Dynamo Metal Fest 2024
17-18-2024 Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
Flotsam and Jetsam, Forbidden, Carnation, Eternal Champion, Bay Area Interthrashional, Saxon and many more.
Day 1
On August 17 and 18, the ninth edition of Dynamo Metalfest took place. Once again, the grounds were blessed with two stages: a main stage and the Kink Distortion Stage, providing extra space to make some noise.
After bravely skipping the black metal pre-party on August 16, your noble Heavy Headbangers representatives arrived at the Eindhoven festival grounds on Saturday afternoon. Upon entering, we were immediately blown away by the American thrash veterans of Flotsam & Jetsam. A band that, since its inception, has stirred its rusty spoon into genres like heavy metal and power metal. Vocalist A.K. is still in good form, and the band's tight performance had the crowd headbanging in no time. By the way, you can find our interview with the singer here.
‘There ain’t no rest for the wicked,’ as they say. Words that could also apply to Dynamo Metalfest, because the Dutch band Distant already took the stage. In just half an hour, these guys delivered a brutal, crushing set. And while our ears were still recovering, Whitechapel was already preparing to start their show. In the meantime, we took the opportunity to explore the festival market. After satisfying our eyes with an array of flags, patches, records, and other trinkets, we heard that Whitechapel had started playing. Where they were significantly delayed last week at Alcatraz due to traffic issues, today they started right on time. Once again, we were overwhelmed by a powerful deathcore set, but the band couldn't quite match the raw intensity of Distant.
During the subsequent performance by Blackbriar, something remarkable happened. At the main stage, the brass band Heavy Hoempa was blaring away. Normally, this act is a welcome and festive addition to the festival experience, but in this case, the brass sounds sometimes clashed somewhat annoyingly with the symphonic rock that Blackbriar was delivering. The band itself was delightful, with an energetic singer and a bassist who swirled across the stage like a young Jonathan Hultén.
After leisurely enjoying a sandwich, we were back in time for Forbidden. A powerful band with an old-school sound but the energy and vitality of a bunch of young dogs. They tore through their set with tight and especially powerful thrash. The crowd went wild, and it was raining crowd surfers. Interestingly enough, the security team was actively encouraging this, standing by in large numbers to safely catch the revelers. Simultaneously, classics like Chalice of Blood and Step by Step were shouted along with full force.
At a festival, you miss more than you see, and unfortunately, that also applies to Dynamo. After some time, we found ourselves back on the field for Mental Cruelty. As the filthy sound produced by this band swept across the field, we downed the contents of a legendary skull-pull that then burst apart in our liver like a gruesome breakdown. After a quick taste of Dimmu Borgir, we made our way to the exit. Fortunately, we were still able to catch one of my personal favorites, The Insight & the Catharsis. A solid first day. On to the second!
Day 2
With screeching tires, we once again reached the Eindhoven festival grounds on August 20th. Just in time to catch the last song from the occult lads of Green Lung. A band that has been making waves since the release of Woodland Rites in 2019. There’s not much time to catch our breath, as the Flemish band Carnation is eager to storm the stage. With their unique blend of death metal and thrash, they manage to get the crowd moving. The band knows how to put on a visual show too, with a unique microphone stand on stage and a corpse-painted singer who whips the crowd into a frenzy. Interview with the band can be seen here.
After an intermezzo with Soen, one of the day’s highlights takes the stage: the heavy metal icons of Eternal Champion. The singer, wearing a chainmail balaclava and with a broad presence, creates an intimidating impression. The band wraps up their European tour with an incredibly tight set. Unfortunately, their show lasts only half an hour, leaving out a banger like A Face in the Glare.
Our tears are quickly dried, as a party is kicking off on the main stage: the veteran collective from Bay Area Interthrashional. Featuring members from bands like Flotsam & Jetsam, Death Angel, Forbidden, (former) D.R.I. , (former) Machine Head and Mercyful Fate, the group (including one female member) clearly enjoys themselves on stage, and the beer (served from a bar on the stage itself) flows freely. Along with some classic tracks from Metallica's Kill 'Em All and Exodus's Bonded by Blood, we’re also treated to a brief fire-breathing performance by Harald Oimoen. To top it off, a stunning performance of Zack Garcia (nephew of Chris Kontos) as the spitting image of Paul Baloff. What a show! We also interviewed Harald. The footage can be found here.
The down-tempo goth sounds of Unto Others also go down well. But then Skindred picks up the festive mood again. With their infectious rhythms and charismatic singer, they get many sweaty bodies moving. And as everyone sways to the next energetic beat, we head to the small stage for Bodysnatcher. Another band closing their tour at Dynamo. These guys produce grim beatdown that is warmly received by the festival crowd. There’s plenty of moshing, and the atmosphere is great. Unfortunately, the same can't always be said for the eclectic set of Igorrr. The mix of breakbeat, an opera singer, and a growling demon isn’t to everyone’s taste. But your friendly reviewer is all in.
After a short break, we head to the festival’s closer: the veterans of Saxon. Although the band members are getting on in years, they display an incredible amount of energy. What an incredibly tight set they deliver. Naturally, classics like Denim & Leather and Wheels of Steel make an appearance.
Dynamo presented a varied program in 2024. Perhaps for some people even a bit too varied. In 2025, the festival will celebrate its 10th anniversary, including the addition of a third full day. We eagerly look forward to what kind of acts they’ll treat us to. Names like Within Temptation, Obituary and Gojira have already been confirmed.
-Tim X and Marco van Empel-
Live footage is stolen from Metal Memories. Interview footage by For the Passion not the Fashion.
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