Poster provided by Hammerdown
Day Two of Hammerdown 2025
Day Two of Hammerdown saw myself and Mikki Nobody being reunited with Nickie from Devolution Magazine. Shout out to her, Mark and devolution Magazine!
We reached the venue just in time for Monochrome, apologies to Leave No Witness and Inair.
Leave No Witness (11:20-11:45)
Inair (11:45-12:10)
Monochrome (12:10-12:35)
Monochrome made a lasting impression on the festival scene this year, building on the momentum of their Metal to the Masses victory in Bristol. After catching the attention of Mikki Nobody in a pre-festival interview, the band delivered not one, but two unforgettable performances! First unleashing their intensity at Dust, then commanding the New Blood Stage at Bloodstock with undeniable force. Known for their appreciation of well-matched vocal duos, Doll and Mikki were especially drawn to Monochrome’s striking contrast of clean and harsh vocals.
Glass Grave (12:35-13:05)
Apathy UK (13:05-13:35)
Apathy UK might be fresh on the scene (IE they’re a young band), but they’re quickly making a name for themselves, climbing festival line-ups with undeniable momentum. The energy they brought to the stage was electric, leaving no doubt that they’re a band on the rise. Their sound is a compelling blend of fast-paced aggression and slower, more progressive elements, keeping their sets fresh and unpredictable. At CHAOS Press, their high-energy performance hit all the right notes, leaving a lasting impression. Doll also caught them tearing it up on the Sophie Stage at Bloodstock, further proof that Apathy UK is carving out a serious place in the scene.
Sypha (13:35-14:05)
Sypha once again left a powerful impression, following up their Hammerdown warm-up gig with another stellar performance that confirmed their spot in Dolls’ Spotify playlists. Both Doll and SpookyNerd had been captivated by their talent from the start, SpookyNerd even picked up some merch after their first show, and this time, Doll couldn’t resist joining the fan club. Their set was every bit as dynamic and polished as before, with the added thrill of a brand-new track that showcased their evolving sound.
Horrenda (14:05-14:35)
Horrenda brought a wild, unrelenting energy to the Hammerdown festival, easily claiming the title of the most out-there band on the line-up. Hailing from Ireland, their sound is a brutal fusion of black metal, death metal, and DSBM – obviously making Doll (a dyslexic) giggle. Visually, they were a dream for Doll, a devoted fan of corpse paint, while Mikki was all in on their sonic assault. Their set was pure chaos in the best way possible, with vocalist Arron writhing on the floor and CJ charging through the crowd like a man possessed. Horrenda didn’t just play—they unleashed.
Struck/Down (14:35-15:05)
Recall The Remains (15:05-15:35)
Recall the Remains delivered a blistering metalcore set that fully lived up to the online hype Doll had seen building through TikTok and Instagram. Their performance was tight, intense, and packed with energy. The duo’s blend of harsh and clean vocals cut through a massive wall of sound—guitars and drums that were rich, wide, and immaculately produced. With sharp production and support from DC Soundattack, Recall the Remains proved they’re not just a digital presence—they’re a live force to be reckoned with.
Crushed by Waves (15:35-16:05)
Hell Can Wait (16:05-16:35)
Bleed Again (16:35-17:10)
I apologise to all three bands, I made my way to get some food and chat to people I had not seen in a while.
Waterlines (17:10-17:40)
Doll had caught Waterlines live several times before, often at TwoFace Promotions gigs in Oxford, and they never failed to leave a lasting impression. This performance was no exception—packed with energy and clever crowd engagement. One standout moment was when the band split the room for a wall-of-death: Sleep Token IS metal on one side and Sleep Token IS NOT metal on the other. It was a playful yet intense showdown, and let’s just say Mikki and Doll made their allegiances very clear in the chaos.
In Search Of Sun (17:40-18:20)
I’d seen In Search of Sun before at the Hammerdown warm-up show and even had the chance to interview them on my radio show, so I thought I knew what to expect. Before their set, chatting with them backstage, they were low-key and down to earth—almost quiet. But once they hit the stage, it was like watching a switch flip. They turned into a whirlwind of energy, bouncing around like a couple of ADHD-fuelled toddlers, and it was absolutely brilliant. At festivals, you know not everyone’s there for every band, but during their set, something special happened—almost the entire room was singing along to “The Fire I Play With.” It was one of those moments that reminded me why I love live music and must be one of those “I’ve made it” moments for the band.
The Five Hundred – New (18:20-19:05)
When The Five Hundred hit the stage, not even the air conditioning could cool the intensity in the room. Their high-energy performance ignited a wave of chaos, with fans packed shoulder to shoulder, moshing with full force from wall to wall. Doll entered the room and found herself stationed at the back, unable to squeeze any closer through the dense crowd. The band delivered an electrifying set that had the entire space pulsing with adrenaline. Though the performance was unforgettable, the sheer heat and crush of bodies eventually pushed Doll to retreat—fresh air was calling, and it was the only thing louder than the riffs.
DREAM STATE (19:05-19:55)
Dream State’s set was a powerful reminder of the heart and unity that thrives within the metal community, often overlooked in favour of its louder stereotypes. One unforgettable moment saw a fan in a wheelchair become the focal point of a circle pit, embraced by the crowd with genuine joy and respect. The lead singer even stepped off the stage to sing directly to them, creating a deeply personal and emotional connection. While the band’s energy was undeniable, there were moments where trying to single out individuals to mosh felt a little forced—moshing works best when the crowd is organically drawn into the chaos. Still, Dream State’s performance radiated passion, inclusivity, and the kind of spirit that makes festivals unforgettable.
Raised By Owls (19:55-20:55)
While Doll had seen Raised by Owls before, this was the first time I truly witnessed them in full chaotic glory—and they did not disappoint. As noted in earlier reviews, Doll gravitates toward bands that know how to connect with their audience, and Raised by Owls nailed that delicate balance between musical mayhem and crowd engagement. Their frontman, an emerging comedian in his own right, infused the set with sharp humour, turning the performance into part gig, part stand-up show. From hilarious banter between songs to a merch competition that had fans scrambling, the energy never dipped. And then came the guest appearances—none more unforgettable than Mr Blobby, who stole the show in spectacular fashion. Raised by Owls didn’t just headline; they turned their slot into a full-blown spectacle.
The Raven Age (20:55-22:00)
Mikki had caught The Raven Age before at Takedown, but for Doll, this was a first—and both arrived with a hint of scepticism. With the frontman famously the son of a major metal icon, they couldn’t help but brace for the usual nepotism narrative. But from the moment the band hit the Chalk stage, it was clear they were here on merit. Decked out in coordinated outfits and striking corpse paint, they looked every bit the part of a headliner, and more importantly, they sounded it. The lead singer commanded the stage with undeniable charisma, proving he had the talent to stand apart from his lineage. Their performance was tight, theatrical, and full of raw energy—more than earning their top billing. It’s no surprise they’ve headlined Mangata and Hammerdown Festival this year; they’re clearly on a roll, and this set only cemented their rising reputation.
Thanks so much to Hammerdown for welcoming us and putting on such an epic show! We look forward to experiencing Hammerdown Festival in 2026!
Some shows are live, some pre-recorded. All times are GMT
