The first bands are here

Published: October 23 2023 at 19:16

A few crowd favorites return to Norje and Sweden Rock Festival, as well as a few first-timers; the first confirmed bands that are coming to Sweden Rock in June are here. Of approximately 90 bands that are coming to the festival in 2024, we proudly present the first six:

The world's first real heavy metal band, according to many - including themselves. And surely Judas Priest from Birmingham have become one of the most legendary and influential heavy metal bands ever since their 1974 debut. Albums like "British steel" (1980), "Screaming for vengeance" (1982) and "Painkiller" (1990) rank among the most classic on the scene and immortal Judas Priest songs are all but innumerable. March 2024 will see the release of the band's 19th studio album and current single "Panic attack" reveals that  Rob Halford & Co have not lost their mojo but have a record in the veins of "Painkiller" prepared for us.

Who does not love Alice Cooper? The Godfather and undisputed king of shock rock is still, more than 50 years after his debut, a competitive musician. His 29th (!) studio album "Road" is a concept album of sorts based on life on tour, musically reminiscent of the most classic vintage Cooper outings such as "Love it to death" (1971), "School's out" (1972) and "Billion dollar babies" (1973). Yet the scene is where Alice really shines, with his consistently theatrical, well-coreographed and entertaining performances. With immortal hits like "I´m eighteen", "No more Mr. Nice Guy", "He's back (the man behind the mask)", "Poison", "Bed of nails" and "Hey stoopid" to boot.

Parkway Drive are the behemoths of the Australian metalcore scene, and one of that country's most succesful heavy bands ever. They formed in 2003 and quickly toured themselves to cult status even in Europe and the US. Their fifth album "Ire" (2015) gave them their major break, among traditional metal audiences as well. Its follow-ups "Reverence" (2018) and "Darker still" (2022) have since affirmed Parkway Drive's position as a contemporary metal sensation. An SRF debut for fans of modern, radio-friendly metal to look forward to.

It started as a two-part one-time project: "The metal opera" (2001) and "The metal opera part II" (2002). Since then Avantasia, led by Edguy singer Tobias Sammet, has become a much loved institution on both record and stage. Nine concept albums have been released so far, chock-full of grandiosely arranged songs and characters voiced by celebrated singers like Bob Catley, Jørn Lande, Ronnie Atkins and Eric Martin. Avantasia's earlier SRF appearances have all been huge successes, so their 2014 return is bound to be a well-attended, joyous event.

Everybody knows Bruce Dickinson as the frontman with mega legends Iron Maiden. But this highly gifted singer and composer has a solo career as well. Since his 1990 solo debut he has released such classic albums as "Balls to Picasso" (1994), "Accident of birth" (1997) ans "The chemical wedding" (1998). These are somewhat more eclectic, and sometimes heavier, than his Iron Maiden albums, but still strong, classic heavy rock. As a welcome bonus, Bruce's return to SRF as a solo artist will coincide with him having released his first solo album since 2005, "The mandrake project".

Germans Electric Callboy have been labeled electronicore, but refer to themselves as "porno metal". Their songs are based on sex and debauchery, in an ironic tone for laughing at, or with. Since their formation in 2010 they have released two EPs and six albums, and unlike many others have only grown after a belated change of singers. "Tekkno (2022), their most recent album and their first with Nico Sallach on vocals, became their first #1 record and produced their two biggest hits so far, "Pump it" and "Spaceman".

Sweden Rock Festival 2024 will take place in Sölvesborg, Sweden June 5-8.

Tickets go on sale through Ticketmaster on Tuesday October 31st at 10:00 CET.

Ticket site on Ticketmaster