On the eve of the final big classic rock festival of the summer, Stonedead, two alumni from that event and two bands who could surely grace Newark showground in the future deliver another reminder that the new generation are now rattling the gates. Here, we look at Florence Black, with news of South Of Salem, Black Lakes and Trucker Diablo to follow.
Florence Black
Castell Roc, Chepstow Castle – 21 August 2025
Words: Paul Hutchings
Photography: Georgia Brittain
The setting for the earlier statement could not be better. It’s MetalTalk’s fourth visit to Chepstow Castle as part of the Castell Roc – The Friendly Festival series.
We have seen astounding sights from Hawkwind, the bluesy roll of When Rivers Meet, and the vibrancy of The Blackout, all who have worked their magic alongside other shows that have featured country, western, boy bands, tribute acts and shortly after tonight, the 50th anniversary of a certain Bad Manners Buster Shuffle.
Tonight is the third show under the stewardship of Cross Borders Music Group, who have linked in with The Patriot – Home Of Rock and who are flourishing. 
The World Is Starting To Move Again For Florence Black
They have been reasonably quiet over the past few months since their huge support slot with Tremonti in the early months of 2025, but the world is starting to move again for Florence Black.
The Welsh trio recently dropped a new single, Coloured In, which hinted at a heavier sound for the band. Combined with a new, fighting fit look, especially singer Tristan Thomas, the band are prepared for a new UK and European tour as headliners, with a new album to follow. 
It is a big stage for the three-piece, but Thomas and bassist Jordan Evans, along with Drummer Perry Davies, are already veterans. They have played Download, Steelhouse, Maid Of Stone, Stonedead, as well as stadium supports across Europe.
The boys from Merthyr possess a confidence that borders on arrogance, but they toe the right side of that line over 75 minutes of raucous hard rock. 
For all the spark of the undercard, it is Florence Black that this crowd is here for, make no mistake. You could have had a Peruvian pipe band in support, and the show would still have sold out in advance.
It is easy enough to see why. They have the songs, the chops and the desire. It is an irresistible combination that powers them through, roared on by one of the most vociferous crowds this famous old castle has ever seen.
The songs are big, and in such a setting, the likes of Start Again, Bed Of Nails, Zulu and Rocking Ring sound even bigger. When they drop it down a little, for Black Cat and Sun & Moon, the collective choir joins in.
Ultimately, the next steps in their journey are not based on evenings like this. Playing a castle in Wales with their homegrown fanbase will not propel them to the next level. This is as partisan a crowd as they will ever get. The queue for their new shirts that is in situ all evening is evidence of that.
A tribute to Ozzy in the form of a raucous Paranoid and the staple cover of Budgie’s Breadfan, complete with an appearance by Ray Phillips, stokes the home fires just a bit more.
Progress to the next level will come from more months of hard work on the road.
But nights like this will sit well in the memory, for band and crowd. Lit up against the backdrop of the castle walls, with a big light show and big sound, the time feels right for Florence Black to hit the next gear.
I am not a betting man, but if I were, I would have five Welsh pounds on them cracking the UK charts with album three as a minimum. We shall see.
