Summer is arriving in full force, so the festival season is creeping nearer. One of the biggest metal and rock festivals in Belgium is the internationally known Graspop Metal Meeting in Dessel. Every year you get bands and artists from several branches of the heavier music scene for you to pick from. With 100+ bands spread over 5 podia it can be a daunting task to figure out what bands are a “must-see” and which are to be traded for some beer and/or food time. So here we are… we put our heads together and every member of our team pushed forward 1 or more bands of which they think it’s a definite “must-see” and try to convince you in a few lines.
Have a look at “The GRIMM editors’ pick”!

Saturday

Stray From The Path: 11:30 – 12:10 on Main Stage 2 (written by Elias)

If you like it angry and political, you should wake up early on Saturday. Stray From The Path’s latest record ‘Only Death is Real’, is really pissed of. If they bring this message in a liveshow, you’re in for a treat! Due to the cancellation of P.O.D., this band is moved to the opening slot on the main stage. Show them some love and take some of their energy to start the third day of the festival!

Bölzer: 12:00 – 12:40 in the Marquee (written by Ahoth)

Switzerland’s Bölzer are steadily paving their own path towards the absolute top of the death/black genre. Using only one guitar, drums and frenzied vocals, the two-piece have created a unique sound for their own, whether it be through inventive riffing or the sometimes growling, sometimes tormented wailing vocals. This minimalist formula, however, results in a massive wall of sound that obliterates everything it encounters. Be sure to be blown away (or at least have your eardrums blown out) by one of the most interesting bands this line-up has to offer regarding extreme metal.

The Vintage Caravan: 14:10 – 14:55 in the Metal Dome (written by Dieter)

Step one, take a monstrous bass sound. Step two, add some tight drumming. Step three, add a layer of genuine emotion and good storytelling. Step four, groove along with The Vintage Caravan.
Since the international re-release of Voyage in 2014 via Nuclear Blast, this Icelandic trio has conquered many grooving stoner rockers’ hearts around Europe. Since the release of 2015’s Arrival they’ve played multiple gigs in several Belgian venues and smaller festivals. This year they’ll get the chance to rumble through the Metal Dome on Saturday around 14:10. And now it’s time to expand your mind:

Planet of Zeus: 15:55 – 16:40 in the Metal Dome (written by C’kes)

I first discovered these dudes back somewhere in 2013 while living in Greece. Unknown outside their own country friends recommended me to go see this energy dense, riff packed, raw energy bomb. The tiny venue was way too small so people started filling the space above the audience with crowd surfing. The footprints on the ceiling remain there up to this day. In the meantime, this southern stoner gem has been discovered abroad and I’m convinced they will set Graspop on fire. I wonder if anyone will reach the ceiling of the Marquee this time? Check them out for yourself:

Crossfaith: 16:50 – 17:30 on the Jupiler Stage (written by Vaim)

One of the shows of GMM 2014 that I still clearly remember to this day… Expect a show with a shitload of energy, Japanese dudes jumping around like they swallowed both springs and Duracell batteries, band members not sticking to the restrictions of the stage (read: the guitarist climbed on top of the bar containers next to the Jupiler Stage to run around there) and a mix of metal/metalcore with electronic music that even made the most stubborn metalhead, who was there, move! A whole bunch of metalheads dancing to Crossfaith‘s version of “Omen” (Prodigy song) is still one of the moments of that year’s edition for me…

Sons of Apollo: 19:30 – 20:20 in the Metal Dome (written by Tom)

Mike Portnoy, the workaholic muppets-alike Animal, has formed once again a beast of a band. Supported by Bumblefoot Billy Sheehan, Derik Sherinian and the incredible voice of Jeff Scott Soto, Sons Of Apollo has delivered an epic album, Psychotic Symphony, which they are proud to present to the Graspop audience (check out our review here). Those who love a modern hard rock sound mixed with progressive influences should go on Saturday at 19:30 to the Metal Dome to enjoy some incredible musicianship fun.

Baroness: 21:30 – 22:20 in the Metal Dome (written by Vaim)

Charismatic John Baizley and his bandmates will definitely bring a passionate and energetic show as always. Their catchy and progressive mix of sludge and stoner is simply unmatched in its power and honest rawness and the emotionally charged songs will get the crowd easily to go nuts. Every time I’ve seen these guys, they’ve absolutely rocked the stage and who knows, maybe you’ll get to here a new tune since they’re working on their new album…