It feels like it comes around quicker each year, but we probably wouldn’t have it any other way, because Groezrock is always one of our favourite festivals of the year. With a diverse line up of punk, metal, hardcore, and alternative, the 2017 edition of the Belgian festival boasts one of its best bills to date. As always, we will be bringing you all the action from the festival, but to get you ready we have put together a playlist of what you can expect, and a selection of the best bands across the weekend.
Deftones
Main Stage: Saturday 00:00 – 01:10
The reaction to Deftones being announced as the first headliner for Groezrock was a divided one, to say the least. However, you can bet the main stage will be packed to the rafters when the Californian band arrive, armed with a catalogue of anthems that are tailor-made for festivals. Rumour has it they have been delving deep in to their early material, right through to last years stunning album, ‘Gore’, so you can expect something special from them.
Pennywise
Main Stage: Sunday 20:20 – 21:20
A quintessential festival band, Pennywise always look at home each time they come to Groezrock. After nearly 30 years of punk rock they are still going strong, and still one of the best out there. This year they will be playing their 1995 classic, ‘About Time’, along with a with a selection of classic hits from their career, making this set one that shouldn’t be missed.
Underoath
Main Stage: 20:40 – 21:40
When Underoath called time on their career in 2012, it felt like the right thing to do, but a hole was left and not having them around anymore didn’t feel right. Four years later, the Florida metalcore band had their rebirth. The have since gone on to tour the world as a refined and rejuvenated unit, and it will be an emotional trip down memory lane when they arrive at Groezrock.
The Menzingers
Main Stage: Saturday 16:40 – 17:25
It feels like The Menzingers have become the defining punk band of our time, making relatable and honest music. Their most recent album, ‘After The Party’, has seen widespread acclaim, and they will help provide some of the best sing along moments of the weekend. The Menzingers know how to put on a frantic rock show, and can punch you in the heart in the same time.
Cro-Mags
Back To Basics: Saturday 18:45 – 19:35
Without a doubt, Cro-Mags are one of the defining New York hardcore bands, and while they have had their ups and downs, they are still a force to be reckoned with. In 2017, their classic debut album, ‘Age Of Quarrel’, remains relevant for the time we live in, and John Joseph still spits every word with the same vitriol 30 years later. If you want a history lesson in how hardcore should be done, do not miss them.
Petrol Girls
Watch Out: Saturday 16:10 – 16:50
Sadly, there still seems to be sexism and macho bullshit within out scene, but Petrol Girls are here to help stamp it out. Their 2016 album, ‘Talk Of Violence’, was one of the best releases of last year. Filled with anger and rage, it was a volatile burst of punk rock fury, and their Groezock debut is the perfect place to spread their message.
Deafheaven
Back To Basics: Saturday 20:05 – 21:00
The days of Deafheaven being divisive are pretty much behind them now, and they have proved to be one of the most powerful forces in modern metal. Groezrock will be one of the final stops on the last part of the touring cycle for their stunning 2015 album, ‘New Bermuda’, and if their recent London show is anything to go buy, it will be a thing of decadent and terrifying beauty.
Bouncing Souls
Main Stage: Saturday 19:15 – 20:05
The New Jersey punk band have become an institution over the course of their long career, and never disappoint live. Whether they are playing classic tracks from ‘How I Spend My Summer Vacation’, or bringing their new material from ‘Simplicity’ to life, you can bet you will have the most fun watching Bouncing Souls. The thought alone of hundreds of people singing along to ‘True Believers’ is enough to give you Goosebumps.
Oathbreaker
Back To Basics: Saturday 16:10 – 16:50
In 2016, Oathbreaker released their third album, ‘Rheia’, which we voted as our album of the year, and with good reason, too. It as a caustic burst of blackened hardcore, filled with the emotion of vocalist Caro Tanghe’s personal lyrics. If you have never seen this band live, make sure you add them to your schedule. The term ‘mind-blowing’ gets thrown around flippantly, but in the case of Oathbreaker, it happens to be true.
mewithoutYou
Saturday: Main Stage 15:25 – 16:10
With the majority of the line up gravitating towards heavier and faster bands, mewithoutYou offer something different at Groezrock. Their angular post-hardcore and the poetic, spoken word delivery of Aaron Weiss is unique and inviting. They will make you want to dance and feel alive, while taking you to a different world from the chaos of the festival.
Groezrock takes place in Meerhout, Belgium on April 29-30. All relevant information, including ticket links can be found at the official website.