With so much choice around Europe when it comes to festivals it is hard to work out what the best option is, so in 2024 we’re trying something new and venturing over to Austria for Nova Rock. With massive names atop the bill it’s little wonder why it appeals, especially with Bring Me The Horizon giving the UK festival scene a miss following their sensational arena run earlier in the year and Green Day celebrating Dookie and American Idiot this year.
Aiming, as we usually do, to give the underground bands a bigger voice, we’ve picked the best of the pick that doesn’t involve those headliners. Strap in.
Thursday
Hanabie. – Red Stage @ 14:30
Having featured Japanse metalcore act Hanabie. before it was a no brainer to put them in our must-see for the festival. They may be on relatively early in the day on day one, but there’s no doubting that this is going to be one of the sets that defines this festival. Expect chaotic energy and a brutally fun time.
The Interrupters – Blue Stage @ 16:20
Some people are just born performers and The Interrupters frontwoman Aimee Interrupter is one of them. Effortlessly cool on stage and backed by an insanely talented ska-punk band, this American group puts on a show at every gig they play. You’ll need your dancing shoes for this one.
Bleed From Within – Red Bull Stage – 17:25
Ramping things up, a lot, are Scottish legends in the making Bleed From Within. Soaring choruses and booming riffs combine to make a sound which is both familiar but unique. As early evening approaches near Nickelsdorf, expect the ground to shake and the pits to erupt.
Alien Weaponry – Red Stage @ 15:30
With Maori elements pouring out, Kiwi riff merchants Alien Weaponry are one of the most exciting prospects in world metal. Quickly becoming household names in the scene through their pair of albums, it’s always a good time having these guys trying to blow your head off.
Friday
Malevolence – Red Bull Stage – 19:55
For some bands success is instant, for some they remain painfully underappreciated for their whole careers. Malevolence sit right in the middle. Finally hitting the spotlight, here you can expect the most energetic set of the weekend, whatever the weekend. Malevolence are special. Come find out for yourselves.
Feuerschwanz – Blue Stage @ 15:00
No one really does metal with additional strings like mainland Europe and Feuerschwanz are one of the most accessible and fun from the myriad to choose from. Covers, originals, whatever they end up playing you’ll be able to have a bloody good sing and dance along to it.
Cemetary Sun – Red Bull Stage @ 17:25
American rockers Cemetery Sun are post-punk and then some. ‘Fake Love’ saw the band rise to fame with it being a song that makes you go ‘oh I do know them’ as you start to sing at the top of your lungs. There’s something cathartic about this band’s songs and early evening on day two feels like the perfect time to let loose.
Saturday
LEAP – Blue Stage @ 14:15
Bringing a bit of emo to their indie rock, LEAP are a British band that are just a couple of years into a journey that promises to take them places. Catchy but with a strong degree of attitude, they’re poised to take over mainstream radio waves and alternative club nights at the same time.
Kontrust – Red Stage @ 14:25
When us Brits head overseas for a festival we are usually greeted with bands bands that really should be bigger in the UK. Kontrust are a shining example of one of those bands. Satirical and fun, if you can go to a Kontrust show and stand still then, well we feel a bit sorry for you. Get the lederhosen on and see us in the pit.
Sum 41 – Blue Stage @ 19:20
Whilst we are looking at the more up-and-coming bands on the lineup, the final Austrian show, on the final ever (probably) tour from absolute legends of not just punk-rock but music in general, Sum 41, is something that everyone should be witnessing. Signing off with a recent new album, Heaven :x: Hell, the band are going out on a high. Be there!
We Blame The Empire – Red Stage @ 13:30
Metalcore with a bit more of a soul, We Blame The Empire are one of the local bands on the bill at Nova Rock and will be looking to take a big step forward in their careers with this set. Full of those signature metalcore riffs and breakdowns, this just has the feeling it may develop into something special.
Sunday
Arklight – Red Bull Stage @ 14:15
Another local band, Arklight have not been around long, their debut album only seeing the (ahem) light of day in March of this year. Punky undercurrents mix with indie guitars to create a sound that’s a little bit of a lot of things. There likely won’t be chaotic moshing here, but there’s bound to be a great vibe and opportunities to have a bop.
Black Stone Cherry – Blue Stage @ 13:05
The interesting thing about festivals around the world is the variation in band placements. In the UK, Black Stone Cherry are a band that headlines the second stage at Download. Here though we’re getting an early afternoon set from the Kentucky rockers. This one is gonna be awesome and set the final day up nicely.
Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes – Red Bull Stage @ 21:15
Choosing between Bring Me The Horizon and Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes feels like some cruel torture reserved for The Bad Place, but here we are. The two bands closing the festival clash. BMTH need no introduction, but in case you’ve not followed the career of Mr Carter, him and The Rattlesnakes are bound to leave everything out there as they close the Red Bull Stage for another year. Whether it be their punkier old stuff or the more indie stylings of their recent record, it’s gonna go big.