Our Guide to Groezrock 2015

By Glen Bushell

It comes around quicker each year, but it’s time again for Europe’s premier punk rock festival. That’s right, we’re talking about Groezrock 2015, and as always we will be heading over to Meerhout for a weekend of excellent music combined with some heavy drinking. We are supporting both the Back To Basics and Revenge stages this year, which will be bringing some of the highest calibre bands to the festival, and we will be filming on site across the weekend.


MUZU EXCLUSIVE – Groezrock 2015 Trailer on MUZU.TV.

Before all of that though, we’re going to give you a rundown of what we think are 15 of the most unmissable acts performing over the weekend and where to find them.

To stay up to date on what’s going at Groezrock 2015 this year, follow our Twitter and Instagram pages, and keep your eye on #PTGroez.

Starting with Friday…

Beach Slang

The Revenge Stage: 12:25-12:55

If, like us, you will have been enjoying some pre-festival drinking, then what better way to clear the cobwebs than the wonderful Beach Slang. They have been causing quite a stir as of late with their Jawbreaker meets Dinosaur Jr style punk rock, and will be an excellent way to kick your weekend off.

The Swellers

Monster Energy Stage: 13:00 – 13:35

It will be bittersweet, and there may even be some tears, but The Swellers are heading to Europe one last time before calling it a day. They stole our hearts years ago, and we will be there to see them off in style and thank them for the memories.

Against Me!

Monster Energy Stage: 16:10 – 16:55

A band that need no introduction, Against Me! are a pleasure to see live, and perfect every time. We picked their stunning album ‘Transgender Dysphoria Blues’ as our record of the year last year, and with good reason too. The best sing-alongs happen with Laura Jane Grace and co, so make sure you grab a cold beer and join in.

Cold World

Back To Basics Stage: 16:30 – 17:10

Probably one of the most inventive bands in hardcore today, Cold World will bring their powerful live show to Groezrock for the first time this year. On the back of last year’s ‘How The God’s Chill’ album, their fusion of heavy hardcore and hip-hop groove will no doubt be one of the highlights of the weekend.

The Smith Street Band

The Revenge Stage: 17:10 – 17:50

Coming all the way from the land down under, these Australian punks are returning to Groezrock for the second year in a row. Playing songs from last year’s fantastic album ‘Throw Me In The River’, The Smith Street Band will bring the party to The Revenge Stage.

Ceremony

Back To Basics Stage: 20:30 – 21:10

Going from a power violence band to an unstoppable post-punk machine is no easy feat, unless of course you are Ceremony. Having transcended hardcore with ‘Zoo’ in 2012, they have expanded on their sound for forthcoming album ‘The L-Shaped Man’, and Groezrock will mark their first European show in 3 years. Miss this at your peril.

Title Fight

The Revenge Stage: 22:40 – 23:30

Not much can be said about Title Fight that we haven’t already said before, but needless to say we love them. Their stunning album ‘Hyperview’ saw the band embrace a more expansive sound, and seeing these tracks mixed in amongst old classic’s such as ‘27’ will bring The Revenge Stage to a close in style.

Defeater

Back To Basics Stage: 23:30 – 00:20

They are one of the best melodic hardcore bands in the scene, and their conceptual story telling has won them critical acclaim. Having just signed to Epitaph, and with a new album on the horizon, Defeater’s powerful live show should not be missed at all costs.

And On Saturday…

Off With Their Heads

Monster Energy Stage: 14:00 – 14:40

There’s no mistaking that Off With Their Heads are angry, really angry in fact. If Friday didn’t ruin you too much, then these Minnesota punks will bring you right back to life and clear your hangover with their intense punk rock.

Turnstile

Back To Basics Stage: 15:15 – 15:50

There is a whole lot of buzz around Turnstile right now, and rightfully so. Their debut album ‘Nonstop Feeling’ was whirlwind of energy and excitement, which took a lot of people by surprise. If their fantastic performance at Ieperfest last year was anything to go by, then Turnstile could well provide the set of the weekend.

Bane

The Revenge Stage: 19:50 – 20:30

Groezrock could be one of the last times Bane grace Europe’s shores with their presence, as they are set to call time on their 20 year career soon. They released one final album in the shape of ‘Don’t Wait Up’ last year, and their passionate live show will no doubt be even more emotional this time.

Basement

The Revenge Stage: 21:10 – 21:55

Currently working on their third album, Basement made a surprise return last year after a brief hiatus, and a welcome return it was. The boys from Ipswich always put their heart and soul into their live show, and will provide more than a few spine-tingling sing-alongs.

As Friends Rust

Back To Basics Stage: 21:55 – 22:40

It’s been a long time coming, but finally As Friends Rust are coming back to Europe. Much like their classic anthem ‘The First Song on the Tape You Make Her’, we got it bad for As Friends Rust, and with this being their first show on these shores in over a decade, it’s going to be one to remember.

American Nightmare

Back To Basics Stage: 23:30 – 00:20

They said it would never happen, but then never say never in hardcore. After reuniting a couple of years ago for sporadic shows, American Nightmare are back to charm their adoring fan base once again. Fronted by the incomparable Wes Eisold, and heralded as one of the most influential hardcore bands of all time, their Groezrock performance will be something special.

Refused

Monster Energy Stage: 00:15 – 01:30

2012 showed that Refused are not fucking dead, and in 2015 they return to the Groezrock stage to prove that Refused are very much alive. The Swedish hardcore punks will bring the festival to a close, and with whispers of a new album on the horizon, they are rejuvenated and ready to show everyone how it should be done.

 

Of course, these are just some of our predicted highlights over the weekend, and there’s still plenty more where that came from. There’s Pennywise, Lagwagon, Millencolin, Trash Talk, and dozens more to choose from across the two days, and the line-up is exhausting just to look at.

All the information you need can be found on the official Groezrock website, and of course don’t forget to keep your eye on our Twitter and Instagram across the weekend for updates. See you in Meerhout!