Metaltown 2009

There’s something deliciously anarchic about standing on a pier in June. A sun that won’t quit, the scent of saltwater in the air and a crowd dressed entirely in black like it’s some solemn funeral for subtlety.

Once again the Frihamnen pier is invaded by an army of metalheads, making whimsical horn gestures in the air and drinking lukewarm beer. The annual Metaltown circus is back in town.

I missed Marilyn Manson last time he rolled through town, but this time he performed at the Metaltown festival, on a pier so close I would have heard it from my balcony so I just had to be there. As expected it was all theatrics and eyeliner, as the old shock-rocker seemed to be trapped in his own particular kind of timewarp.

20 000 people on a pier.

Other bands of notice on Metaltown were Slipknot, Volbeat, Opeth, Dir En Grey and Disturbed. But as always, a large part of any festival is just hanging out with like-minded people, sharing stories from the trenches of concerts past.

Next week will start with Pet Shop Boys in Eriksbergshallen, then I’m off to Arvikafestivalen for Nine Inch Nails, Depeche Mode and other mischief. See you in the mud!