Mayhem in Great Portland Street: A Swedish Rock Invasion at 229 The Venue

London’s live music scene is renowned for its diversity and its embrace of sounds from across the globe. On a recent electrifying evening at 229, The Venue on Great Portland Street, a true testament to this international spirit unfolded as the Mayhem Festival brought five of Sweden’s most dynamic rock acts to the heart of the capital. Far from the typical connotations of its name, this Mayhem was a celebratory showcase of high-octane riffs, soaring vocals, and undeniable stage presence, leaving an indelible mark on all in attendance. From the moment the doors opened, an atmosphere of anticipation crackled, promising a night that would solidify the burgeoning reputation of Swedish rock.

Indeed, if there was one overarching takeaway from the festival, it was the emphatic statement that Swedish rock music is not merely on the rise; it has firmly arrived once again. For years, Sweden has been a fertile ground for diverse musical genres, from pop powerhouses to extreme metal innovators. However, in the realm of hard rock and sleaze rock, a distinct wave of bands has emerged, blending classic influences with modern sensibilities, crafting hook-laden anthems that are both nostalgic and fresh. The bands on display at 229, The Venue, were prime examples of this phenomenon, each bringing their unique flavour to the stage, collectively painting a vivid picture of a scene brimming with talent and creative vitality. Their professionalism, tight musicianship, and unwavering dedication to putting on a memorable show were evident throughout the night, reaffirming that the quality of music coming out of Sweden in this genre is exceptionally high and deserving of global recognition.

Smoking Snakes: Igniting the Coals

Kicking off the evening with a blast of unadulterated rock ‘n’ roll was Smoking Snakes. Hailing from Gothenburg, Sweden, this quartet has been steadily making a name for themselves with their high-energy, classic-rock-inspired sound. Formed in 2022, they quickly carved out a niche with their raw power and no-nonsense approach, drawing comparisons to early AC/DC and fellow Swedish rock revivalists. Their debut album, ‘Danger Zone’, released in 2024, is a testament to their dedication to stripped-down, riff-heavy rock, brimming with anthemic choruses and a palpable sense of urgency.

On stage, Smoking Snakes delivered precisely what was needed to ignite the crowd. Their set was a masterclass in establishing an immediate connection, with frontman Brett Martin’s (who really, really wants to be the Blackie Lawless of this generation) gritty vocals cutting through the mix, supported by the relentless rhythm section and searing guitar solos. The music got heads nodding and feet tapping, proving that a solid, unpretentious rock assault is the perfect way to open a festival. They laid down a strong foundation for the night, demonstrating that even as the first act, they were there to make an impact, setting a high bar for the bands that followed. Their performance was tight, energetic, and showcased a band clearly enjoying their moment in the spotlight, leaving the audience primed for more.

Toxic Rose: A Gothic Glam Assault

Following up, Toxic Rose took the stage, injecting a darker, more theatrical edge into the proceedings. Formed in Stockholm in 2010 by vocalist Andy Flash and guitarist Göran “Gorgy” Floren, Toxic Rose quickly distinguished themselves with their blend of glam rock swagger, gothic undertones, and a sharp, melodic sensibility. Their sound is often characterized by catchy choruses, biting guitar riffs, and a dark aesthetic that sets them apart from their peers. Their self-titled debut album in 2012 immediately garnered attention, followed by ‘Total Tranquility’ (2018) and ‘Kiss GoodBye’ (2023), each release further solidifying their unique identity within the Swedish sleaze scene.

Toxic Rose’s performance was a captivating display of their distinct style. Andy Lipstixx, with his striking presence and powerful vocals, commanded attention, not least while drinking copious amounts of blood from a skull, while the band’s tight musicianship delivered their intricate yet powerful tracks with precision. Songs such as ‘A Song For The Weak’ and ‘Reckless Alley’ showcased their ability to combine dark lyrical themes with undeniably catchy melodies, creating an atmosphere that was both brooding and exhilarating. Their stage presence was engaging, full of dramatic flair, and their sound filled the venue, offering a perfect contrast to Smoking Snakes’ more straightforward rock and expanding the sonic palette of the evening. They proved that Swedish rock isn’t just about party anthems; it also embraces a rich, darker side with significant artistic depth.

The Cruel Intentions: A Welcome Phoenix from the Ashes

For many in the know, The Cruel Intentions represented a particularly exciting proposition. Formed in Oslo, Norway, in 2015, they are deeply intertwined with the Swedish rock narrative, notably featuring former members of the beloved sleaze rock outfit Vains of Jenna. After the dissolution of Vains of Jenna in 2011, bassist Lizzy DeVine and drummer Robin Nilsson, alongside vocalist Lizzy B. and guitarist Kristian Solhaug, channelled their collective energy into this new venture. Their sound is a potent blend of hard rock grit, punk rock urgency, and undeniable hooks, carrying forward some of the raw energy that made Vains of Jenna so popular, but with their own distinct, matured identity. Their debut album, ‘No Sign of Relief’, released in 2018, was met with critical acclaim, followed by ‘Venomous Kiss’ in 2022, further cementing their reputation.

The Cruel Intentions were indeed a welcome surprise, and for good reason. Their performance was bursting with an infectious energy that immediately captivated the audience. Lizzy B.’s charismatic frontman skills were on full display, his vocals soaring over the band’s powerful delivery. Tracks like ‘Jawbreaker’ and ‘Reapercussion’ hit with a visceral impact, showcasing their ability to craft anthems that are both hard-hitting and incredibly catchy. There was a palpable sense of connection with their lineage, yet they stood tall as a formidable force in their own right. For anyone who mourned the end of Vains of Jenna, seeing The Cruel Intentions was akin to witnessing a phoenix rise, proving that true rock ‘n’ roll spirit never dies, merely transforms. Their set was a highlight of sheer, unadulterated rock ‘n’ roll joy, leaving a lasting impression.

Crazy Lixx: The Undeniable Highlight

And then came Crazy Lixx. For me, personally, this was the undisputed highlight of the festival, even with the mighty Crashdïet still to come. Formed in Malmö, Sweden, in 2002, Crazy Lixx are pioneers of the new wave of Swedish glam and sleaze metal, and arguably one of its most consistent and celebrated acts. Often cited alongside bands like Crashdïet and Hardcore Superstar, they’ve been instrumental in revitalizing a genre many thought was long dead. Their discography is a treasure trove of melodic hard rock anthems, beginning with ‘Loud Minority’ (2007), followed by stellar releases like ‘New Religion’ (2010), ‘Riot Avenue’ (2012), ‘Crazy Lixx’ (2014), ‘Ruff Justice’ (2017), ‘Forever Wild’ (2019), and ‘Street Lethal’ (2021). With the latest release ‘Thrill of the Bite’ continuing that stellar legacy, their longevity and consistently high-quality output speak volumes about their dedication and talent.

From the very first note, Crazy Lixx owned the stage. Danny Rexon is a phenomenal frontman, effortlessly engaging the crowd with his powerful vocals and magnetic stage presence. The band’s chemistry was undeniable, a well-oiled machine delivering hit after hit with precision and passion. Their sound is characterized by massive, singalong choruses, intricate guitar harmonies, and a rhythm section that drives every song with relentless energy. Hearing tracks like ‘Hell Raising Women,’ ‘Whiskey Tango Foxtrot,’ ‘Blame It On Love,’ and recent single ‘Little Miss Dangerous’ live was an exhilarating experience. Each song felt like an event, meticulously crafted and flawlessly executed. What truly set them apart was the sheer joy and enthusiasm they exuded; it was clear they were having as much fun as the audience, and that energy was infectious. They didn’t just play songs; they created an immersive rock experience, filled with anthems that resonated deep within. Crazy Lixx delivered a performance that transcended mere musicianship, becoming a pure, unadulterated celebration of everything that makes melodic hard rock great. Their set was dynamic, powerful, and left an undeniable mark, solidifying their status as one of the genre’s absolute best.

Crashdïet: Closing the Mayhem with a Bang

Bringing the Mayhem Festival to its explosive conclusion were the headliners, Crashdïet. Hailing from Stockholm, Sweden, Crashdïet are often credited with spearheading the “new wave of Swedish sleaze” in the early 2000s. Their tumultuous history, marked by triumphs and tragedies, has only added to their legendary status. Formed in 2000 by frontman Dave Lepard, their debut album ‘Rest in Sleaze’ (2005) became an instant classic, capturing the raw, decadent spirit of 80s Sunset Strip glam but with a darker, more melancholic edge. Following Lepard’s tragic death, the band persevered, bringing in Olli Herman for ‘The Unattractive Revolution’ (2007) and then Simon Cruz for ‘Generation Wild’ (2011) and ‘The Savage Playground’ (2013). With Gabriel Keyes guiding the ship through ‘Rust’ (2019) and ‘Automaton’ (2022), the band are now fronted by John Elliot who continues to help them build their legacy of high-energy, hook-laden sleaze rock.

As expected, Crashdïet delivered a headlining performance worthy of their stature. Their stage presence is second to none, a perfect blend of rock star swagger and raw aggression. John Elliot is a compelling frontman, effortlessly embodying the band’s rebellious spirit, his vocals powerful and emotive. The band’s performance was incredibly tight, showcasing their years of experience and undeniable chemistry. Classics like ‘Riot in Everyone,’ ‘Generation Wild,’ and ‘Cocaine Cowboys’ resonated deeply with the crowd, who sang along with fervent enthusiasm. They also showcased newer material, demonstrating that their current iteration is as vibrant and potent as ever. Crashdïet brought the house down with their high-energy set, leaving no doubt as to why they remain one of the most revered acts in the genre. They closed the festival with an explosive flourish, sending everyone home with ringing ears and satisfied smiles, cementing the night as a monumental success.

A Night to Remember: The Triumph of Swedish Rock

The quality of musicianship across all five acts was consistently high, matched by their engaging stage presence and unwavering commitment to delivering an unforgettable live experience. As a fan, witnessing Crazy Lixx rise to the occasion and deliver a set that truly stole the show was a personal highlight, cementing their place as titans of the genre. The Cruel Intentions were a delightful revelation, proving that their connection to Vains of Jenna is a foundation, not a limitation, and that their future is incredibly bright.

The Mayhem Festival at 229, The Venue, was more than just a concert; it was a powerful affirmation of the strength and vitality of the Swedish rock scene. Each band contributed a crucial piece to the puzzle, showcasing the genre’s breadth, from the raw energy of Smoking Snakes to the gothic glam of Toxic Rose, the phoenix-like rebirth of The Cruel Intentions, the anthemic mastery of Crazy Lixx, and the enduring legacy of Crashdïet.