Swartzheim

For some, their debut album, “Clinical Nightmare” (2021), was a successful first taste of exquisite Danish-style crossover thrash even though Swartzheim had hardly been known outside their home country’s scene at the time. That has since changed, though, partly because the Aarhus-based quintet have been playing one sold-out gig after another and – in 2024 – caused screams of ecstasy at Wacken Open Air with a stage presence that brought the house down. Last year saw the release of their second album, “Wounds” (2025), which – with a muscular hybrid of Slayer, Municipal Waste, and Hellripper – makes it clear that these lads know their craft and are masters at seamlessly integrating dynamic tempo changes alongside massive hardcore breakdowns. Added to that are the vocals of Jeppe Fulgberg, with which he lends the songs further structural depth – at times shouts, at times venomous growls, and then with semi-melodic phrases in the chorus. With this group, thrash metal draws on its roots in hardcore punk and speed metal to inspire a new generation with cathartic riffing and the most brutal drum avalanches. They’re already being celebrated for this within the scene – and they’ll be performing here for the first time in September.

Admission to this event is included with a Reeperbahn Festival Conference ticket, Reeperbahn Festival Ticket or a Spotlight On: Heavy Reeperbahn ticket.