Poster provided by Hammerdown
Getting to Hammerdown Open Air from Reading was a breeze—just hop on the train to Gatwick and switch there to sidestep the hassle of the Underground. Once at the station, it was a quick 15-minute walk to the venue, mostly on level ground, which made things easier for disabled attendees. Still, depending on the situation, public transport might’ve come in handy to bridge the final stretch.
I’m the kind of festival-goer who skips the lineup and rolls in with zero expectations – just vibes. Luckily, Hammerdown knows what’s up. I trusted their taste, especially since we’d joined them before at their warm up gig.
Mikki Nobody and I grabbed our press passes the moment we arrived, ready to dive in. Quick shoutout (and not the good kind) to Harry White for casually dropping my full government name. You’re officially cursed with the echo of my plastic hammers – justice will be loud 🔊😭😂. After ditching our bags, we wandered the grounds until the first band stormed the stage. Let the chaos begin.
Sero (11:20 – 11:45)
Sero kicked off their set at DUST with a burst of energy that instantly set the tone for the day. Having caught them previously at the Hammerdown warm-up show, I was determined to show my support and grabbed a spot right up front—though, unsurprisingly, the band did not clock me. Their performance was every bit as incredible as I remembered, effortlessly building momentum that carried through the rest of the event. One standout moment? The guitarist’s choice of a t-shirt featuring their other guitarist’s face – a fun touch, but undeniably one of the highlights of their set.
Later that day, I bumped into the lads, fully expecting a chill reunion – maybe a few laughs, some hugs, the usual band banter. But no. Instead, I was ambushed by Ryan, the drummer, yelling like a rock ’n’ roll detective: “Where were you at 11:20 this morning?!” Honestly, I was half expecting him to ambush me.
“At the front of your gig!” I shouted back! Their faces? Total whiplash. Apparently, they weren’t ready for that level of commitment from their #1 fan. These guys (hilarious on stage, even more chaotic off it) are pure joy to be around. The rest of the time seeing each other was just spent twating each other. I swear I walked in as a casual supporter and walked out with lifelong mates… plus my dinosaur backpack still proudly wears a SERO sticker.
CHVPETRS (11:45 – 12:10)
Kicking off the main stage in CHALK came in the form of CHVPTERS, a 5 piece pop/metal band from Brighton. Everyone on stage was locked in and having the time of their lives, Paige delivering clean vocals with the assistance of George for some heavier screams. One particular fun moment came in the form of a dramatic reading as an opener to one of their songs. If this is what they bring as openers, I can’t wait to see the heights they’ll climb next.
Cages For Preachers (12:10 – 12:35)
The first moshpit of the day exploded into action and it was exactly what we paid for. Mikki Nobody was living his best life, while Doll had staked out front-row real estate.
Say what you want about musical talent, but it’s the connection with the crowd that makes it unforgettable and cages for preachers nailed it. I’ve always said that you can be as musically talented as you want but if you can’t connect with the crowd what was the point, and connect they did when the front man jumped from the stage and body slammed the people in the front! It was fun, it was chaotic, and it was exactly what we came for.
THE HELLFIRE CLUB (12:35 – 13:05)
Karmen Field (13:05 – 13:35)
Doll could hardly contain her joy upon discovering her Welsh kin in the form of Karmen Field, who burst onto the stage in a riot of flowery dresses – grunge and glamour perhaps? During their cover of “Sticky Jam” was pure chaotic joy, Molly dishing out strawberry jam to eager fans like she’d just reinvented breakfast with a grunge twist.
The band didn’t just play their set and vanish—they hung out all day, chatting with anyone and everyone outside like they were hosting their own mini social hour. Wholesome chaos at its finest.
One Last Day (13:35 – 14:05)
Hammerdown made it crystal clear they were here to please the crowd this year, pulling out all the stops with a hard rock act like One Last Day that hit the sweet spot. Their sound was polished, punchy, and tailor-made for rock radio! One of those bands you can easily see tearing up the charts. I fully believe that if they keep this momentum up, they’re bound to leave a mark.
EULOGY (14:05 – 14:35)
Land Captains (14:35-15:05)
Land Captains snagged their spot on the Hammerdown lineup through an online competition and honestly, it didn’t take long to understand why. Their performance was bursting with energy, and the lead singer masterfully blended clean vocals with fierce, growling intensity, giving the set serious range. The whole band was tight, lively, and clearly having a blast on stage. It felt less like an early slot and more like a sneak peek at a future headliner. Fingers crossed we’ll be seeing their name pop up on even more festival posters soon!
RANSOM (15:05 – 15:35)
I managed to catch the start of the Ransom as I did not want to miss any band, however, I must sincerely apologise as I had to check into my hotel and dump my crap.
GYPSY’S KISS (15:35 – 16:05)
My hotel was a fair old walk so the same can be said for Gypsy’s Kiss. I managed to get back in time for their last song. I wrote a note in my diary about checking them out at a later date and with the release of their brand new album from July, I suspect I’ll catch them quicker that I realise!
ENQUIRE WITHIN (16:05 – 16:35)
THE HOT ONE TWO (16:35 – 17:10)
I’m sure the hot ones lived up to their name, however, I had to acquire some hot food before I collapsed. Apologies.
UNTIL 9 (17:10 – 17:40)
Okay, confession time. I may have claimed I wasn’t keeping tabs on any specific band. Turns out that was a bit of a fib. Thanks to working closely with the Rabidfest crew, Until 9 snuck their way onto my radar, and I had high hopes heading into their set. Safe to say, they did not disappoint. What unfolded was a straight-up System of a Down-style chaos. The stage wasn’t exactly built for acrobatics, so their presence was a bit boxed in. But when the music’s that loud and that good, you don’t need cartwheels to make a statement. For Doll and Mikki—certified Nu Metal disciples—it was instant love. No doubt about it, Until 9 made their mark and then some.
NeonFly (17:40 – 18:20)
Neonfly were the standout of the night for Doll—nothing gets her buzzing quite like glam rock visuals, and this band delivered it in spades. Clean vocals from front man Willy and harsh gritty vocals from Paul sealed the deal and made them stand out. Having rocked Bloodstock with this lineup way back in 2010, they’re gearing up to hit the Sophie Stage again on the 9th at 5pm—and we’ll be front and centre, no question. Only caveat? The frontman loves to chat. Like, really, loves it. Let’s just say the setlist might’ve trimmed itself to make room for his stories. Still, it’s all part of Neonfly’s chaotic charm.
PHEONIX LAKE (18:20 – 19:05)
DEMON (19:05 – 20:00)
Exist Immortal (20:00 – 21:00)
I managed to see Exist Immortal when they decided to rip it up as headliners at Oxford’s Metal to the Masses back on 28th June—pure carnage. The crowd was stacked wall to wall, shoulder to shoulder, and somehow still managed to keep the mosh pits alive. Sweaty chaos, full throttle energy, and zero breathing room, just how we like it.
TYGERS OF PAN TANG (21:00 – 22:00)
And that was the end of Day One.
Doll Chaos Press and Michael Daniels were shattered.
Some shows are live, some pre-recorded. All times are GMT
