Completely sold out once again, Hatfield played host to one of the UK’s most exciting festivals. Being part of Slam Dunk 2025 was, without a doubt, one of the most electrifying moments of my year.
Slam Dunk 2025
Hatfield Park, Hertfordshire – 24 May 2025
Words: Carol Giannattasio
Photography: Antonio Giannattasio
With a jaw-dropping lineup packed into just one day, the energy was through the roof. Electric Callboy, The Used, As It Is, I See Stars, Hot Milk, and many more gave us a day to remember.
Slam Dunk 2025 was one of those rare events where every performance hits hard and leaves you wanting more. This year’s vibes were on another level. I found myself wishing I had a clone to catch more sets across the packed schedule.
Once again, we dashed between stages to soak in as many performances as possible. From long-time favourites to fresh discoveries, it was a non-stop feast for the senses.
Lake Malice
My first stop of the day was at the Kerrang! Stage, where Lake Malice opened the festival with a set that hit like a lightning bolt.
Formed in 2021 during the pandemic, the duo, Italian-born Alice Guala and her bandmate Blake Cornwall, now based in Brighton, delivered a performance that was nothing short of breathtaking.
With influences ranging from Japanese anime to personal trauma and real-life experiences, Lake Malice are quickly carving out their place as one of the most compelling forces in the alternative scene.
Lake Malice kicked off with Blossom, an anthem of personal empowerment, followed by the intense Magic Square. From the first note, their set buzzed with raw energy and magnetic stage presence, enhanced by the addition of dancers who brought a visual flair to the already dynamic show.
Fusing sharp-edged electronics with modern Metal, their live sound was both sonically intense and emotionally gripping. Alice commanded the stage, seamlessly shifting between delicate, clean vocals and fierce screams, channelling both vulnerability and rage.
Blake, meanwhile, never stood still. His constant movement was infectious, pulling the crowd into a shared experience that peaked when he jumped off stage and into the middle of the mosh pit during Mitsuko. That moment? Pure fire. A perfect way to start the day.
Lake Malice are not just a band. They have created a cathartic ritual, where themes of identity, struggle, and liberation are not just lyrics but the pulse of the entire performance.
The setlist also featured Scatterbrain, Nobody Wants To Be You, Stop The Party, and closed with a visceral performance of Bloodbath. The result? A show bursting with emotion, sweat, and intensity, a raw explosion of freedom that left the audience wide-eyed and breathless.
Dream State
Before catching two more acts back at the Kerrang! Stage, I made a quick dash to Main Stage East to finally see Dream State, and with all the buzz around them, my expectations were sky high. Thankfully, they did not just meet them. They blew them out of the water.
The Welsh post-hardcore band opened with Still Dreaming, the title track from their latest album. Sharp, intense, and emotionally charged, it set the tone perfectly for what would be a gripping performance.
Tracks like Bloom and Help Myself followed, each one bursting with energy and raw emotion. The band’s connection with the crowd was electric, inviting participation, creating unforgettable moments, and keeping every eye glued to the stage.
Frontwoman Jessie owned the stage with a magnetic presence. Her voice flowed effortlessly between aching melodies and cathartic screams, guiding the audience through emotional highs and lows.
The set was tight and dynamic, balancing explosive riffs with more introspective moments, especially during the recent single Bittersweet Scars Of My Past. It was a raw, healing journey that hit with full emotional force.
What is even more impressive is Dream State are currently completely independent. No label, no management, yet their performance radiated the polish, passion, and potential of a band ready for the big leagues.
Jessie’s voice channels both emotional vulnerability and sonic aggression, landing every lyric like a punch to the gut.
The setlist also included Hand In Hand, White Lies, Taunt Me,” and closed with a powerful rendition of Primrose. By the end, one thing was crystal clear: Dream State are one of the most exciting names in the post-hardcore scene right now.
This was not just a set you listened to. It was one you felt in your bones.
Point North
Back at the Kerrang! Stage, it was time for Point North, the Los Angeles-based band known for blending pop-punk with a modern alternative rock edge. From the very first notes of Hammer, the energy was electric.
Point North wasted no time getting the crowd involved, and what followed was a tightly packed set full of emotion, adrenaline, and pure heart.
Their performance hit like a wave, high-energy riffs, shout-along choruses, and surprisingly intimate moments that felt genuine and unfiltered.
Frontman Jon Lundin had a natural command of the stage, balancing frenetic bursts of energy with heartfelt moments of connection. Whether he was leaping across the stage or pausing to speak to the audience, he had us completely locked in.
Safe And Sound and Into The Dark hit differently live, rawer, more intense, and brimming with emotional weight. It is clear that Point North are not just about big sound. Their lyrics dig deep, touching on themes of vulnerability, inner conflict, and the drive for redemption.
The crowd did not miss a beat. From crowd surfing to spontaneous mosh pits, raised hands, and shouted lyrics, the energy in the room was mutual and magnetic. Closing with Below The Belt, the band wrapped up a perfectly crafted set that felt both cathartic and celebratory.
For their second Slam Dunk appearance, Point North absolutely delivered. A band to watch if you are into shows where you can scream, feel, and just be unapologetically yourself.
I See Stars
When I said, I literally ran to the festival, then here was why. I See Stars were scheduled to hit the Kerrang! Stage at 14:25 but didn’t come out until 14:35.
No official explanation was given, though delays like this are pretty common at large events due to technical hiccups or last-minute adjustments.
Still, I See Stars wasted no time making up for it.
From the moment they launched into Drift followed by Running With Scissors, there was a different kind of energy in the air. I See Stars quickly pulled the crowd into their world, delivering a performance that fully met fan expectations.
Their signature blend of Metalcore and electronic elements created an intense and immersive experience with heavy riffs and synth-infused sections that practically demanded the crowd to move.
Ten Thousand Feet cut out just before its final breakdown, keeping the tension high. But with SPLIT, the audience responded with explosive energy, singing louder than vocalist Devin Oliver and moshing, and headbanging without restraint.
This was a standout moment, mixing intensity and reflection with a floor-shaking breakdown that left a lasting impression.
Their set wrapped up with Anomaly, leaving fans both thrilled and wanting more, but still eager for the next act to take the stage.
Even with the delayed start, I See Stars proved once again why they are a must-see live act. Their performance was sharp, emotionally charged, and a perfect reminder of the band’s consistency and power.
For fans of genre-blending aggression with electronic flair, they remain a guaranteed highlight.
Landmvrks
This was the moment I started to really feel the weight of my boots, after sprinting up the small hill just in time to catch at least half of Landmvrks set on the Main Stage East. There was no way I was missing them, especially after the release of The Darkest Place I’ve Ever Been.
New album, new songs: it was bound to be explosive.
Kicking things off once again with Creature, Landmvrks delivered that signature adrenaline rush only they seem able to conjure so effortlessly.
Not everyone might know this, but Drew York of Stray From The Path, who were set to perform shortly after, features on their second track, Death. Many, myself included, were fully expecting him to make a guest appearance.
But because that might have been too predictable, the band hit us with something entirely unexpected… and I mean TRULY unexpected.
Their first new track of the set was A Line In The Dust, and I was already thrilled just to hear it live. What I didn’t expect was Mat Welsh of While She Sleeps joining them on stage. It was a next-level moment.
Mat matched Flo’s ferocity scream for scream, delivering a powerhouse performance that pushed the track into unforgettable territory.
Then came Sulfur, hands down the moment of the day for me. It was raw, gritty, emotional, and hit like a freight train. Landmvrks continue to prove that they are not just a band; they are an experience.
Flo is endlessly engaging with the crowd, encouraging singalongs, circle pits, and mosh pits, all while reminding everyone to look out for one another. Paul and Rudy backed him up with deep, gut-punching screams while Nicolas charged across the stage. Kevin, rock-solid behind the kit, kept the whole show driving forward.
After Lost In A Wave and Rainfall, and nearly twisting my ankle mid-pit, Blood Red signaled the set was nearing its end. But not before we got a dose of solid French rap thrown into the mix.
The blend of Metalcore and hip-hop influence that Landmvrks brings, gave the entire show a unique, unforgettable edge. Self Made Black Hole closed the set with intensity, short but powerful. And while it left us wanting more, there’s good news: we will get more.
Catch Landmvrks again during their only UK date on the upcoming Europe/UK tour, 7 December 2025, at the Roundhouse. If this set was any indication, it is going to be massive.
Stray From The Path
With raw power and razor-sharp fury, Stray From The Path hit the Slam Dunk stage with the same intensity they have always brought, and somehow, they felt even more ferocious this time around. They are not just a Hardcore band. They are a megaphone for anger.
Drew York is one of the kindest souls you will ever see on stage, and you can feel that warmth even from the back of the crowd despite his commanding, almost aggressive presence. The contrast only makes their performance more magnetic.
The setlist included explosive tracks like Needful Things, May You Live Forever, and Chest Candy, each delivered with their trademark ferocity. It was easily one of the most electrifying performances of the entire day.
Drew, always riding the fine line between rage and control, had the crowd in a constant, boiling mosh. He opened the pit with the same intensity the band uses to tackle tough subjects in their lyrics.
During Kubrick Stare, I found myself in one of the safest circle pits I have ever been in, surrounded by huge guys, yes, but everyone was watching out for each other.
That is the part of the Metal scene I love the most.
When Goodnight Alt-Right hit, the message was loud and clear, a punch to the face with meaning. Guillotine kept that same level of intensity burning all the way through.
But then came a moment I have never seen before, something straight out of the old-school playbook. The band announced their tenth studio album, Clockworked, dropping on 30 May 2025. And then, from the stage, they threw actual vinyl copies into the crowd.
Only four lucky fans got their hands on an unreleased album, a wild, unexpected moment. Sure, vinyl corners are not exactly soft, but Drew made sure to toss them carefully. It was absolute chaos… and I loved every second of it.
Stray From The Path’s Slam Dunk 2025 set was everything a hardcore show should be: raw, loud, and violent. But with them, there is always something more. It is not just music that hits. It is music that wakes you up.
If you were there, you know.
If you were not, you missed a masterclass in modern hardcore.
Graphic Nature
Like I See Stars earlier in the day, Graphic Nature hit a slight delay before taking the stage at The Key Club due to some technical issues. But once they stepped up, their debut at Slam Dunk became nothing short of cathartic.
From the first crushing riff of Headstone, the band hurled a wave of violent energy at the crowd, raw, relentless, but always controlled. Their set was tight and aggressive, with a fierce stage presence and a sonic punch that barely gave the audience room to breathe.
Frontman Harvey’s vocals, both abrasive and painfully vulnerable, cut through tracks like Sour and Locked In with chest-rattling intensity. The entire stage trembled under our feet, the sound so physical it felt like the ground was reacting to every downbeat.
The brutal breakdowns ignited the pit, turning it into a battlefield. And Killing Floor? It’s a track I will never get tired of seeing live. Watching Harvey step into the crowd, screaming the song’s final lines directly into the faces of fans, is the kind of raw moment that defines a Graphic Nature show.
In just a short time, Graphic Nature proved they are not just delivering heavy music, they are crafting a full-body, full-mind experience. They closed the set with Fractured, leaving chills behind as the final notes echoed out.
I will never stop supporting these guys, overflowing with talent and hungry to dominate every stage they step onto. Now we wait impatiently for another headline show. It is only a matter of time.
Electric Callboy
Are we already nearing the end of the festival? It sure felt like it when we reached the final set of the day at the Main Stage East during day one of Slam Dunk. But before making a mad dash across the field to catch the festival headliners, there was one more explosive show to witness and wow, did Electric Callboy deliver.
With the now-iconic Elevator Operator video kicking things off, checking if everything was in place and if we were ready, it was clear from the start this would be anything but an ordinary show.
My first time witnessing Electric Callboy live was short but absolutely mind-blowing. From the very first notes of Elevator Operator, it felt like an earthquake had erupted.
For a full hour, no one stood still. The crowd was on fire, fueled by confetti blasts, flames, and pyro that never seemed to let up. This was the perfect way to both open their set and close out the stage.
MC Thunder II saw Nico wielding a streamer gun like a festival warrior, hyping everyone even more. Then came a touching moment when they introduced their fill-in drummer, Frank Zummo of Sum 41, who is joining them for their summer shows.
That set up a wild and nostalgic twist: a surprise cover of Sum 41’s Still Waiting, one of the most unexpected and memorable moments of the festival.
But the surprises didn’t stop there. The band debuted their brand new single, Revery, released just days ago. What made this moment even more emotional was seeing Nico visibly moved as he noticed fans already singing every word hours after the track’s release. That is the power of music.
Electric Callboy are famous for turning every gig into a full-blown party, fusing Metalcore, electronics, and humour into one chaotic, euphoric experience. Alongside their newer material, they dropped a few unforgettable covers, including Everytime We Touch, where I completely lost my voice.
This was the moment I finally understood what it means to attend an Electric Callboy show. There is nothing quite like the energy they bring.
Pump It came in hot, practically forcing the crowd into a workout. And trust me, after running all day since the gates opened, it was no small feat. Then, just when we thought we had no more emotional whiplash to take, they hit us with an acoustic set that floored everyone.
A piano appeared on stage, a fake bonfire lit up the middle, and as Daniel started to sing, my eyes turned into waterfalls. He warned us it would be emotional, a moment to hold someone close, make a new memory, or let it all out, and boy, did we all choose the last one.
Their acoustic cover of Crawling by Linkin Park shifted the entire vibe of the stage. It felt like time stood still as thousands of voices joined in one giant, cathartic chorus.
And just like that, the emotional rollercoaster launched us straight back into chaos with Hypa Hypa, RATATATA, and Tekkno Train, complete with more fire, lights, and absolute madness.
How else could the set close? We Got the Moves turned the finale into one massive dance party. The crowd, already buzzing after a high-energy setlist, gave it their all one last time, dancing and singing with every ounce of energy left.
This was the climax of a truly unforgettable concert, leaving everyone buzzing with adrenaline and unity. But don’t worry, Electric Callboy will be back in the UK soon. Following their world tour, they will play a single UK date at the majestic, sold-out Alexandra Palace in London.
And after tonight, you better believe we will all be there.
A Day To Remember
Finally, witnessing a live show from A Day To Remember was like ticking off a long-held dream from my emo fourteen-year-old self’s bucket list. And wow, they lived up to every expectation.
Headlining Slam Dunk 2025, the band commanded the stage with the stature of true alternative scene giants. After years of ups and downs, they are stronger and more united than ever, and their live show proves it.
Seeing A Day To Remember live isn’t just attending a concert. It is stepping into a world where anger, melancholy, euphoria, and brotherhood collide into something much bigger than music. It is an experience that gives you goosebumps and leaves your voice harsh.
They kicked off with a blast from the past, The Downfall Of Us All, slamming us with a storm of energy right from the first note. Heavy breakdowns, razor-sharp guitars, and pounding drums fused with choruses you have to scream along to.
Then there was I’m Made of Wax, Larry, What Are You Made Of?, a live powerhouse and probably one of the most intense moments of the entire show.
The crowd immediately knew what was coming next. Jumping, shouting, and shoving, the field trembled under Don’t Blink, They Won’t Even Miss You At All, a moment that shook the whole place.
Their setlist balanced old-school anthems with fresh cuts from their latest release, Big Ole Album Vol. 1, including Bad Blood, All My Friends, and Flowers.
A playful highlight came when Jeremy handed the mic to bassist Bobby, letting him pick a song, Since U Been Gone by Kelly Clarkson. Having already covered it before, Jeremy joked about refusing to play it live for twenty years.
This cheeky cover added a lighthearted surprise to the night, especially when they teased a snippet of Pantera’s Walk right after.
As the night drew on, the setlist intensified with Miracle and All I Want, songs that brought out the purest devotion from fans, who sang every word through tears and sweat.
One of my personal favourites became one of the most touching moments of the night. After a relentless barrage of energetic tracks and unstoppable mosh pits, the atmosphere shifted completely. Lights dimmed, creating an intimate, evocative space.
Jeremy picked up an acoustic guitar, and the crowd hushed instantly, singing in unison from the very first lines of If It Means A Lot to You. This song has echoed in my mind for years, but experiencing it live hit straight to the soul.
Thousands of phone lights swayed in time with the music, turning the Slam Dunk grounds into a starry sky, even beneath the looming dark clouds threatening rain.
In that moment, music united thousands of strangers, leaving an unforgettable memory in everyone’s hearts.
All Signs Point To Lauderdale closed the set and the day’s performances in a perfect, emotional finale.
What makes an A Day To Remember live show truly special is what they represent for their fans. They are the soundtrack of a generation raised on bottled-up anger and a hunger for emotional release. They give voice to those who felt out of place, turning their shows into safe spaces to scream, sweat, sing, and feel part of something bigger.
Among the collective chaos, there is a delicate order: the belief that music can heal, unite, and empower. And that is perhaps the greatest power of A Day To Remember. They make you feel less alone.
Slam Dunk 2025 – Drunk On Happiness
Slam Dunk 2025 in Hatfield closed its gates on a sea of people, definitely drunk on happiness (and maybe a few too many beers), but all with the same craving: to relive it all again from the very first hours of the day.
We could feel those emotions we often hide in everyday life again, but we are never ashamed to let out when it comes to screaming our favourite song at the top of our lungs or trusting complete strangers while crowd surfing.
Slam Dunk is, by far, one of my favourite places to be, where I can truly be myself, surrounded by amazing people and incredible vibes.
I cannot wait to be back next year and feel that magic only Slam Dunk can give you.
