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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