HELLFEST 2024 REVIEW
Hellfest 2024 has once again cemented its legendary status as a pilgrimage for metalheads across the globe. From June 27th to 30th, the small town of Clisson, France, transformed into a roaring beast, hosting over 180 bands spanning the vast spectrum of extreme music.
This year’s edition was a masterclass in organization, atmosphere, and, most importantly, delivering a relentless barrage of incredible musical performances.
A Feast for the Extreme The sheer quality of the 2024 lineup were staggering. Headliners like Metallica, Avenged Sevenfold, Foo Fighters, and Machine Head drew massive crowds, delivering the stadium-worthy anthems expected of them. Metallica, in particular, offered a masterclass in thrash, while Avenged Sevenfold's visual spectacle was a highlight. Foo Fighters brought their stadium rock energy, and Machine Head delivered their signature groove-laden metal.
Beyond the giants, Hellfest truly shines in its dedication to showcasing a diverse range of subgenres.
The Main Stages hosted a plethora of metal heavyweights, including the iconic Saxon, the theatrical Bruce Dickinson, and the ever-energetic Accept.
Thrash aficionados were treated to blistering sets from Megadeth and Kerry King's new solo project.
The festival's six stages each offered a distinct flavor.
The Warzone pulsed with punk and hardcore energy, featuring legendary acts like Suicidal Tendencies and Dropkick Murphys.
The Valley resonated with the heavy sounds of stoner, doom, and sludge, with bands like Fu Manchu and Green Lung creating immersive sonic landscapes.
The darker arts found their home at the Temple and Altar stages, hosting black and death metal titans such as Emperor, Cradle of Filth, Sodom, and Kataklysm.
The Valley also offered a platform for more experimental and alternative sounds, with Mr. Bungle delivering a typically unpredictable and captivating performance.
Hellfest is more than just the sum of its incredible musical parts. The festival grounds themselves are a work of art, a meticulously crafted landscape of metal iconography. Towering sculptures, fire-breathing installations, and themed areas like "Hell City" create an immersive and unforgettable environment. The attention to detail is astounding, from the giant Marshall amp entrance to the intricate stage designs.
The organization was, as always, impressive. There were buzzing massive crowds, navigating the site was smooth, and the availability of food and beverage options was ample, compared to many other major festivals.
The sense of community amongst the "Hellbangers" is palpable, creating a welcoming and energetic atmosphere. highlighting the genuine passion of the attendees.
Memorable Moments and Standout Performances Numerous performances stood out as highlights of Hellfest 2024.
Bruce Dickinson's solo set was lauded for its power and the strength of his new material alongside classics.
Extreme delivered a magnificent performance of funk rock, with Gary Cherone's energy captivating the crowd.
Lovebites, despite an early slot, showcased their incredible power metal prowess.
Eivør's set provided a mesmerizing and powerful contrast with her unique blend of traditional and modern sounds.
Bleed From Within's explosive energy proved why they are a sought-after opening act.
Machine Head's set, complete with impressive AI visuals, was a fitting end to one of the festival days. All the performances were flawless.
Metallica's set had a fantastic execution of some classic tracks, lead to excitement for some attendees.
Hellfest 2024 was a resounding success, reaffirming its position at the pinnacle of the extreme music festival scene. Its unparalleled lineup, combined with its immersive atmosphere and excellent organization, provided an unforgettable experience for tens of thousands of metal fans.
Hellfest continues to deliver a sonic odyssey unlike any other. The dedication to showcasing the full spectrum of metal and providing a unique and engaging environment ensures that Hellfest will remain a vital and cherished event for years to come. If you crave a true metal immersion, Hellfest should undoubtedly be on your bucket list for future editions.
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