From a drained swimming pool in Schwerte to a sold-out festival hall in Nürnberg, the uncompromising Italian hardcore punks deliver intensity, defiance and absolute conviction!
Late February gave me the privilege of accompanying Svetlanas on their two German dates in Schwerte (20.02.2026) and Nuremberg (21.02.2026) – not only as a photographer, but as a friend. What unfolded across those two nights was a sharp reminder that punk, when delivered with authenticity and intent, still has the power to confront, provoke and unite.
I first encountered Svetlanas in 2022 at Rebellion Festival in Blackpool, frustratingly catching only half their set due to overlapping photography duties. In 2023 at Ruhrpott Rodeo, I finally experienced the full impact of their live show — and from that moment it was clear this would not be a one-off. Since then, I have taken every opportunity to see Olga (vocals), Ricky (lead guitar), Paletta (bass) and Diste (drums) on stage.
Anyone who knows me knows I tend to gravitate towards melodic punk. Svetlanas operate in far more abrasive territory – somewhere between thrashcore and hardcore punk. Yet there is something about their presence that cuts through immediately. Perhaps it is the unfiltered energy. Perhaps it is the clarity of their message. Perhaps it is the complete lack of compromise. Most likely, it is the combination of all three. A Svetlanas show is not passive entertainment it demands participation. Lyrically, the band offer far more than speed and aggression. Songs such as ‘Spit on Your Mother’ and ‘Pussification’ deliberately provoke, challenging social hypocrisy and moral posturing.
‘Coca Cobra’ reads like a venomous swipe at consumer culture, while ‘Smile for the Camera’ dissects performative identity in an age obsessed with validation. Meanwhile, ‘Mirror Discipline’ and ‘Don’t Do It’ carry undertones of self-reflection and resistance. Themes of autonomy, defiance and anti-authoritarianism run throughout their catalogue and live, these messages are not merely delivered, they are thrown into the room with conviction.
Rattenloch, Schwerte
The first stop was Rattenloch, a venue in Schwerte I had never visited before but one that instantly left an impression. The stage sits inside a drained former school swimming pool – tiled walls, low ceiling, pure DIY character. Since 1990, punk shows have echoed through this unusual space. It feels authentic because it is.
Support came from Neue Paranoia and Manege Frei, both warming the room effectively. During the short changeover, much of the crowd stepped outside for air – a sensible move in hindsight.
The moment Svetlanas took the stage, the venue filled again within seconds! What followed was a relentless 60-minute set that barely allowed time to breathe. From the opening punch of ‘Jump’, the band surged forward without hesitation. Diste‘s drumming was urgent and driving, constantly pushing momentum. Songs landed in rapid succession – ‘Never Sleep’ proving to be more statement than title.
Notably, there was no sign of fatigue from the long drive from Milan. Before the show, Olga had been calm and softly spoken, almost reserved. Once on stage, however, a switch flipped. She became fierce, provocative and magnetic — a frontwoman who does not simply perform but commands and consumes the entire space.
Nürnberg Punk Fest, Künstlerhaus
The following night brought us to the Künstlerhaus for Nürnberg Punk Fest – a two-day DIY event spread across three stages and completely sold out. The atmosphere was vibrant from early afternoon onwards. Festival settings can shift dynamics; audiences come for the collective experience rather than one specific act. Yet Svetlanas, headlining the Zentralcafé stage, required no warming-up period. From the first chord, the pit erupted.
The intensity translated effortlessly from club to festival environment. Bodies collided, sweat gathered on the walls, and the room pulsed with movement. True to form, Olga did not remain confined to the stage for long, diving into the crowd and continuing to sing from within the chaos. Not as spectacle, but as connection. The setlist mirrored the previous evening and rightly so. It was tightly structured, direct and impactful.
Two nights. Two contrasting environments – an underground pool-turned-venue and a packed festival hall. Yet the same conclusion remained: Svetlanas are uncompromising in both sound and stance. They do not dilute their message. They do not soften their edges. And they do not treat live performance as routine.
They confront. They provoke. They connect. And long after the final note fades, the impact lingers.
Main Photo Credit / All Photos: FLORIAN REITH
- Jump
- All I See
- Pit Stop
- The Aliens
- Never Sleep
- Spit on Your Mother
- Pussification
- The Magician
- Coca Cobra
- Smile for the Camera
- Pyromania
- Mirror Discipline
- Don’t Do It
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I’m Florian “Flo” Reith, based in Düsseldorf, Germany. Since 2009, I’ve been living for live music – over 1000 shows, 200+ cities, 30+ countries. The camera was there from the very beginning: I tried to capture every gig I went to. Over time, things became more professional and more structured and somewhere along the way, I discovered writing too. I love supporting new and unknown bands. Whether it’s behind the merch stand, working as a roadie, helping organize shows, or sometimes co-promoting them myself – I’m always down to jump in where I’m needed. But let’s be honest: my favourite place will always be the pit – front row, dust, sweat, and pure mosh pit chaos!
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