Novarock 2023 Festival Review – Austria
Novarock Festival 2023: Music, Mud, and Unforgettable Moments
Novarock Festival in 2023, where music enthusiasts from all over the world gathered to immerse themselves in a whirlwind of electrifying performances, heavy music, and muddy experiences. After attending Novarock in 2023 this is one person’s review of this Austrian rock and metal music festival held annually at Pannonia Fields II, Nickelsdorf, Austria.
From first impressions to food and drink options, the captivating music and bands to the additional stages and areas, including the Grill and Chill area, we’ll explore it all. The highs and the lows of this years festival and insights to see if it is worth going in 2024.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- ✅ Fantastic lineup
- ✅ Reasonable food/drink prices
- ✅ Great stage access
Cons
- ❌ Undisclosed €15 cash only charge upon entry
- ❌ Campsite toilets could be better
Written by:
I have been travelling now for nearly three years. I left my 9-5 job in the UK and have never looked back. The one thing I would always advise anybody considering a nomad lifestyle is to just go for it! It will change you for the better. Music is my passion and I love to attend concerts of any variety but I do have a sweet spot for rock music.
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First Impressions
As I stepped onto the grounds of Novarock Festival 2023, a surge of excitement coursed through my veins. The festival atmosphere was palpable, and the air crackled with anticipation. The sight of fellow music lovers from all walks of life, adorned in band merchandise and sporting smiles of pure exhilaration, set the tone for the adventure that awaited us. It was clear from the get-go that Novarock Festival was not just an event; it was a vibrant community brought together by a shared love for rock and metal music along with a thirst for a social experience with likeminded people.
Upon arriving on the site, it was clear that the site had featured significant rainfall recently, the ground was muddy and grey clouds loomed overhead. It took around 20 minutes to get from the drop off point to the start of the entrance queue, a good tip here was to stick to the edges of the wet areas as this was the easiest route. The queue to access the grounds was slow moving and it took 3 hours and a downpour of rain to get into the camping area but I was finally in and quickly found a pitch for my tent.
The Journey to Novarock 2023
I first discovered Novarock while searching the internet for a good festival to attend, with my taste in music featuring a bias to heavy metal, rock, and indie there is quite a lot of choice in Europe, be sure to check out our article on the best rock and metal festivals in the world. There are plent of methods to accessing the site, Pannonia Fields II in Nickelsdorf can be found around a one hours drive from Vienna, Austria and can be accesses by car, train, or shuttle bus – I opted for the shuttle bus operated by Blagus and picked up and dropped off from Vienna International Bus Station.
Food & Drink Options
One of the great joys of attending a festival is indulging in all of the delectable food and drink options, and Novarock Festival 2023 did not disappoint. From savory delights to sweet treats, the array of choices seemed endless. I couldn’t resist trying the mouthwatering Käsespätzle, a traditional Austrian dish that combined the richness of cheese with the comforting goodness of pasta.
I was personally taken aback by how delicious the Langos were, a Hungarian specialty, with its hot fried dough topped with sour cream, cheese, and garlic butter had me returning more than once (4 times in fact). And when hunger struck in between sets, the Doner Sandwich stands provided a quick and satisfying option. Other options included doughnuts, traditional burgers, hotdogs, finger food, asian dishes, and plenty of coffee and alcoholic drink vendors. The cappuccino with Baileys was a favourite to keep me awake till the end of each evening.
Music and Bands
I mention rock and metal music often; however Novarock Festival 2023 boasted an impressive lineup that catered to a variety of musical tastes. From the moment the first chord reverberated through the air, it was clear that this festival was not only a haven for rock and metal enthusiasts but booked acts also included bands that strayed a little out of these genres into electronic, techno, punk, and indie. I could detail all of the bands that played but as this reviewer could only be at one stage at a time – I will cover what I saw. Click here to see the full lineup.
Wednesday (June 7th 2023)
Wednesday afternoon saw the stages set ablaze as Asking Alexandria, The Hu, and You Me At Six ignited the atmosphere with their energetic performances. Simple Plan transported us back to the early 2000s with their infectious pop-punk hits and got the crowd involved by launching no less than 10-15 inflatables beach balls into the audience – this accompanied the music perfectly and even though I was not close enough to get to the inflatables, it was still great to see on the first day.
Disturbed then took to the blue stage and unleashed a raw intensity that sent shivers down our spines covering most of their hits but one particular that stood out was their rendition of “Sound of Silence” which silenced the huge crowd. However – it was Slipknot who brought the first night to an explosive crescendo, taking to the stage in their renowned costumes (albeit the clown was missing from the lineup due to a family emergency) and rocking the crowd with a spectacular performance even though Cories voice – to quote him was “f*cked”. Moshpits and circle pits opened up with fans smashing in to each other in what is now a metal custom.
Thursday (June 8th 2023)
Thursday’s lineup continued to captivate, showcasing a diverse range of talents. The day kicked off with the soul-stirring melodies of Autumn Bride and the fierce energy of Thundermother. Blind Channel and Funeral for a Friend elevated the excitement, infusing the festival grounds with a powerful blend of rock and punk reminiscent of days gone by.
Standout Acts
Fever333 was one of the highlight bands for me, originally I had made it to the front row for Funeral for a Friend but with Sum41 coming up I was determined to hold my place. Front row for Fever333 is an interesting position to be in and I admit – I had never heard of the band prior to this festival but I will not forget it afterwards. They not only delivered a mind-blowing performance, but their charismatic lead singer brought such an energy at one point disappearing into the crowd and before anyone knew it was seen fearlessly climbing one of the lighting rigs opposite the stage without safety equipment, leaving the crowd in awe. The band also took the opportunity to send a message to the crowd of black and minority group values which is always important to bring to light.
The day continued to unfold with the electrifying sets of Sum41, personally I knew this could be one the last times I would get to see Sum41 knowing that they have announced they will be disbanded in the short future. I was front row when they started their set however due to extreme pushing and crushing from the crowd, I took the opportunity to leave the crowd an retreat to a safer distance. The festival organisers had installed wave breakers to try prevent this from happening which was good to see however the shine of Sum41 was slightly dulled by this situation.
Meshuggah, Yunblug, Powerwolf & Tenacious D
Meshuggah, Yungblud, Powerwolf, and Tenacious D each took to the stages, each band bringing their unique style and energy to the crowd. Tenacious D easily drawing some of the biggest crowds some of whom came from around the world to see Jack Black and Kyle Gass scraggly beards and fun show. And then came Parkway Drive, who unleashed a relentless assault of metalcore that had the crowd in a frenzy. The Prodigy, the legendary pioneers of electronic music, closed out the second night with an explosive display of sonic brilliance, leaving us craving more long after the final note had faded.
Friday (June 9th 2023)
Friday brought a mix of rock and alternative sounds to the forefront. The German band Feine Sahne Fischfillet won over the crowd with their likeable stage presence and infectious energy. This was my first festival in Central Europe and can I just say that the crowd formed mainly of Austrians and Germans know how to rock out! Flares, coloured smoke, multiple mosh pits erupting from the crowd at any given moment and at one moment 3 people crowd surfing on a banana boat.
Wolfmother took us on a journey back to the classic rock era with their soulful and electrifying performance. Papa Roach unleashed their signature brand of high-energy rock, igniting a mosh pit that engulfed the crowd. I Prevail’s electrifying set resonated with their fans, delivering a powerful blend of metal and alternative rock reminding us of just how good this band truly is.
Electronic Acts
And then came Electric Callboy, a band known for their energetic performances and stunning visuals. The stage erupted into a riot of colors and pulsating beats as the crowd danced and sang along to their infectious tunes. All senses were oversaturated from the moment Electric Callboy took to the stage to the moment they left. This is a group that is full of energy and expect it from their fans with clever video intros, intricate graphics and a constant stream of fire, streamers or confetti.
As the night came to a close, the legendary Scooter took the stage, ending the third night with a huge turnout and an unforgettable experience. I had to watch Scooter from a long distance away as tens of thousands of people covered the grounds however the experience was still excellent. Scooter has been an established name in music for a long time now and it’s easy to see why.
Saturday (June 10th 2023)
Saturday’s lineup proved to be a sonic rollercoaster, with bands spanning a wide range of genres. Nothing More captivated the audience with their powerful and emotive performance, as a relatively minor band they certainly left their mark. Swiss & Die Andern injected a dose of punk-infused rap into the mix, bringing a unique flavor to the festival and inciting crowd wide mosh pits. Skindred took to the red stage, seamlessly blending rock, reggae, and metal into an explosive concoction. I personally always love the vibe Skindred bring to a concert, they always give it their all. I only caught a glimpse at Nothing But Thieves but this UK band showcased their artistry and proved why they were playing on the main stage by captivating the audience’s attention.
Arch Enemy, with their relentless energy and incredible singer, commanded the stage, leaving no doubt about their mastery of melodic death metal. Arch Enemy are one of those bands that I can wholeheartedly say you need to see them just to believe it. The lead singer can gutteral sing with the best of the guys and then some! Her electric blue hair and outfit was just fantastic and the whole band came together to provide an amazing performance.
Hollywood Undead Ft ‘Eric’ & The Architects
Hollywood Undead took to the blue stage, not only rocking the house with their unique style of music but they delivered a thrilling surprise when they invited a fan named Eric on stage from the crowd. Eric showcased his electric guitar skills, delighting everybody by shredding it and creating a truly memorable participatory experience. Eric also took to the stage with them for a song and I am sure that is an experience he will never forget. The Architects took us on a wild ride of heavy breakdowns and anthemic choruses, and for the first time ever, I mustered the courage to crowd surf, carried along by a sea of exhilarated fans all the way to the front, with the adrenaline flowing through me, this was something I will always remember.
Closing Act
Closing off the red stage Nightwish graced us with their symphonic metal prowess, their ethereal melodies soaring through the night air showcasing amazing graphics and a cohesion to the band that is rarely seen. As an added bonus their lead guitarist is also from my home county of Yorkshire in the United Kingdom which reminded me how small the world can truley be. Finally, Die Arzte closed out the festival on the main blue stage in a grand fashion, leaving an indelible mark with their high-energy performance and captivating stage presence. The festival culminated in a breathtaking firework display that illuminated the night sky, a fitting finale to an unforgettable journey of music and camaraderie.
Additional Stages/Areas
Novarock Festival went above and beyond with additional stages and areas that enhanced the overall experience. As well as the main blue stage and the secondary red stage, there was the Red Bull stage showcasing more local or minor artists, this is particularly good to see potential up and comers. There was also a drum and bass/electronic tent that had ravers dancing the night away long after the main stages had finished, the heavy thud of the bass pumping from the tent into the early hours.
Alternate Music Areas
There was the Casa Bacardi and BlueBoXX areas offering more pop style music but featuring daily competitions and give aways, quite often you would see somebody sporting a freebie or trinket they had won or been given from these areas. These areas were great if you needed a restbite from the heavier music.
One standout area for me was the Otterkringer Grill and Chill section, a haven for festival-goers in the morning and early afternoon. Provided a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, complete with cozy seating arrangements, tantalizing aromas, and mouthwatering barbecue options. It was the perfect spot to unwind, recharge, and connect with fellow festival-goers, forging new friendships and sharing stories of the festivals musical highlights.
The promotors truly understood the importance of creating spaces that allowed for a well-rounded experience, where both the body and soul could find solace amidst the pulsating energy of the festival. As an added bonus there was also a pop up pink stage featuring some great acoustic sets, one in particular stood out from an Argentinian artist named Santiago Franco who played an hour set mixing his own songs in with some covers. Perfect for a dinnertime relaxing start to the day.
Weather
Mother Nature, as unpredictable as ever, played a significant role in shaping the Novarock Festival 2023 experience. Rainfall earlier in the week had left parts of the festival site muddy and waterlogged, presenting a challenge for both organizers and attendees alike. However, the rain gods showed mercy as the festival commenced, and for the most part, the weather held up.
While there were occasional patches of rain and intermittent showers throughout the festival, it did little to dampen the spirits of the resilient crowd. We embraced the elements, danced through the mud, and transformed challenges into exhilarating adventures. The occasional showers became badges of honor, reminders of the extraordinary experience we were a part of.
If there is one thing rock and metal fans know well is making the best of a bad situation. Rain boots at the ready and away they went however I do not envy the people who had brought trolleys laiden with equipment, they could often be seen struggling to pull these sometimes improvised devices through the mud.
Camping Facilities
Novarock Festival 2023 provided a range of camping facilities to accommodate the needs of festival-goers. As I set up my tent amidst a sea of fellow campers, a sense of camaraderie enveloped the campground. The facilities, while basic, met the essential needs of comfort and convenience. However, the shortage of toilet roll proved to be an inconvenience for many.
Thankfully, the on-site supermarket came to the rescue, providing a solution to the unexpected challenge. The pessimist in me wonders if this was a little too convenient with single rolls costing upwards of 2 euros each! Despite these minor inconveniences, the camping experience was a microcosm of the festival itself—a vibrant community of like-minded individuals forging connections and sharing in the magic of the music.
Customer Service
Novarock Festival 2023 showcased commendable customer service in the face of unforeseen circumstances. The cash-only waste contribution fee of 15 euros initially caused frustration for many, particularly solo foreign visitors like myself. It was disheartening to be denied entry despite having a valid ticket simply because I didn’t have the required cash on hand.
After been told I had to borrow from someone else there was a sense of panic from myself at having to ask random strangers (most of whom looked at me like I was crazy) to let me transfer them the money in exchange for cash. Eventually a random stranger stepped forward, offering assistance and not lending the necessary cash but actually giving me the 10 euros I required informing me to “have a good time”, this was an incredible kindness from a total stranger and moments like this restore faith in humanity.
While the kindness of this stranger turned a potentially disheartening situation into an opportunity for human connection and empathy this could not have happened and considering this festival is a “cashless” festival, the lack of notice and inability to pay the waste contribution with anything other than cash set this to a poor start. Luckily the rest of the festival was amazing but if this story saves anybody else going through the same experience then it has done what I intended.
Pricing
Novarock Festival 2023 provided an incredible value for the immersive experience it delivered. While the cash-only requirement for the waste contribution fee may have caused initial frustration, the overall pricing was reasonable considering the calibre of bands and the wide array of amenities offered. The memories and experiences gained from the festival far outweighed any monetary considerations. Novarock Festival was an investment in the soul—a chance to be part of a collective celebration of music, friendship, and adventure.
Food and drink prices were always going to be on the higher side with it being a private event. Prices for food ranging from five to ten euros on average and drinks were six euro, fifty on average (an additional 2 euro is charged on top of these prices for the cup but can be refunded afterwards). This puts the prices around the average for a festival.
The Novarock merchandise was on the higher side seeing hoodies sell for 60 euro and T-shirts for 35 euro. When you consider what you get in terms of clothing, I would deem this expensive.
Conclusion
Novarock Festival 2023 was a wild journey of music, mud, and unforgettable moments. From the thrilling first impressions to the diverse food and drink options, the captivating performances of the bands to the additional stages and bonus areas like the Grill and Chill section, the festival immersed us all in an experience beyond compare. Despite the challenges of the weather and the occasional inconvenience, the festival spirit prevailed, and we emerged with memories to last a lifetime. The merchandise could be a bit cheaper and the waste contribution could be highlighted upon purchasing the ticket more clearly but the festival was still one of the best I have been to.
Novarock Festival 2023 exemplified the power of music to unite people from all walks of life and provided a space for self-expression, celebration, and pure joy. Novarock Festival 2023 will forever hold a special place in my heart. Will I go next year? If the lineup is right and I am in Europe then certainly but for now I will hang on to my memories of Novarock Festival 2023—where music echoed and friendships blossomed despite not speaking a lot of german.
Novarock 2023 FAQs
Thanks to it’s unique atmosphere, friendly crowds, and consistently great lineups, Novarock can attract up to 50,000 people per day. This means Novarock can attract close to or even over 200,000 people across the entire event.
The music genres of Novarock are similar to Rock AM Ring however it could be said that Novarock offers a slightly wider choice of sub-genres. Rock AM Ring also attracts aronud 150,000 people so is slightly less busy than Novarock.
Novarock is only an hours drive from Vienna, as such Vienna international airport is a good choice for those travelling from further afield.
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