injection.

Performance: 6 chalices of 10
Stage sound: 7 chalices of 10
Best: ---
Worst: ---

(sorry, no setlist)

Band: Backyard Babies
Green Stage 18.45-19.45

~ By Mozzy
Following my Helloween interview I arrive at the Green Stage some way into Backyard Babies' set, but unlike at Sweden Rock, it is easy to get a spot near the stage. The audience is warmed-up, giving an enthusiastic response to the band's tunes, which sound good indeed. With some gigs under their belt since the comeback at Sweden Rock, it feels like the guys are now into their stride. There is vitality to their performance, and even bassist Johan Blomqvist is now lively onstage.

As for singer/guitarist Nicke Borg, who also sings well, and guitarist Dregen, they display bags of stage presence and rock ´n´ roll charisma as usual. Just like at Sweden Rock, I don't get that overly excited, but I am enjoying Backyard Babies' rock show, also thanks to a bit smaller location than Sweden Rock, which fits the band better.

Performance: 7 chalices of 10
Stage sound: 7 chalices of 10
Best: ---
Worst: ---

Setlist:
(sorry, no setlist)

Band: Helloween
Green Stage 20.45-22.00

~ By Mozzy
Next up on the Green Stage is another group with catchy tunes, Helloween. Founders and leaders of the power metal genre, the popular Germans kickstart the show with two old classics, Eagle Fly Free and Dr Stein, after the equally classic intro Walls Of Jericho. As expected, this gets the big crowd in the mood before some more recent material is aired. Both My God-given Right and Lost In America from the latest album are excellent live and are well received, with a singalong during the former, and Waiting For The Thunder from the previous album is very good live too.

Displaying a merry demeanour onstage, the band deliver a spirited performance and singer Andi Deris' voice is in a terrific shape. It also turns out that it is guitarist Michael Weikath's birthday, which is celebrated with a cake plus the audience's cool birthday song in Swedish. The audience participation then gets loud during the big Helloween anthems at the end. This is a very good display by Helloween that generates a joyful atmosphere, mainly thanks to the possession of such revered classic material.

Performance: 7,5 chalices of 10
Stage sound: 8 chalices of 10
Best: The snippets of Halloween and Keeper Of The Seven Keys.
Worst: That Halloween and Keeper Of The Seven Keys are not played in full. The time limit prevents that possibility.

Setlist:
Walls of Jericho
Eagle Fly Free
Dr. Stein
My God-Given Right
Steel Tormentor
Waiting For The Thunder
Straight Out Of Hell
Lost in America
If I Could Fly
Power
Halloween/Sole Survivor/I Can/Are You Metal?/Keeper Of The Seven Keys
-----------
Future World
I Want Out

Band: Graveyard
Red Stage 22.00-23.00

~ By Mozzy
Three years ago, Graveyard played here on the Green Stage. I wrote then that the big stage held back the band's impact, but that is not something that is obvious this year. Now placed on the Red Stage which is nearly as big, they do not feel out of place at all. On the contrary, the performance is marked by confidence and class. Bassist Richard Edlund was replaced some time ago, and his replacement Truls Mörck, a former member, is a great fit.

The quartet's playing is swinging and grooving making for quality retro rock and blues, and a terrific stage sound ensures that the details and nuances go through and the instruments blend perfectly. The band's concert is a warm, cosy companion in the late hour and darkness, and it is at times captivating. This is especially the case during subtler moments such as Uncomfortably Numb and The Siren. Joakim Nilsson's voice is great as always, and his soulfulness in the slower songs is magnificent. Graveyard's performance at Getaway impresses, and it is one of the most memorable ones this year.

Performance: 8 chalices of 10
Stage sound: 8 chalices of 10
Best: The band's distinctive, great sound.
Worst: ---

(sorry, no setlist)

Band: Black Label Society
Green Stage 23.00-00.30

~ By Mozzy
When walking towards the Green Stage, a specially constructed intro consisting of a mashup of Whole Lotta Love and War Pigs has started. Titled Whole Lotta Sabbath, it seems fitting for Black Label Society, the band led by the one and only Zakk Wylde. The robust, bearded Wylde is a towering presence onstage, not least when standing on the podium placed in the middle. With his mane flying from side to side, he delivers his dazzling guitar skills and unmistakable sound.

While his fellow musicians back him up well to form the Black Label unit, Wylde is the undisputable centre of attention. The music is similar to the frontman's appearance; it is all muscular, heavy riffs, delivered with power and poise. In all honesty the songs themselves are rather similar to each other and it rarely gets extraordinary, but the solid, traditional hard rock/heavy metal riffs are easy to dig along to.

In the middle of the set comes the obligatory guitar solo where Wylde does his best to exhibit his outstanding chops, and a little later well-needed dynamics is brought to the set in the form of two mellow numbers. First, Angel Of Mercy with its superb melodies and then In This River with Wylde playing piano. Both have the frontman demonstrating the terrific, soulful feel side to his vocals.

In This River is of course dedicated to Dimebag Darrell, whose image is seen onstage, and it is impossible not to get a tear in your eye. The two numbers build up a good momentum for an excellent finish of the set. All in all, a solid and strong display from Black Label Society with the larger-than-life character that is Zakk Wylde.

Performance: 7,5 chalices of 10
Stage sound: 8 chalices of 10
Best: In This River
Worst: Not many tracks stand out from each other.

Setlist:
The Beginning... At Last
Funeral Bell
Bleed For Me
Heart of Darkness
Suicide Messiah
My Dying Time
Damn The Flood
Guitar Solo
Godspeed Hell Bound
Angel Of Mercy
In This River
The Blessed Hellride
Concrete Jungle
Stillborn

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Saturday - August 08

Band: Electric Boys
Green Stage 14.30-15.30

~ By Mozzy
One of the nice things about Getaway Rock is that the concerts don't start that early in the day, which enables you to get a good night's sleep, not having to crawl up in the morning and rush in to the festival site. Today it was a must though to arrive earlier (but not early in comparison to Sweden Rock, for instance) as Electric Boys were playing. These Swedes are a reliable live band and their musical style is appealing, not least during this sunny afternoon with a beer in hand.

Their hard rock incorporates great riffs as well as marvellous groove and swing which get you in a good, loose mood. Frontman Conny Bloom is a cool cat indeed onstage with a characterful voice and entertains the appreciative crowd with his chats. On the drum stool today sits Jolle Atlagic who does a solid job but the Niclas Sigevall's absence this time is hard to ignore all the same. Electric Boys deliver a pleasant start to the last day.

Performance: 7,5 chalices of 10
Stage sound: 8 chalices of 10
Best: The groove.
Worst: Sigevall's absence.

(sorry, no setlist)

Band: Sick Of It All
Red Stage 19.30-20.30

~ By Mozzy
After Earth Crisis and Agnostic Front during previous years, it was now time for their genre colleagues Sick Of It All to grace Getaway Rock with a visit. The New York group waste no time in kicking off their ballsy and attitude-driven hardcore and it is remarkable just how energetic guitarist Pete Koller, singer Lou Koller and bassist Craig Setari still are. The trio is working hard, running around and interacting with the fans, ignoring that they don't draw nearly as big a crowd as the bigger bands performing on the Red Stage.

Many of those present are standing at some distance but the support among those in the front is clear, with passionate singing and moshing going on to the heavy riffs. The set includes new as well old material, and for someone like myself that is not familiar with all the material, Scratch The Surface and Just Look Around from the 90's when the band was quite successful are great to hear. Sick Of It All deliver the goods at Getaway but they are undoubtedly much more suitable at a club gig with more of their own fans present to contribute to a true New York hardcore experience.

Performance: 6,5 chalices of 10
Stage sound: 7 chalices of 10
Best: Scratch The Surface
Worst: That not more people are standing closer to the stage.

(sorry, no setlist)

Band: Turbonegro
Red Stage 22.00-23.15

~ By Mozzy
When Turbonegro is about make their appearance on the Red Stage, the attendance is impressive. The Norwegian band has always been very popular in Sweden, and as they kick off the show it's only natural that such is the case. Their death punk, as they have penned their style of music, is really a blend of rock and punk which is accessible while it also has a harder edge. Kick-ass energy is accompanied with some brilliant tunes with irresistible hooks. The fervent response from the crowd involves loud singing to numbers like All My Friends Are Dead and The Age Of Pamparius, bringing a fabulous party atmosphere.

That we are dealing with a well-oiled live act is obvious, but the Norwegians are also an exciting, playful bunch onstage. Singing the songs is an Englishman, however, and Tony Sylvester once again impresses and by now one does not reflect over former singer Hank Von Helvete's resignation. Sylvester is an assured frontman with stage presence and excellent rapport with the audience. Turbonegro deliver tremendous, fun Saturday night entertainment.

Performance: 8 chalices of 10
Stage sound: 7 chalices of 10
Best: The Age Of Pamparius
Worst: ---

(sorry, no setlist)

Band: Ghost
Green Stage 23.15 - 00.30

~ By Tommy
When Ghost made a name in the scene around 2010 I was not impressed. At all. It all came out weak, lame and boring to me. I nevertheless decided to see them on Getaway Rock Festival 2012 since people talked warmly about their show and choreography, and I had to admit it was a very good and entertaining show, even though I still did not really like the music. I once again put them to rest and did not pick them up until this year. In preparation of the festival I played through the albums several times and it dawned on me that this is indeed very, very good.

I was blown away by this performance. Part because I was more accustomed to their music this time (and also appreciated it to a great level) and part because it was a massive and intense show, simply put. With a good sound, not great, they delivered a complete show, musically and theatrically. The setlist I have a few minor complaints about but overall it was well built, dramatic and dynamic. Friends, acquaintances and random people at the festival were unanimous in their verdict afterwards: it was an awesome show and I concur.

Performance: 9 chalices of 10
Stage sound: 8,5 chalices of 10
Best: The show, the mood, the ambience.
Worst: ---

Setlist:
Genesis
From the Pinnacle to the Pit
Ritual
Prime Mover
Majesty
Con Clavi Con Dio
Death Knell
Cirice
Stand by Him
Ghuleh/Zombie Queen
Year Zero
If You Have Ghosts (Roky Erickson cover)
--------
Absolution
Monstrance Clock

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