The Gdynia RockZ Festival is a landmark event in the Tri-City music scene, providing a dynamic platform for showcasing the best in local alternative, rock, and metal.
When we say “local,” it extends beyond just the Tri-City. Few of the bands come from surrounding towns in northern Poland, and in Polish terms, “close” can mean up to a four-hour train ride. So, the festival features a broader range of northern Polish bands.
Now in its fourth edition, the festival continues to attract music lovers eager to experience its vibrant atmosphere, impressive performances, and carefully curated lineup. Gdynia RockZ remains committed to supporting the local-north-of-poland music community, spotlighting explosive emerging talent from the region as well as established bands.
A Diverse and Eclectic Lineup
The festival’s lineup is a testament to the strength and diversity of that wide local scene, featuring an eclectic mix of bands – each with its own distinct sound and energy. From the atmospheric post-punk of Kiev Office to the crushing metalcore of The Materia, the festival was a celebration of the many subgenres thriving in northern Poland.
The lineup included well-known regional acts such as No One Leaves, S O M A, The Howling Eye, Three Eyes of the Void, 8 Minute Agony, Backhand Slap, Pandemic Outbreak, Hellvoid, Mechanism, and Varmia. These bands, along with others, delivered sets that not only got fans talking but also reaffirmed Gdynia RockZ’s role in spotlighting the vibrant talent emerging from the region.
Kiev Office
Long regarded as one of the pillars of the Tri-City post-punk alternative scene, Kiev Office continues to impress. This year, the addition of Mateusz Bartoszek (formerly of Zurawie) on guitar added a fresh spark to the band’s performance, taking their hypnotic rhythms and sharp guitars to new levels. Bartoszek’s wild energy and musicianship injected a layer of unpredictability into their live show, which was a seamless blend of post-punk atmospheres and folk motifs. It is always such an exciting band to see live.
The Materia
The Materia, hailing from Szczecinek, delivered one of the festival’s most memorable sets. Their modern metalcore sound, characterized by intricate guitar work, explosive drumming, and intense vocals, left the audience in awe. Having built an impressive reputation not just in Poland but internationally, The Materia continues to push boundaries with their technical mastery and raw energy. Their performance at Gdynia RockZ was a masterclass in how to command a festival stage, solidifying their place as one of Poland’s leading metal acts.
8 Minute Agony
Day two of the festival kicked off with 8 Minute Agony, a young band making significant waves in the local scene. Their performance was filled with youthful energy and raw emotion, blending elements of alternative rock and post-hardcore. It was clear that these rising stars have a bright future ahead of them, as their set captivated the crowd and left a lasting impression. The band’s raw passion and ability to connect with the audience suggest they will continue to grow their fanbase.
Hellvoid
Hellvoid brought a metal vibe that was both heavy and deeply engaging. Their set stood out not only for the power of their sound but also for the collaborative nature of the performance, which featured several guest singers. This added an unexpected dynamic to their show, enhancing the sense of community and spontaneity. Their signature use of two bass guitars created a rich, deep sound that reverberated through the audience. The band’s joy was contagious, with both the performers and the crowd feeding off each other’s energy.
Pandemic Outbreak
For fans of thrash metal, Pandemic Outbreak delivered exactly what was expected – fast, aggressive, and unrelenting music. Their set was a headbanger’s dream, filled with precise riffs, ferocious drumming, and guttural vocals. Pandemic Outbreak proved why they are a force to be reckoned with in the Polish metal scene.
Mechanism
One of the very pleasant gig of the festival was Mechanism, a progressive metal band with a complex sound that marries technical precision with emotional depth. Their intricate compositions and tight musicianship caught the attention of many attendees. Mechanism’s performance was a reminder of the region’s ability to produce not just heavy bands, but ones with incredible technical prowess.
I’m really sorry I missed Backhand Slap’s set this time around. I’ve seen them twice before, and their gigs are always packed with raw energy and electrifying punk vibes. Unfortunately, a technical issue with my camera forced me to step out right as their performance started. Given their track record, I’m sure it was another high-octane show, full of their usual intensity and chaotic stage presence. It’s a shame I couldn’t catch it, I was really looking forward to it once again.
