JUNE 24th 2023
TONS OF ROCK FESTIVAL
DAY 4

Review & Photo Gallery By: Polina Kulikovskikh
Day 4 - http://www.metaltitans.com/concertpics/tons-of-rock-day-4/

The fourth and final day of Tons Of Rock 2023 was brimming with energetic performances. From the opening set by Honningbarna to the grand finale delivered by Kvelertak, every artist gave their all, ensuring that this year's festival concluded on an exhilarating high note.

Kicking off the day was Honningbarna, a Norwegian punk rock band renowned for their electrifying stage presence and socially conscious lyrics. Formed in Kristiansand, Norway, in 2008, the band's name translates to "Honey Children" in English.

Honningbarna burst into the spotlight with their debut album "La Alarmane Gå," released in 2010. This album garnered acclaim for its unfiltered energy and thought-provoking lyrics, solidifying the band's position as a driving force in the Norwegian punk scene. A standout characteristic of Honningbarna's live shows is their dynamic and captivating stage persona. Their performances are synonymous with intensity, interactive engagement with the crowd, and a genuine connection to their audience. Led by the charismatic frontman Edvard Valberg, the band members bring a blend of boundless energy and acrobatic antics to the stage.
The musicians even entered the stage from the midst of the crowd, leaping over security barriers, setting the tone for an immersive experience. The set witnessed a frenzy of crowd surfing and stage diving, creating an atmosphere of unbridled enthusiasm and sheer punk rock spirit.

First band on Scream stage were Stage Dolls. Stage Dolls is a Norwegian rock band with a history dating back to the 1980s. Formed in Trondheim, Norway, in 1983, the band's style is rooted in classic rock and melodic hard rock, characterized by catchy hooks, harmonious vocals, and guitar-driven compositions. They quickly gained popularity in Norway and beyond, releasing their debut album "Soldiers' Gun" in 1985. The album featured tracks that blended rock with elements of AOR (Album-Oriented Rock), and it was well-received, establishing Stage Dolls as a notable presence in the Scandinavian rock scene.

Stage Dolls' music often explores themes of love, relationships, and personal experiences, delivered through a blend of polished melodies and energetic guitar work. While their popularity reached its peak during the 1980s and early 1990s, the band has endured over the years and maintained a presence in the live music circuit, occasionally releasing new material. It continues to be very popular locally, especially among the older generation of festival goers.

Going back to Vampire stage where it was time for a very famous Norwegian band The Dogs to take over. They are well known for their crazy performances, especially the one from a few years back at the same festival, when climate activists took a part in (it had a suggestive name “F*ck for Forest” - Google it).  The band has a rich history spanning several decades. Formed in Oslo in 1977, The Dogs are often regarded as one of the pioneering bands of the Norwegian punk rock scene. The band's music is deeply rooted in the punk ethos of the late 1970s, influenced by bands like The Ramones and The Sex Pistols.

In 1981, The Dogs released their debut album titled "The Dogs," which captured their aggressive and straightforward sound. The album is considered a classic in Norwegian punk rock history and features tracks like "Slash Your Face" and "Rotterdam." The band's music often dealt with themes of rebellion, dissatisfaction with the status quo, and a sense of youthful defiance. Over the years, The Dogs went through several lineup changes, but their commitment to punk rock remained steadfast. They continued to release albums that maintained their punk spirit, even as their sound evolved to incorporate elements of rock 'n' roll and garage rock. Their performance this year was, as always, impressive, with use of fire, black and traditional crowd surfing.

Returning to the Scream Stage, the legendary In Flames were poised to begin their electrifying set. Having already played to a packed stadium in Oslo last December, the band once again drew a massive crowd at this festival. Their reputation for delivering unforgettable performances clearly preceded them. Since their inception in Gothenburg in 1990, In Flames has been a driving force in shaping the melodic death metal genre. Their hallmark lies in skillfully blending ferocious metal elements with harmonious melodies. As pioneers of the "Gothenburg sound," they played a pivotal role in shaping the melodic death metal scene of the 1990s.

In Flames' impact transcends musical boundaries, extending into the realm of "melodic metalcore," a subgenre they notably helped popularize. Their influence reverberates in the work of many contemporary metal bands. In a live setting, In Flames are renowned for their boundless energy and profound connection with their audience, creating an immersive experience that resonates deeply with their fans. Their 13-song setlist encompassed material spanning various albums, including, of course, tracks from their latest release, "Foregone." As the lights dimmed and the first chords reverberated, it was clear that In Flames' performance was destined to be yet another unforgettable chapter in their storied musical journey.

As Iggy Pop took the stage on the Scream stage, another segment of the crowd headed to the Moonlight stage to witness the captivating performance of Magna Carta Cartel (MCC). Magna Carta Cartel, often referred to as MCC, was brought together by a collective of musicians who have intentionally maintained a shroud of anonymity. This air of secrecy has contributed to the band's mystique, piquing the curiosity of listeners and fans and adding to the overall intrigue of the project. Operating primarily outside the realm of traditional promotion and extensive touring, the band has managed to cultivate a devoted following through digital platforms and word-of-mouth endorsements. This unconventional approach has allowed their music to organically find its way to appreciative ears, resonating deeply with those who chance upon it.

Interestingly, many simply associate the band with Tobias Forge, known for his involvement in Ghost. While there are sonic similarities between the two projects, in my personal view, MCC achieves a more harmonious blend of vocals and music, crafting a distinctive auditory experience. Experiencing their live performance was a delight, with the band delivering an impressive set that encapsulated their unique sound. The Moonlight stage was truly illuminated by MCC's presence, marking a standout moment at the festival.

Taking the stage at the Vampire stage next was Wardruna, a Norwegian musical project deeply rooted in the realms of Nordic folk and traditional music. Their artistry crafts a sonic journey that resonates with the echoes of ancient times. The visionary behind this project is Einar Selvik, a versatile musician whose musical journey has transitioned from the realms of metal to the mystique of ancestral melodies. Often accompanied by a talented ensemble of musicians, Wardruna's performances breathe life into historical echoes.
Central to the essence of Wardruna's compositions is a profound respect for the spiritual and cultural legacy of the Nordic region. Drawing inspiration from historical texts, traditional instruments, and ancient poetry, they weave a tapestry of captivating sounds that seamlessly transports audiences to a distant era. Employing an array of instruments, from primal percussion to evocative strings and woodwinds, Wardruna even employs elemental materials like stones and bones, conjuring a visceral connection to primeval origins.

Their presence on stage weaves a spellbinding experience, enveloping the audience in an ethereal journey through time and tradition. Their live performance is a harmonious blend of auditory and visual elements that channel the essence of their musical narrative. Wardruna's music transcends the barriers of language, inviting listeners to explore the ancient roots of Northern culture.

As the notes of their set resonated, an enchanting atmosphere swept over the crowd, fostering a connection with the past that was both magical and profound. For those who have not yet witnessed Wardruna's performance, I wholeheartedly recommend seizing the opportunity whenever it arises.

The final headliner to grace the Scream stage was Kvelertak, an exceptional Norwegian rock band renowned for their high-energy and genre-defying musical style. Originating in Stavanger, Norway, in 2007, the band has become synonymous with their skillful fusion of diverse genres, including punk rock, black metal, and hard rock. The name "Kvelertak" translates to "stranglehold" or "chokehold" in English, perfectly embodying their music's gripping intensity.

Kvelertak's musical identity is defined by their seamless amalgamation of disparate genres, resulting in a dynamic and unpredictable sonic journey. Their compositions effortlessly blend the urgency of punk, the ferocity of black metal, and the anthemic grandeur of hard rock. This genre-bending prowess has not only attracted a wide-ranging fanbase but also earned them critical acclaim from music enthusiasts and experts alike.

Their live performances are legendary for their frenetic energy and captivating stage presence, and this evening's show was no exception. The audience witnessed an electric spectacle as crowd surfers rode waves into security hands and beer cups flew through the air. The set culminated in a mesmerizing display of fireworks, marking the grand finale of Tons of Rock 2023.

As the festival came to a close, thoughts turned to next year's edition, which promises to be monumental as Tons of Rock celebrates its 10th anniversary. While the lineup of bands remains a mystery, anticipation is already building for what is sure to be an extraordinary event filled with iconic performances.