Concert Review: Malmo Melodic at Plan B in Malmo, Sweden on July 25-27, 2025
The stellar success of last year’s ‘Malmo Melodic’ event ensured that a 2025 edition was practically inevitable. This year, the festival, held from July 25-27 in Malmo, Sweden, boasted a robust lineup that aimed to amplify the event’s reputation and reach a broader audience of melodic rock enthusiasts. Spearheaded by Johan Nylen and the seasoned team from Wind Up Productions, the festival managed to surpass expectations, drawing on the talents of seasoned veterans from the beloved Firefest festival.
To maintain the festival’s authenticity and capitalize on Sweden’s rich history as a hub for melodic rock, two-thirds of the acts hailed from Sweden, with additional contributions from Germany, England, Denmark, and Finland. Despite the heavy Swedish presence, the festival offered a diverse and high-quality lineup that catered to a global audience of fans, with attendees representing over 30 different nations. Notably, the contingent from the UK made up a significant portion of the crowd, underscoring the international appeal of the festival.
For VIP pass holders, a pre-event welcome party was hosted the night before the festival, held in a quaint hall within a public park amidst the lively sounds of an outdoor concert by the Gipsy Kings. This intimate gathering featured a special acoustic set by Gaeleri, adding a nostalgic touch for those who had attended the festival in its inaugural year.
As the festival kicked off at the Plan B venue, guests were warmly greeted by the organizing committee, creating a sense of community and camaraderie among attendees. The festival setup remained consistent with the previous year, with the main room exuding a sweltering heat that was offset by outdoor seating options and improved catering amenities. Between sets, festival-goers engaged in lively conversations outside or queued up for signing sessions, enhancing the overall festival experience.
The opening day’s lineup featured six bands, starting with State of Salazar, who kicked off proceedings with a smooth and polished performance that resonated with fans. Their blend of west coast-inspired sounds and soaring vocals set a high standard for the festival, capturing the essence of classic melodic rock with precision and finesse.
Arctic Rain followed suit with a more robust musical approach, delivering a mix of original tracks and reimagined covers that showcased their versatility and stage presence. While the band’s performance was marked by occasional inconsistencies, guitarist Magnus Berglund stood out with his impressive playing, injecting a neo-classical flair into their set.
Cruzh took the stage next, impressing the audience with their dynamic stage presence and anthemic tunes that fully engaged the crowd. Led by charismatic frontman Alex Waghorn, the band delivered a polished performance that reflected their growth and evolution since their early days on the rock scene.
Seventh Crystal closed out the day with a heavier, more intense set that resonated with fans, building on the momentum of earlier performances. Their bold and energetic performance showcased the band’s evolution and solidified their status as an emerging force in the melodic rock genre.
Overall, the first day of ‘Malmo Melodic’ set a high bar for the rest of the festival, showcasing a diverse range of artists and musical styles that appealed to a global audience of melodic rock fans. With a promising lineup and enthusiastic attendees, the festival promised an unforgettable experience for all in attendance.