Malmö Melodic 2025
- Rock Metal Machine
- Sep 14
- 11 min read
Artists: Malmö Melodic 2025
Venue: Malmö, Sweden
Date: 25-27 July
"I feel deeply grateful to the organizers for delivering such a flawless event. Three days, countless bucket-list bands, a perfect atmosphere, and friends from around the globe, it was everything a Melodic Rock lover could dream of."
The second edition of the festival organized by Wind Up Productions and Planet AOR took place in late July in Malmö, Sweden, reaffirming the city as the true Capital of AOR. Over three days, the event gathered devoted Melodic Rock and AOR fans from 29 different countries, establishing itself as a truly international convention of remarkable stature. Festival mastermind Johan Nylen joined forces with key figures of the scene to deliver an extraordinary lineup, already setting high expectations for its return in 2026.
The celebration began with an exclusive VIP pre-show at the historic Folkets Park, where Gælleri performed an intimate unplugged set. It was the perfect prelude to a weekend destined to be unforgettable, reunions, handshakes, and long conversations among enthusiasts proudly wearing their favorite band shirts often blossomed into lifelong friendships, all fueled by a shared passion for the music.
The main venue, Plan B, once again proved to be the perfect stage. With its spacious pit and welcoming atmosphere, it provided a larger and more convenient setup of indoor and outdoor areas, offering three different food choices from a well-run kitchen, refreshing drinks from the ever-friendly bar staff, and plenty of space to take a break or hydrate between sets during a packed and sweltering weekend.
Among the crowd were fans who had traveled from all corners of the globe. One couple even journeyed all the way from the Andes in Peru, that was my wife Gaby and myself, enduring countless hours of flights and layovers, just to be part of this gathering in the AOR Capital of the world, a pilgrimage well worth it to enjoy a stellar lineup alongside companions who have become nothing less than family.
Here is a bit of the emotions we went through:
Day 1
The first day of Malmö Melodic 2025 set the tone for what would become an unforgettable weekend of world-class AOR and Melodic Rock, from the moment we arrived early at the venue, we were all welcomed personally by Johan Nylen, Kieran Dargan, Gav Bolton, and Steve Price, a meaningful gesture that underlined the festival’s unique community spirit.
State Of Salazar
As the lights dimmed, Mr. Dargan’s unmistakable voice introduced the opening act, sending waves of anticipation through a packed venue. When the curtains finally dropped, a group of young musicians stormed the stage, delivering polished, high-energy AOR with remarkable maturity. Tracks like ‘Eat Your Heart Out’, ‘I Believe In You’ and ‘Always’ (dedicated to a couple in the crowd who had used the song at their wedding) instantly struck a chord. A highlight was ‘This Is Our World’, written for Toby Hitchcock’s 2018 ‘Reckoning’ album, while ‘All The Way’ closed a stunning set, proof that in Sweden, even the opening act can deliver a headliner-worthy performance, wow!
Arctic Rain
Next came one of the most anticipated appearances of the entire festival for myself: Arctic Rain. I remember when Steve Price first teased their addition to the lineup on his ARfm Radio show ,playing the intro of ‘Friends’, I knew something special was coming and I was right. The band unleashed a powerful performance, bringing to life tracks from their acclaimed debut ‘The One’ (the best of 2020 IMO). Songs like ‘Lift Me Up’, ‘Friends’ and ‘Give Me All Your Heart’ resonated deeply with the audience. I was visibly moved by the band’s live music, which had helped me through the difficult days of the pandemic. Their cover of Journey’s ‘Separate Ways’ was solid, I would’ve loved one more original song instead though. Nevertheless, closing with ‘Lost’ sealed their place as one of the standout bands of the day and the festival.
Cruzh
The energy continued with Cruzh, whose vibrant, glam-tinged Melodic Rock evoked the carefree spirit of early nineties California summers. Their infectious hooks and upbeat style brought fresh smiles to the crowd, with ‘New York Nights’ standing out as a peak moment. For many, Cruzh was the pleasant surprise of the day with twelve songs blending Sleaze, Pop and Hard Rock delivered full of confidence and charm. I think I need to get to know more about them, pretty good stuff here.
Seventh Crystal
By the time Seventh Crystal took the stage the venue was scorching, but the band showed no mercy. After performing a brief but powerful VIP slot in 2024, they returned in 2025 with a full 60-minute set that showcased their evolution toward a heavier, more progressive sound, balanced by their trademark melodic choruses. Tracks like ‘Blinded By The Light’, ‘Path Of The Absurd’, and ‘Mayflower’ hit hard, while frontman Krystian Fyhh’s flag-waving entrance set the tone for a performance brimming with energy and conviction. This is a band on the rise, we are already looking forward to new material from them.
Bad Habit
A rare and highly anticipated reunión with three original members, Bax Fehling still soaring on vocals, the Swedish veterans delivered a 13-song set spanning their decades-long career. Opening with ‘Back To Life’ and ‘Everytime You Cry’, they quickly became the day’s most sing-along band. Despite a brief hiccup with one song that had to be restarted, the performance was a triumph, an emotional experience for longtime fans who never expected to see the band live ever, not only because we come from the other side of the world, but they rarely perform.
FM
Introduced by the one and only Steve Price, their classic intro followed right after: “They didn’t mean to be heroes, they just turned out that way… ladies and gentlemen, please welcome live onstage, the mighty FM!”. The British legends did not disappoint. Their 18-song setlist spanned classics and fan favorites, from ‘I Belong To The Night’ and ‘Someday’ to the surprise inclusion of ‘All Or Nothing’. Emotional moments came when Steve Overland thanked Kieran for reuniting the band at FireFest in 2007, a decision that has since led to twelve new albums and countless live triumphs. With flawless execution, FM reaffirmed their status as true AOR royalty.
Day 1 closed on a high, leaving fans both exhausted and exhilerated. While some wished for a chance to snap quick photos with the bands during the signing sessions, the consensus was unanimous, it had been an extraordinary start. And fittingly, five of the six bands that performed were Swedish, a testament to the country’s enduring role as the beating heart of AOR.
Day 2
After the overwhelming dose of Melodic Rock on Day 1, fans gathered again early the next morning, we exchanged stories with our front-row companions and relived every detail of the unforgettable opening day. The atmosphere was buzzing as anticipation for Day 2 built under the Malmö summer heat.
Anymalize
The first act of the day was Anymalize, hailing from Denmark. With their Sunset Strip-inspired outfits and youthful energy, they immediately evoked memories of ‘Too Fast For Love’, ‘Lick It Up’ and ‘Out Of The Cellar’, spiced with the tongue-in-cheek silliness of Steel Panther. While the band connected well with much of the crowd, their set didn’t quite click with myself. ‘Kings Of The Night’ stood out as the strongest moment, but overall the performance felt uneven for me. Still, their enthusiasm was undeniable, and the festival’s openness to new acts remains one of its great strengths.
Arkado
In contrast, Arkado was a revelation. With Philip Lindstrand on board, a voice many know from his stellar work with Nitrate’s ‘Open Wide’ album among many others, the Swedish outfit delivered a synth-driven, bass-heavy set that blended Journey-esque melodies with modern AOR polish. Tracks like ‘Don’t Rape The Nature’ and ‘Running Through The Night’ showcased their knack for soaring choruses and tight musicianship, earning them a warm reception.
Violet
The festival’s only female-fronted band, Germany’s Violet followed with a classic retro sound and image. While their softer, almost mellow approach didn’t connect with everyone at first, the sincerity of frontwoman Jamie Beckham was undeniable, especially when she was moved to tears by the crowd’s response. The ballad ‘Arms Around’ closed their set on a touching note, leaving a lasting impression even for those less enamored with their style. Wish them nothing but the best.
Care Of Night
By mid-afternoon, the festival reached another highlight as Care Of Night took the stage. Their second appearance at Malmö Melodic confirmed their reputation as one of Sweden’s most polished AOR outfits. Opening with ‘Contact’, they rolled out hit after hit with clinical precision, every chorus designed for crowd participation. Songs like ‘Street Runner’ and ‘Those Words’ turned Plan B into a sing-along sanctuary, even if the band’s stage banter was kept to a minimum. Their flawless execution left no doubt about their standing in the genre. A must-see act if you ever have them near you.
Degreed
Up next, Degreed stormed in with little fanfare but maximum impact. Opening with the explosive ‘Big Plans’, they showcased why they’re among the most exciting Modern Rock acts on the Swedish scene. Daniel Johansson’s guitar work was jaw-dropping, reminding me at times to Nuno Bettencourt himself, while highlights like ‘If It Wasn’t For Me’, ‘Are You Ready’ and ‘Ride Along’ had the crowd in a visible frenzy. The softer ‘This Love’ provided balance, before their rousing tribute to Ozzy Osbourne with ‘Bark At The Moon’ to close a phenomenal set. For many, Degreed were the unexpected champions of the day, I’m one of them.
Brother Firetribe
As evening fell, anticipation reached fever pitch for Brother Firetribe. With the venue packed, they unleashed four tracks from their brand new ‘Number One’ EP, instantly sending the crowd into a notorious frenzy. Frontman Pekka Ansio Heino captivated every corner of the room, even winning over those who had previously underestimated the band like myself. While I still find parts of their catalog stylistically similar, live they proved to be a force of nature. Standout moments included ‘For Better Or For Worse’, ‘How Long Until Tomorrow’, ‘Wildest Dreams’, ‘Out Of My Head’ and their anthem ‘I Am Rock’.
Treat
Closing the day were Swedish Royalty: Treat, delivering an 80-minute set that spanned their impressive catalogue. With trademark energy and precision, they kept the crowd engaged despite the long day and soaring temperatures. I just wish frontman Robert Ernlund had addressed the international crowd more in English, the power of the music transcended language barriers for sure. Treat’s performance was a fitting finale to another historic day in Malmö’s AOR story.
Day 2 may have been slightly cooler than the blistering opening day, but the passion inside Plan B burned just as brightly. We were left not only with big merch bags and new friendships, but also with memories of performances we have once only dreamed of witnessing live.
Day 3
House Of Shakira
Big expectations were set for the final day of the festival, with five Swedish bands out of seven on the bill. The day began with a VIP-exclusive performance by House Of Shakira, and what a surprise it was. Their eclectic blend of Melodic Rock, heavier touches, and even African influences (thanks to the return of original singer Micke “Zifa” Eriksson, who added Swahili lyrics and rhythms) made their set unique. They were also the only band to use visual projections on the back screen, complementing flawless harmonies, two sharp guitarists, and the powerful voices of Eriksson and Andreas Novak. A strong live act not to be missed if you get the chance, though personally I felt their songs lacked the kind of explosive hooks that would make me revisit their albums at home.
Pittman Cole
They weren’t quite my cup of tea. Despite an interesting mix of Prog, Classic Rock, modern touches and the occasional AOR feel, the first few songs didn’t fully connect. Their look reminded me of a short-haired Stryper tribute band with white and black straps instead of yellow and black, but musically, nowhere near. Much like JD Miller last year, they were “just okay” for me.
Daytona
Then came the band I had been waiting for since their announcement on Steve Price’s ARfm Radio lineup reveal: Daytona. I’ll admit, I shed a tear when I first heard their name on the bill. Their elegant, fresh take on eighties Melodic Rock was one of the main reasons we traveled halfway across the world to Sweden. When the keys signaled the start of ‘Welcome To The Real World’, I literally jumped for joy. Guitarist Erik Heikne and keyboardist Johan Berlin smiled endlessly at the crowd, while vocalist Fredrik Werner delivered soaring highs that set the tone for an unforgettable performance. ‘Kelly’ brought sharp guitar riffs and heavy keyboards, while ‘Looks Like Rain’ (their first single and video) reminded me why I fell in love with Daytona in the first place. The annoying photographers in front of us cleared out just in time for ‘Town Of Many Faces’, my absolute favorite song, which was pure melodic perfection. They kept the magic flowing with ‘Slave To The Rhythm’, ‘Downtown’, and ‘Garder La Flamme’. Even their unexpected cover of Foreigner’s ‘Inside Information’ felt fresh and powerful. Closing with ‘Where Did We Lose The Love’, Daytona delivered the highlight of the entire festival for me. Simply glorious!
Rian
At 4:15 pm, Rian stormed the stage with ten songs of heavier but still melodic Hard Rock. ‘We Ride’, ‘In The Dark’, and ‘We Belong’ showcased their catchy, straight-to-the-point style, while ‘Dance The Night Away’ and ‘Hide Away’ balanced power with emotion. My favorite, ‘Out Of The Darkness’, was followed by ‘Eternity’, and both sounded magnificent. With three albums under their belt, Rian proved once again why they’re one of Sweden’s strongest Melodic Hard Rock acts.
Nitrate
Next up was Nitrate, one of the bands I was most eager to see after hearing great things about their ‘Tower Of Fire’ live debut in the UK. Unfortunately, their Malmö set left me with mixed feelings. With the Martin brothers quitting recently, and guitarist Richard Jacques unable to travel, they already faced challenges. While the music was solid, frontman Alexander Strandell appeared underprepared, relying on lyric sheets, forgetting lines, and looking physically out of shape (though his voice was still sharp). They even included an Art Nation cover, which sounded great but made me wish they had stuck to their extensive Nitrate catalog. The night did end on a high unexpected note for them, after the band had already posed for a final crowd picture and left the stage, Nick Workman joined them for a Vega song at last minute, which I truly enjoyed. I remain absolutely grateful to Nick Hogg and everyone who worked hard to keep Nitrate’s show alive despite setbacks, it is not easy under the given circumstances. They have my entire support, and I wish them nothing but a brighter future.
Crazy Lixx
My good buddies hit the stage with full energy and hometown pride. From the opening ‘WTF’ to ‘Hell Raising Women’, their charisma, looks, and raw talent were undeniable. Eleven songs of Glam-infused Melodic Hard Rock had the crowd going wild. Experiencing them live from the front row for the first time was overwhelming, they absolutely smacked me in the face with energy. Crazy Lixx have kept the genre alive since 2007, and I believe they deserve to rise even further into legendary status. Well done boys!
Kissin’ Dynamite
Finally, the day closed with Kissin’ Dynamite. They took the stage later than scheduled, hitting like a derailed train and keeping the already worn-out crowd alive with sheer force. Musically, they didn’t quite fit the AOR/Melodic Rock vibe of the weekend IMO, and while I enjoyed some of their latest album, their live show didn’t fully win me over. Still, their sharp musicianship and charismatic frontman ensured an energetic grand finale to an unforgettable weekend.
As I look back, I feel deeply grateful to the organizers for delivering such a flawless event. Three days, countless bucket-list bands, a perfect atmosphere, and friends from around the globe, it was everything a Melodic Rock lover could dream of. With early-bird tickets for 2026 already sold out, anticipation is higher than ever. Malmö Melodic is growing each year, and I’ll be there to support it all the way. A special shout-out to the sound team, who, just like in 2024, nailed it with great mixes for every band. Thank you for making it all sound magnificent. ‘Til next year comrades!
Review: Cristian Vera
Photos: Cristian Vera
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