Copenhell June 20th-23rd 2018, Refshaleøen Copenhagen Denmark
Since 2010 fans have been gathering annually on the island of Refshaleøen- area in Copenhagen's harbour, industrial part of the city for the biggest metal party in the country. And can a place could be more metal than this- the revamped industrial landmark was once home to one of the world's largest shipyards, B&W. The two large halls still standing at the complex were built in the early 1960s by Burmeister& Wain were used to build ships until 1996. Today the area houses creative businesses, restaurants, sports facilities, cultural events and, of course, is home to Copenhell- Denmark's largest rock and metal festival which this year took place on June 21st to 23rd with a brand new feature- warm up day added before the three main days.
With only 8 years behind them, this festival has already become part of the leading ones in Northern Europe if not in the whole Europe. Celebrating the huge variety of metal culture it offers something to each end every festival goer. And as one of the few remaining city festivals in Europe it is easy accessible for everyone including those who don't camp or drive.
Being a newbie to Copenhell, I do have to say, I was very impressed- definitely a festival with atmosphere and different from others in many ways. Over the years it has grown into whole heavy metal village with many different themed areas to eat, drink and just chill.
The Viking themed Asgard; Purgatory with small stage for side shows, getting a tattoo or testing ones pain threshold; Acheron with some quite extravagant food and drink choices. On the foodie note, ready for the traditional festival burger, kebab or pizza, I was pleasantly surprised by the great food selection here. Fish& chips, Indian, Vietnamese, nachos, green vegan burger.. and churros, waffles, pancakes for the sugar fix.. just few of the choices.
Brilliant use of the historic B&W hall, decorated with the iconic Fenris wolf, it was transformed inside into a biergarden/ winery with an area to watch World Cup.
The queuing system at the entrance was great with clearly marked lines and no long waits. At the end of each night there were plenty of busses arranged to bring to drunken crowds back to town.
The only negative aspect that did stand out to me were the pissoirs right next to Pandæmonium stage. Constant heavy pee smell while enjoying heavy metal... definitely a "no". I'm sure that would be fixable for the future.
Over the years Copenhell has hosted an impressive list of the leading names: Megadeth, Judas Priest, Slayer, Iron Maiden, Slipknot, Black Sabbath, Alice Cooper, Marilyn Manson only few to mention.
Copenhell's 2018 edition's main headliners were Avenged Sevenfold, Ozzy Osbourne and controversial Sweden's rock band Ghost.
Over all Copenhell 2018 was a brilliant experience with a mega line up, great sound, tasty food, wonderful people and as a special treat we had blue sky too.
See you metalheads next year- June 19th to 22nd and we'll celebrate Copenhell's 10th anniversary!
Warm-Up Day
Pandæmonium Stage
Turnstile
L7
Mustasch
Neurosis
Red Warszawa
Day1
Helviti Stage
Parkway Drive
Nightwish
Avenged Sevenfold
Hades Stage
Tremonti
Asking Alexandria
Arch Enemy
Bullet For My Valentine
Pandæmonium Stage
Smertegrænsens Toldere/ UxDxS/Nut Liv
The Last Internationale
Zeal& Ardor
Thy Art Is Murder
Møl
Soulfly
(All photos ©Arta Gailuma and may not be used without permission)
Day2
Helviti Stage
Exodus
Deftones
Alice In Chains
Ozzy Osbourne
Hades Stage
Audn
At The Gates
Graveyard
Kreator
Enslaved
Pandæmonium Stage
Tainted Lady
Natjager
ORM
Crossfaith
Bersærk
Danko Jones
(All photos ©Arta Gailuma and may not be used without permission)
Day3
Helviti Stage
Jakob Stegelmann& Orchestra
Steel Panther
W.A.S.P
Helloween
Ghost
Hades Stage
Livløs
Defecto
Kellermensch
Corrosion Of Conformity
Alestorm
Sodom
Pandæmonium Stage
The Sledge
Nothing More
Suffocation
Igorrr
Satyricon
Tsjuder
(All photos ©Arta Gailuma and may not be used without permission)