All Photos By Rocky Kessenger/@through_the_metal_lens
Review Contributions From Lillith Kessenger
If Day One was the baptism, Day Two was the full damn exorcism.
From the first note, Saturday came at us with teeth bared. Newer bands took the early stages with something fierce to prove, while seasoned veterans stood ready to remind everyone exactly why they're still kings. Saturday's lineup was pure sensory overload-relentless, eclectic, and merciless.
My day opened with DAYLIGHT RIOT, whose live set easily outmatched their recorded work. Elise's vocals soared, the sound sharp, and their drummer delivered a standout performance that was a joy to shoot from behind the lens, precision strikes captured mid-motion.
Early sets from GHIDORA and THOUSAND FRAMES cranked up the intensity further. GHIDORA's green-lit stage radiated raw power and genuine momentum, even visible from my spot deep in the pit, as their riffs stirred the early crowd into chaos.
My first big surprise of the day was REPENTANCE. I didn't stay long, but they instantly captured my attention. Turning to my daughter Lilly, who was scribbling notes furiously, I remember saying, "That band? Powerful energy. I want to know more." Since getting home, REPENTANCE has been on heavy repeat. Consider this my open call: REPENTANCE, I'm ready for a tour, let's go.
BRAT bounced onto the stage like a metalcore circus act, pop-infused deathcore with high energy, catchy hooks, and surprising charisma. They owned their weirdness and made it work.
Midday, the brutality intensified. WRAITH, GORGASM, and REVOCATION delivered surgically precise performances. Shooting GORGASM's set was nearly impossible; I had to retreat from the pit due to overwhelming crowd energy, vocals slicing like razors, and fans going absolutely berserk. Sometimes, stepping back isn't retreat, it's survival.
NECROT maintained the intensity, hammering out crushing death-metal riffs, perfectly accented by dramatic, shadow-heavy lighting that was a dream to photograph. Every shot felt iconic.
Surprisingly strong, OPPRESSOR came forward with tight, straightforward death metal, no gimmicks needed. Meanwhile, OV SULFUR provided one of the day's most interactive and brutal sets. Ricky Hoover commanded the crowd expertly, making it clear: do not miss them on tour.
Thrash icons DEMOLITION HAMMER then detonated one of the most savage moments of the entire festival. No-frills, all aggression, pure thrash. Mid-set, their vocalist growled out, "If you don't leave here with a dent in your head, were you even really here?" Moments later, irony struck literally when a fellow photographer got a monitor to the head. That's metal. FUCK YEAH!
Fantasy-tinged speed metal heroes 3 INCHES OF BLOOD stormed the stage shortly after, launching a tidal wave of crowd surfers. Shooting this set felt like dodging bullets, fans spilling over barricades, adrenaline pumping. From front to back, the venue went wild.
Legendary Bay Area thrashers DEATH ANGEL followed, delivering pure intensity. Mark Osegueda's performance was electrifying, his mic stand practically an extra limb. Under stark white lights, every silhouette and scream were a photographer's dream. At one point, I muttered behind the camera, "Put that damn mic stand down!"
Next, EXODUS commanded the stage with pure, raw thrash fury. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: they should've headlined. Gary Holt and the crew dominated, delivering a set that was nothing short of brutal. The entire floor moved as one chaotic organism, thrashed at its absolute finest.
When DEVIN TOWNSEND emerged, he provided exactly what we needed a melodic, humorous, powerful reset. Seeing a metal audience openly sing along felt uniquely special. Devin created a rare moment of unified calm amid the storm.
Finally, the night belonged to BLACK LABEL SOCIETY. Zakk Wylde embodied groove, swagger, and soul with each guitar solo a story unto itself. Photographing Zakk felt reverent, almost sacred. The entire room shared that reverence. It wasn't just a performance, it was a benediction.
Day Two pushed us to our limits and beyond. This wasn't just music, it was endurance, catharsis, and a brutal reminder of why we enjoy gathering in dark rooms and chasing chaos with cameras and notebooks.
Check out some more photos from Day 2!
All Photos By Rocky Kessenger/@through_the_metal_lens
