Nova Rock 2023 – Day 1: Rain, Mud and non-ideal conditions for Slipknot

The grounds of Nova Rock Festival 2023 in Austria once again became a haven for music enthusiasts. From the 7th of June until the 10th of June 2023 the idyllic Pannonia Fields near Nickelsdorf vibrated with electrifying energy as thousands of music lovers flocked to witness the mesmerizing performances of both renowned and emerging artists. As the largest rock festival in Austria it is cementing its reputation as a must-attend event for fans of all ages.

Since 2005 the Nova Rock Festival has become synonymous with world-class music, breathtaking stages, and an unrivaled atmosphere. The festival’s organizers curated an exceptional lineup, catering to the diverse tastes of rock, metal, punk, and alternative music aficionados.

Almost habitually, the start of the festival week was wet and muddy. The heavy downpours that swept across the country did not spare the Pannonia Fields either, promptly softening the ground as the festival began. However, this did not deter many from arriving on Monday or Tuesday to fully embrace the festival experience.  

On Wednesday, the first official festival day, the audience was already delightfully dirty as the concerts kicked off. Even the rain, which welcomed the attendees, could not dampen the atmosphere and energy. Day one buzzed with anticipation, motivation, loud singing, cheers, and the first daring crowd surfers.

Asking Alexandria from York delivered an energetic performance for metalcore lovers including the debut song “Dark Void”.

The Hu, a band from Ulaanbaatar, showed their ability to rock with electric guitars and Mongolian horsehead fiddles. With captivating rhythms and deep throat singing, they thrilled the audience by blending folklore and heavy music. They distribute this unique creation, called “Hunnu Rock,” as cultural ambassadors around the world.

In Extremo impressed with medieval rock, swapping horsehead fiddles for bagpipes and sing-along tunes like “Sternhagelvoll.” Regulars at the Nova Rock festival, their fan response and record sales speak for themselves.

Nostalgy feeling for millennials and older fans, delivered Canadian skater punk rock band Simple Plan with song like “Jump” and “I’m Just a kid”. The Spanish band Ska P brought similar good vibes to the stage with well-known songs such as “Cannabis”, where most of the fans are only able to mumble the chorus due to language barriers. 

Disturbed not only brought headbanging to the audience but also provided quiet moments. Alongside hits like “Ten Thousand Fists,” the group led by vocalist David Draiman also performed their cover of Simon & Garfunkel’s classic “The Sound of Silence,” which topped the charts in their home country in 2015, complete with string accompaniment. Guitarist Dan Donegan expressed the band’s anticipation for their return to the festival stage prior to the performance. He had just missed his son’s 16th birthday today. “If I’m away from my family during this time, it really has to be worth it. But I’m not counting the days; I want these days to really count.” The shows are always “a therapy session for all of us” as well, he added.

The conditions for the headliners Slipknot were anything but ideal. “Clown” Shawn Crahan couldn’t join the European tour due to a family emergency, keyboardist Craig Jones was separated from the band on the performance day itself, and vocalist Corey Taylor had vocal issues. But none of that mattered. When you have crushers like “The Heretic Anthem” or “The Blister Exists” in your arsenal, nothing can shake you easily. Bursting with energy and occasionally even faster than on record, the band plowed through tracks like the furious “Liberate,” the catchy anthem “Unsainted,” or the already-classic “Before I Forget.” The stage show featured plenty of pyrotechnics, leaving few wishes unfulfilled.

 

Review of Day 2

Review of Day 3

Review of Day 4

 

Review & Photography: Mariam Osman