If Florence Black proved that nights like this will sit well in the memory, for band and crowd, South Of Salem, Black Lakes and Trucker Diablo more than proved themselves up to the task. Our fourth visit to Chepstow Castle as part of the Castell Roc – The Friendly Festival series showed that all four bands are part of the new generation rattling the gates.
South Of Salem – Black Lakes – Trucker Diablo
Castell Roc, Chepstow Castle – 21 August 2025.
Words: Paul Hutchings
Photography: Georgia Brittain
Whilst it is the headliners that draw the crowd, there is no doubt that South Of Salem is a big bonus for many. Like Florence Black, the Bournemouth quintet have worked tirelessly to climb the ladder.
South Of Salem
When they have the opportunity, they hit it hard, as their ferocious sets at Bloodstock and Steelhouse in 2024 reminded us. Another band unafraid of hard work, they hit hard and fast with a set that draws deep from Death Of The Party and Sinner Takes it All.
I do not need to eulogise about this band much, but their energy is impressive. Five members allow more visual opportunities for the crowd, and the outfield four of Codi Casper, Joey Draper, Denis Sheriff and Darren Adwell utilise every inch of the stage during their allotted time.
It is showmanship that echoes back to the days of the ’80s, a combination of the best of Hair Metal and the strength of bands such as Iron Maiden and Saxon, a heady mix that works on every level. 
Tonight, they grasp another opportunity with both hands. They are not here to play second fiddle, and by the time they roll out Cold Day In Hell, they have laid down a serious challenge to the headliners. Beat that.
Black Lakes
They are not at the level of the top two, but South Wales’s Black Lakes are doing their best to make inroads. Their second album, Dead Gods, received good reviews, and locally they are drawing solid crowds.
Their modern Metal sound is not out of place on this bill, and despite the sheer good time that Trucker have set out, Black Lakes manage to match it for intensity and enjoyment.
It is a stage that could intimidate, but these guys have experience. The Sophie stage at Bloodstock, for example, is of comparable size, and they were not overawed by that last summer.
Their set is not the longest, and I admit I wonder why the Northern Irish are openers given their history and experience, but Black Lakes justify their inclusion on the bill with a show full of intensity.
In the dying sunlight, some of their usual sinister darkness of approach melts away, but good songs are good songs, and they have a number in the arsenal.
Backed by a hardcore following, Black Lakes comfortably hold their own.
Trucker Diablo
Trucker Diablo are not a rarity in these parts, or indeed across the UK, although their touring is somewhat limited these days. Their appeal is simple. They play hard rock at high tempo, demand you have a good time and with their cheeky approach, it is almost impossible not to smile at the very least.
Plenty of experience and history on their side, they also have some big songs in the locker. They follow a burst of Bark At The Moon with some riotous songs, including Kill The Lights and Drink Beer, Destroy gets the early arrivals in the mood, and the riffs are certainly enough to get most nodding along.
Thirty minutes of Trucker Diablo is never enough, and a headline set in a sweaty club is my ideal setting for Tom Harte, Simon Haddock, Jim McGurk and Terry Crawford.
For those not at Stonedead, that wish comes true as the band roll up to The Patriot for a headline show the following night. For now, though, we have to take the taster on offer and hope that the band can make it back to these parts again in the near future.
