JUNE 23rd 2023
TONS OF ROCK FESTIVAL
DAY 3

Review & Photo Gallery By: Polina Kulikovskikh
Day 3 - http://www.metaltitans.com/concertpics/tons-of-rock-day-3/

The 3rd day of Tons of Rock festival was the most awaited one among many fans. And indeed the lineup of headliners was very strong that day, with the biggest highlight being Pantera.

The first band of the day was Witch Club Satan with their unforgettable, emotional performance. In this performance, Victoria Røising (bass), Johanna Holt Kleive (drums) and Nikoline Spjelkavik (guitar) cultivated the theatricality of infamous norwegian black metal, and drew the traditional expression in a divine feminine direction. The atmosphere of a dark fairy tale could make you forget reality.

On the main (Scream stage) the first act was legendary Villi Vallo. He became a prominent figure in the Finnish and international music scene during the late 1990s and early 2000s and is best known as the frontman and lead vocalist of the Finnish rock band HIM.

Ville Valo's deep, emotive baritone voice became a trademark of HIM's sound, and his distinctive style and stage presence contributed to the band's allure. Some of HIM's most well-known songs include "Join Me in Death," "Rip Out the Wings of a Butterfly" and "Right Here in My Arms" which Ville still includes in his setlist despite not playing under the mark of HIM any longer (now it's just VV).

I then proceeded to witness Vreid's performance at the Vampire stage. The band's name, translating to "wrath" in English, holds an intense resonance. Vreid emerged from the ashes of the renowned Norwegian black metal group Windir, a somber consequence following the tragic passing of Windir's visionary founder, Valfar.

Vreid's musical concoction is a fascinating amalgamation of black metal, rock 'n' roll, and traces of traditional Norwegian folk music. This intriguing fusion has birthed the label "black 'n' roll" to encapsulate their distinctive sonic identity. Vreid's compositions skillfully preserve the ominous and fierce core of black metal, yet interweave it with infectious grooves and unforgettable melodies. This intricate interplay was showcased during their performance, which was accentuated by an array of pyrotechnics and captivating special effects.

Taking the stage next on the Scream stage was another Norwegian sensation - TNT. Originating in the 1980s, TNT swiftly rose to fame and has since held an enduring spot in the rock music scene. Established in 1982 by vocalist Dag Ingebrigtsen and guitarist Ronni Le Tekrø, the band's sonic identity seamlessly blends elements of hard rock and melodic metal. Their musical essence is defined by a fusion of captivating hooks, robust vocals, and intricate guitar craftsmanship.

The band's lineup has undergone shifts over the years, with Tony Harnell eventually stepping in as the lead vocalist, taking the baton from Dag Ingebrigtsen. Harnell's impressive vocal range and electrifying stage presence played a pivotal role in sustaining TNT's triumphs. The performance's setlist for the day was a captivating mixture of timeless classics and contemporary compositions, catering to both loyal devotees and newcomers alike.

Next on the Vampire stage were Architects, a British metalcore powerhouse that has significantly shaped the contemporary metal scene. Architects' musical style seamlessly blends the intensity of metalcore with progressive and post-metal elements, yielding a sound that is both distinctive and exceptional.

Over the years, the band's lineup has undergone changes, with the foundational members being the twin brothers Dan Searle on drums and Alex Dean on bass. A heartrending event in the band's history was the passing of their guitarist and primary songwriter, Tom Searle, in 2016 due to cancer. This profound loss had a deep impact on Architects' trajectory and subsequent artistic endeavors.

Architects' discography is punctuated by albums that have garnered widespread critical acclaim. Noteworthy among their releases are albums like "All Our Gods Have Abandoned Us" (2016) and "Holy Hell" (2018), the latter serving as a poignant homage to Tom Searle. Their setlist at the Tons of Rock festival prominently featured tracks from their 2021 album "For Those That Wish to Exist" as well as their latest release, "The Classic Symptoms of a Broken Spirit". During their performance of the song "Impermanence," they were joined on stage by Courtney LaPlante from Spiritbox, adding an electrifying collaborative dimension to their show.

Speaking of Spiritbox - they played next at the Moonlight stage and despite their show happening at the same time with legendary Pantera, these Canadians gathered quite a crowd. Despite their relatively short time as a band, Spiritbox has gained significant attention in the metal community. They released several singles and EPs that generated excitement and anticipation for their full-length debut album. Their music videos, featuring stunning visuals and artistic storytelling, have also contributed to their rising popularity.
The band's ability to traverse both heavy and melodic realms, often within a single track, showcases their versatility and willingness to push boundaries. Spiritbox's unique sound has drawn comparisons to acts like Deftones, While She Sleeps, and Tool.

Taking the spotlight at the Scream stage, it was time for Pantera to rock the audience. The mere inclusion of the band in this year's lineup had stirred palpable excitement among fans. However, given that only two members from the iconic 80s and 90s era remain, the anticipation was also accompanied by a certain level of skepticism.

Bringing back vocalist Phil Anselmo and bassist Rex Brown marked a historic reunion for Pantera, marking their return to a major tour after a hiatus of 22 years. Joining them were accomplished musicians Zakk Wylde, shouldering the guitar responsibilities, and Charlie Benante from Anthrax, lending his drumming prowess. These additions were notable replacements for the band's founding brothers, Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul.The performance ignited with the opening chords of "A New Level," immediately establishing the enduring power of the band. The setlist unfolded with a parade of hits including renowned tracks like "Mouth for War," "Strength Beyond Strength," "Walk," and more. Pantera showcased a resounding performance, reminding the audience of their unrelenting musical prowess.

The subsequent headlining act of the day was none other than Gojira - a remarkable French progressive metal band renowned for their distinctive fusion of technical prowess, heavy intensity, and environmental consciousness. Beyond their musical accomplishments, Gojira is acclaimed for their staunch advocacy for environmental causes. Their lyrics serve as a reflection of their deep concern for the planet, and they actively engage in supporting various initiatives dedicated to preserving the environment.Kicking off their set with the invigorating track “Born for One Thing” from their latest album "Fortitude," Gojira proceeded to deliver a sonic journey that included fan favorites like "Flying Whales" and "Stranded," drawn from their earlier releases. Their performance exuded a potent blend of power and energy, leaving the audience immersed in their intricately woven soundscape.

Swedish rock band Ghost was the main headliner of the day. Ghost's live performances are renowned for their elaborate stage setups, theatrical elements, and a strong emphasis on engaging the audience. Their concerts often feel like a blend of a rock show and a visually captivating theatrical production.

Even though the band focuses a lot on occult and macabre, their music can be characterized as “sweet” rather than scary.  Throughout their career, Ghost has won multiple awards, including Grammy Awards for Best Metal Performance, but to be completely honest in parts it’s almost pop music.

They played 13 songs including their most renowned hits such as “Mary on a Cross”, “Square Hammer”, “Dance Macabre” and “Spillways”. It was a nice and happy ending for the 3rd day of the festival.