Hellfest Festival 2024. Saturday. After two days of roasting under the sun, an overcast Saturday brought a little relief from the sunburn and oppressive temperatures whilst still being t-shirt weather. As the biggest currently touring Metal band on the planet were headlining, it was going to be a busy one.
Once again, the bookers for Hellfest pulled an incredible line-up together for the day’s feast of high-voltage rock ‘n’ roll. Before the mighty Metallica juggernaut rolled into town, the dizzying decibel delights stretched out like the world’s best musical buffet, and MetalTalk were ravenous and ready to dive in.
Black Stone Cherry
Also bringing a huge smile to Hellfest, Southern rockers Black Stone Cherry are built for big stages and even bigger audiences, their 1,000 Megawatt energy radiating out to chase the clouds away.
It’s impossible not to love these boys, and with the constantly moving Ben Wells high kicking as he charges around the walkway of Metallica’s snakepit and bass player Steve Jewell’s equally kinetic performance, the driving material raises even higher. 
At the centre, Chris Robinson proves yet again that he has one of the best voices in rock, the gentle Kentucky native turning into a roaring best behind the microphone. John Fred Young is a blur of hair and drumsticks behind his kit, hitting as hard as a freight train.
If any band encapsulate the visceral thrill of hard rock, it’s Black Stone Cherry and numbers like When The Pain Comes, White Trash Millionaire and Blame It On The Boom Boom seal their standing in the upper leagues of bands on the planet.
Brutus
Also in a crammed day, Stratovarius brought their grand Power Metal to the audience, Only The Strong Will Survive and the apt The Speed Of Light providing some high drama flash whilst the extraordinary Brutus plied their very different wares on the Valley stage.
Formed in Belgium some eleven years ago, the post rock trio make a glorious wall of sound with singing drummer Stephanie Mannaerts summoning some otherworldy power as she plays and brings her delicious vocal twists to War, Miles Away and phenomenal closer Sugar Dragon.
Mammoth WVH
Equally impressive is the continued rise of Mammoth WVH, Wolfgang moving ever further out of the shadow of his much-loved father and proving just how good an artist he is in his own right.
From a soaring You’re To Blame, the chunky Don’t Back Down, and a city block flattening Another Celebration At The End Of The World, the singer/guitarist and his band light up the sky.
You get the distinct feeling that Eddie is smiling down at his son, very proud of the man and musician he’s become.
HELLFEST 2024
Prepare to be consumed by the relentless energy of the most influential bands in Heavy Metal as they ignite the Hellfest stages with blistering performances. The immersive atmosphere of Clisson will immerse you in a dark, captivating experience like no other.
With its unparalleled lineup and unwavering commitment to the spirit of metal, Hellfest 2024 promises an unforgettable journey into the depths of sonic mayhem. Read all the Heavy Metal News at MetalTalk.
MetalTalk Hellfest 2024 coverage can be found at https://www.metaltalk.net/tag/hellfest-2024.
This year’s MetalTalk team is:
Photography:
For Hellfest 2023, visit https://www.metaltalk.net/tag/hellfest-2023.
For Hellfest 2022, visit https://www.metaltalk.net/tag/hellfest-2022.
