Hard Rock Hell (HRH) was back for its 17th instalment “Valhalla”. Rockers from up and down the country were already here in their masses. The atmosphere was already building and I couldn’t wait to get stuck into this weekend.
Thursday 7 November
I only managed to catch the last couple of songs from Star Circus when I arrived to the main area and from what I heard they sounded great and there was already a great crowd forming.
Second on the main stage was Thunderstick. The aesthetic of the lead vocalist was great starting with a mask and cape adding to the overall flair and ambience. The vocals were incredibly strong with great guitar solos and licks the drumming was on another level with constant movement and enthusiasm. Very classic rock but yet it felt fresh.
Next up was a band who were on my radar since seeing them at call Of the wild festival were the mighty South of Salem. I thought they were just as good if not better than when I last saw them. The Pyro was not there due to being indoors but still had huge impact with the light up coffins. But with how South of Salem perform that isn’t a problem at all. They clearly had a very strong following with many T-shirts adorned by fans in the crowd. They gave an energetic performance that certainly drew the crowd in and it was contagious. I love the overall dark tone in their sound. Very, very good and the tone in the main stage was set to 100!
After a quick bite to eat from one of the many site facilities we headed back to catch the set from the mighty Hardcore Superstar. The sound was heavy and giving me classic metal which was right up my alley. They were a surprising second Thursday favourite for me. They had such high energy. For a band I hadn’t heard of before they certainly had the chops and completely annihilated the main stage. The guitar solos ripped through the audience and they certainly left their mark.
After heading off for a catch up with friends made from previous years attending the festival it was time to head in for the main headliner and who I had been eager to see for months – Wednesday 13. The band have a prestigious career spanning well over a decade and I can tell you they didn’t seem to have aged at all when performing on stage. The theatrics were there. The classic red and black was there, the musicality was there and so were the fans! It was absolutely packed! They were the band of the night for me.
The Duke of spook leading the way. They were what the fans came to see on Thursday. They brought it in abundance. I felt very very honoured and privileged to see this band live. I could see and feel the crowds energy to know exactly why they are still so popular to this day. “Death Valley Superstars” was a favourite of mine from the set, another stand out song from the set was “Slit My Wrist” the craftsmanship that they bring is immense. Well done to HRH for crating an absolute killer line up and this is just day 1!
What a way to end the main stage. Absolutely phenomenal!
However the night is still young, and we still have one more band to see at the after show party. HRH veterans and legends The Darker My Horizon once again brought an absolute belter of a set getting the crowd going and truly cementing why they are here year after year.
Taking absolutely no prisoners with their sheer enthusiasm and musicality. Although tape was not used to attach the drumstick to his hand this time, Russ was still thrashing those drums like there was never a torn ligament.
It was a truly electric set and it certainly got the crowd going. Filled with many of the bands followers there was truly love and admiration for them. A truly powerful close to the whole day.
Friday 8 November
Friday brought in even more rockers with the day and weekend pass masses coming in full force.
First up to the bill were Molly Karloff, another band I had seen previously and there was a bit of buzz about them amongst others. So I was eager to see what they would bring to the table. Starting off very strong with “Dancing for Money” they had the audience eating out of the palm of their hands from the get go. Musically stellar throughout and Simon’s vocals as always were on point.
Great flourishes and technique from the guitar riffs, battering bass lines and the drum work. This was a solid set. Closing with the fabulous “Man in the Box” the crowd were well and truly roused and Molly Karloff did an outstanding job of opening the main stage.
Heading over to stage 2, I managed to catch a couple of the closing numbers from Pool Vigilantes. A nice change of sound with their old school classic rock but it was welcomed with the fans as they brought in quite a good audience.
Next up was Mikey Ball and the Company delivering a rip roaring set that certainly got the crowds attention and my own! They were on form! With Adam, from Adam and the Hellcats, filling in on bass it was truly an electric set. Starting off with “Burning All Night” the waves of catchy riffs and vocals filled the air.
There was choreographed stances, smiles and an epic guitar solo from ballad track of the set “King of the Lonely Throne” which also delivered smooth buttery vocals and a stunning guitar solo. Closing the set with “One More Night” it was a band that really caught my attention.
After a well deserved sit down and some food I was re energised ready for Not Now Norman (affectionately named after a chicken). Many jokes were made amongst the audience when the band told us the story of the band naming, which made the audience connect with them even more. It made it even more fun and created an endearing moment and showed the band weren’t afraid to poke fun at themselves and not take themselves too seriously. But I digress.
The music and vocals certainly speak for themselves with the ever so mighty “Shut Your Mouth” as a contender for best of the set. Angsty and powerful. The musicality was precise and nobody missed a beat.
As per usual the vocals were absolutely outstanding and the range was phenomenal. Other songs included “Feral” and the tone slowed for a truly tender moment with “Mamma” however the pace was soon amped up with crowd pleaser “What I Want” fists were in the air as the crowd sang back. Closing the set was “End Of The Day” and it was an outstanding end to the set. I’ve seen this band perform before and they keep on delivering.
Heading back on over to the main stage I was transported into a truly transcendent musical experience with one of my favourites of the whole festival Black Rainbows. The wave of psychedelic grunge rock filled my eardrums and it was glorious! How the Melodies would switch to psychedelic bliss to the meatiest bass riffs I think I’ve ever heard was so slick and so genius. The pace would switch from fast to slow and you really didn’t know what was coming next. The backdrop on the stage was like an acid trip at times and it was very in keeping with the bands overall tone. The solos on the guitar were so meticulous and played to perfection .
It was a musical experience I will never forget and you just had to be there. I would see these guys again in a heartbeat. I genuinely couldn’t get to the merch stand quick enough after the set they were that good. I truly didn’t believe anything could top that for me.
But it seems we may have a contender. In fact these guys come in joint first place - Adam and the Hellcats. There had been a lot of buzz about these guys and I was eager to see for myself what they were about. The room was already filling as the band were prepping for the stage. The banter between the band and the audience was spot on with a couple of ladies wearing T-shirts with a very fetching photo of frontman Adam from a previous encounter which was highly entertaining. The look on his face when the band found out they were doing an hour set was priceless! Absolute joy!
The set opened with the “Vampire” which got the crowd going instantly. The energy levels were off the charts and I haven’t seen a band with a keytar before. Which was awesome.
The whole band were focused, in their absolute element ,completely and utterly in tune with the each other but above all they were having an absolute blast! When I tell you the vocal range was off the charts with added lead vocal from Cirwen I am not kidding. How she can go from almost operatic to guttural in seconds is insane!
Nobody missed a beat or an opportunity to lap up the crowd. I honestly could feel the emotion pouring out. It was all out on the stage. Raw emotion poured from Adam as he wholeheartedly thanked the crowd and couldn’t believe how packed it was!
We were all having the best time, dancing, smiling from ear to ear whilst singing along to tracks such as “Cover Band” and “What the Cat Dragged In”. However one of the stand outs of the set was “Go Easy” I got so close to tears with that track. It was so beautiful and emotive and it was presented with Such raw passion.
The encore was supposed to be “Mary Jane” but with the set being changed to an hour it was instead the incredible “Peace, Love, Rock and Roll” and when I tell you every person in the room was giving it their all I’m not kidding! It was an atmosphere and performance I am never going to forget that’s for sure! If nobody knew who they were before then they certainly do now! With chants of “Adam’s dad” also filling the air this band already had a following.
With the end of the set having the biggest roar from the crowd I have ever heard from the second stage. Adam and the Hellcats truly deserved every single amount of praise that was received before, during and well after the set. People were flocking after (myself included) to offer huge congratulations on a mind blowing set and hugs whilst members of the band were so overwhelmed with emotion. I was made up for them . Big things are going to happen for Adam and the hellcats. Especially after the delivery of that set.
After an absolute musical High it was Nashville Pussy who brought high energy to the main stage. It was classic rock with a generous pinch of country sleaze, which was also embodied in the lyrics. The overall pace was fast and maintained throughout the set keeping the audience engaged. With it being the closing band of the day I would expect most energy levels were depleting. But Nashville Pussy certainly didn’t hold back with getting everyone in the room re energised and rocking. Really Great guitar riffs, the hooks and licks were also quick and slick.
Stage presence was great and they really worked the crowd ramping them up even more. Although I wasn’t in the thick of it as usual and sat watching I could see and feel the waves of energy coming from not only the band but the crowd. What a way to end a Friday night.
The after show festivities were not on the agenda unfortunately as I wanted to be up and at ‘em, Ready to Rock (pardon the pun) for another day that lay ahead.
Saturday 9 November
Saturday was the last day of the festival. Still buzzing from the previous day I was eagerly anticipating the last days offerings.
Hearts and Souls were first up to the main stage. Bringing old school classic rock and AC/DC vibes which I thought was appropriate for the time of day a nice way to ease into what else lay ahead.
Heading on over to the second stage was MY-HI giving a grunge/punk sound which reminded me of the offspring in the 90s. Really good energy and vocals. The bassist was truly on form moving around the stage very well.
Although these guys are young they have really great potential to be even better than the great set they presented. I loved the overall sound and they are a band that I would like to see again.
Lixx were a band who had me from the get go with crowd engagement. Great banter with stories of them selves in between songs. Even whilst talking there was acknowledgement of the crowd with the band using every bit of the stage. The musicality was great and there was a lovely old school rock sound and I thoroughly enjoyed the set.
The mighty Syteria were up next with the incredible Jackie Chambers (Girlschool) also in the fold. As per usual Jackie tore up the stage with riffs and licks of a true professional. The vocals were stunning and great range was presented, the bass work was so clean, The drummer didn’t miss a beat and together they were a truly unstoppable force.
Back over to stage two was the absolutely incredible Crowley now I have a lot of love and respect for this band seeing them previously, one being at HRH 2023. The vocals are still absolutely phenomenal and I honestly cannot say this enough that Lidya is an absolute powerhouse. The holding of notes is just simply sublime! The guitar work is so quick, slick and smooth along with the bass work which is just a chefs kiss.
Every element is expertly blended and crafted to create such beautifully haunting goth rock tone which is in keeping with the bands aesthetic. It was an incredible set with other returning fans and new ones were certainly made with people having very positive things to say once they finished. There was even someone sporting a Crowley battle vest which I think is a first.
I absolutely adore how this band continue to smash it time after time and even though I’ve seen them before they are just so incredibly consistent in delivering a fantastic set. I would highly recommend seeing them in action if you haven’t already.
After a well earned rest I headed over to stage two early to get a good spot for The Hot One Two and with no surprise the room was already filling.
With some news of a band member departing and another member entering the fold happening prior to the set, it was exciting for fans to see how they were going to perform. Well all I can say is from what I saw they completely and utterly annihilated that stage with the fans were going crazy!
The sheer showmanship that they deliver is second to none. The musicality and vocals were off the chart. It’s very clear to see why they are so popular and have such a following which just continues to grow. The way they played so harmoniously it was as if the new member had been with them for years. It was an incredible set which was clearly enjoyed by all. The Hot One Two proving they are indeed a band that is hot on the radar.
The festival was drawing to a close. And the last band to see was Lizzy Borden. I had never heard of this band before and my first impression was that the theatrics would get old very quickly but oh how very wrong I was. It was absolutely spectacular.
Shock rock theatre at its absolute finest. I was transported into a world of macabre fit for any horror enthusiast “There Will Be Blood Tonight” being an absolute highlight if not “the” highlight for me. With the damsel in distress getting her neck bitten with a hefty amount of blood coming from her neck it was spellbinding. People in the crowd were baptised in the blood from the cup all whilst Borden was giving phenomenal vocals.
The guitar work was some of the best I’ve seen and every single member of the band was in keeping with the theme and dark undertone , they really looked like they were enjoying every single second. If I was to describe it I would say it was like Ozzy Osbourne meets Meat Loaf but more dark and horror themed. It was absolutely brilliant. The crowd were going insane. Balloons and balls were going into the crowd making it even more fun and audience engaging.
Some could say the theatrics were borderline grotesque but I personally think not. The costume changes were also so slick. The shock horror added a charm that made the band so unique and I had never personally seen that presented on the HRH stage before and I was here for it.
The set left me going “wow” I want to see that again. It was a truly special way to end the festival.
I can honestly say hand on heart that year after year HRH continue to bring some absolutely elite talent to the stages. I come here not knowing many of the bands on the bill but come home being a new fan of many. That’s what makes it so fun for me as a reviewer and spectator.
People come year after year not only for the bands, But for the incredible atmosphere and how friendly everyone is. I’ve made some very good friends since coming to HRH for the first time 5 years ago and continue to make new friends with added awesome memories. It just goes to show that rock isn’t just about music. It’s a family united as one!
The bands may be the main hero’s of HRH but I have to give a huge mention to everyone involved in making HRH what it is and making it happen.
The staff, security, organiser’s, photographers, sound and tech, medical team, merch staff and stall holders literally anyone who is involved. You make our years amazing! Without you this would not happen. HRH continue to show why it is such a popular festival. You listen to the fans and you definitely keep on delivering. Take a Bow HRH 2024!
See you next year!
Review by Lucy Parr
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
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Power Plays w/c 11 May 2026
BREITLER Sentinel (El Puerto Records)
FIRE IN HER EYES Too Late To Change (indie)
KING FALCON Wait (indie)
BEAUTIFUL SKELETONS Come What May (indie)
KARIN PARK Shadow (Size Records)
HARSH Don’t Mess With Me (indie)
Featured Albums w/c 11 May 2026
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)
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Recent (last 30 days)
It’s been a while. 35 years in fact, since I last saw Anthrax. March 1989 at this very venue. I had to look it up, but I needn’t have bothered. During a mid-set chat, Scott Ian listed all the times the band had played the Hammersmith ‘Odeon’ as he loyally called it. That packed 1989 gig was their most recent treading of these hallowed boards.
The new material made an early showing. ‘A Bit on the Side’ from ‘=1’, the first album to which McBride has contributed music, fared well and hit home. The sound was lush, rich and full.
‘Lazy Sod’, was introduced by Gillan as not being about climate change, but about a house fire. His pronouncements from the stage all night were at the more esoteric end of the scale. It wasn’t obvious that he was fully engaged with his audience, but it did not impinge on the quality of his performance at all; and indeed the rapport with the band was very strong.
And then the contrasts again, one of the bands hallmarks, as another rambly introduction from Gillan gave way to Airey’s gorgeous organ solo for a superb rendition of ‘Lazy’. High comedy was in evidence as a waiter-roadie brought out a tray holding a bottle of red wine and a tumbler. Don leisurely poured himself a glass of plonk and drank deeply whilst his Hammond issued a long-held single note. Much merriment around me. And surely a reference to the apocryphal story of Rick Wakeman receiving a take-away curry on stage during a Yes musical detour.
The crowd were in the band’s thrall by now and as the blues came calling with ‘When a Blind Man Cries’, the reaction was visceral. A superb change of pace.
And so to ‘Smoke on the Water’. That beautiful crunching riff delivered by a confident, nonchalant lead guitarist out front, exactly where he should be; that bass line arriving like a freight train; that full-throated audience sing-a-long marking shared ownership of a rock community song.
