Metal Theatre: The Introduction
At Teatervallen in Kalmar, the beginning of 2023 marked a new era for metal music and hard rock. The initiative came from the newly founded association Metal Theatre, in partnership with the record store Sabbath Records. The reason was a simple observation: Kalmar lacked a dedicated club or venue for metal music, and it was time to change that.
The first steps were taken with the premiere concert on March 26, where bands like Entrails from Växjö and Grave Defeiler from Kalmar filled the air with their death metal tones. On Walpurgis Night, April 30, the festivities continued with Dead Express from Nyköping and Reptile Tongue from Oskarshamn. Additionally, Dregen guested as a DJ, contributing to the energetic atmosphere.
The initiators, Kenth Strömgren and his son Linus Strömgren from Sabbath Records, had grand plans. They wanted to do more than just offer single concerts; they created a long-term vision.
Metal Theatre Festival 2023: Part I
On July 1, Teatervallen would host the Metal Theatre Festival, a full-scale metal festival featuring no less than ten bands on stage. The lineup boasted names like Wormwood, Vanhelgd, and Grá, alongside local heroes HILD from Hultsfred and Carry the Torch from Kalmar.
The festival was organized by the Metal Theatre Association and Sabbath Records, in collaboration with the educational association Bilda. The experienced Mörkaste Småland was also involved, and their expertise helped with band bookings and planning.
The new hard rock club had now cemented its name in the city and with it, the Metal Theatre Festival—a dedicated tribute to the powerful and dynamic world of metal music. Kalmar had gained its metal heart, and it was ready to beat in time with the heavy riffs at Teatervallen!
Metal Theatre Festival 2024: Part II
The success of the first festival laid the foundation for an even bigger sequel—Metal Theatre Festival Part 2—which took place on July 5-6, 2024. Over these two days, Teatervallen was once again transformed into an epic stage for metal lovers, filled with powerful riffs, thundering drums, and an audience dressed in black band t-shirts and leather jackets.
From Örebro’s “Lowest Creature,” who opened with frenetic energy, to the Portuguese band Gaerea, the lineup was a mix of international and local bands. Among the local favorites was Sabancaya, which put Kalmar on the metal map. The festival area was buzzing with life, featuring everything from merchandise stands and tattoo artists to fans headbanging and forming mosh pits. The audience, a mix of young and old metalheads, created an atmosphere of community and passion for the heavy music.
Metal Theatre Festival Part 2 continued the momentum built over the previous years and demonstrated that metal music now has a permanent and powerful place in Kalmar.
Metal Theatre Festival 2025: Part III
After two successful years at Teatervallen, Metal Theatre continues its journey to new heights. Kalmar has now established itself as one of the country’s foremost cities for metal fans, and there are no signs of the momentum slowing down. On the contrary, Metal Theatre Festival Part 3, to be held on July 4-5, 2025, will be the biggest undertaking in Metal Theatre’s history—a festival that will set new standards and create unforgettable memories for all participants.
No effort is being spared for this epic event. With more international bands, larger stage productions, and more activities on the festival grounds, Metal Theatre Festival Part 3 will be something truly special. The lineup will be revealed soon, and the organizers promise to surpass all previous editions. Fans can expect a weekend filled with mighty riffs, energetic performances, and a community that only metal music can create.
Teatervallen is gearing up to welcome an even larger audience, and Kalmar will once again pulse to the beat of the mighty music. With this grand venture, Metal Theatre shows that their festival is not just an annual event—it is an institution, a cultural meeting place where metal music and its fans can thrive.
Metal Theatre Festival Part 3 will be a test of strength for both organizers and bands, and all signs point to this weekend going down in history.