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The summer solstice arrives like a fevered summer daydream and, along with it, an equally scorching celebration through the infernal gates of Copenhell 2024. The HeavyMetalWebzine.it delegation of Italian runaways is gathered on the docks of Refshaløen for Copenhagen’s metal event of the year.

Davide continues to live the dream of being a South Tyrolean rock star; Gaia proudly shows that photography and metal are not just passing phases; Stefano perpetrates the impostor act of being a writer.

This edition of the festival features fewer classic big names, opting instead for a diverse lineup in the alternative metal scene. We found the selection of “minor” and local names particularly intriguing, further distinguishing Copenhell from other international festivals.

The program is packed, so we break down our report by days.
The headliners were:
• Day 1: Steel Panther (opened by Avenged Sevenfold)
• LINK Day 2: Mr.Bungle (supported by Limp Bizkit)
• LINK Day 3: Machine Head
• LINK Day 4: Body Count (supported by Tool)

The site map and activities closely resemble the 2023 edition, with only minor changes taking place

Day 1 – The gates of the metal party opens

Feeling fresh and clean, I prepare for a day that is to be lived from the first to the last minute.

I arrive early and, with an almost mystical awe, savor the final few steps towards the entrance, as if a year-long pilgrimage is finally about to conclude. In just a few moments, it will be all about metal music. I prepare to enjoy the infernal grace, not as a deserved reward but as a gift from the Metal deities.

Persecutor

Kicking off the 2024 edition on the Pandemonium stage is Persecutor, the four from Horsens warmly welcome the still-disoriented early audience.

Persecutor delivers fast-paced, energetic thrash metal that is both melodic and immediate, drawing a sizable crowd for an opening concert. Their stage presence is playful, this eccentric yet not exaggerated show fits well into the early slot. The concert confirms the promise shown in their latest album “Vendetta” (2023), making them a band to watch for thrash metal enthusiasts.

They wake us from the routine and get us into the festival mood.

Persecutor opening Pandemonium. credits: Copenhell.dk

I still don’t feel fully prepared for what awaits, so I head to the Viking camp at Udgaard for some training. Here, I meet warriors and minstrels, whom I introduce in the special section at the end of this article.

Corey Taylor

Tempered by duels and mead, I’m ready for the concerts.

Well, almost ready, because on stage is Corey Taylor, whom I prefer to listen to while lying on the grassy hill. Shedding his mask, the shy Corey appears less psychosocial and more tender with the audience. He creates an almost intimate atmosphere, sharing autobiographical notes between tracks. In previous concerts with Slipknot, his ability to connect with the audience through the mask had impressed me; here, with minimal staging, he shows his human side, resolute yet also timid. His solo project allows him to showcase his vocal and interpretative skills with melodic pieces, including slower songs.

A bit like Eddie Vedder, he creates a lighter atmosphere. Within the festival setting, we appreciated this; sometimes a bit of lightness is refreshing.

Corey Taylor. Credits Gaia Micatovich (@micatovich_photo)

The Offspring

A false start.

Ready to dive into the mosh pit, The Offspring launch straight into “Come Out and Play,” one of my favorite tracks from my early youth. The song is still great but something seems off, perhaps in the vocals. Noodles is there, and he carries the band, which gradually picks up momentum in subsequent songs.

The turning point comes halfway through the concert with “Why Don’t You Get A Job”. The audience participates, making themselves heard and pushing the band’s pedals; the stage powers up and so begins the punk-rock ride for which we’ve been waiting. Dexter is revitalized: “Pretty Fly For a White Guy” is irreverent, silly and festive, genuine Punk 2000.

The concert reaches its peak with “The Kids Aren’t Alright,” reminding us why The Offspring are still worth following.

Quality over quantity: the quality of the final pieces heard exemplify why this historic band deserves respect.

Noodles, the hero who carries the band opening the party. credits: Gaia Micatovich

Plaguemace

Like a salami of iguana meat, the reptilian-themed Plaguemace is slid between the bread slices of Offspring and Bruce Dickinson. I rush to the Gehenna stage to take a small bite of the perverted sandwich.

Here, I rediscover the true spirit of Copenhell: the groovy metal of this Horsens quartet is thrown at the crowd with punk audacity. Melodic and raw, yet with technically fine metal craftsmanship. Andreas has the enthusiasm and the lovable madness of a metalhead playing for lifelong friends. Among the tightly packed crowd in front of the stage, there’s a magical sense of friendship and unity, as if an intimate concert despite a rather large audience gathering.

The fraternal metalhead love is expressed sincerely in a lively mosh pit; bodies passing over our heads are respectfully thrown onto others. Out of the corner of my eye, I see a wheelchair surfing the human waves.

The old-school Copenhell metal soul is distilled in this act: Growl, Mosh & Brotherhood.

We absolutely loved their concert, so we tail them and get them on camera during day 3

During the interviews are mentioned Møl (interviewed here), Vulvatorious (at the day 3 of this report) and the Horsens townfolks Persecutor, but also Sanguisugabogg and Terminalist (band produced by Lasse Ballade of Ballade Studios in Copenhagen).

Bruce Dickinson

Corey had primed the crowd to become involved and intimate. Dexter and Noodles of The Offspring hyped us up to be rowdy and reckless. Now the legend of Bruce the perfectionist takes the stand to upstage everyone.

Dr. Bruce Dickinson, Ph.D., ought to open his vocal cords and outshine the previous singers, promise kept. Our chief-in-editor reviewed The Mandrake Project, and I dare not challenge his devotion to Bruce. The singer’s skills are so impressive that even some accompanying musicians are humbled. Personally, I really like the minimalist staging and Bruce in basic black. The lack of clutter and gimmicks allows Bruce a rawer, more physical performance, a return to his roots. The virtuosity of his voice resonates cleanly without too many visual distractions. Majestic Metal horns rise.

A simple yet delightful concert, highly enjoyable even for the less passionate, let alone for Bruce’s fans!

Avenged Sevenfold

It’s up to M. Shadow and company to shoulder the daunting task of opening for Steel Panther.

Six years ago, we left Avenged Sevenfold as California hooligans with bandanas and military pants, stirring up the crowd. The concert kicks off with “Game Over.” Amidst black screens, M. Shadow enters, slowly walking with a posture of elegance, slicked-back hair and stylish black attire. The hipster uncle is back playing with Messenger filters. As soon as he picks up the guitar, we’re hit by a wave of colorful graphics. An unrecognizable show that alternates between the experimentation of “Life Is But a Dream” and classics revisited, blending naturally with the band’s new progressive direction. I remain open-mouthed, surprised by a completely new and meticulously crafted show.

Track after track, the concert unfolds like a story. Minimizing small talk with the audience, ditching unnecessary skits. Elegant and cultured, capturing the audience with carefully studied music, stage presence, and visuals for each section. Even the classic “Afterlife” is boldly revised to give a more moderate and introspective tone. The flagship “Buried Alive” sounds grand and imposing. They gift “Hail to the King” to the more conservative metalheads, who raise their horns in appreciation. Special mention to drummer Brooks Wackerman: we appreciate his technique and the brilliance he displays. Brooks joined the band fitting in big shoes and a Deadmau5 t-shirt, and now he is establishing its impact on the new course of the band.

Avenged Sevenfold have always had courage and audacity, hats off to them for changing their sound with every album and tour. After so many successes, it seemed impossible to merge all their sounds into one show. They did it excellently, taking us on a seemingly impossible musical journey.

Steel Panther

In 2018, Steel Panther brought the party on the stage, inviting the entire afternoon crowd to join and live the Glam dream: breasts in the wind, spandex, and heavy metal.

Now are returning as headliners after the excellent opening by Avenged Sevenfold. One can only imagine what their manager told them.

Manager on the brink of a crisis: “Copenhell wants you as headliners, I tried to talk them off but they insist. At least this time, don’t do any stupid stuff because there are photographers and people filming. So, don’t pull every topless girl onto the stage, security won’t allow it… and then they can’t get them back into the crowd after the show!”

Satchel: “We are Steel Panther: we have the new Vince Neil and all the spandex for the Glam of the new millennium. We deserve a stage full of breasts!”

Manager: “Please, I’ll give you everything you want! I’ll give you distinguished guests and a new bassist.”

Michael Starr: ” Spyder, Offspring on stage, Nikki Sixx and even Ozzy Osbourne with Randy Rhoads!… a tray of coke, ”

Confused manager: “Randy Rhoads?! I’ll pass on the coke… but the walking dead…”

Satchel: “Noodles helping us on stage, us dressing up as Randy Rhoads and Ozzy. A wheelbarrow of coke.”

Manager: “Is it ok a yellow wheelbarrow?”

wheelbarrow in hand, Steel Panther delivered the pre-party for the wildest night Las Vegashagen could offer. Absolute masters of party animals, sherpas of strip clubs, and paladins of spandex. Yet the music was professionally crafted, we got a long ride through Glam history flavored by Pather dressing and enjoyed it!

Let’s go cashing some dollars.

Ozzy on the stage while Michael went for the toilet. Credits: Stefano_c_o

Regrettably, we missed St.Digue show. Asking in the press room, it’s rumored to have been an excellent event, both for Kasper’s performance and the addition of new musicians to this project. Curious, I’ll catch up at the first opportunity.

HMW Special: at the Viking village of Udgaard with Idaslet & Lady Sofia Schmidt

Idaslet are the minstrels of the Viking village; Kristian & Magnus (Idaslet) and Sofia (Ethereal Kingdoms) plays and sings tirelessly among the Blood Eagle and in the longhouse. The expected amplifiers, mixers, and instruments didn’t arrive; so they performed acoustically. I wonder if this setback has made their performances even more unique and engaging.

Taking advantage of a few seconds between their songs, I conducted a brief interview with Sofia. Her incredible voice ranges from a raspy growl to notes worthy of a lyric soprano. A worthy ode to the ancient Gods: Udgaard is the antechamber of Valhalla.

During the interview Lady Sofia suggest to keep an eye on St.Digue and John Cxnnor (Day 3).

In the coming days, pit battles await us: our Ragnarök training ground is the Viking village of Udgaard, while Idaslet and Sofia sing Nordic folk metal songs for warriors clashing over toasts with beer and mead.