13th August 2023

Dead Label

Despite the gloomy drizzle that cast a grey Sunday morning over the scene, a small but dedicated crowd braved the elements to catch Dead Label’s early set. Armed with warm breakfasts and raincoats, they stood shoulder-to-shoulder, transforming a patch of muddy ground into a makeshift mosh pit that pulsed with the band’s raw energy. Though the weather and early hour kept the numbers down, the hardy fans who turned out were treated to a raucous performance that defied the damp setting.

Dead Label, a rising rock band known for their gritty riffs and electrifying live shows, tore through their set with infectious enthusiasm. The rain may have dampened the ground, but it couldn’t dampen the band’s fire, or the spirit of the devoted fans who skied and moshed in the muddy pit, their cheers echoing through the air. The band’s music, a potent blend of punk-infused rock and roll, resonated with the crowd, creating a sense of shared defiance against the dreary weather. Even the rain-streaked faces couldn’t hide the grins of the fans as they thrashed along to Dead Label’s anthems, proving that sometimes, the most memorable gigs are the ones played in the most unlikely of conditions.

Uuhai

Amidst the drizzle that painted the festival a moody grey, Mongolian rock band UUHAI emerged as a fiery bolt of sunshine. They stormed the stage with their unique blend of traditional instruments and pulsating rock rhythms, setting the crowd ablaze with energy. Standing front and center, the band’s electrifying performance left us mesmerized. The deep throat-singing vocals, twanging morin khuur melodies, and pounding drums wove a spellbinding tapestry that resonated deep within. So spellbound, in fact, that I couldn’t resist snagging a UUHAI t-shirt, a souvenir to forever etch this electrifying afternoon into memory. Later, as the clouds finally parted, a serendipitous encounter allowed me to capture a treasured photo of Selina and the band themselves, forever documenting this highlight of the Serpents Layer experience.

Tribulation

Swedish metal outfit Tribulation took the stage under clear skies, their music electrifying the atmosphere. The band’s signature blend of dark riffs and heavy grooves resonated with the crowd, a stark contrast to the earlier threat of rain. This welcome break in the weather seemed to further amplify the band’s intensity, their set pulsating with raw energy.

Decapitated

After an exhilarating encounter with Mongolian rock band UUHAI in the Serpents Layer, the day continued with a return to the main stage for the final set of Polish death metal veterans Decapitated. While not my initial draw for the festival, their technical prowess and relentless energy earned them a “pretty good” rating in my mental festival scorecard. The band’s complex guitar work and punishing rhythms provided a fittingly intense finale to what had been a day saturated with diverse musical energy.

Ugly Kid Joe

Taking to the Ronnie James Dio Stage next were veteran rockers Ugly Kid Joe. The band, known for their blend of hard rock, funk, and pop metal, brought a lively energy to the festival. Their accessible and often humorous lyrics (“easily sing along” is an apt description) quickly engaged the crowd, prompting enthusiastic singalongs throughout the set. While not strictly in the realm of heavy metal, Ugly Kid Joe’s undeniable stage presence and catchy tunes earned them a well-deserved spot on the main stage. Their performance resonated with a cross-section of the festival’s audience, proving their enduring appeal and versatility.

Sepultura

Brazilian thrash metal titans Sepultura took the Ronnie James Dio Stage next, delivering a potent set laced with both sonic fury and environmental activism. Their signature blend of aggressive riffs and tribal rhythms resonated with the crowd, while frontman Derrick Green’s impassioned pleas for Amazonian preservation resonated on a deeper level. The urgency of their message hit home, echoing a vital global concern.

For some in the audience, like myself, the performance rekindled memories of Sepultura’s electrifying 1999 Milton Keynes Bowl gig. My vintage T-shirt from that show became a silent companion during their set, a tangible thread connecting present and past. Sepultura’s enduring power and relevance were on full display, proving that thrash metal can be both headbangingly exhilarating and thought-provokingly urgent.

KK’s Priest

Taking the Ronnie James Dio Stage by storm on Wednesday night were heavy metal legends KK’s Priest. Formed in 2015 by former Judas Priest co-founder and guitarist Ken “K.K.” Downing, the band delivers a potent blend of classic heavy metal anthems and fresh musical fury. Downing, joined by vocalist Tim “Ripper” Owens, bassist James Rivera, and drummer Sean Elg, brought decades of experience and electrifying stage presence to the festival.

KK’s Priest kicked off their set with a roar, launching into a searing rendition of “One Shot at Glory.” The band expertly navigated their arsenal of classics, from the thunderous “Living After Midnight” to the soaring power ballad “You’re All Welcome.” Owens’ powerful vocals and Downing’s iconic riffs ignited the crowd, creating a sea of headbangers and fist-pumpers throughout the Dio Stage.

But KK’s Priest isn’t content to simply rest on their laurels. Tracks from their latest album, “Sermons of the Sinner,” showcased the band’s continued creative fire. The driving rhythms of “Hellfire Warriors” and the anthemic chorus of “Sacrifice” proved that KK’s Priest still packs a punch in the studio and on stage. The band’s performance was a masterclass in heavy metal, a potent mix of nostalgia and fresh energy that left the crowd wanting more.

KK’s Priest’s return to the festival stage was a triumphant one, reminding everyone why they stand among the true giants of metal. Their unwavering commitment to classic sounds infused with modern edge resonated with fans across generations, ensuring their place as a vital force in the heavy metal landscape.

Megadeth

Prior to Megadeth’s highly anticipated set, the festival grounds offered a welcome respite with a diverse culinary selection. From smoky BBQ meats to delectable vegan options, there was something to tantalize every taste bud. Selina and I parted ways to explore the culinary offerings before reconvening for the thrash metal titans.

Unfortunately, Megadeth’s performance fell short of expectations. Navigating the crowded back section wasn’t the easiest feat, leaving us with a less-than-ideal vantage point. Further compounding the issue were the band’s characteristically long pauses between songs, testing the audience’s patience. To add to the confusion, the conclusion of the set wasn’t readily apparent, leaving some unsure if the final notes had truly rung out.

While undeniably skilled musicians, Megadeth’s on-stage energy on this evening didn’t quite match their usual intensity. The extended gaps between songs hampered the momentum, resulting in a disjointed feel to the set. This, coupled with the less-than-optimal viewing position, led to a somewhat underwhelming experience for some fans.

However, it’s worth noting that Megadeth’s dedicated following remained enthusiastic throughout, chanting along to familiar tracks and erupting in applause at the conclusion of each song. Ultimately, while the performance might not have soared to its full potential, it nonetheless served as a testament to the band’s enduring legacy and the unwavering devotion of their fans.

This revised version adopts a journalistic style while acknowledging both the logistical challenges and the mixed audience reception:

The End

The next day we packed away, managing to deconstruct the tent onto its ground sheet with out getting it all muddy.

Gallery