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Hellfest 2024, held in Clisson, France, once again held onto its fiery unhallowed grounds as undoubtedly the premier event in the world of metal and rock music festivals. Spanning from June 27 to June 30, 2024, Hellfest delivered four days of relentless music, featuring over 175 bands on six stages, attracting more than 150,000 fans. The lineup was a mix of legendary headline acts to include Dropkick Murphys, Metallica and Foo Fighters, without leaving out emerging talents, and diverse subgenres, making it a haven for metalheads and rock enthusiasts alike. In my second year crossing the equator and being 17,000 kms away from my home in Australia, the 360-day wait was finally over. I had picked up my campervan from Roadsurfer in Paris for a journey on the opposite side of the road to what I drive on in Australia for 8 hrs via provincial French towns and magnificent countryside to be here. I have raved about Hellfest to countless people back home who probably thought I was some sort of delusional maniac as I sprouted so much about what Hellfest is and has to offer. For now, the time has come. The clock had struck and the calendar rolled over the 27th June. The gates of hell are set to open for me for a second time to be part of the adrenaline fuelled frenzy at ‘Disneyland on steroids for Metal Heads and music lovers’ – Hellfest. Yes, I am one of them.
STOP RIGHT THERE….. Before we get to the REAL rockstars, lets get the wannabee rockstars out the way- The Air Guitar competition at the Hell City stage….
Day 1 – Open the gates of Hell (27th June)
Finally, the festival grounds burst into a blistering fiery rage as tens of thousands of Hellfestians who crammed themselves at the main gates of hell where they had eagerly waited for early entry. Many to secure the best camping positions or with their boots kicking up dust as they sprinted towards securing the best positions in front of the stages. Making their debut at the ‘greatest metal show on earth’ on Stage 2, Bleed from Within,
wasted no time unleashing their fury upon the crowd. Tracks like “Sovereign” set the tone for what would be a relentless onslaught of riffs and roars. The Scots commanded the stage, their sound crisp and punishing, proving why they’ve become one of metalcore’s most formidable forces. My first set done and time now for decisions to be made. Planning your day at Hellfest is a mammoth task as the fire blazing performances upon every stage are all worth seeing.
There was not a chance in the world that Slaughter to Prevail were not at the top of my list for bands to see. The demonic gutteral voice of Alex Terrible is a commanding experience leaving you with flashes of visions of the Russian giant when your eyes are closed for days. By far one of the early standout moments during Day 1 occurred during Prevail’s set, which featured Terrible’s attempt to create the largest “Wall of Death” in history. Although it’s always difficult to verify if any record was indeed broken, the viral footage of thousands of fans rushing toward each other added to the chaotic, electrifying atmosphere that Hellfest is known for. Bravely, I managed to place myself in between walls of maniacal infused metal heads as the walls closed in to snap off a few shots ( I have provided these images) Respect and trust being very clear with moshers as this spectacle alone became one of the most talked-about moments of the festival .
Next came Kerry King’s new band, shrouded in curiosity and expectation. The ex-Slayer guitarist tore through his set with the precision of a seasoned warlord. The inclusion of 
Slayer anthems like “Raining Blood” sent shockwaves through the audience, with vocalist Mark Osegueda channelling Tom Araya’s spirit with surprising conviction. A promising start for King’s new venture, though time will tell if it will escape the shadow of his legendary past.
For many a surprising addition to the Hellfest lineup, Baby Metal shifted the mood as they took the stage, their theatrical fusion of J-pop and metal eliciting mixed reactions. Some headbanged gleefully, while purists grumbled, but by the end of their set, even the sceptics couldn’t deny the energy they brought to the festival. In amongst a frantic crowd of heavy metal veterans, Baby Metal left many impressed however probably many more unsure at the bands inclusion on the Hellfest 2024 program.
Then came Megadeth—one of the night’s most anticipated acts. Dave Mustaine, despite initial technical issues, led his band through a fiery set that included “Holy Wars… The Punishment Due”, “Symphony of Destruction”, and even the rarely performed “The Mechanix”. Age may be creeping up on Mustaine, but his ability to command a crowd remains undiminished.
Avenged Sevenfold closed the night with a visually stunning spectacle. Their AI-driven stage visuals created an immersive experience, and tracks like “Bat Country” and “Hail to the King” left the crowd in awe. The bar had now been set very high for the remaining 3 days.
As excepted, Day 1 at this epic event seemed to flash past in a instant….
DAY 1 PHOTO GALLERY (In alphabetical order)
Day 2 – Smell of rain in the air (Friday, June 28, 2024)
As the day dawned, the air was thick with dust and the smell of beer-soaked earth. As with every year, the previous night’s revelry had left many late to start and feeling worse for wear, but Hellfest waits for no one. Day 2 of Hellfest 2024 exemplified the festival’s commitment to showcasing a spectrum of metal genres, ensuring that attendees experienced both legendary acts and emerging talents in a single, unforgettable day.
Day 2 brought a second Japanese band to the stage fortunately with a much higher volume of intensity and performance than Baby Metal on the previous day. Lovebites, the all-female power metal band graced the main stage around noon. Their tight, 30-minute set primarily featured tracks from their recent albums “Judgement Day” and “Electric Pentagram,” highlighting their technical prowess and passion. Of particular stand out was the bands technical skill and massive energy brought to the stage. I overheard a group of ‘Hellfestians’ chanting ‘a dream come true’ seemingly noting how the bands talent and passion for live music was evident during the set.
Electronic rock duo Wargasm from London UK, absolutely electrified the audience with
their high-energy performance, blending aggressive riffs and dynamic vocals. Their setlist, featuring tracks like “D.R.I.L.D.O.” and “Fukstar,” showcased the band’s raw intensity and stage presence. The duo’s chemistry and relentless energy captivated festival-goers, solidifying their reputation as a formidable live act. Eyes just could not leave the dynamic supercharged performance of vocalist Milkie Way as she vigorously manoeuvred sometimes leaping across the stage.
Time for a change of scenery from the massive 2 main stages at Hellfest that host headliners including legendary metal and rock acts to take a short stroll to ‘The Temple’ to
enjoy some black and pagan metal. Italian gothic doom band Shores of Null presented a melancholic performance, drawing parallels to the style of Paradise Lost. Their minimalistic stage presence allowed the music’s depth to resonate with the audience. Under two massive white hangars, ‘The Temple’ is directly adjacent to ‘The Altar’ the home of brutal high energy death metal and grindcore performances. As the evening and darkness of night settles in, both ‘The Altar’ and ‘The Temple’ take on surreal unworldly dimension under carefully produced impressive sound and lighting production.
A mid-afternoon patriotic attendance back at the main stage arena for the Australian progressive metal titans – Karnivool. Despite a shorter set and focusing on material from their acclaimed album “Sound Awake.”, their masterful performance left a lasting impression to the Hellfest crowd who could be speculated to have seen the band for the first time. Powerful vocals of frontman Ian Kenny along with the bands ability to deliver a live masterful performance, left a lasting impression on Hellfestians solidifying Karnivool’s reputation as a premier Australian progressive metal act.
Hellfest is globally recognised as being predominantly a metal event however over the last few years has increased the genre of artists to accommodate for broader tastes. Bring on Steel Panther well known for their over-the-top comedic approach to 1980s hair metal, Steel Panther’s set was both outrageous and entertaining. Steel Panther brought their signature blend of 1980s hair metal parody and explicit humour to the main stage. Their performance was marked by audience participation, with hundreds of female Hellfestians joining them on stage, embodying the band’s outrageous and non-politically correct persona.
Making sure to have time to settle in at a good vantage point for the headliners at the
massive open air viewing area of Stage 1 & 2 which can accommodate 60,000 – 70,000 people at peak capacity, I was super eager for the set of Tom Morello. Morello showcased his guitar mastery with unconventional techniques, interweaving covers from Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave, alongside his original compositions. His set was both a musical and political statement, resonating deeply with the audience.
The true highlight of the night, however, came from Machine Head. Robb Flynn, ever the master of ceremonies, led his band through a set that bled intensity. “Imperium” and “Davidian” turned the pit into a swirling maelstrom of bodies, proving that even after decades in the game, Machine Head remains one of metal’s most powerful live acts. What a set to remember.
DAY 2 PHOTO GALLERY (In alphabetical order)
Day 3 – Baptism of chaos (Saturday, June 29, 2024)
By the third day, and after 2 big days with little sleep in between, exhaustion had slowly begun creeping in, but there was no time to rest—some of the festival’s biggest names were yet to perform.
The New Zealand trio, Alien Weaponry, delivered a powerful set on Mainstage 1. Known for blending thrash metal with Māori culture, their performance featured intense rhythms and traditional haka elements, captivating the audience. Their energy and cultural fusion set them apart as a unique act in the metal scene.
Charging though the afternoon on a run to ready Stage 2 for the days headliners , Black Stone Cherry showcased their Southern rock flair. Their set was a mix of heavy riffs and melodic tunes, engaging the crowd with tracks like “Lonely Train” and “White Trash Millionaire.” Their performance added a touch of Southern charm to the festival’s lineup.
The massive Hellfest arena comprises of three different areas each having 2 stages that offer contrasting genres of music. My personal favourite stage at Hellfest is The Warzone. Home of punk, hardcore and crossover thrash to spawn the wildest of mosh pits. It is here
where I find my people and where my passion for ‘getting amongst it’ with camera in hand to chase epic frenzied shots. Adjacent to The Warzone we find The Valley – home of stoner rock, doom and sludge metal. You’ll find things a little slower here. For now though, it’s to The Warzone to catch the last few numbers from the The Casualties bringing their raw punk energy to Hellfest. Their fast-paced setlist and rebellious spirit resonated with punk enthusiasts, making for an exhilarating show, but only as a warmup for what was about to come.
French punk icon Didier Wampas led his band, Psycho Attacks, in a lively performance on the Warzone stage. Their eclectic mix of punk rock and French chanson created a unique atmosphere, highlighting Didier’s charismatic stage presence. Didier mid set leapt from the stage like a 20yr old and was gleefully crowd surfing and propelled by his thousands of fans all the way to the rear of the Warzone arena. Chasing him all the way with camera in hand was exhausting but certainly an epic experience that was more than worthwhile to shoot some epic pics of Wampas in flight.
Before the hike back to the main stage area which takes about 20 minutes and through a
kaleidoscope of bars, rest areas and other features, a quick breather was required. The Valley stage was just the right area and vibe as Chelsea Wolfe mesmerized the audience with her haunting vocals and dark, atmospheric soundscapes. Her performance provided a contrast to the festival’s heavier acts, offering a more introspective experience giving me a much-earnt break after the ferocity of the two previous Warzone sets.
It was no surprise heading back to the main stage that just about everyone who had bought a ticket made the move before me. Arriving to find a sea of 70,000 people crammed into the area meant only one thing – beside what I would see on the many large and well-placed video monitors, I wasn’t going to see much at all. Metallica delivered a monumental performance that reaffirmed their legendary status. Their setlist spanned their extensive career, including classics like “Enter Sandman” and “Master of Puppets.” The band’s tight musicianship and stage production left an indelible mark on Hellfest 2024.
It had been a massive day once again and to be kind to myself, on the last note of the Metallica set, I retreated back to my campervan via the continuous array of complimentary Hellfest Shuttle buses conveniently available into the early hours of the morning, a service that runs from front gate right to parking areas. Day 3 was of course another epic and tiring day with every artist contributing to the diverse musical tapestry of Hellfest 2024, offering Hellfestians the widest array of genres and styles to experience.
DAY 3 PHOTO GALLERY (In alphabetical order)
Day 4 – Last day already? (Sunday, June 30, 2024)
The final day of Hellfest always carries a bittersweet weight—one last chance to soak in the music before reality creeps back in. Its like, “oh really, .. oh no! You mean that’s it over ..?
Bring on day 4, until 2025 of course! Australian band punk rockers Cosmic Pyschos, delivered a raw and energetic set, embodying their no-frills approach to music. Their straightforward riffs and candid lyrics resonated with fans, providing an unpretentious and lively performance. It was a great start to the day maybe until the end when members of the band bent over to bare butt cheeks which in the years gone by has been a sense of humorous tradition on in Australia.
The last day of Hellfest has one reliable factor, the main stage area will be full of thousands of people rushing to hold their spot in front of both stages- especially Stage 1 where Foo Fighters will close the event before a massive fireworks display. Thousands will spend 10 hours or more not moving from where they are. Of course, this is pretty much the case with the previous 3 days however today, the last day, is next level.
Scooting across to Stage 2, Manchester-based Hot Milk infused the festival with their vibrant blend of emo-pop and punk. Their catchy hooks and dynamic stage presence captivated the audience, marking them as a band to watch in the alternative scene.
Keeping with huge numbers of British artists at Hellfest in 2024, the Nova Twins duo
electrified the stage with their fusion of punk, rock, and electronic elements. Known for their high-octane performances and genre-blending sound, they delivered a set that was both innovative and exhilarating.
With Hellfest 2024 Fastly approaching its end, it was time for final legendary performers to do their thing for the 70,000 Hellfestians who had been wating for them. Queens of the Stone Age graced the Mainstage with their distinctive desert rock sound. Their performance was a masterclass in alternative rock, featuring tight musicianship and a setlist that spanned their illustrious career.
On the clock with just a few hours to go, time for The Offspring, a surprising but welcome addition to the Hellfest lineup. Their high-energy punk rock felt like a shot of adrenaline, bringing a sense of fun and nostalgia to the festival. “Self Esteem”, “The Kids Aren’t Alright”, and “Pretty Fly (For a White Guy)” had the entire crowd screaming along.
As the day neared its end, a storm brewed—both in the sky and on stage. In the Temple, Dimmu Borgir, the Norwegian black metal giants, emerged from the shadows. With an elaborate stage setup and a soundscape that felt almost cinematic, they transported the audience into their world of symphonic darkness.
Finally, Foo Fighters closed out Hellfest with an emotional, career-spanning set. Dave Grohl, ever the showman, delivered heartfelt speeches between songs, making sure the audience knew just how much the festival meant to them. The night ended with “Everlong”, sung by tens of thousands in unison—a moment that transcended the festival itself. Despite initial scepticism about their fit for the festival, Foo Fighters quickly won over attendees with their rock prowess.
Its all over.. well not quite yet.. Hellfest as with every other year, concluded with a spectacular fireworks display, lighting up the Clisson sky and providing a fitting end to the festivities. The visual spectacle complemented the high-energy performances, leaving attendees with forever lasting memories of Hellfest 2024 – the greatest metal and rock festival on earth.
DAY 4 PHOTO GALLERY (In alphabetical order)
Final Thoughts: Another year we will never forget
Hellfest 2024 was more than just a music festival—it was a battle cry, a celebration of resilience, and a testament to the enduring power of heavy music. From the crushing brutality of Machine Head to the theatrical spectacle of Avenged Sevenfold, every band left their mark. As exhausted fans made their way home, there was only one thought on their minds: How many days until Hellfest 2025?
Until next year, Clisson. The fire will burn in Hell ready to unleash its flames.. once again.
And if thats not enough and you wer there, lets see if we captured you…
