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Credit: Dearohwell photography
Season 5 episode 2 of our ongoing festival pilgrimage series. In these articles we attempt to help confused festival goers navigate the clashes of various festival lineups by suggesting 10 essential bands they shouldn't miss. Today, we examine ne of the biggest and most revered European festivals, Hellfest.
The pandemic hit hard the live industry but Hellfest made the ultimate comeback last year, by expanding its running time over two weekends and amassing a formidable number of bands. The hybrid experiment was successful by and large, selling out the first weekend. The festival returns this year with an equally good and diverse lineup, ranging from glam rock to black metal, and we're stoked.
1. Blackbraid
If you've never heard of Blackbraid before, you're in for a big surprise. The one-man project, envisioned and brought to life by Sgah’gahsowáh, is an avant-garde black metal band drawing inspiration from native American culture. Their debut album, "Blackbraid I", which came last year landed spots in our individual yearlists from the first spin. The sophomore release is coming in July and the first samples sound beyond promising.
When: Thursday 15/6, 16:30-17:10
Where: Temple stage
2. Botch
The mathcore legends are back, and hopefully for good. Botch disbanded in 2002 and last summer they caught everyone off guard when they released a new single. A US and EU tour announcement followed and here we are today, witnessing their grand return. Definitely don't sleep on them headlining the Valley stage.
When: Friday 16/6, 23:40-00:40
Where: Valley stage
03. Lord Of The Lost
Freshly out of the Eurovision song contest, Lord Of The Lost were a big bet. Despite not ranking higher at the contest, anyone who knows them knows their shows are pure entertainment. The Germans are also supporting Iron Maiden on their upcoming summer dates, so it's safe to say that they have no intention of stopping. Buckle up folks, Lord Of The Lost are hitting the stage full throttle!
When: Sunday 18/6, 19:45-20:45
Where: Temple stage
04. Iron Maiden
It's kinda natural to list Iron Maiden along with Lord Of The Lost. The legendary band recently kicked off The Future Past tour, whose setlist we know by now includes some songs they haven't played in years. Even if you haven't followed them in a while, you just have to grab a beer and listen to these tunes, singing your heart out like you're in your teenage bedroom.
When: Satuday 17/6, 21:00-23:00
Where: Main stage 1
05. Architects
Let's be fair, the last couple albums didn't really do the trick for us but this doesn't mean that the quality of Architects' shows has diminished. The Brighton outfit is taking huge leaps in their career, acquiring more fans as they go, proving that sky is the limit. The new material is is designed to be played live, igniting frenzied reactions and having fans singing at the top of their lungs.
When: Thursday 15/6, 21:50-22:50
Where: Main stage 02
06. Hierophant
Another band we have a soft spot for. Since their early days of playing squats to playing big festivals, Hierophant has never remained stagnant. Their sound is always evolving, becoming darker and more ferocious as the members translate their frustration with their world into a sonic assault. Their latest album, "Death Siege", came out last summer and solidified them as one of the best in their genre. Also, someone called their music "war metal", which is totally correct, so extra points for that.
When: Saturday 17/6, 11:40-12:10
Where: Temple stage
07. Tenacious D
It would be impossible to omit the comedy duo from this list. Jack Black and Kyle Gass are getting older but none the wiser -and we absolutely adore that. They recently released a new single, and they were reportedly performing one more on a recent tour. We do realize that some people can have a love/hate relationship with them but take us on our word, even as a casual spectacle, Tenacious D is an absolute treat.
When: Sunday 18/6, 19:45-20:55
Where: Main stage 01
08. Full Of Hell
Full Of Hell is the type of band that knows how to start a war in the moshpit within seconds. Their combination of scything guitars, pummeling drums and vocalist Dylan Walker's charisma as he's spewing his lyrics make for a compelling sight. Currently on tour with Primitive Man (also playing Hellfest), they are promoting their very interesting split EP, "Suffocating Hallucination", which you should definitely be checking out prior to the set.
When: Friday 16/6, 15:05-15:45
Where: Altar stage
09. Electric Callboy
All aboard the party train. Electric Callboy are the absolute and uncontested masters in crafting catchy songs combining heavy breakdowns and electronic hooks. In fact, their skill is so good that they are able to get those contagious melodies stuck into anyone's head, especially the haters, within seconds. Plus their shows are overflowing with energy.
When: Sunday 18/6, 16:50-17:40
Where: Main stage 02
Honorable mentions
Holy Moses: Probably unknown to the younger generation, Holy Moses is a thrash metal group from Germany, also credited as one of the first to feature female growler on the mic in a time where singers were judged by their sex appeal than their abilities.
Amenra: We will always suggest people to witness Amenra's darkness even if they've seen them before. The experience is truly cathartic and no matter how many times you listen to certain songs, they will always give you chills.
Powerwolf: The theatrical outfit is pure entertainment; either singing about sin and lust with witty puns, or using huge flamethrowers, you can bet that these Germans know how to put on a great show.
10. Candy
Don't be fooled by the name, there's nothing sweet about Candy. The band dropped a brilliant metallic hardcore album last summer which sounds like the soundtrack of a high-stamina activity and rest assured, that's exactly what their live shows look like too. Stretch well and unleash your inner crowdkiller.
When: Friday 16/6, 12:15-12:45
Where: Altar stage
Hellfest is taking place on June 15-18 in Clisson, France.
The event is sold out. For info visit hellfest.fr
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