Copenhagen's annual Copenhell festival has taken place in the Danish capital, with Bruce Dickinson, Limp Bizkit and Machine Head among the acts to wow crowds at the sell-out event. Taking place from 19th - 22nd June 2024, Copenhell 2024 marked the thirteenth outing for Denmark's biggest metal fest.
With so much choice in the Euro summer festival calendar and with similar bills popping up on each, it's easy to make the mistake of assuming that one can be indistinguishable from another. Admittedly, some, such as the monster Hellfest in France, are more unique than others, and Copenhell certainly fits this bill. Set in Refshaleøe in Copenhagen's harbour, in a disused industrial zone, with its huge wolf-eyed hangar ever watchful over the event, with its own forest, multiple stages, side shows, and more, it's akin to The Crystal Maze meets Mad Max, soundtracked by some of the heaviest acts on the planet. Simply put, Copenhell is an awesome, overwhelming spectacle.
By the time eonmusic has traversed the scenic ride along the coast with a view of the international bridge to Sweden and checked in, Cory Taylor has hit the main Helviti stage. Whipping up the crowd into an early afternoon frenzy, the first nu metal godfather of the weekend - there'll be another later - mixes up the set with tracks from his solo releases, as well as with favourites from Stone Sour and Slipknot.
Igniting the pit for 'We Are the Rest', and 'Song #3', the charismatic front man proves a winner with the capacity Copenhell crowd.
Touching on his mental health and bringing things down a little, Taylor pays tribute to his wife, confessing that "six months ago she saved me from the darkest time in my life", ahead of a emotive 'Through Glass'.
Bringing things back to the rough stuff, and it is of course the Slipknot material that elicits the biggest response, with both 'Snuff' and 'Duality' lifting the energy in the arena to another level.
By the time eonmusic has traversed the scenic ride along the coast with a view of the international bridge to Sweden and checked in, Cory Taylor has hit the main Helviti stage. Whipping up the crowd into an early afternoon frenzy, the first nu metal godfather of the weekend - there'll be another later - mixes up the set with tracks from his solo releases, as well as with favourites from Stone Sour and Slipknot.
Igniting the pit for 'We Are the Rest', and 'Song #3', the charismatic front man proves a winner with the capacity Copenhell crowd.
Touching on his mental health and bringing things down a little, Taylor pays tribute to his wife, confessing that "six months ago she saved me from the darkest time in my life", ahead of a emotive 'Through Glass'.
Bringing things back to the rough stuff, and it is of course the Slipknot material that elicits the biggest response, with both 'Snuff' and 'Duality' lifting the energy in the arena to another level.
Cory Taylor at Copenhell 2024. Photo: Adrian Hextall.
The Offspring who follow, undoubtedly prove the most popular band of the day. Pulling out a similar set to that of their Download Festival appearance a week earlier, their good time anthems and silly humour - they score yet another "world record" with a Copenhell attendance supposedly in the millions for their set - goes down a treat with the Danes and international visitors.
Over on the Hades stage, the command; "scream for me Copenhagen!" can only mean one thing; the return of Bruce Dickinson to Denmark for his first solo show in 26 years. Bruce and his band are well bedded-in after spending the last three months, on and off, on tour. Taking in all the best bits of his solo catalogue from the opening 'Accident of Birth' to an out of this world 'Abduction', and monstrous 'Book of Thel', it's a stunning performance.
With Avenged Sevenfold headlining the main stage with career-spanning set that takes in all their biggest moments including a storming 'Hail to the King', it's left to the irreverent Steel Panther to close out day one as only they can. "We're back at Copenhell and we've talked to the owner of the festival and we've locked the doors and we're going to play to six in the morning!", declares singer Mike Starr to the misguided delight of everyone.
With their comedy schtick reaching new levels of ridiculousness, guitarist Satchel thanks his; "brand new guitar tech, Noodles from The Offspring", who appears from the wings to help him out with his gear. "He just got fired from The Offspring", jokes Satchel, congratulating him on his new job.
It's not all joking however, and later there's a brief moment of sincerity at the end of '1987', with Starr declaring "we miss you Eddie Van Halen!"
Over on the Hades stage, the command; "scream for me Copenhagen!" can only mean one thing; the return of Bruce Dickinson to Denmark for his first solo show in 26 years. Bruce and his band are well bedded-in after spending the last three months, on and off, on tour. Taking in all the best bits of his solo catalogue from the opening 'Accident of Birth' to an out of this world 'Abduction', and monstrous 'Book of Thel', it's a stunning performance.
With Avenged Sevenfold headlining the main stage with career-spanning set that takes in all their biggest moments including a storming 'Hail to the King', it's left to the irreverent Steel Panther to close out day one as only they can. "We're back at Copenhell and we've talked to the owner of the festival and we've locked the doors and we're going to play to six in the morning!", declares singer Mike Starr to the misguided delight of everyone.
With their comedy schtick reaching new levels of ridiculousness, guitarist Satchel thanks his; "brand new guitar tech, Noodles from The Offspring", who appears from the wings to help him out with his gear. "He just got fired from The Offspring", jokes Satchel, congratulating him on his new job.
It's not all joking however, and later there's a brief moment of sincerity at the end of '1987', with Starr declaring "we miss you Eddie Van Halen!"
Satchel of Steel Panther at Copenhell 2024. Photo: Adrian Hextall.
Tucked away in a quiet corner, Copenhell Con sees the earliest arrivals on day two (Thursday 20th June) get up close and personal for an interview session with Anthrax man Scott Ian. A world away from the chaos he'll bring later on the Hades stage with Mr.Bungle, the guitarist chats his geekdom away from music; from his love of comics and film to his appearances in The Walking Dead and Game of Thrones. Informal and laid back, the format offers a welcome respite from the action outside.
However Ian is here for one primary reason, and when Mr.Bungle take to the stage in their early afternoon slot for their first Danish show in 24 years, it's without sentiment. Entering to the most painful and out of tune reworking of the theme tune to 2001: A Space Odyssey, the mere sight of Mike Patton alone - braided hair dangling above his head, bright red lipstick, and hand drawn 'tattoos' - the word 'NECK' on his neck, 'Dick Power' on his arm - is enough to unnerve even the hardiest metallers in the place.
Pummelling the crowd with opener 'Grizzly Adams' and the brutal 'Anarchy Up Your Anus', their teasing tender covers including utterly convincing runs through Spandau Ballet's 'True' and Grease classic 'Hopelessly Devoted to You' proved that you just never know what you're going to get with Mr.Bungle.
Wrapping up their set as they did at the previous week's Download Festival , a genteel 'All By Myself' is reworded to 'Go Fuck Yourself', with predictably hilarious results.
However Ian is here for one primary reason, and when Mr.Bungle take to the stage in their early afternoon slot for their first Danish show in 24 years, it's without sentiment. Entering to the most painful and out of tune reworking of the theme tune to 2001: A Space Odyssey, the mere sight of Mike Patton alone - braided hair dangling above his head, bright red lipstick, and hand drawn 'tattoos' - the word 'NECK' on his neck, 'Dick Power' on his arm - is enough to unnerve even the hardiest metallers in the place.
Pummelling the crowd with opener 'Grizzly Adams' and the brutal 'Anarchy Up Your Anus', their teasing tender covers including utterly convincing runs through Spandau Ballet's 'True' and Grease classic 'Hopelessly Devoted to You' proved that you just never know what you're going to get with Mr.Bungle.
Wrapping up their set as they did at the previous week's Download Festival , a genteel 'All By Myself' is reworded to 'Go Fuck Yourself', with predictably hilarious results.
Mike Patton of Mr.Bungle at Copenhell 2024. Photo: Adrian Hextall.
Hailing from just across the Øresund Bridge in Sweden - well, a seven hour drive away - The Hives predictably go down an absolute storm, with their alt-indie anthems bringing a welcome change of pace in the main arena. Armed with chart botherers 'Hate To Say I Told You So', and 'Tick Tick Boom', as well as livewire front man Howlin' Pelle Almqvist, they easily win the day with their Danish cousins.
However it's about more than just the music today, and on the day that Denmark take on England in the UEFA European Championship, the Beirgarten tent with its big screen is rammed to capacity. When Denmark equalise in the 34th minute, there's an eruption of elation, and whether you're a fan of the beautiful game or not, it's a sight to behold.
Back to the music, and it's divisive nu metal godfathers Limp Bizkit who close out the main stage. Having traversed Europe from Belfast to Donington park in the last week and a bit, their arrival in Copenhagen draws one of the biggest crowds of the festival. "Are you ok if we get a little bit heavy on ya'll?", enquires a knowing Fred Durst as his band take to the stage. With a wave of bouncing erupting to opener 'Full Nelson', things barely let up, as anthem 'Rollin' gives way to a defiant 'My Generation' and beyond.
With DJ Lethal interjecting with snippets from Ozzy, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Pantera, George Michael, it feels more like a house party than a gig.
A surprise and earnest cover of Nirvana's 'Come As You Are' meanwhile proves a festival highlight.
However it's about more than just the music today, and on the day that Denmark take on England in the UEFA European Championship, the Beirgarten tent with its big screen is rammed to capacity. When Denmark equalise in the 34th minute, there's an eruption of elation, and whether you're a fan of the beautiful game or not, it's a sight to behold.
Back to the music, and it's divisive nu metal godfathers Limp Bizkit who close out the main stage. Having traversed Europe from Belfast to Donington park in the last week and a bit, their arrival in Copenhagen draws one of the biggest crowds of the festival. "Are you ok if we get a little bit heavy on ya'll?", enquires a knowing Fred Durst as his band take to the stage. With a wave of bouncing erupting to opener 'Full Nelson', things barely let up, as anthem 'Rollin' gives way to a defiant 'My Generation' and beyond.
With DJ Lethal interjecting with snippets from Ozzy, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Pantera, George Michael, it feels more like a house party than a gig.
A surprise and earnest cover of Nirvana's 'Come As You Are' meanwhile proves a festival highlight.
Fred Durst of Limp Bizkit at Copenhell 2024. Photo: Adrian Hextall.
Day three (Friday 21st June) kicks off with Uriah Heep bringing their tried and tested originators of rock formula to Copenhell. The band with the greatest vintage on the festival - it's been over five decades since the release of their debut '...Very 'Eavy ...Very 'Umble' - their anthems go down a storm, on particular the always incredible 'July Morning' and barnstorming 'Easy Livin'.
While critically acclaimed Danish hyper thrashers Terminalist shattering the serenity in the idyllic forest hideaway on the Gehenna stage, Kerry King is chatting in Copenhell Con about his favourite horror movies. "I was a very sheltered teenager", he admits, before going on to discuss and rate some of the goriest flicks of all time. An engaging and entertaining interview, the most revealing moment comes when he says that he had seriously considered naming his solo band Krug after his character in the movie Studio 666,
With Ireland's The Scratch going down a storm on the Pandemonium stage, not least when they drop in a snippet of Thin Lizzy's 'Emerald', over on the Hades stage, Biohazard's Brooklyn hardcore gives way to Kerry King, who's performing his first Danish solo band show. Kicking off with the Slayer in all but name of 'Where I Reign', his new outfit are as tight as his former band, with star player's - and former Slayer colleagues - Paul Bostaph on drums and guitarist Phil Demmel putting in commanding performances. With a big production featuring elaborate lighting and staging as well as pyro, and tunes from his back catalogue including a punishing 'Disciple' and a menacing 'Reign in Blood', King proved that he's ready for life away from his former band.
While critically acclaimed Danish hyper thrashers Terminalist shattering the serenity in the idyllic forest hideaway on the Gehenna stage, Kerry King is chatting in Copenhell Con about his favourite horror movies. "I was a very sheltered teenager", he admits, before going on to discuss and rate some of the goriest flicks of all time. An engaging and entertaining interview, the most revealing moment comes when he says that he had seriously considered naming his solo band Krug after his character in the movie Studio 666,
With Ireland's The Scratch going down a storm on the Pandemonium stage, not least when they drop in a snippet of Thin Lizzy's 'Emerald', over on the Hades stage, Biohazard's Brooklyn hardcore gives way to Kerry King, who's performing his first Danish solo band show. Kicking off with the Slayer in all but name of 'Where I Reign', his new outfit are as tight as his former band, with star player's - and former Slayer colleagues - Paul Bostaph on drums and guitarist Phil Demmel putting in commanding performances. With a big production featuring elaborate lighting and staging as well as pyro, and tunes from his back catalogue including a punishing 'Disciple' and a menacing 'Reign in Blood', King proved that he's ready for life away from his former band.
Kerry King at Copenhell 2024. Photo: Adrian Hextall.
With Friday being the longest day, in the hidden away Udgaard area in the Forest, a summer solstice celebration is taking place. Hosted by the award winning Hun Solo group, it features traditional Danish folk music, drama, and an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Copenhell. As the sun goes down, the ritual begins with Norse music and the lighting of the bonfire, before the crowd join in on the midsummer song 'Når Jeg Danser Bålet'.
Back on the main stage, Rival Sons classic rock revival gives way to Machine Head, who mean business. "Copenhell, are you ready to lose your minds with Machine Head tonight?", asks main man Robb Flynn, as the biggest circle pit of the festival erupts for 'Ten Tonne Hammer'. With ten tonnes of pyro accompanying their set, it's a visual treat right through to the rousing finale of 'Davidian' and 'Halo'.
Back on the main stage, Rival Sons classic rock revival gives way to Machine Head, who mean business. "Copenhell, are you ready to lose your minds with Machine Head tonight?", asks main man Robb Flynn, as the biggest circle pit of the festival erupts for 'Ten Tonne Hammer'. With ten tonnes of pyro accompanying their set, it's a visual treat right through to the rousing finale of 'Davidian' and 'Halo'.
Robb Flynn of Machine Head at Copenhell 2024. Photo: Adrian Hextall.
An so to the final day (Saturday 22nd June), and over on the Pandemonium stage, those who arrive early are treated to the California sludge of Fu Manchu, who unleash the fantastically titled 'Loch Ness Wrecking Machine', as well as a host of stoner rock grooves.
With the metalcore of Danes Siamese soundtracking the early afternoon on the main stage, German veterans Accept, may be fifteen minutes late for their slot, but put on one of the most well received sets of the day. Now boasting a three-guitar attack featuring former Whitesnake man Joel Hoekstra, guitarist Wolf Hoffman later tells eonmusic; "Joel is an amazing player. We've played with three guitar players for a while now. It's one of those crazy stories. It was by accident. We never really planned on this, but on the orchestra tour, we found out how great it is to play with three guitar players . It really adds a little dimension to it. Do we need three guitar players? Hell no, but is it better? Yes! We have a lot more fun, and that's why we wanted to keep that. We found Joel to take on the summer festival run, and he's a total professional, a killer player, and a really nice guy."
With the metalcore of Danes Siamese soundtracking the early afternoon on the main stage, German veterans Accept, may be fifteen minutes late for their slot, but put on one of the most well received sets of the day. Now boasting a three-guitar attack featuring former Whitesnake man Joel Hoekstra, guitarist Wolf Hoffman later tells eonmusic; "Joel is an amazing player. We've played with three guitar players for a while now. It's one of those crazy stories. It was by accident. We never really planned on this, but on the orchestra tour, we found out how great it is to play with three guitar players . It really adds a little dimension to it. Do we need three guitar players? Hell no, but is it better? Yes! We have a lot more fun, and that's why we wanted to keep that. We found Joel to take on the summer festival run, and he's a total professional, a killer player, and a really nice guy."
Accept's Wolf Hoffman at Copenhell 2024. Photo: Adrian Hextall.
For some, Saturday is all about one act; Body Count. With Ice-T and his gangster rap metal band in the house, it's pandemonium in the pit. "They don't call this shit Copenhell for nothing", declares Ice; "you mother fuckers mean business!"
Mixing up classics like 'There Goes the Neighbourhood' and 'Voodoo' with newies from their forthcoming 'Merciless' album, its a vintage Body Count set. Debuting violent new track 'The Purge', Ice-T declares; "attention; the purge has now begun. Stay out of the mosh pit if you want to live tonight."
It's a family affair too, with Ice's wife watching side stage, his son Little Ice part of the band, and his eight-year-old daughter even joining in for an epic 'Talk Shit, Get Shot'.
Mixing up classics like 'There Goes the Neighbourhood' and 'Voodoo' with newies from their forthcoming 'Merciless' album, its a vintage Body Count set. Debuting violent new track 'The Purge', Ice-T declares; "attention; the purge has now begun. Stay out of the mosh pit if you want to live tonight."
It's a family affair too, with Ice's wife watching side stage, his son Little Ice part of the band, and his eight-year-old daughter even joining in for an epic 'Talk Shit, Get Shot'.
The one and only Ice-T of Body Count at Copenhell 2024. Photo: Adrian Hextall.
The festival ends with Tool, whose trippy visuals and aural hypnosis brings the diehards to their knees. Letting the music do the talking, singer Maynard James Kenan says little throughout, but is visually arresting with his make up and mohawk combo.
And with that, four days is done. With a capacity of 35,000, it's a stretch to call Copenhell metal's best kept secret, but it is undoubtedly a hidden gem. With myriad bars, food stalls, toilets and a huge embankment from which to view the main stages, it's exceptionally well facilitated, and doesn't suffer from the usual complaints levelled at a lot of other events of this size. Put simply, the Danes do it right in Denmark.
Copenhell returns in 2025. for more information visit copenhell.dk.
Check out our gallery from the weekend. All photos by Adrian Hextall.
And with that, four days is done. With a capacity of 35,000, it's a stretch to call Copenhell metal's best kept secret, but it is undoubtedly a hidden gem. With myriad bars, food stalls, toilets and a huge embankment from which to view the main stages, it's exceptionally well facilitated, and doesn't suffer from the usual complaints levelled at a lot of other events of this size. Put simply, the Danes do it right in Denmark.
Copenhell returns in 2025. for more information visit copenhell.dk.
Check out our gallery from the weekend. All photos by Adrian Hextall.
