It’s hard not to see people having a soft spot for HC and punk bands as their shows are absolute bombs in a live setting! Here’s a selection for this year in the Fortress.
Punk to the bone, The Casualties have not changed much since the day they started back in 1990. Which is not a bad thing at all, someone has to keep the banner in the air. They are still political, still cheeky and still living and performing like there’s no tomorrow. They got their inspiration from early The Exploited, Sex Pistols and GBH. They took the best from older colleagues and made it hit even harder.
Manchester based Guilt Trip started playing mere 10 years ago but became almost instantly a major name on the scene. The band is predominantly a HC crew but they freely reach to nu metal or even metalcore at times. A dangerous mix and judging from the band’s social media reel it feels most likely like a sonic grenade.
H2O was established in the mid 90s by Toby Morse, former Sick Of It All roadie so it’s safe to say that he had proper role models to look up to. They’re more on the melodic side of hardcore but not to worry. On stage H2O are like a volcano of energy which is proof of their HC lineage.
Ratos de Porão are making a very welcome comeback to Fortress after eight years! Formed in 1981 Ratos are the most important punk band from Brazil. Their 1984 debut “Crucificados pelo Sistema” was the first hardcore/punk full-length album ever released in Latin America. Talk about a legacy here! Ratos welcomed more thrash and crossover influences but still with a strong punk core. They don’t mess around and will deliver some honest, Brazilian show in Josefov.
German Slope is technically a hardcore band but the sheer amount of funk and groove present on the records – it’s hard not to think of early 90s metal bands. Which is not a flaw at all if you ask us. Their energy on stage is allegedly on point, so best give them a listen.
Last but not least, LA’s Terror. They are a crossover band, blending mainly the sincerity of hardcore with the rough edge of thrash metal. They somehow make it sound fresh and oldschool at the same time. Presence under stage is mandatory for all fans plus those who adore Cro-Mags, Agnostic Front, Sick of it All or Madball.
