It was a later start to day two of Hellfest later than planned, mainly due to our photographer Gavin’s dodgy knee giving him more problems which meant a more gentile stroll to the venue on yet another blisteringly hot day, something that the festival has become well known for.
Unlike in the UK there is so much to do at Hellfest that you’d forgive people for missing some of the bands on show. Be it getting a tattoo, walking round the massive ‘Hell Market’ or simply enjoying food from one of the many stalls, there’s always something to do, and apart from the tattoos, it’s all at a reasonable cost.
We rolled down to the main stage via dropping in on Stinky in the Warzone and Mork on the Temple stage before Fear Factory lighten up the late afternoon with a dose of Industrial metal fit for the ages with 50 minutes seeming a bit short given the enjoyment level of the crowd.
Instrumentalists Polyphia follow, while the search for a beer takes us past Planet of Zeus in the Valley, the Greeks giving a great showing of themselves.
Next up on the Main Stage are everyone’s favourite festival band, Steel Panther. Their brand of music & over the top comedy is a Hellfest staple and only seems to get better every time they play. Only a band like Steel Panther could get over 100 female festival goers on stage topless. You can hear the moans and groans if they tried that in the UK.
Tom Morello gave a masterclass in guitar with his unique & unconventional picking style lighting up the crowd and also delighting them by deep delving into his back catalogue with RATM and Audioslave covers intertwined with his own music as well as MC5 and Springsteen tunes.
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We jumped up to the Valley to experience a bit of sludge and a touch of Sabbath with Acid King before walking into the Warzone to experience the chaos the Biohazard have on offer. Being one of the earliest hardcore crossover bands comes at a price and I can confirm that after 37 years I can confirm that they are most definitely alive and kicking. It’s a bit like being slapped in the face as they run through their set as original members Billy Grazaidei and Evan Seinfeld party like its 1987.
Stoner Rockers Fu Manchu assist with the comedown before we move back to the main stage for headliners Machine Head. Main man Robb Flynn is small in stature but certainly big in sound, packing a punch that wakes the crowd as we head into the small hours. Machine Head songs are long and there are only 13 songs in their 90 minute set but we get all the crowd faves such Halo & Davadian. They’re a good choice of headliner albeit one we had to watch from afar due to the massive crowd.
The last band of the night we take in are Body Count who are a particular favourite of ours. Pulling heavily on their “Body Count” and Born Dead” albums it’s a rip roaring end to the evening and pulls the biggest crowd of the day in the Warzone.
Ice-T is the megastar that he is, but is happy to sit back and let the other members of the band (and his family) take centre stage. Staples ‘Cop Killer’, ‘Born Dead’ and ‘Take Shit, Get Shot’ all get an airing in one of the best sets of the day.
We’re out on our feet but stumble back to the car happy bunnies at what has been a great day.
- Highlight of the day – Steel Panther/Body Count
- Disappointment of the day – The free Jolly Sailor Rum didn’t last long (surprise)
- T shirts bought – 5
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Photos by Gavin Lowrey
