“I paint the canvas red.”
Photos by FUIN Media on August 24th, contact directly for usage.
Born out of a passion to resurrect a once-thriving local music scene, the inaugural Stormfest breathed new life into Stoke-on-Trent’s hardcore community. This event was more than just a festival; it was a powerful statement that the city still has a vibrant and passionate hardcore scene.
Stormfest’s line-up featured a diverse array of hardcore bands from across the UK, ensuring that every festival-goer found something to enjoy. The organisers deserve special recognition for their ability to adapt on the fly, securing replacement bands at the last minute after two acts unfortunately had to withdraw just days before the event. Their swift action ensured that the festival ran smoothly without missing a beat.
The Underground, a venue that has hosted heavy hitters like Bring Me The Horizon and Architects, was the perfect setting for this event. Its intimate space, adorned with graffiti and tour posters, created an atmosphere steeped in the history of the genre. Despite its small size, The Underground’s exceptional sound system allowed every band to deliver a stellar performance. The live mix and audio setup elevated each act, making the music resonate powerfully with the audience.
However, the festival’s success was somewhat tempered by unfortunate timing. Stormfest clashed with several other festivals across the country, and the main train station was closed for renovations, which likely affected attendance. If Stormfest continues next year, careful consideration of the date will be crucial to maximise turnout and ensure even greater success.
As for the bands, they all delivered unforgettable performances. Human Deceit kicked off the day with explosive energy, drawing a large crowd right from the start. Nottingham’s up-and-coming act set the tone for the festival, proving that the hardcore scene is alive and well. Local band Christian Music offered a unique blend of indie and punk, standing out with their eclectic sound. Their unconventional style captivated the audience, making their set one of the day’s most memorable.
Smother, another Stoke-based band, brought the crowd back to hardcore basics with brutal instrumentals and heavy vocals. Their performance was a highlight, showing why they’ve been gaining momentum, especially after playing Bloodstock and hinting at a debut EP. Durham’s Long Goodbye delivered a set that spanned their entire discography, including a new track for The Coming Strife’s hardcore compilation. Despite a minor setback with a snapped guitar string, their charismatic stage presence and tight musicianship kept the crowd engaged throughout.
Big Problem provided a refreshing break with their indie-influenced hardcore, proving that diversity in sound can be a strength. Initially an unusual choice for the line-up, they quickly demonstrated why they belonged, offering something special that resonated with the audience. EGO, hailing from Leeds, plunged the crowd back into hardcore with a sound reminiscent of Speed, coupled with a commanding stage presence. Their set was pure energy, delivering classic hardcore done exceptionally well.
Divine Hatred’s performance showcased the versatility of vocalist Liam, especially impressive given the tight turnaround between sets. Although their set was cut short due to a medical emergency, the band handled the situation with professionalism, leaving the audience eager for their return. Local favourites Head Dent picked up the pace again with an energetic set that hinted at great things to come. Their sound, similar to Soft Play but with their own twist, made them a standout late addition to the lineup.
As the night drew to a close, Mercury took the stage with their shoegaze-influenced sound, delivering a performance that explained why they’re rapidly gaining popularity.
Finally, Birmingham’s Cauldron closed the festival with a powerful, albeit short, set. Having supported Misery Signals the night before in London, and spending the day practising with a fill-in drummer, their dedication to the hardcore scene was evident. Vocalist Frazer Cassling commanded the stage, orchestrating a frenzy of two-steppers and crowd-killers. While their set left the crowd wanting more, the energy they brought was undeniable, and the performance was nothing short of captivating.
In summary, Stormfest was a resounding success, proving that Stoke-on-Trent has a hardcore scene that deserves to thrive. The passion and energy displayed throughout the festival make it clear that this should not be a one-off event. We eagerly anticipate more hardcore shows in the city, hoping that this marks the beginning of a new era for Stoke’s music scene.
A huge thank you to Stoke-on-Trent City BID for supporting the event, to the Stormfest organisers, The Underground for hosting, the bands that performed, and, of course, the attendees. This festival wouldn’t have been possible without each and every one of you.