Friday

Charlotte Wessels

Friday’s musical journey begins with a serene, almost dream-like atmosphere as Charlotte Wessels takes the stage. The former Delain frontwoman and her band are a beautiful spectacle, with the stage adorned in flowers and captivating visuals that lend an ethereal quality to the performance. Charlotte herself, in a flowing white dress, looks like a figure from a fairy tale, her powerful voice weaving a spell over the early crowd.

The reunion on stage is especially poignant; several former Delain members join her, bringing back not just the familiar sound but also the cherished camaraderie of the disbanded group. This sight is a nostalgic and joyful one, giving us back everything we missed in the former group and more. It’s a true pleasure to witness these talented musicians sharing the stage once more, their synergy evident in every note. Witnessing Charlotte’s solo debut, The Obsession, live is a truly touching experience.

Asenblut

While some are still captivated by the magical soundscape of Charlotte Wessels, the energy shifts abruptly with the arrival of Asenblut on the Wera Tool Rebel Stage. The German melodic death metal band, with their unique blend of Viking and Pagan influences, delivers a powerful and aggressive set. Their music is a thunderous call to arms, filled with blistering riffs and furious drumming that instantly grabs the attention of the crowd. On top of all that, singer Tim „Tetzel“ Schmidt‘s unique deep voice and “a mountain of a man”-like physique really lock people in on their performance.

Angelmaker

Further down at the T-Stage, the vibe turns from rituals and Viking battles to a more modern, brutal sound of Canadian deathcore band Angelmaker. Known for their dual vocalist and triple-guitar assault, the band delivers a crushing set that is both technically precise and ferociously heavy. The performance is absolutely on point, with the two frontmen trading off guttural growls and piercing screams. The sheer weight of their riffs and punishing breakdowns has the crowd in a frenzy, proving that even in the afternoon heat, there is no stopping the power of a well-executed mosh pit.

Royal Republic

Shifting gears completely, the stage is next graced by the captivating energy of Royal Republic. The Swedish band stands as a musical anomaly in the afternoon’s lineup, a vibrant fusion of punk, rock, and disco-infused fun. With their uniquely stylish looks and sound, they deliver a performance that gets the crowd moving differently, their groovy riffs and infectious energy proving to be irresistible. The sound, with its blend of heavy rock crunch and upbeat dance rhythms, evokes the genre-bending spirit of bands like Volbeat, yet with their own distinct, playful swagger. The set is pure, unadulterated entertainment, a reminder that at Summer Breeze, fun is always the ultimate currency.

Adept

As much as the relentless sun is a defining feature of the week, the weather has other plans for the late afternoon. Just as Fit For A King are set to take the stage, a sudden and heavy downpour erupts, sending many festival-goers – including ourselves- scrambling for cover. A brief but intense storm replaces the heat with gallons of rain, and takes our opportunity to enjoy this awesome set from us and many other fans.

Fortunately, the storm passes as quickly as it came, allowing us to make it just in time for Adept. The Swedish post-hardcore band is an absolute highlight, and the show is a stunning display of raw emotion and power. The set has an added layer of intimacy, as the frontman confesses to the crowd that he is extremely nervous, given the band’s limited number of performances in recent years. This vulnerability, however, only seems to fuel the fans’ excitement and energy. To which Adept respond with delivering a flawless show, their heavy, melodic sound and passionate delivery proving that despite their time away, they are as formidable as ever.

Destinity

Following the high-energy set from Adept, the next performance on the agenda is by the French melodic death metal band Destinity. Their sound, a polished and aggressive blend of death and thrash metal, provides a solid, headbang-worthy foundation. The band’s stage presence is confident, and their musicianship is tight, delivering a set that is both professional and powerful. While the aesthetics may be understated, the music itself is a consistent and enjoyable force, proving to be a worthy addition to the diverse lineup of the day.

Blind Guardian

After Hämatom‘s explosive set, the stage is prepared for the second headliner of the night, Blind Guardian. The German power metal legends take the stage and deliver an absolutely powerful, warm-hearted, and exciting performance. With each song telling a different fantastical story, the LED backdrop and intricate stage design provide a captivating visual narrative.

Frontman Hansi Kürsch’s voice carries the show magnificently, a testament to his enduring talent. The band’s performance is not just a concert but a shared experience, as Kürsch willingly hands over vocal duties to the crowd for fan favorites like “The Bard’s Song” and “Valhalla”. This moment of unity is reflected in the harmonious, collective choir of over 40,000 people singing along. A powerful bonding experience that resonates throughout the festival grounds and proves the enduring legacy of the band.

Wardruna

After the exhilarating power metal of Blind Guardian, the atmosphere at the Main Stage undergoes a complete shift. Following a longer-than-planned stage rebuild, the ritualistic sounds of Wardruna begin to fill the air. The band’s performance is a study in minimalism and mysticism, carried by a hauntingly beautiful stage setup of mist, shadowy silhouettes, and ethereal pagan sounds. Their music, rooted in Nordic traditions and historical instruments, has an air of transcendence. However, following the high-octane energy of their predecessor, the atmospheric and contemplative nature of the music is a stark contrast, sending many of the pumped-up fans into a serene slumber and, eventually, back to their camps for the night.

End of the night

While many make their way back to their camps, the night is far from over for the most dedicated fans. The post-headliner slots are filled with opportunities to keep the energy high until the early morning. This night specifically Harakiri for the Sky, Static-X, and Non Est Deus. For those who remain, it is a brutal and uncompromising end to an incredible day.