Imagine teleporting thousands of metal fans into the middle of nowhere. Then add scorching sunshine, a lake to cool off in, a beach to camp by and make people wear very little. Ship in some massive names in metal and then get Metallica to headline on the biggest stage that Sonisphere has seen yet. This is Sonisphere Sweden. As the Monster motorcycle stunt team told us, Hultsfeld Park, is the most beautiful festival site they?ve ever risked their lives at.

So, what better way to kick off the day than with local favourites, Dead by April, and what?s become the Swedish soundtrack of the summer. ?Losing You? off the melodic metalcore band?s self-titled debut album can be heard blasting out everywhere across Sweden. It doesn?t matter whether you?re in a fishing boat on the Baltic Sea, downing Absolut shots in a stylish Stockholm nightclub, shopping in Ikea or even taking a sauna. You?ll end up hearing it. So their raucous reception wasn?t as much of a shock as the naked man who ran across the stage.

A sadder surprise is the news that Anthrax have had to pull out of today?s show at the last minute due to lead singer Dan Nelson falling ill. In a statement they said:

?The members of Anthrax are devastated by this unfortunate turn of events and ask all of their fans to join them in wishing Dan the speediest of recoveries.?

We?ll keep you updated when we hear more about Dan. In the mean time things are literally about to get better with a line-up that?s got something for everyone. Like experimental metal played on eight-string guitars? Check out Meshuggah. Prefer your prog metal to be a little more accessible? Then there?s Mastodon. Something lighter perhaps? How about Primal Scream. Enjoy bands that take them selves a little less seriously? Then there?s The Hives. Or do you want to watch a legendary band that?s been going as long as Metallica? Two words - The Cult.

Otherwise, you can just grab a beer, head to the beach and listen to it there.