Tons Of Rock (2025)
It was my first time making the metal pilgrimage to Oslo, Norway, and I can’t think of a better reason than to attend the Tons Of Rock festival.
We’ve all been to similar events, so let me tell you, this was perhaps the best-organized I’ve ever seen, with a universally friendly vibe, in the city where the sun doesn’t set till almost midnight. Gorgeous and unique location, easy access to mass transit back and forth, quality food, and a perfectly diverse rock bill.
The first day, we were able to walk directly from a raucous mainstage performance by Electric Callboy to a darkened area filled with the legendary doom of Candlemass, in the same tent where Old Man’s Child later crushed.
Tons Of Rock was my first time seeing Emperor since their brief American tour in 1999, and what a place to do it. (I am the black wizards, indeed.)
Earlier this year, I took my teenage daughter to see Machine Head at Jose Mangin’s Seal Beach studio — what a trip for her to see that, and then to experience full Headcase bombast co-headlining a Euro fest. It was a tasty blend of classics and newer songs, with Robb Flynn’s unrivaled command of a vast crowd cutting through what could have otherwise been a sensory overload of video screens, pyro, inflatable hammers, and square-shaped MH beach balls.
Which is to take nothing away from the massive performances delivered by the likes of Muse, Green Day, Weezer, Megadeth, The Damned, and more. (I’ve seen Megadeth many times, and yes, Teemu Mäntysaari nails “Tornado of Souls.”)
Avenged Sevenfold’s heady, minimalist, and clever stage production stood out among the sea of fire, confetti, and fireworks employed elsewhere, and the sing-alongs from the crowd were louder for them than anyone else we watched.
Anyone still demanding to know, “Where are the new headliners in this space?” isn’t truly paying attention. A7X cracked the mainstream crossover code with at least three albums, and continues to release music that challenges both their audience and themselves, particularly with the inspired Life is But a Dream…
They’ve had every opportunity to be boring and stubbornly refuse.
We met a small army of amazing people behind the scenes at Tons Of Rock, including Cato Bjørkli and Jarle Kvåle, as well as fabulous delegates from Wacken Festival and Rock Hard, and familiar faces like the fantastic Katy Irizarry of Susperia PR, who should be the American ambassador to Norway.
Tons Of Rock was kind enough to organize cultural tours for us, as well: visits to Akershus Fortress, the MUNCH Museum, and the requisite drop-in to the infernal cellar once occupied by Euronymous and co, at Neseblod Records.
I couldn’t recommend this event (and city) more, and I’m excited to return ASAP.
