Nova Rock 2023 – Day 4: Free beer, positive energy and heavy tunes

The last of the four days has arrived at the Nova Rock Festival in Nickelsdorf. Under sunny skies, the first bands took the stage in the early afternoon.

„Frühschoppen”, is an Austrian (or German) tradition of gathering for a morning social event centered around drinking beer and is always the highlight of the last festival day. While the local folk brass band Wendi’s Böhmischer Blasmusik played, Rokko Ramirez (aka Haubi) tapped the beer keg. Cheers erupted and countless fans rushed to the front of the stage, eagerly awaiting their first sip of free beer and a free yellow hat. No other band has ever gathered such a large number of fans in the early morning. Multiple crowd surfers, people on shoulders, slow pits instead of mosh pits, circle pits, and various other movements were seen.

Unfortunately, while everyone enjoyed their free beverage, Ewald Tatar had sad news for Incubus fans. They had to cancel their show due to the singer being ill. Consequently, all bands were moved to start an hour late.

After some festival attendees had already enjoyed a beer or two thanks to Wendi’s Böhmischer Blasmusik, the sun decided to peek out from behind the clouds. Just in time to illuminate the gentlemen of Lord Of The Lost and make their “Blood And Glitter” outfits shine.

Skindred were ready to go, and they also have a new album coming out in August. The anticipation was immense as the “Imperial March” started playing and Darth Webber appeared on stage in a black cloak and cool sunglasses. A massive sound immediately engulfed the crowd, and Benji Webbe impressed with his aggressive and compelling vocals on the incredibly groovy new song “Set Fazers.” You just knew it was going to be awesome. Benji simply declared, “Let me see ya movin’!” and the crowd started moving.

People shook, danced, and moshed, with a wheelchair user spotted in the audience, all grinning amidst dust. The frontman touched hearts introducing “Kill The Power,” sharing his personal story of loss and overcoming obstacles. He lost his mother when he was 7, his father followed when he was 11. This left him alone with his brother Clifford, who tried to stop him in his dreams. All he wanted was to be in a rock band, whether with white or black musicians. Now, he tells Clifford and all the other “a-holes” out there who try to tell you that you can’t do what you want, to go f* themselves.

Another must-see appointment was definitely female fronted band Arch Enemy. The death metal veterans from Sweden, now from all around the globe, are true professionals. Frontwoman Alissa hails from Canada and Jeff Loomis (formerly of Nevermore) from the States and they know how to deliver a killer show. Despite their relatively early slot, the energy quickly ramped up. And with new and old hits like “Deceiver, Deceiver,” “The World Is Yours,” or “Ravenous,” it was no surprise. With a powerful performance like that they deserve a later stage slot next time.

As expected, Hollywood Undead once again managed to impress with their traditionally styled show. As usual, a fan from the audience was chosen to join JDog in rocking the guitar. Of course, they also performed singles from their latest album, “Hotel California”. And as if it were part of the show, strong wind kicked in, signaling an approaching storm that fortunately passed by in terms of weather. However, the storm named Hollywood Undead unleashed itself upon the fans with even greater intensity.

After the party train, the return of peace was anticipated with VV, also known as Vile Vallo, alias HIM. Introverted, almost shy, he sang his hits and classics, sprinkling in a few new songs from his solo project. Although HIM may be history, VV effortlessly keeps the spirit alive, underscored by the Heartagram on the backprint. With “Join Me In Death,” they sent shivers down our spines, while “The Kiss Of Dawn” and the powerful closing track “Saturnine Saturnalia,” dedicated not coincidentally to Black Sabbath, rocked the stage.

Architects were immensely grateful and thrilled to play a full set in front of a large crowd. Their previous performance had setbacks like a broken bus and late arrival, resulting in no proper soundcheck. With intense riffing, compelling vocals, and powerful metalcore elements, the band quickly proved their professionalism and eagerness to please their numerous fans. Mister Carter and the other members knew how to perform. They impressed with charming and British-polite announcement and delivered tracks like “Doomsday” and “Royal Beggars” once again.

The unpredictable weather, copious amounts of alcohol, wild mosh pits turning into mud pits, and an unmatched energy both on and off stage, fueled by heavy music and non-stop partying. The epic four-day Nova Rock Festival is drawing to a close, leaving fans with an extra day to recover before returning to their ordinary lives on Monday. It was an unforgettable experience, and I can’t wait for Nova Rock 2024 to come around.

Review of Day 1

Review of Day 2

Review of Day 3

 

Review & Photography: Mariam Osman