2 years ago I swore to myself I’d never cover Hellfest for the website again but here I am. Last time I came home ruined……from no sleep, being robbed and injury but looking back all could have been avoided. Time for Plan B.
On this year’s line up were a few bands I’ve always wanted to see such as Cypress Hill, The Hu, Lorna Shore and The Cult.
Arriving on the Thursday, it was blisteringly hot, I could feel my skin cooking before I had even got to the stage.
It was already pretty full inside the arena when I arrived. Skindred were already on the main stage so I decided to pay a visit to the Temple stage and check out Icelandic Black Metal band Mispyrming.
They were heavy and dark and really enjoyed shooting their sinister look, I’m actually struggling to find some of their tunes but will definitely have another listen.
I’d seen Apocalyptica before in Manchester and found them quirky but very entertaining, so was looking forward to checking them out again.
Using their Cellos to play Metallica tunes they were very impressive and still looked like rock stars. With covers such as Enter Sandman, Master of Puppets and St Anger……..they got my blood pumping for the remaining acts of the day.
Street Dogs were next in the Warzone. My favourite stage.
Coming from Boston and recently reformed, Street Dogs were welcomed by a big and enthusiastic crowd, Punk bands do tend to be raw as do the fans. Frontman Mike McColgan was all over the place and was totally connected with the crowd. I’m not familiar with them but will definitely stick them on my playlist to check them out a bit more.
Next up on the Main Stage were Airbourne, I’ve seen them numerous times and they were my must see band for Thursday. They came out after some Terminator 2 theme and straight away kicked into Ready to Rock…..swiftly followed by Too Much, Too Young, To Fast. A lot of fire at the front of the stage which looked great as they played but was very uncomfortable to shoot pics in. Had to check if my 3 hairs were still on the top of my head when I left the pit.
They played Breakin Outta Hell shortly after which left me satisfied for the rest of the set as it’s my favourite tune by them.
Sadly I had to leave after Airbourne to get to my emergency digs, a top bunk in a room with 3 other people, clutching my camera gear as i slept. NICE.
Friday, first I went to check out Spiritbox, I’m not gonna lie, they sound great but dont really have much stage presence. I’ll definitely listen to them again but cant see me going to a gig to see them.
I managed to catch some of the sets of Epica and The Cult. I’ve seen Epica maybe 3 times but only really familiar with a couple of their songs. They closed with Consign to Oblivion which is my main Epica song on my Metal Playlist. Simone Simons has to be one of the best Female vocalists out there, I liked her new look too.
The Cult managed to play the only 2 tunes I know by the which is Firewalker and She Sells Sanctuary.
The Cult very rarely allow Photographers so was a great pleasure to get my chance…..so drink the pics in.
Next up were The Hu!
I had heard brilliant things about these but was not sure what to expect. I wasnt disappointed at all, they were unreal. Never heard anything like it. A Mongolian Folk Metal band that play a combination of Mongolian Instruments and regular instruments…….with Throat Singing. Absolutely one of the highlights of the weekend.
As I expected, Within Temptation were epic. I cannot beleive I only really started listening to them in the last couple of years.
I’d tried Nightwish in the past but only really took to a few songs. These are different, their songwriting is amazing, combined with the way they have evolved over the years means their is a brilliant variation of styles when they play.
They opened with We go to War followed by recent song Bleed out. As I left the pit after shooting my pics they played Faster which is one of my favourite more recent tunes. Late on they played The Reckoning, this was the song that first got me hooked on their music……followed by Our Solemn Hour and they closed with the magical Mother Earth.
Day 3 sadly was aborted, I arrived at Hellfest not feeling the best, the heat and sun had taken its toll. I was planning on getting a couple of bands in but due to the fact it was selected Photographers only for the 2 main acts, I called it and had an early night to recover.
On day 4 I decided to relax and check out a few bands I’d never heard before.
Lorna Shore actually blew me away. The crowd were constantly coming over the top into the pit. The vocal range of Will Ramos is insane, i’ve never heard a Metal voice change so much during a performance . I will definitely be checking them out again,
For Eagles of Death Metal, playing in Ftance is always emotional, I cannot imagine the scars left in their minds caused by that night at the Bataclan, 10 years ago this November.
They are always a pleasure to watch and I took a breather with a pint on the grass. Jennie Vee looked amazing yet a little eccentric too.
The last Band I listened to was Cypress Hill, the legendary Hip Hop group. I was not gonna miss the chance to sing along to Insane in the Brain. Leaving Hellfest I was singing Insane in the Membrane all the way back to my hotel, not loud of course…..that would not be good.
I kid you not, this is a VERY special Festival, Disneyland for Metalheads. This being my third time it’s just as special as the first.
From an Enchanted Forest you can chill out in to Rusty Buildings that fire emits from during big acts.
Advice
If you are thinking of possibly going to next years Hellfest for the first time, here are a few tips.
As I advise with all festivals go VIP if you can, it makes a big difference with comfort, toilets and queues for the bar. Always worth the extra if you can afford it.
If you like your comforts I strongly recommend booking a hotel in Nantes rather than camping. Hellfest has trains back from Clisson-Nantes running all through the night for just €5 each way. Easily getting fed, a shower and a good nights sleep really helps you last all the weekend.
It gets very hot through the festival, it was 38C one day, without access to a pool like on holiday. It can really take its toll on you pretty quick, pace yourself and grab shade when you can.
When I attended Hellfest 2023, I wasnt prepared and suffered for it. I slept in a tiny tent which was my biggest mistake. Being over 50 years old sometimes isn’t in my mind and I should definitely have booked a hotel and ended up Ill and came home using a stick. This time I thought it through and had an incredible weekend.
Words and Photos by Philip Goddard
Until next time….
