Aalborg Metal Festival 2024 – Saturday’s Highlights

Here’s what went down on the second and final day of the Aalborg Metal Festival, packed with fierce performances, genre-defying sounds, and crowd-rousing moments. Below are the standout acts that closed out the festival with style.

Omsorg

Omsorg (‘Care’ in English) is an experimental post-hardcore trio from Aalborg featuring Jan Fenger Christensen on guitar and vocals, Trong Le on bass, and Mads Skannerup Hansen on drums. Though formed only in 2020, they’ve made waves in the Danish music scene with their debut album “Moments, Movements” and opened for Zeal & Ardor in late 2022. Today, they opened the festival’s second day, drawing an impressive crowd for an early slot. Despite technical sound issues that required a restart of their first song, they delivered their most powerful performance yet. Gritty guitar riffs, aggressive vocals, and top-notch drumming set the crowd ablaze for another day of metal.

Shining

Norway’s Shining brought one of the festival’s most surprises. While not widely known in Denmark, their unique fusion of prog-rock, jazz, hardcore, and black metal captivated the audience with an explosive and unclassifiable sound. Founder Jørgen Munkeby’s modulated saxophone and synths created a complex and chaotic symphony. The bold blend of styles made a lasting impression despite the room being only partially filled. Although crowd engagement and lighting effects could have been more restrained, Shining’s experimental sound left a mark on those who witnessed it.

Orm

Orm (‘Worm’ or ‘Serpent’ in English) is beloved by both fans and critics of black metal. Nominated for Danish Hard Rock/Metal Publication of the Year in 2018, they’ve been praised for their albums and live performances. Their progressive black metal sound, combined with an epic, sometimes folk-infused atmosphere, creates immersive, story-driven songs. A standout element of their set was the dramatic lighting, dark at first and then swelling with the music’s intensity. Although vocals were a bit difficult to catch in softer sections, Orm’s presence and the large, engaged audience contributed to a captivating performance.

Mercenary

A fan favourite, the melodic death metal band Mercenary has been around since the early ’90s, evolving through lineup changes but maintaining aggressive guitar solos and powerful choruses. Known for balancing heavy riffs with melodic elements, they bring keyboard and synths into complex song structures, setting them apart in the genre. Frontman René Pedersen’s ‘warm satanic hug’ was welcomed by a packed venue, with fans raising fists to classics like “11 Dreams” and “Firesoul.” Ending with “Beyond the Waves” from their 2023 album “Soundtrack for the End Times,” Mercenary kept the crowd engaged throughout their set.

Baest

Formed in 2015, Baest (‘Beast’ in English) has rapidly risen in the Scandinavian metal scene with three albums, two EPs, and slots at major metal festivals. Known for putting a distinct spin on Scandinavian death metal, they combine crushing riffs, deep growls, and rhythm-driven tracks that border on groove metal. Frontman Simon Olsen’s intense growls are a perfect fit for their sound, and the crowd responded enthusiastically. The full house erupted in mosh pits and crowd-surfing, making Baest an intense and fitting closing act for this year’s festival.

photos (c) Morten Holmsgaard Kristensen