The 10 bands to watch at Groezrock

We’re roughly a week away from Europe’s biggest punk and hardcore festival. With the addition of a new stage, a guide to which bands you must check out might be reasonable, so here we go:

Brutus
This  Belgian trio managed to blow me away two times this year. They play a mix of shoegaze, punk, post rock and whatever else that’s loud and interesting. Their live set can be quite hypnotic and they have a sound all of their own. One of the few newer bands that I’m always excited about to go and see.

The Loved Ones
The return of Dave Hause and co. I still think The Loved Ones are way better than Hause ever did solo. Songs like ‘The Bridge’ and ‘100k’ have become punkrock classic by now. The Loved Ones haven’t played Europe in years so this one is going to be special.

Ceremony
From powerviolence to Joy Division. Well there was always a hint of Manchester gloom surrounding Ceremony but on their soon to be released record the also go for the sound of Ian Curtis and co. Just how the new songs will mix with their backcatalogue still beats me. Groezrock is the place to find that out.

Defeater
The first European show since singer Derek has had his hip replacement. With a new record coming up on Epitaph and a band in full force this will be probably go down as one of those legendary Groezrock performances.

Satanic Surfers
A large part of Groezrock is about nostalgia. And well what’s more nostalgic than seeing the heroes of our time again. One of Swedish best a band once able to draw as much kids as Lagwagon to a venue in Den Bosch and build one big party of stagedives and pogoes.

Bane
Their last appearance at Groezrock. Let’s make it special.

Against Me!
Though the band went through some turmoil in recent years, the current Against Me! is one of the best live acts out there today. This is one woman rock show you don’t want to miss.

Toxic Shock
Talking about shows. These Belgians always know how to make a crowd go wild. A crazy frontman and some trashy riffs go a long way. Since Iron Reagan is playing as well one might for a double dip of trash.

Turnstile
Today’s hope for hardcore. If there’s one band that can make it ‘big’ it’s Turnstile. It’s gonna be a non-stop feeling.

American Nightmare
This one goes without explaing. WE ARE.

So that wrap-up the ten bands to see at Groezrock but one might also go and check As Friends Rust, Good Riddance, Social Distortion, Make Do And Mend, Refused, Angel Dust, Cold World and OFF!

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