The 4th edition of GdyniaROCKZ! is set to take over the city this September, promising a lineup that spans beyond the familiar boundaries of the Tricity area. This year, the festival broadens its scope, showcasing bands from across the country and beyond, each bringing their unique sound and ethos to the stage. As always, each day of the festival will culminate in performances by headliners who have made their mark on the scene – though the identities of these acts remain shrouded in secrecy for now.
Opening the festival is Pandemic Outbreak, a Gdańsk-based band known for their relentless death metal. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Sepultura and Morbid Angel, they’ve built a reputation for delivering raw, unfiltered performances that leave no room for pretense. With a catalog that includes two EPs and a full-length album, Pandemic Outbreak promises to set a grim tone for what lies ahead.
From the cold streets of Kyiv to the stages of Poland, Three Eyes of the Void brings a blend of black and post-metal that’s as bleak as it is beautiful. Their debut album, “The Atheist”, dives deep into existential themes, echoing Nietzsche’s proclamation that “God is dead”. Having reformed after a period of turmoil, the band’s return to the stage in full formation is one of the festival’s most anticipated moments.
Local upstarts 8 Minute Agony, formed in Gdynia in 2020, represent the new wave of metal. Despite their youth, with members aged just 14 to 18, they’ve already made a mark with their debut album “8”. Their presence at GdyniaROCKZ! underscores the festival’s commitment to showcasing emerging talent alongside established acts.
Kiev Office, a band deeply rooted in Gdynia, continues to evolve their sound, which has shifted from indie-rock to progressive and post-rock influences. Their upcoming performance will introduce new material, offering a fresh take on their already eclectic discography. This concert will also mark the debut of their latest EP, promising a mix of noise, melody, and storytelling that challenges conventions.
Mechanism, veterans of the progressive rock-metal scene, bring a decade of refined sound to the festival. Their two albums, “Between The Words” and “Entering The Invisible Light”, are journeys through heavy riffs, dynamic rhythms, and atmospheric keys. Mechanism’s growing reputation, bolstered by recent high-profile gigs, ensures their set will be one of the festival’s highlights.
Newcomers No One Leaves are poised to deliver a set drenched in the intensity of beatdown hardcore, metalcore, and sludge. Formed in 2022, their music is a brutal manifesto of fury, with live performances known to leave a trail of broken bones and shattered eardrums. Their appearance at GdyniaROCKZ! will be nothing short of a sonic assault.
SOMA, another act from the Tricity, defies categorization with their experimental approach to metal. Blending hardcore, mathcore, and sludge with jazz and noise influences, SOMA’s music is a testament to the power of innovation in heavy music.
Backhand Slap offers a raw, unfiltered take on hardcore punk. Their music is far from polished, but that’s precisely the point – it’s honest, aggressive, and uncompromising. In a world of overproduced sounds, Backhand Slap’s set at GdyniaROCKZ! will be a much-needed dose of authenticity.
Hellvoid, a band that breaks the mold with their unique lineup – featuring two bassists and a drummer – brings their self-described “Bass’n’Roll” to the festival. Their unconventional setup and sound are sure to intrigue and challenge the audience’s expectations.
The Howling Eye rounds out the lineup with a psychedelic rock sound that’s both expansive and intense. Their music draws on influences from stoner doom to post-rock and jazz, creating a sonic experience that’s as heavy as it is hypnotic.
Finally, the return of Black River, a supergroup that’s been off the radar for nearly a decade, marks a significant moment for the festival. Known for their explosive rock’n’roll energy, Black River’s re-emergence signals a band that’s playing by its own rules, free from the pressures of the past.
Also not to be missed is The Materia, a band whose modern metal sound has earned them international recognition. Their latest singles, leading up to a new album, continue to build on their reputation for delivering emotionally charged performances that resonate deeply with audiences.
GdyniaROCKZ! refuse to compromise on their sound, style, or message. As the event draws closer, anticipation is building for what promises to be a festival defined by its diversity and dedication to pushing the boundaries of rock and metal. Prepare yourself for a weekend of unyielding music and unforgettable performances in Gdynia this September.
