69 Faces of Rock: Blades of Steel Festival – Club Garibaldi's, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, April 7-9, 2022 (words and images by Mark Kadzielawa)

The Blades of Steel festival was absolutely a great experience. Over the three days, countless bands took the stage, and shared their passion with the fans. The festival was very well organized, and attended. Club Garibaldi's is a midsize venue where you can experience a show in a very intimate setting. Promoter, Randy Kastner, organized the whole event, he was the ringleader.

The festival had a very nice feel. The security was literally invisible, and there wasn’t a simple situation where security would be needed. It was a like-minded event for the bands and the fans. Everyone was sharing one common experience, the love for the music. The fans were friendly, and very easy going. On numerous occasions this writer recalls striking friendly conversation with complete strangers. It felt good, and the was a good vibe all over the place.

Such festivals often bring bands that are not regularly touring, or not at all in some cases. It was a great chance to see such groups, experience them live, or simply check them off the bucket list. Plenty of up-and-coming acts too, and of course many cool surprises. There were many instances where a newer bands would play, truly deliver on stage, and later attract many fans to their merchandise table. It was great to see many younger acts gaining new fans. The main core of the audience was here to see the well-established bands, or the legendary bands with only cult following. Whatever it was you were looking for, Blades of Steel festival delivered it.

Every band that played over the three days span delivered the goods. Each band was great in their own way, and amazing to see. Every musician present rose up to the occasion, and made their time on stage very special. The fans certainly had their favorites, and that was absolutely great. There was harmony, undisputed love of music, and great conversations. The metal community certainly came as one.

In addition, there were plenty of vendors selling, CDs, vinyl, t-shirts. You could definitely empty your piggy bank for all the goodies available. This writer certainly walked away with some rarities to be enjoyed. The place had a very fan friendly policy. You could go outside, have a smoke, or just hang out. There were cool food places, and other bars in the neighborhood. Club Garibaldi's also had a great kitchen where you could dine, but there were other options near-by. Plenty of parking place on the local streets, free of charge. And if you needed to clear your mind, you could walk and relax by Lake Michigan for a few minutes. It was a short walking distance away from the club.

The Blades of Steel festival was a one of a kind experience. Many thanks to promoter, Randy Kastner, who masterminded the whole event, and the line-up. Kastner credits his crew and the fans who in his opinion were the real champions of the event, and he is right. Many fans are certainly looking forward to next edition of this awesome festival.

Mark Kadzielawa

THE VISUAL REVIEWS

DAY 1

SQUIDHAMMER