Thursday at Rock Castle: Ice-Cold Sonata Arctica and a Pirate Ride with Alestorm
When Moravský Krumlov is mentioned, many people think of history and Mucha's Slav Epic. In mid-August, however, this quiet South Moravian town regularly transforms into a pulsating mecca of rock and metal, drawing fans from all over Europe. Rock Castle has maintained its reputation as a smaller, easy-to-navigate and friendly festival without unnecessary chaos. No mile-long treks from the food stalls to the stage. The site is designed with the fan in mind. Everything is within easy reach, from a cold beer to the food zone, merchandise and autograph sessions. No unnecessary queues. The festival setting is simply unique. When the sun is blazing, fans are not roasting in thirty-five-degree heat on a concrete lot; instead, they watch the stage from the cooling shade of the castle park's trees. That feeling of standing in the pit while the majestic silhouette of a 13th-century Renaissance castle rises above the sound system is something you simply won't experience anywhere else. Naturally, our editorial team could not miss this magnificent event.
Space Dinosaurs and Swedish Rockers
The opening trio of the first day offers a textbook example of genre diversity. While Deep Sun relies on majestic keyboard lines and symphonic elegance, Victorius shifts into a higher gear and fires energetic power metal into the crowd. Dressed in futuristic armour like sci-fi ninjas, they catch the fans' attention, and their Dino Race From Outer Space even gets a group of dinosaurs going. After this intergalactic battle comes to an end, the fierce ladies of Thundermother take the stage and win the hearts of everyone who loves honest, raw rock'n'roll. The Swedish quartet serves up an incredible show packed with guitar solos. "We love you and your beer!" rings out from the stage. On that note, it is worth mentioning that this year brings a number of changes, including the replacement of the tried-and-tested Radegast–Pilsner pairing by Krušovice Bohém. Many rock fans react to the change at the taps rather hesitantly. A lot of people also miss the stall selling beer specials. As a result, many switch to refreshing cider or the familiar Vizovice drink "Kozičky" with elderflower elixir.
From Darkness in the Trenches into the Devil's Arms
After grabbing some refreshments, we head back to the stage. An interesting genre shift comes courtesy of the gothic-rock band Hell Boulevard. Their deep, dark vocals, electronic backing and hint of melancholy bring a breath of coolness and shadow to the sun-baked castle park. The atmosphere changes with the arrival of Brunhilde, a German outfit combining punk, metal and crossover. Energetic frontwoman Caro introduces the new single Rising From The Ashes and says goodbye with a well-known cover of The House of the Rising Sun. We stay with our German neighbours a little longer as Kanonenfieber take the stage. By far the darkest show of Thursday focuses on the theme of the First World War. The lyrics are based on genuine historical documents, letters and soldiers' diaries from the front. During Der Füsilier I, an enormous mosh pit erupts. The vocalist puts on a long black coat and plays the role of a cold-hearted officer in Z-Vor! The bleak atmosphere is completed by flamethrowers shooting several metres into the air. Rhythmic blows on a black drum follow, evoking a march into battle. Drumsticks fly into the crowd as a gift for the dedicated metalheads beneath the stage. The backdrop of a military airship towering directly behind the drum kit is equally impressive.
After a short break, we rest in the arms of the devil, courtesy of the Swedes Dynazty – In the Arms of a Devil opens their set, and the biggest pit of the day so far forms beneath the castle. Until this point, some visitors have been watching the festival programme from blankets spread out in the cool shade beneath the trees. But with the arrival of Nils Molin and his high-energy band, all relaxation comes to an end. Natural Born Killer and Waterfall get even the most laid-back fans on their feet and turn the park into one huge dancing crowd. The first crowdsurfers appear overhead, carried towards security, who have their hands full. A favourite ballad slows things down. The promise "Forever I'm Yours" echoes through the crowd, and we know we will remain loyal to the band for many years to come. "You guys were really, really good!" Nils praises us, and in return we show him some true Heartless Madness to close things out!
When the Duckies Sail In from the Far North
There is no time for any downtime, as Finnish legends Sonata Arctica take over the stage, celebrating 30 years on the scene this year! The stage set looks as if it came straight from an ice kingdom, evoking the landscapes of the far north. Frontman Tony Kakko masterfully switches between two modes – wild energy, jumping around and firing up the crowd, and an intimate, almost theatrical delivery in the slower passages. At Rock Castle, he shows us both sides as the set features both the biggest anthems (Fullmoon, I Have a Right) and beautiful ballads (Tallulah, Shy). The entire set ends with the traditional cheerful thank-you, with a drop of Vodka.
Unrestrained fun and the biggest party of the entire Thursday come courtesy of Alestorm. Already during the afternoon, it is clear what the visitors are looking forward to most. Iconic yellow duckies can be seen almost everywhere – on T-shirts, sitting on fans' shoulders, on their headbands, by the beer taps… and when the time comes, they make it all the way to the stage and keep Chris company during legendary hits Keelhauled, Mexico, or Hangover. And because Chris is no selfish pirate, he unleashes another army of ducks directly over the heads of the dancing crowd – and that is when the real pirate ride truly begins! The whole set lasts an hour and a half, but there is not a single minute to get bored, and when the final vulgar anthem Fucked with an Anchor arrives, the entire festival grounds sing along at the top of their lungs. The inflatable green "Fuck you" sign is just a funny finishing touch to an excellent concert.
For the die-hard rockers who still refuse to get tired, there is Frog Leap. Their recipe is simple but brilliant – take the world's biggest pop earworms and rebuild them as metal versions. The stage even features mascot Bunny – a rabbit who jumps into the crowd and whips the pit into dancing. Easy-going fun to round off the day. Thanks, Rock Castle – time to head back to the tents!
Lenka Svatoňová