Blades of Steel Metalfest – Day 2 – Crucible, Madison, Wisconsin 9/18/26 (text by Mark Kadzielawa)

 

The second day of the Blades of Steel Metalfest continued to build on the intensity and excitement of the opening day. The momentum created by the first day provided the perfect platform for a second assault on an audience now fully primed for another dose of metal.

It was another great day of bands bringing their own brand of magic to the stage, regardless of how they chose to present it. From start to finish, there was a sense of fun and energy throughout the Crucible, with something special and enjoyable to be found in every act that graced the stage.

P.I.L.A.U. from Hawaii brought an exotic feel to what was already a rainy day. Aside from the obvious fact that they hail from a sunny island paradise, there was nothing particularly exotic about this group. They played heavy, uncompromising thrash metal and put on a great show.

If the audience was initially a little confused by what was coming their way, it didn’t take long for them to realize that these guys meant serious business—and they quickly got on board. P.I.L.A.U. was heavy, relentless, and unapologetic, delivering songs with the kind of driving intensity that made the crowd jump, thrash, and surrender to the attack.

A fantastic introduction to a great band from what is normally thought of as a vacation destination. It just goes to show: where there is air, there is metal!

Thrash metal trio Electrocutioner, from Long Island, New York, came on like an electric thunderbolt. Their traditional approach was an instant hit with the crowd. You could definitely sense that classic Whiplash intensity in their songs, yet their sound was unmistakably their own.

Vocalist/guitarist Mark Pursino showed plenty of character and personality on stage, commanding attention with every move. Electrocutioner had a big sound, catchy songs, and an unapologetic delivery that left no doubt about what they came to do.

Their set flew by like a bolt of lightning, but they certainly made their mark!

Sadistic Force was yet another trio, this time hailing from Texas. They delivered a combination of thrash and a definite emphasis on speed. Their set was absolutely blistering—one fast tune after another, with barely a moment to catch a breath.

It was a complete assault, with headbanging pushed to the max. Sadistic Force gave the audience no breaks, keeping the intensity high from beginning to end. It was a great set that left the crowd gasping for air and gave everyone a taste of Texas metal!

Interceptor was the final trio of the evening, and they were spectacular. Armed with fury and their instruments, this bunch went straight for the throat from the very first note. Their approach was powerful, while their stage presence was absolutely unforgettable.

The songs quickly grabbed the audience’s attention, with much of the set drawn from their new album, Metal Death. It was immediately apparent that Interceptor lives and breathes heavy metal. Their performance was physically over the top, but beneath all the intensity, you could sense the sincerity in what they do. The band concluded with a nice tribute to Mark Shelton of Manilla Road in form of Necropolis.  This wasn’t simply a show—it was a genuine expression of their love for heavy metal.  

If one band from Texas wasn’t enough, Gammacide brought old-school Texas metal to the Midwest—and unleashed a toxic attack that many will remember for years to come.

This was, by far, the most intense performance of the last two days. Gammacide turned everything up at least ten notches, demonstrating how you can play incredibly fast, maintain a powerful groove, and still sound perfectly clear and audible. The lead exchanges between Rick Perry and Scott Shelby were simply unreal, not to mention the rapid-fire riffing that left everyone breathless.

A huge pit erupted during their set, and rightfully so. Gammacide tore through several classic tracks from Victims of Science, reminding everyone exactly why these songs have endured. They also delivered material from their new album, Toxic Mercenaries, proving that the title is more than appropriate—they were the toxic mercenaries of the evening.

Absolute perfection to the max!

Michigan’s Wanted slowed things down a bit, giving everyone a much-needed break from the breakneck speed of the bands before them. Their traditional heavy metal approach was exactly what the doctor ordered—and Wanted were great!

You could immediately hear a band deeply rooted in 1980s heavy metal, with just a touch of L.A. sleaze thrown into the mix. Their songs were strong, and their stage presence was equally commendable. Vocalist Sterling Primeau was an absolutely fantastic frontman, while guitarists Alan Mares and Christian Shonts brought killer chops and a memorable presence of their own.

There was something uniquely compelling about Wanted and the way they delivered their music. As their set progressed, you could almost sense the band developing and evolving right before your eyes. They had a genuine spark that set them apart, and if this performance was any indication, Wanted are a band that could go on to bigger and better things in the years ahead.

No doubt about it—Wanted made their presence felt!

Crimson Glory delivered an amazing co-headlining set! Having seen the band only a year ago, you could absolutely sense how much more comfortable this lineup has become with each other. If last year’s show allowed the band to make peace with its legacy, this time you could see them beginning to break away from it and take the next step forward.

The past will always be there, and you can revisit it whenever you want, but what Crimson Glory is doing now is quite admirable. Their new album, Chasing the Hydra, is certainly proof that things are moving in the right direction.

Tonight’s set was powerful, focused on the right atmosphere and delivered with incredible attention to detail. Crimson Glory’s material is complex and demands a certain mood, as well as an obvious level of concentration. The band delivered all of that—and then some.

Vocalist Travis Wills brought a tremendous sense of spirituality to the songs, making them shine exactly as they should. Guitarists Ben Jackson and Mark Borgmeyer were in perfect harmony. It was mesmerizing to watch these two players complement one another, creating pure magic through their sounds and tones.

Bassist Jeff Lords and drummer Stian Kristoffersen provided the solid foundation that allowed all that magic to happen. Together, they created a performance that felt both powerful and deeply focused.

It was truly a culminating moment of the festival. The show could have ended right there and then, and everyone would have walked away satisfied.

But there was still one more band to go.

Sanctuary was the final band of the evening, and they came out hungry and determined! The crowd had been eagerly awaiting their return, and you could immediately sense that a dedicated fan base was there to celebrate the band.

While the band was fantastic instrumentally, all eyes were firmly fixed on vocalist Joseph Michael. Michael truly delivered the goods, bringing tremendous charisma and presence to the stage. The set featured classics from the first two now-legendary records, along with some newer material.

Many fans in the audience knew every word and actively sang along with Michael, transforming the performance from simply a concert into something more like a ritual. There was even a banner created by two especially dedicated fans. You could genuinely feel the love being exchanged between the stage and the audience.

Performances like this are truly memorable. They stay with you long after the final note has faded, becoming the kind of experience you carry with you for the rest of your life. This one was no exception.

Guitarist Lenny Rutledge and drummer Dave Budbill must be proud to see their hard work and legacy honored in such an exceptional way. Warrel Dane and Sean Blosl can rest easy, your music still lives!  Sanctuary closed the second night of the festival in style—and gave everyone one hell of a finale!

Mark Kadzielawa

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Blades of Steel Metalfest – Day 1 – Crucible, Madison, Wisconsin 9/17/26 (text by Mark Kadzielawa)

 

Over the years, the Blades of Steel Metalfest earned a well-deserved reputation as a premier destination for metal fans, consistently delivering memorable performances and an atmosphere that was both energetic and welcoming. Each edition offered an opportunity to experience great bands in an intimate setting while reconnecting with friends and fellow fans from across the metal community.

This year’s festival, appropriately billed “The Final Ride,” marked the conclusion of an era. Promoter Randy Kastner worked tirelessly to assemble another three-day celebration of heavy metal, bringing together a lineup and atmosphere worthy of the festival’s legacy.

Once again, Blades of Steel delivered the kind of experience that makes live music so special: powerful performances, a passionate audience, and a strong sense of community. With this final edition, the festival leaves behind a lasting collection of memories for the fans, musicians, and everyone who helped make it possible.

For those who were there, it was a fitting farewell to a festival that had become an important part of Madison’s metal scene. For those who missed it, they missed something truly special.

Madison, Wisconsin will never rock quite the same way again!

Florida’s Living Fast had the distinction of opening this year’s festival, and they wasted no time making their presence felt. From the moment they hit the stage, the band had the crowd engaged, delivering exactly the kind of high-energy performance needed to kick off three days of heavy metal.

Living Fast had all the right ingredients: the look, the attitude, the songs, and—perhaps most importantly—the authenticity to back it all up. There was nothing contrived about their approach. The band wore its love for classic heavy metal proudly, channeling the spirit and energy of the genre’s traditional sound while delivering a performance that felt genuinely enthusiastic and alive.

The musicians clearly enjoyed every moment onstage, and that enthusiasm quickly became contagious. Their performance had the feel of a band that understands why heavy metal has endured for generations and has no intention of letting that tradition fade.

Living Fast recently released its debut album, Running Across Steel, giving fans an opportunity to take that energy home with them. If their festival performance was any indication, this is a band with plenty of road ahead of them—and the potential to make a serious mark in the years to come.

As opening acts go, Living Fast couldn't have asked for a better introduction to the Blades of Steel crowd. They came out swinging, won over the audience from the start, and set an appropriately high-energy tone for the weekend.

Wisconsin’s own Viogression brought a dose of local death metal to the festival, and the veteran outfit wasted no time reminding everyone why they have earned their legendary status. Led by the charismatic Brian DeNeffe, the band delivered a punishing, uncompromising set that left little doubt about their intentions.

There was something particularly defining about Viogression’s performance. Their sound is firmly rooted in traditional death metal, but beneath the crushing riffs and relentless attack are intricate arrangements and technical elements that give the songs considerably more depth. The combination creates a sound that feels both rooted in the genre’s classic foundation and distinctly their own.

Since reforming in 2014, Viogression has released an EP and two full-length albums, continuing to build upon a legacy that has made them an important name in Wisconsin’s extreme-metal scene. Their experience was evident throughout the set, with the band sounding confident, focused, and completely at home onstage.

DeNeffe’s commanding presence provided a natural focal point, while the rest of the band delivered the crushing musical backdrop with precision. The result was a performance that was heavy without sacrificing the technical musicianship woven throughout their material.

Viogression played an excellent set and received a well-deserved response from the crowd. For a festival celebrating its final ride, having a respected Wisconsin metal institution like Viogression on the bill was a fitting reminder of the talent and history that exists right in Madison’s own backyard.

Mexico’s Phantom hit the stage with an immediate and unmistakable attack, delivering their brand of traditional thrash metal with plenty of energy and attitude. From the opening moments, the band felt fresh and genuinely excited to be there, and that enthusiasm quickly spread through the room.

Phantom doesn’t overcomplicate its approach. Their music is direct, aggressive, and firmly rooted in the classic thrash tradition. That straightforward attack proved to be a perfect fit for the festival crowd, who responded enthusiastically to the band’s no-frills assault.

The band is currently promoting its latest album, Not Midnight Yet, a release that has been steadily building a following. The songs translated particularly well to the live setting, with the band emphasizing the speed, aggression, and raw energy that have always made traditional thrash such an enduring force.

Phantom’s set was concise and focused, with no wasted motion or unnecessary distractions. They came to Madison with a challenge in front of them—win over a crowd that had gathered for three days of heavy metal—and they accepted it without hesitation.

By the time they walked offstage, the verdict from the audience was unmistakable: Phantom had conquered!

Louisiana’s Void made a return to the festival after appearing here the previous year, when they were already one of the weekend’s highlights. A year later, however, the band’s growth was impossible to ignore. Whatever progress they had made since their last appearance was on full display, and what unfolded onstage was nothing short of remarkable.

Vocalist Jackson Davenport completely commanded the room. His stage presence was larger than life, embodying the theatrical intensity that has always been an essential part of heavy metal. He knew how to work the audience, when to pull them in, and when to unleash the full force of the band.

Void has also developed an image that sets them apart. Elements of horror and goth culture are woven into their presentation without overshadowing the music. Instead, the visual aesthetic enhances the atmosphere, giving each performance its own distinct identity. Combine that with strong musicianship and an almost excessive level of energy, and Void becomes the kind of band that demands attention from the moment they take the stage.

Perhaps most impressively, Void doesn’t simply repeat the same performance night after night. They seem intent on making every appearance an experience, and their Blades of Steel set was a perfect example of that philosophy.

The band recently signed with Metal Blade Records and has completed work on a brand-new album, currently expected to arrive in March 2027. If this performance was any indication of what’s coming next, Void is a band worth keeping a very close eye on.

Watch out. Void is coming!

Lords of the Trident represented the hometown contingent, bringing Madison’s own brand of heavy-metal enthusiasm to the festival. And yes, unlike many of the other bands on the bill, these guys didn’t have to worry about finding a hotel room for the night!

The band’s presentation exists somewhere between imagination, theatricality, and a genuine love of video games, but at its core is an undeniable affection for heavy metal. That combination gives Lords of the Trident an identity all their own. Their performance was colorful, entertaining, and completely committed to the experience.

More importantly, the connection between the band and the audience was immediate. There was a wonderful sense of harmony between the stage and the crowd, with both feeding off the other’s energy throughout the set. It was clear that everyone in the room was having a great time, and that enthusiasm made the performance all the more enjoyable.

Of course, the fun and theatrics would mean little without the musical substance to back them up. Fortunately, Lords of the Trident delivered. The songs were strong, the lead breaks were intense, and the songwriting demonstrated plenty of creativity. Beneath all the spectacle was a band with serious musical chops and a clear understanding of what makes heavy metal exciting.

Lords of the Trident definitely struck the right chord with the hometown crowd. They brought the fun, delivered the riffs, and left the audience with plenty of smiles at the end of their set. For a festival celebrating its final ride, having Madison’s own Lords of the Trident along for the journey was a fitting—and thoroughly entertaining—addition.

Firewind brought the unmistakable spirit of European power metal to the festival, and their performance demonstrated exactly why the band has established itself as a formidable force within the genre. From the opening notes, the group delivered a polished, powerful presentation that combined precision musicianship with the sheer energy of a live metal performance.

Guitarist Gus G. was a major focal point throughout the set, delivering impressive riffs and dazzling lead work that repeatedly drew the audience’s attention. His playing was technically accomplished without ever losing sight of the power and melody that define Firewind’s sound.

Vocalist Henning Basse proved equally commanding, working the crowd with confidence while delivering a powerful vocal performance. Behind them, the rhythm section supplied the massive low-end foundation that gave each song its weight and impact. Together, the musicians created a wall of sound that seemed to explode with every number.

What made Firewind’s performance particularly effective was the balance between musicianship and accessibility. The technical elements were there for those who appreciate them, but the songs remained immediate, melodic, and powerful enough to connect with the entire audience.

There was little room for anything but appreciation during this set. Firewind delivered a textbook example of modern European power metal—musically impressive, highly energetic, and built for the stage. This was power metal at full force, and the festival crowd responded accordingly.

Finland’s Ensiferum headlined the first night of the festival, and judging by the anticipation in the room, there were plenty of fans who had been waiting all day for this moment. When the band finally took the stage, they delivered exactly what the audience had come to see: a powerful and thoroughly engaging set of Finnish folk metal steeped in fantasy, mythology, and legendary tales.

One of the most compelling elements of Ensiferum’s performance was the contrast between its two vocalists. Clean vocals were paired with harsh, death-metal growls, creating a dramatic push and pull that added considerable intensity to the songs. At times, the effect was almost cinematic, as if two opposing forces were battling for control onstage—the forces of good and evil colliding through crushing riffs, soaring melodies, and furious vocals.

That theatrical quality never came at the expense of the music. Ensiferum is a remarkably tight live band, and every musical element worked together to create an atmosphere that was both epic and aggressive. Their songs carried the weight of ancient legends while maintaining the energy and immediacy of modern metal.

The audience became an essential part of the performance as well, particularly during the numerous sing-along moments. Fans enthusiastically joined in, transforming the venue into something that felt less like a concert hall and more like a massive gathering on a mythical battlefield.

Ensiferum didn’t simply close the first night—they took the audience on an adventure. By the time the final notes rang out, the evening had been brought to a fitting conclusion, and there could hardly have been a more appropriate band to deliver it. Ensiferum closed the first night in grand style, leaving the crowd energized and ready for the next chapter of the festival.

Mark Kadzielawa

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Zan/Cody – Beautiful ‘n Damned (Frontiers)

 

Vocalist Zinny Zan and guitarist Harry Cody, best known for their work with Shotgun Messiah, have reunited to create one of the most explosive sleazy hard rock albums of the year. From the first note to the last, Beautiful ’n Damned simply rocks. It is packed with melodies, instrumental and vocal hooks, and the kind of larger-than-life attitude that sometimes feels forgotten. Zan and Cody prove that you can still rock hard without making any compromises.

Beautiful ’n Damned is more than just an album—it is a statement. More than three decades into their careers, these two veteran rockers demonstrate that they can still create music that is both powerful and inventive.

Cody remains a formidable creative force on guitar. His tone is distinctive, and his riffs are as individualistic as ever. Zan, meanwhile, delivers an excellent vocal performance, exploring a variety of approaches throughout the album. His range may be limited, but he knows how to use it effectively. His vocals add another layer of melody to Cody’s guitar work, and Zan has a remarkable instinct for finding and developing the right hooks.

Beautiful ’n Damned is built around the songs, and there is not a weak track among them. At just over 41 minutes, it offers a concentrated dose of hard rock joy. Cody could easily have overplayed these songs, but instead, he gives each one exactly what it needs. There is not a wasted note; every sound serves a clear purpose.

Each track has its own mood, making the album remarkably versatile. It is difficult to choose favorites because there are so many strong songs. “Sever” immediately grabs you with its directness and straightforward execution—what an opener. “Suffer City” is a heartbreaking ballad that MTV would have embraced in its heyday. It is an outstanding song with obvious hit potential.

The album also includes “Let’s Be Heroes,” a clear homage to David Bowie. The title track is another definite highlight. Its anthemic character and carefully constructed buildup make it impossible to overlook.

Beautiful ’n Damned sounds remarkably modern. While it retains the spirit of Shotgun Messiah, it does not rely on nostalgia. Zan and Cody have created an album that makes perfect sense in 2026: fresh, immediate, and full of energy. The songs are memorable and deliver a definite punch. With every deeper listen, new details emerge, making the album even more rewarding.

Mark Kadzielawa