Posted in Whathaveyou on February 2nd, 2023 by JJ Koczan
This is a good way to spend a couple of nights in Denmark. Hot damn. I missed I think, wait, let me check, yes, all of the batch announcements for Esbjerg Fuzztival 2023 due, I assume, to the whims of the algorithm, but when it finally occurred to me to check in on the fest precisely because I hadn’t seen anything about it, well, there was the full damn lineup waiting for me.
And it’s looking sharp, as well. There isn’t one band on this bill I wouldn’t want to see, from Nebula and Greenleaf to Slowjoint and Vestjysk Ørken. Not a clunker in the bunch. And hell, I’ve never seen Clouds Taste Satanic and they’re from New York, so catching them in Denmark would be a hell of a way to see them for a first time. And Ecstatic Vision, High Desert Queen, Edena Gardens, Kryptograf, getting to check Causa Sui off my all-time must-see list? Yeah. Sounds fucking amazing, actually. Throw in Kanaan, Valley of the Sun and oh, say, Deathchant, and you’ve got yourself a deal. I’m not trying to be glib when I say this, but it looks like a lovely time.
I pieced the below together out of the aforementioned posts I missed, so if it reads clunky or they come off as excessively proud, perhaps, that’s why. Here you go:
Complete lineup for Fuzztival ’23!
Who are you most excited to see this year!?
Get your tickets in now!
Fuzztival are PROUD to announce our Friday night headliner NEBULA, bringing the desert to Denmark! ECSTATIC VISION, VALLEY of THE SUN and KRYPTOGRAF will be joining! And as always the Fuzztival house band VESTJYSK ØRKEN will be opening the festival for the 6th consecutive time!
We are PROUD to present another round of bands! Adding KANAAN as well as EDENA GARDENS (feat. members of Causa Sui & Papir) and CLOUDS TASTE SATANIC to Fuzztival 23!
We are proud to be adding the OG desert Rockers FATSO JETSON alongside DEATHCHANT and HIGH DESERT QUEEN! The riffs will be plenty and scorching hot! SLOWJOINT will be returning to Fuzztival with a special surprise set!
The almighty riff machine GREENLEAF will be headlining Saturday at Fuzztival ’23! Closing the fest with a shake and a bang so bring your dancing shoes!
Last but not least we are PROUD to welcome back the KINGS of Heavy Psych CAUSA SUI to Fuzztival ’23!
This wraps up the bands announced for this year! Final call to save some dough for more Fuzz Ales!
Posted in Whathaveyou on February 2nd, 2022 by JJ Koczan
Last we left them, Denmark’s upstart Esbjerg Fuzztivalwas teasing six more bands to add to finalize its bill for May 2022. Hell if they haven’t done precisely that thing. I’ll note that while my immediate association with acts called Khan goes right to the Australian sludge band, there is a Danish Khan as well and I’m not sure which is being confirmed here. As of me writing this sentence — your yesterday — neither act had posted one way or the other.
However, I am definitely sure which Conan, Domkraft, The Spacelords, Kombynat Robotron and Syreregn they’re talking about, even if I wasn’t previously familiar with the latter, whose 2019 LP, Cogito Ergo Sum, was released by Kozmik Artifactz, starts with a reminder that there is no spoon, and can be streamed in its entirety below. These last six round out a killer lineup that as I’ve been saying all along is most definitely the biggest that Esbjerg Fuzztival has put together, and if you’re headed to Denmark in May — why not? — get yourself in shape for 12 hours of heavy across two days that well earn the bigger poster they needed. Right, frickin’, on.
The fest’s announcement follows here from social media:
“We’re gonna need a bigger poster”
Thanks for your patience! To celebrate we decided to announce the last bands for Fuzztival 22, and they are HUGE!
PROUD to present… CONAN, DOMKRAFT, KHAN, THE SPACELORDS, KOMBYNAT ROBOTRON & SYREREGN
We can’t even believe we managed to pull off this ambitious a lineup on just one stage over two days! Near non-stop music Friday & Saturday from 1pm—1am both days! We present to you our picks of the very best in Heavy Psych and Doom. So so much doom. So so much heavy.
Posted in Whathaveyou on December 3rd, 2021 by JJ Koczan
As they started hinting toward announcements for 2022, the Danish fest Esbjerg Fuzztival made it known that they were shooting for the biggest edition yet. Bringing Truckfighters down from Sweden to headline the first night of the two-day proceedings does nothing at all to hurt that cause. Pulling bands from Norway, Poland, the UK, the US, Chile, Germany, now Sweden and of course Denmark itself, Esbjerg Fuzztival has made itself a genuinely international concern, and with more acts still to be unveiled — six more, including a Saturday headliner — it seems like anything else they want to bring in at this point is gravy to an already rock solid lineup.
Hard to believe it’s been five years since Truckfighters released 2016’s V (review here), but I guess it’s been a tumultuous few years. They had some controversy around that record, then announced a hiatus in 2018 that lasted just about a year before they started playing festivals and touring again, then 2020 happened. They recently announced a stint alongside fellow Swedes Asteroid and Greenleaf for March into April (holy hell I want to go) and provided any of it can happen at all, it looks like they’ll be getting back to their live-focused ways in 2022.
I don’t know if they have new songs or whatnot, or if they feel like they even need them, but 2021 marks 20 years since their start and they’re exactly the kind of band who can be announced as a fest headliner and make somebody’s night by kicking ass on stage as they so reliably do.
EsbjergFuzztival is a fest of short announcements. Here’s the latest:
We are PROUD to present our Friday night headliner… TRUCKFIGHTERS!
These legends of the desert need no further introduction! Full festival partout tickets are available now!
17 of the finest and fuzziest bands out there. Oh, and Vestjysk Ørken.
Full festival tickets available now. 1-day tickets available at a later time.
Lineup so far: Truckfighters (Friday headliner) Bongzilla Dopelord Weedpecker Papir Purple Hill Witch Kal-El Ritual King Arteaga Bogwife Vestjysk Ørken *Plus Six More TBA!
Posted in Whathaveyou on November 22nd, 2021 by JJ Koczan
By my count there are still eight more acts to be announced for Esbjerg Fuzztival 2022, among them two headliners. That count also doesn’t include the potential three more who would/will join the lineup if/when — because it’s good to be optimistic about these things — the Danish festival reaches 400 tickets sold.
Among the groups added to the already formidable bill — which boasts Bongzilla and Weedpecker and the others below — you’ll note the inclusion of Papir, who are shortly to release their new album, 7, on Stickman Records. The fest posted at one point that it considered Papir the most underrated Danish band going. That’s a pretty fair assessment, the more I think about it. Having been fortunate enough to see them live, their chemistry is something unique even among the crowded sphere of heavy jammers, and while the Danish underground is pretty underrated as a whole — I’d extend that to include the likes of Gas Giant and Baby Woodrose — there’s no question Papir are a special group. Probably don’t need to say this, but I’m looking forward to that album, which is out in January.
The below isn’t from the PR wire, but I kind of assembled it from social media posts making the announcements. Esbjerg Fuzztival keep it short and sweet in revealing acts, which as someone who periodically writes announcements for other fests, I can appreciate.
To wit:
We proudly present… DOPELORD at Fuzztival ’22!
Full festival partout tickets available NOW! Get yours before December 31st and help us add another night of fuzz and THREE more bands!
Fuzztival proudly presents… PURPLE HILL WITCH!
We proudly present PAPIR, RITUAL KING and BOGWIFE at Fuzztival ’22!
More bands TBA including two headliners!
Partout tickets now available. Day tickets available in 2022.
Remember to buy your tickets ASAP! If we reach 400 by new years eve we’ll add a FREE pre-party Thursday the 12th with THREE additional bands!
Posted in Whathaveyou on October 28th, 2021 by JJ Koczan
Esbjerg Fuzztival has persevered through cancelations and reschedulings and setbacks like everyone else, but they’ve done so without flinching and they’ve done so with a special fervency toward putting on the best show they possibly can under the circumstances. With Bongzilla announced among their first bands — I’m not even sure if they’re headlining — the promise for 2022 to be the Danish two-dayer’s biggest year yet seems like one they’re no less intent to keep. Right on. They’ve built a cult following and what seems to be a supportive community around it and that’s the ideal no matter who shows up on the bill. If you don’t have that vibe, all you’re doing is putting on a show.
They’re set for May 13 and 14 at the Tobakken Esbjerg in — you guessed it — the city of Esbjerg, which is on Denmark’s west coast, about three hours straight shot from Copenhagen. I don’t know where you fly into if you’re flying over, but it sure would be fun to find out. Ha. In any case, these people do good work and are fun to keep up with. I’ll hope to do just that as we get nearer to next Spring.
Tickets go on sale this weekend. Here’s the latest:
Tickets and more band announcements soon! But let’s just say: ’22 will be our BIGGEST festival ever!
Fuzztival proudly presents… KAL-EL!
Do you like to groove and dance and be merry? Then you came to the right place! Nothing better than a day full of stoner rock to get those hips moving.
Hot from the Chilean highlands Fuzztival proudly presents… ARTEAGA!
Their distinct brand of satanic retro acid fuzz is not to be missed at their first show in Denmark!
Full festival partout tickets available October 31st! That’s THIS Sunday! We have plenty of huge bands still TBA! Don’t miss the party of the year!
Posted in Features on April 2nd, 2020 by JJ Koczan
The statistics of COVID-19 change with every news cycle, and with growing numbers, stay-at-home isolation and a near-universal disruption to society on a global scale, it is ever more important to consider the human aspect of this coronavirus. Amid the sad surrealism of living through social distancing, quarantines and bans on gatherings of groups of any size, creative professionals — artists, musicians, promoters, club owners, techs, producers, and more — are seeing an effect like nothing witnessed in the last century, and as humanity as a whole deals with this calamity, some perspective on who, what, where, when and how we’re all getting through is a needed reminder of why we’re doing so in the first place.
Thus, Days of Rona, in some attempt to help document the state of things as they are now, both so help can be asked for and given where needed, and so that when this is over it can be remembered.
Thanks to all who participate. — JJ Koczan
Days of Rona: Bo Sejer of Vestjysk Ørken & Esbjerg Fuzztival (Esbjerg, Denmark)
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How are you dealing with this crisis as a band? Have you had to rework plans at all? How is everyone’s health so far?
Luckily we only had a few live shows planned in March and April domestically in Denmark. Still, even a few shows cancelled meant a few boxes of freshly made merch we were not able to sell after live shows. Compared to other bands we’re talking to, we got off easy in that regard. We just announced a new album, though, and in that respect it could not come at a worse time: We’ll not be able to ride the new album wave for long and book new gigs as a current band.
This is only made worse since most venues are now busy re-booking bigger bands and acts for the Fall that should’ve played in the spring, meaning less potential dates for smaller bands like ourselves. Even worse though is that we can’t jam or rehearse, as we do not live in the same city. This last part is the most frustrating, I think. There’s little worse than being a band that can’t get together to create.
As a promoter for Fuzztival in Esbjerg, Denmark, we’ve been working overtime for weeks now. It took less than a week before the first band had to cancel after the crisis got really bad in Italy and the restrictions started happening all over Europe. After that we had somewhat of a snowball effect that resulted in some tough decisions. It’s not cheap to relocate a festival you have been working on for the better part of a year, and it’s not easy. But we felt it had to be done, and luckily we have been met with cooperation and understanding from all parts.
I don’t think anyone got much sleep the first two weeks, but once the decision was made to postpone the festival and we made the necessary arrangements to do so, I think we could all take a deep breath and reflect a bit on the situation. We have to make a lot of changes all over in the coming months, but I’m still positive we’ll have one hell of a party come August. People will be starved for fuzzy music, especially after both Desertfests and Roadburn had to cancel. While things can still be affected well into the summer, I think we all feel that something has to happen in August,or we’ll simply loose our minds!
What are the quarantine/isolation rules where you are?
Right now the borders are completely closed, all airports are closed down, and all travel restricted. All gatherings, inside or outside, of more than 10 people are forbidden (this means parks, beaches, whatever). All restaurants, cafes, bars, venues, theatres, whatever are closed. Everyone working in the public sector have been sent home, except healthcare workers, and everyone else have been asked to work from home, if they are able.
These are so far in effect until after Easter, but I think most people are expecting it to be extended at least two more weeks after that. Most likely we’ll see a gradual return to normalcy, maybe the oldest schoolchildren and students returning for the summer exams, and smaller establishments reopening sometime in April. Unlikely that we’ll be having any live music this side of the summer holidays, though.
How have you seen the virus affecting the community around you and in music?
Luckily, I don’t know anyone personally who contracted the virus, and I hope to keep it that way. People are taking this thing seriously, staying home. Sadly we’ve already seen several venues, smaller booking companies, promoters, and more going out of business, and several others struggling. I’m afraid this in turn mean that niche music like stoner/doom/heavy-psych is going to have an even harder time this year.
Already we’re seeing venues being booked solid this Fall with no room for touring bands in this genre, and I’m afraid it’ll continue into 2021 as well. This crisis will probably be the biggest blow a lot of bands will ever get to experience, and I fear for the consequences. Luckily, a lot of artists tend to bloom in their darkest hours, so what we’ll miss out on in live music, we might get to enjoy from upcoming releases. That’s a silver lining if any.
What is the one thing you want people to know about your situation, either as a band, or personally, or anything?
It’s crucial to stand together right now and support artists struggling to keep head above water. We’re not one of them, at least not financially, but we are represented by a one-man record company, and I know it’s not easy on his part either with the added shipping time all over. I think a great way to support these small businesses is buying records directly, if you can.
Our festival will survive this, as will most, but this is also a time to make sure you support your favourite festivals and venues. Keep your tickets, don’t return them, if you in any way can afford to do so. And make sure you get out, party, and listen to live music, as soon as you can wherever you are. This is a time to take chances on new music, and support artists you don’t necessarily already know. Let’s show the scene all the support we can – make sure even the smallest and most unknown of bands attract full venues later this year. That would really be something.
Posted in Whathaveyou on March 16th, 2020 by JJ Koczan
The final two acts announced for Esbjerg Fuzztival 2020 are The Goners, the new Salem’s Pot offshoot, and Captain Caravan. From Sweden and Norway, respectively, they’ll head to Denmark in early May to play the two-day festival, which will also be preceded the day before by a free pre-party, at which Australia’s Khan and Sweden’s Stew will accompany a screening of the heavy rock documentary Such Hawks, Such Hounds, which, somewhat oddly, I’ve never seen, aside from the bonus scene with Wino talking about his pepper garden and knowing that Sleep‘s telling of the story of Dopesmoker in the film essentially helped revive their career. But yeah, never seen it. Go figure. I hear good things.
Speaking of good things, the lineup for Esbjerg Fuzztival 2020 in its full-packed-with-band-itude can be seen on the posters below (click to enlarge and then click to shrink again), and the fest put out word that it’s still a go as of now despite current restrictions on travel and some such. Whether there will be any changes ultimately of course depends on the ongoing pandemic, but what the hell doesn’t at this point.
Here’s what they had to say about all of it:
We are thrilled to announce THE GONERS at Fuzztival ’20!
A new fuzz’n’roll band from Sweden with their debut album out in March on the famous RidingEasy Records, Fuzztival is looking to be the band’s first festival appearance. At least we think so! You will probably recognise the unique vocals from the famous Salem’s Pot as well as the approach to songwriting, and we can’t wait to see this band in action!
The temperature are rising in Norway, and we’re positive it’s largely because of the scorching desert riffs of CAPTAIN CARAVAN!
Signed to Cursed Tongue these desert rockers are sure to satiate your thirst for the riff!
Just when you thought it couldn’t get more badass, we go right ahead and do a free pre-party the day before — just because we think you deserve it! Adding Khan and STEW to play as well as screening ‘Such Hawks Such Hounds’ during the day! We’ll have plenty of our Fuzz IPAs on tab as well as a selection of other beer!
Are you psyched yet?!
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We just wanted to reach out once more to assure everyone: Fuzztival is going ahead as scheduled!
While the next 4 weeks are going to suck for so many bands, fests, and events, right now we have nothing that should indicate that Fuzztival would have to be cancelled.
We get why you ask us, and we get why you’re nervous. We are reaching out to say: Please don’t hesitate buying a ticket. While the pandemic is bad enough, not selling tickets would be so much worse for a small DIY fest as ours.
Stay safe & wash your hands. That apply in general as well. /Thomas & Bo
Posted in Whathaveyou on February 18th, 2020 by JJ Koczan
The two-piece Cegvera, with members based in Mexico and the UK, recently announced the release of The Sixth Glare, their new full-length, as well as tour plans. The band will join Vinnum Sabbathi — with whom they share guitarist Gerardo Arias — in the lineup for Esbjerg Fuzztival 2020 in Denmark this May. Does this mean they’re touring together? Wouldn’t be the first time, but of course nothing’s definite at this point from what I’ve seen and not seen.
With the album announcement — part of which you can see below, talking about the record’s environmental theme — Cegvera also unveiled “Red Swarm Beyond,” a new single that showcases some of the atmosphere and severity of impact throughout the offering as a whole. You can stream that at the bottom of the post here and I’ll hope to have more to come on it before it’s out.
Dig it:
Proud to announce the British/Mexican duo Cegvera will grace Fuzztival ’20 with their presence!
Some might recognise one member of Vinnum Sabbathi in this post-doom outfit and remember the split album they made together. Cegvera have a new album out in March, and we can’t wait to doom on with these legends!
Following on from their now sold out split release with Vinnum Sabbathi ‘The Good Earth Is Dying’ in 2018, Cegvera have become a two piece – Gerardo Arias (guitar) and Matt Neicho (drums). The bass duties have been taken on by Gerardo splitting the guitar between guitar and bass amps. A sound that needs to be seen to be believed. ‘The Sixth Glare’ represents the first full-length album that Cegvera has to offer as a duo. Recorded and mixed by Joe Clayton at No Studios (Manchester, UK) and mastered by KB at Testa studio (León, Gto. México).
‘The Sixth Glare’ is a reference to the environmental crisis that we are living through today and the anthropogenic extinction events that are referred by world-renowned scientists as ‘the Sixth Mass Extinction’.
