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. Vocalist, Varnam Ponville, drove the crowd into a frenzy!
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 music.
While the group 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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