From the second half of August, the local hard'n'heavy scene is like little children in December. They count the nights they still have to sleep until the presents bring relief. On September 6th and 7th, it's that time again at the festival grounds in Bisingen: The “Umsonst & Draußen Zollernalb” brings plenty of balm for the ears and eyes. True to the principle from the founding years, the bands performing are primarily from the south of the country and even mainly from the surrounding region.
The region is not short of highly talented rock musicians
And because the region is not short of highly talented rock musicians, the program is impressive. Kicking off on Friday at 6:30 p.m. is “When hell breaks lose,” the five-person metal band that formed at the end of 2017 as “Untamed.” Through the contrast of hard, rhythmic metal parts and soft, melodic influences, the band from Rosenfeld brings out their very special style; everything is possible, from total escalation to cuddling up with the neighbor.
They are followed by “Darkness Ablaze”, a unique melodic death metal band. They combine hard and aggressive metal riffs with atmospheric, epic melodies and immerse the listener in a dark and captivating soundscape. It continues with “Pinghost”. The Balingen guys play progressive metalcore, combining melody and catchiness with hardness and complexity. They offer everything that fans of modern metal could wish for, promise the organizers. With all this warm-up, it's time for the top act of the first evening. “Parasite Inc.” surprises with their unique melodic death metal interpretation and breaks genre boundaries with their unique fusion of hardness and melody.
The site plan for Free & Outdoor Zollernalb. (Photo: 😂 …)
Founded in 2007, the band from Aalen has developed into an international metal act under the charismatic leadership of singer Kai Bigler. The band quickly gained recognition for their technical brilliance and catchy hooks. Parasite Inc. combines “merciless aggression with melodic elements,” the announcement states. Live, the band impresses with energetic performances that draw the audience into their intense world. An impressive headliner show can also be expected.
After what was probably a more or less restful night, things will continue on Saturday, September 7th, from 2:30 p.m. “Dann kommt die Nacht” will open the afternoon. The hard rockers from Riedlingen offer a lively fusion of power and heavy metal elements as well as classic hard rock and rock'n'roll. This creates a catchy sound. Then there's “Female Fronted Modern Metalcore” for your ears. This is what “Indrawn” from Bietigheim-Bissingen call their style and combine it all with a touch of alternative rock.
The Balingen band Noplies is finally back on stage, to the delight of numerous fans. (Photo: band)
The “Dumb Bats” are a four-person death punk band from Stuttgart. Four individuals with too much energy who have found just the right outlet to let it all out with their high energy action rock, shaped and inspired by the great Scandi rock wave of the 90s. Then “Noplies”, an old companion of U&D and a veteran of the local scene, will appear. For 28 years, the Balingen band has stood for self-forged metal with drive and melody, authentic and straight from the heart. Their characteristic energy is quickly transferred to the audience; the famous Noplies atmosphere is created. With a new line-up, the band is eager to finally be back on stage, they say.
Lacrimas Profundere are the top act of the festival
The “Front Row Warriors” will then play, with the aim of taking their audience on a musical journey through the era of hard rock and metal of the past 30 years. The debut album “Wheel Of Fortune”, released last year, was praised by critics as “absolutely fantastic”. The band was named the best hard rock band in Germany in 2021 by the German Rock and Pop Musicians Association. The best conditions for a great show at the U&D Zollernalb.
Another old friend then takes the stage with “Agent Orange”. Founded in 1983 in Bisingen and taking part in the very first U&D, the band is a local big name known for its hard-hitting, full-throttle rock and soulful power ballads. Still led by singer Udo Welz, the current line-up with Stefan Barth, Armin Pflumm, Martin Arnold, Heiko Burst and Markus Wochner impressively proves that they are far from being old hat, but rather belong to the high-class metal of the local scene.
Lacrimas Profundere are the top act on the second evening. (Photo: band)
The top act and highlight of the festival is “Lacrimas Profundere”, the gothic rock band founded in 1993, which is known for its melancholic and atmospheric sounds. With a unique mix of dark melodies, powerful guitar riffs and profound lyrics, the band has built up an impressive repertoire, emphasizes the organizers. The band already impressively demonstrated this at the U&D in 2017 and has developed a loyal local fan base. Lacrimas Profundere are known for their moving and emotional songs, with the musical variety ranging from slow, atmospheric ballads to energetic metal anthems.
Further information can be found at ud-zollernalb.de.
