We’ve made it to the final day, and despite some tired legs around the arena, the enthusiasm hasn't dampened one bit. The sun is still shining on us as we head into the arena early to see what Sunday has in store to close out what’s been a superb weekend.
Onto the music then, and opening up the day on the Southall Lawless stage are Retsecrows (8). This lot are very young but incredibly talented, hitting the stage amidst a veritable jungle of house plants! With youth comes a sense of invincibility and a little precociousness, but these kids have talent and if their energy is focused and they get some good advice and guidance then we could be witnessing the birth of the next big rock band to break out.
Next, it's over to the Kilmister stage for Black Country rockers The Soul Revival(8). They bring a fantastic, gritty classic rock groove to the main arena, playing with absolute vigour and setting a superb tone for the afternoon. Front man Steve Nunn has a charisma and gets the Sunday afternoon crowd bouncing
The music keeps coming thick and fast as we head back to the SL stage for MeMe Detroit (9), who treat us to a high-octane set that’s inspired by a blend of grunge and grrrl rock.
Apriori (9) are next on our list, a band we’ve been fortunate enough to catch on a number of occasions now and it’s great to see them take to the Kilmister stage with their heavy, melodic and moody rock that has the crowd cheering their approval.
It's a trip over to the Trailblazer tent next for a double-whammy of top-tier rock, starting with JoanovArc (8). They deliver a wonderful, high-energy set packed with massive hooks and brilliant stage presence, passing the baton directly to Wailing Banshee (8) on the same stage. This bunch are a powerhouse of energy; their traditional heavy metal delivery and soaring vocals completely take the roof off the tent.
Back out into the arena and sun, US outfit Hearts & Hand Grenades (8) are next up for us on the Kilmister stage. After a long delay with technical issues, they channel that frustration into delivering an edgy, heavy rock set with plenty of crunching riffs. We then split our time a bit, catching the melodic metal of Wicked Smile (7) over on the SL stage, tight and polished, just a bit generic for me and the appearance of Cassidy Paris added glamour but no shine, so we ended up nipping back to the Trailblazer tent to catch some of Marc Valentine's (8) infectious rock 'n' roll. A good bit of bopping was going on inside the tent to these guys.
At this point, we head back to the Kilmister stage for a band we've been eagerly anticipating, and my word, they do not disappoint. Silveroller (10) are an absolute masterclass. For me, they are the best band of the weekend after Bullets and Octane. They play with an immense amount of style, swagger, and a beautiful, soulful classic rock groove that channels the very best of the 70s. It’s pure, unadulterated rock 'n' roll played with real heart and deliverance, and the crowd goes absolutely wild for them. Set of the day, without a doubt.
Keeping the momentum moving, we catch the first half of The Rattlebacks' (7) high-energy set in the Trailblazer tent, but it’s all a bit chaotic on stage with the band trying to use every inch! Maybe save that for a bigger stage.
Back over to the SL stage for a big appearance from Fireheart (9). The arena is packed and the atmosphere is electric as they deliver a blistering, rapid-fire set full of emotion that leaves everyone buzzing.
Getting into the final stretch of the festival now, and the Kilmister stage lights up for Chez Kane (8). She brings a slice of raunchy 80s femme fatale rock to the main arena. Although she insists she’s doing this whole sexy rocker thing on her own terms, it does come across as a bit sleazy. Scantily clad with a rockstar attitude, she covers every inch of the stage and to be fair to her she does have a great voice as she belts out massive AOR anthems that have the whole crowd singing along. Just maybe taking that 80’s style a bit too far?
Over on the Southall Lawless stage, it’s time for the final marquee performance of the weekend, and Aussie rockers Sisters Doll (10) (who are actually all brothers!) close it out in magnificent style. They treat the fans to a high-voltage, glam-infused hard rock show packed with massive visual flair. They leave the stage to a roar of applause amid a sea of pyro and confetti galore—a proper party atmosphere to end their festival run!
Finally, setting up the ultimate climax for the weekend, Finnish prog titans The Von Hertzen Brothers (10) take to the Kilmister stage. What follows is a complete masterclass in modern progressive rock. Their sprawling, atmospheric landscapes, complex harmonies, and heavy melodic grooves are delivered with absolute precision. Goosebumps were in evidence with a wonderful rendition of “Flowers and Rust” one of the big highlights of the weekend. It's a powerfully emotional and epic end to a genuinely fabulous weekend.
Massive well done to the organizers and the crew. Call of the Wild, you've been absolute magic!
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