until the Festival! info 2008 here
Mølla 2008; the Watermill Festival in the woods of Gjerstad Norway. Perched on the powerful Prestfoss waterfall is the watermill which now is the recording studio responsible for the recording of award winning "Ordo Ad Chao" by Mayhem, and other highly acclaimed recordings like "Sideshow Symphonies" by Arcturus, among others.
Behind the watermill, facing a small steep wooded valley with a picturesque stream running through, a stage has been built. This makes a setting of a completely enclosed natural amphitheatre. Many planks and sitting places are built so that everyone can see comfortably. In mid august at the time of the festival, the camp site at the top, looking down on the festival area is basked in sun. The fresh clean water in the river is the perfect place for the festival public to wash and relax. The main theme of Mølla is closeness to nature and therefore all the food on sale is ecological, even home made cakes!
After dark (which is late in the Norwegian summer), 300 torch flames are lit throughout the valley giving one an Tolkienesque feeling. Small lights everywhere and numerous campfires for the public to enjoy while listeing to the music and enjoying the experience. For the Mølla Festival is truely an experience; most people remember the place and the atmosphere well as much as the bands that performed. For many, it makes no difference who's on stage - being at Mølla is one of the highlights of the year.
To prove the point beyond doubt; over the festival's 5 years - all the bands from all over Europe who ever have played at Mølla, have played free of charge. The quaintness and pureity of the Mølla festival is worth doing the gig for free!
