Smash Into Pieces is one of Sweden’s biggest rock bands right now, steadily building momentum with an ambitious live production that transformed Liseberg’s main stage into a blaze of lasers, fire, and futuristic visuals.
Backed by towering flames and a tightly executed setlist, the band delivered a high-energy performance that elevated their signature cinematic style to new heights.
Into the Fire: Smash Into Pieces Set Liseberg Ablaze
The Many Faces of Apoc
Before the show even began, I caught sight of a familiar masked figure wandering through the Liseberg amusement park: Smash Into Pieces’ mysterious drummer and mascot, Apoc. He was mingling with visitors, trying on hats, posing for photos – generally being far more social than one might expect from a character who usually lurks behind a glowing visor and a drum kit. Also a slightly more intimidating presence than the fluffy bunny mascots usually found roaming the park.
Whether it was the real Apoc or one of the rumored decoys planted in the audience, well... we’ll get back to that.
From Small Town Gigs to the Big Stage
This wasn’t the first time CrowdSnapper covered the band – we were there for their already visually impressive indoor show in Borås earlier this year – but this performance on Liseberg’s grand main stage promised a new level of production. I was curious to see how the band would adapt and expand their polished stage design for an open-air environment.
The Calm Before the Storm
Ahead of the show, we photographers received a quick briefing on the first few songs we’d be shooting, along with a stern warning: expect lasers – and fire. Lots of fire.
Ironically, the moments before the band took the stage were unusually quiet, the background music playing at a near-whisper. It was the calm before the storm.
And what a storm it was.
Smash Into Pieces burst onto the stage with the industrial rocker Flow, launching a pyrotechnic assault that immediately made the pit feel like a full-on barbecue. Shooting was a challenge – the stage is quite high, and with flames flaring between camera and band, autofocus struggled to keep up. But it was all worth it. Even with a few missed frames, it was one of the most visually thrilling shows I’ve shot this year.
Lasers, Lightshows, and Cinematic Energy
After the fire-heavy opener, we had two more songs in the pit – Venom and Wake Up – featuring sharp lasers, dramatic lighting, and that unmistakable cinematic flair. Think Blade Runner meets arena rock.
Guitarist Pulled a Dave Grohl
Much like in Borås, guitarist Benjamin Jennebo was once again missing, with tour manager Emanuel Magnil—also of the band VS/U—stepping in. While Jennebo’s absense was initially surprising, a few clues were dropped during the show – frontman Chris Adam Hedman Sörbye mentioned an incident at Graspop – and I later learned that Jennebo had pulled a Dave Grohl in Belgium, falling off stage resulting in a knee injury and three broken ribs just days earlier. Ouch. Wishing him a speedy recovery — and hoping to see him back in action soon. (He actually appeared on a kids’ show a week later, in a wheelchair, so he seems to be recovering well.)
Emanuel did a stellar job, though—and he’s not just a stand-in. He’s officially been part of the live band since November 2024 and fits the role like a glove. Whether the plan is to keep three guitarists on stage once Benjamin has recovered remains to be seen, but it wouldn’t be a first. Just look at Foo Fighters and Smashing Pumpkins. Tough times for bassists, am I right?
A Show Built for the Big Leagues
As for the show itself? Smash Into Pieces absolutely delivered. It was easily the biggest, boldest production I’ve seen on the Liseberg stage to date.
The setlist felt more dynamic than ever, weaving together their signature blend of futuristic electronics and heavy rock riffs. Tracks like Flow and Hurricane balanced electronic-infused production and melodic choruses with growling breakdowns, while Boomerang and All Eyes on You brought pop sensibility to the mix. Of course, fan favorites like Venom, Heroes Are Calling, and the explosive closer Six Feet Under had the crowd fired up from start to finish.
Don’t Sleep on Them
There wasn't really a single dull moment in their hour-long set. If you get the chance to see Smash Into Pieces live – especially here in Sweden – don’t sleep on it. At the rate they’re growing, they might just become our next big international export. You might need a passport to catch them soon.
Oh, and that Apoc I saw earlier? Turns out there were three extras planted in the audience. So whether I met the real one or a replicant remains a mystery.
This show was shot with
Wider Shots
- Camera: Sony a7 III
- Lens: Tamron 28-75/f2.8
Close-Ups
- Camera: Sony a7R II
- Lens: Tamron 70-180/f2.8
More Concert Photos
More From Smash Into Pieces
Broken Halo – Music Video
Check out the brand new single below!
Smash Into Pieces at Sommarlov
The band appeared on the kids' show Sommarlov on July 4, 2025. Benjamin returned—this time in a wheelchair—while Emanuel filled in for Per, whose partner was having a baby. They also performed the new single Broken Halo, and Six Feet Under.
Check it out on SVT Play.
Also on CrowdSnapper
