Place: Trutnov, República Checa
Date: 8-12, July, 2015
Editor: Benner
Photographer: Fani Nadki
Most of you have probably heard about Obscene Extreme – total Grindcore madness taking place at Trutnov, Czech Republic. The 15th edition once again fulfilled all expectations of crazy Grindcore people dressed in various costumes and an unique closeness between musicians and their audience, accompanied by almost non-stop stagediving, crowdsurfing and moshpits.
After one single attendance in 2007 it has been great to come back to Trutnov and see what has changed. To make it less suspenseful: almost all the changes have been to the better.
Due to the multinational background of the visitors and the fact that Czech Republic still has its own currency payment is done with coupons which can be purchased at 2 checkout points. Depending on many coupons you buy, one coupon costs around 1,10€. But beware – purchased coupons cannot be returned. That being said, let's talk about the most important: beer is sold in pint glasses. If you wish you can spend 2 coupons in a reusable festival cup and return it at the end of the festival or just keep it as a souvenir. The price for beer is one coupon mostly, just for one out of five beer types you need to pay one coupon and a half. The quality, variety and especially the price are definitely worth the travel. Food is offered in wide variety and high quality. The range of goods is clearly dominated by vegetarian and vegan food, which can be purchased for favourable prices.
Train station, bus stop and supermarket sit within 20 minutes walking distance from the festival ground. As for installations: the camping ground is huge, equipped with plenty of toilets and is one of the cleanest campgrounds I've seen at any festival. If you bring anything valuable with you you might consider paying 15€ extra and get access to VIP camping which is guarded 24/7.
The festival ground at OEF reflects the organizer's efforts to keep the surroundings as clean as possible – there are bins everywhere and staff is collecting garbage at any time. Similar to the campground, it's one of the cleanest festivals around. In 2007 visitors were allowed to bring their own drinks to the festival area – understandably, this is not possible any more but who cares considering the cheap prices for beer? Fortunately, the stage dive area on stage still exists. Yes, the first meter of the stage is determined for stage diving. You can stay there up to 5 seconds and jump back into the crowd, or security will kindly remove you from stage.
Plenty of water can be found for free in many places for both washing and drinking. If you can critize anything it is the fact that there are only 4 showers on all the festival ground. But after all, it's a Grindcore festival isn't it? Apart from that you will not encounter any waiting queues. There is plenty of shaded area and the Roman theatre-like festival ground encourages anyone just to have a beer while sitting down, relaxing and listening to any band.
Backstage area is a blast – you can find tranquility, very kind staff, toilets and, again, water for free. The area also includes a space besides the stage which provides the only real chance for any photographers taking pics due to the constant moshpits taking place in front of the stage.
The atmosphere at OEF is overwhelmingly happy, friendly and full of good vibes. No fights to be seen anywhere, people are eager helping anybody who goes down to the floor after a failed attempt of crowdsurfing. Those who fall during the moshpits receive immediate help, it's obvious that no one means any harm to anyone here. If you want to attract attention the easiest way is to attend the festival without any costume. Besides putting on a costume just going totally naked will be another easy way to avoid any attention.
The festival extends over 5 days of which the first one is considered warmup-day. If you get to attend that day be prepared for loads of extreme competitions. If you participate you might find yourself in a garbage container, racing for victory against other teams. If this doesn't seem to be freaky enough just go for the salt water drinking competition. They also have a freak show and few live bands on first night.
After the warmup the actual festival begins. It brings you bands of all kinds. The first power will always be the Grind but you can also find Old School Death (e.g. Obituary and Vital Remains). There were a couple of Old School Thrash bands like the legendary Hirax and one more than pleasant surprise, the Brazilian all-female Thrashers Nervosa who, playing their first European tour, made it clear that they are one of the most powerful bands of the New Wave Of Thrash. Besides, there was some time for a nice chat and Nervosa's first live interview (link that here). There were also loads of Punk, Crust and Gore Grind bands - plenty of styles but always underground and the Old School.
To sum it up, this festival is a blast! Our heaviest recommendations for anyone who is looking for great atmosphere, good music and high-quality beer for fair prices. We already started counting the days until next year's edition.
See you on the Battlefield, Trutnov July 13th-17th 2016 !!!!
