Triptykon - Die Apokalyptischen Reiter - Midnight - Decapitated - Zodiac - Nocturnal • Carcass - Sacred Reich - Obituary - Pretty Maids - Solstafir - Screamer - Deadlord - Roxxcalibur • Testament - Tesla - Annihilator - Monster Magnet - Insomnium - Orphaned Land - Blues Pills - Iron Savior
[Dajana] Yep, it seems we skipped the winter and directly jumped from fall into the spring, with a hot summer to follow. Nothing to nag about, there could be worse ways to start the open air festival season. As usually we get into our summer festival swing with the ROCK HARD FESTIVAL at Whitsun weekend, with Royal weather announced :)
[Sui] Royal weather? It was an Imperial kind of weather! There was obviously a Death Star over Gelsenkirchen, channeling his beams down into the • Amphitheater • Good, I was still caught in a traffic jam at this time, looking much forward to one of the most interesting RHF billings. At least here was no re-direction to notice: many known band names and the chance for a few newcomers to get used to a wider audience.
[Psycho] Am I allowed to say goddam shi… weather? Felt 35°C/95°F is not really festival compatible. To me it was way too hot, way too much sun, especially as the promised cooling did not happen on Sunday. This weekend the lavatory mile appeared to be more a body wash mile, seeing everybody frequent this place to get their clothes wet.
:: Stories :: Friday :: Saturday :: Sunday ::
:: Pics :: Friday :: Saturday :: Sunday :: Fans & Fun ::
[Dajana] Compared to the line-up of the last two years, this year’s billing finally placates. As for me many more bands to look forward. Most of all CARCASS and SÓLSTAFIR on top, but also TRIPTYKON, OBITUARY, TESLA and INSOMNIUM are great to see live (again). And I’m much happy to see my hometown’s own ZODIAC on the billing too.
[Psycho] Not to forget ANNIHILATOR who belong on top of that list too. Yes, the line-up was definitely more balanced this year. But some responsible people for this collection of bands do not for the magazine and festival anymore…
[Sui] Also the last-minute headliner change from MEGADETH to TESTAMENT got positive feedback, although the reason is tragic. Our condolences go out to Dave Ellefson and his family for their loss. Personally I was looking forward to see TRIPTYKON, BLUES PILLS and DEADLORD. And of course to see the most personable person Nr 1 - singer Phil Rind - and his mates in SACRED REICH.
[Dajana] But this year is also somewhat of a bitter smack blending in, an aftermath of the uncomely staff change earlier this year. Many did not forget. 11 people were missing, some sorely. Speculations, guesses and rumors were going around, regarding the magazine and the future of the festival. The remaining RH crew was completely and demonstratively present.
[Psycho] This was of course also a topic within the crowd, especially on Friday. On the other days the topic was either thrashed out or everybody’s brain boiled… ;) The fact that the Friday was not sooo spectacular might have been a reason too.
[Sui] I have to confess I did not care about this topic. Should I have had pangs of remorse attending this year’s ROCK HARD FESTIVAL? I don’t know what happened behind the scenes, I came to see and celebrate the bands and to enjoy good music.
[Dajana] From an organizational point of view, everything was fine. Nothing has changed, prices remained steady. Once again I would like to send much love and respect to • CCS Security • for their hard work and care, tendering the fans, and to us, the photographers :)
[Psycho] Well, there is no need to change a proven system. But I would like to see some alternation regarding food. I liked the new booth with Scottish Whisky and cider (slightly hide). Not so smart was the absence of a cash station as it was announced on the festival site.
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