Hidden away from the blazing summer sun in the perfectly cozy Sylvee in Madison, Wisconsin, the Mad With Power Festival kicked off its first day with a unique blend of heavy metal and nerdy charm, setting a tone that was both exhilarating and heartwarming. Founded with the ethos of supporting, growing, and enhancing the power metal scene in the US, Mad With Power at its core is put on by fans for fans. Hosted by Ty Christian of Lords of the Trident, whose very essance emanates all things power metal, the festival has grown from humble beginnings to one of the most anticipated power metal events in the States. Ty and his incredible team have created the festival they want to attend and perform at. With fans eagerly anticipating two nights of arcade games, pinball, and heavy metal, the weekend promised an unforgettable celebration of music and community.

Oak, Ash & Thorn kicked off the festivities and ignited the stage with a ferocious energy that sent hair flying in every direction. With the release of their 2024 album “Our Grief Is Thus,” the band has taken their pagen and blackened death metal roots and morphed them with the anthemic power and passion that is power metal. Oak, Ash & Thorn have found a perfect balance of harsh and clean vocals, blended perfectly with blistering guitars and infectiously catchy melodies. Their set was an absolute whirlwind of raw power and finesse, culminating in an epic wall of death that saw fans collide in a frenzy of joyous chaos – the perfect way to jumpstart any metal fest. As the very first band, Oak, Ash & Thorn set a high bar for the rest of the festival, showing why they are a true powerhouse in the metal scene.

Dialith followed with a performance that perfectly balanced the melodic vocals characteristic of symphonic metal with a robust, heavy edge. The ethereal quality of their music was punctuated by powerful riffs and soaring harmonies, captivating fansfrom the first note to the last. Within their setlist, Dialith played the entirety of their latest EP, “Alter.” The first two track of the EP, Writhing Red and Ironbound, have an old-school Nightwish vibe, á la Over The Hills And Far Away or Amaranth, with an incredible intensity and the emotion behind the music almost physical. The second half of the EP, Hourglass and Shadowdancer, have a more folk metal feel, and Shadowdancer really kicks it up with incredible power. Krista Sion’s vocals are without a doubt among the best in modern symphonic metal; her silky smooth vocals draw you into the music and take you on an incredible journey. Dialith’s intricate compositions and emotionally charged delivery resonated deeply with everyone, creating a poignant atmosphere that contrasted beautifully with the unadulterated intensity of the Oak, Ash & Thorn, really showcasing the versatility and depth of the metal genre.

Owlbear, performing only their second show ever, brought a delightful mix of humor and fantasy to the stage. They entertained the crowd with songs inspired by Final Fantasy and Dungeons & Dragons, including a lot of deep-cut lore that was probably very much appreciated by 5 people in attendance but still sounded badass to the rest. Vocalist Katy Scary provided not only fantastic vocals but also a healthy dose of humor between songs. Despite being new to live performances, Owlbear’s set was filled with confidence and charm. Prior to the show, many fans online had been requesting a new song be played, and Katy reminded everyone that this was their second ever show and every song was new. So instead, they closed with a cheeky diss track, “Fall on your Blade.” Owlbear’s heavy yet lighthearted performance added a unique and refreshing flavor to the festival lineup.

After a much-needed and very appreciated dinner break, Starkill brought a wild energy to the stage that was impossible to ignore, especially since this was their first show in over four years. From the moment they started playing, it was clear that the band was there to have fun—and to make sure everyone else did too. Their set was a non-stop barrage of heavy riffs and infectious enthusiasm, with each member of the band feeding off the energy of the others. The crowd responded in kind, with mosh pits and headbanging galore. Starkill’s ability to create such a joyful and chaotic atmosphere was a testament to their skill as performers. Their set brought everyone right back into the metal mentality after the break and reminded everyone that metal is as much about having a good time as it is about the music.

Oceans of Slumber was the penultimate act of day 1 and delivered a set that was both beautifully haunting and intensely heavy. Their ability to transition seamlessly between slow, melodic passages and powerful, emotionally charged segments completely captivated everyone. The band’s soundscapes were rich and evocative, creating an immersive experience that transported listeners into a different realm. Oceans of Slumber’s performance was a masterclass in musical storytelling.

Finally, it was time for one of the big draws of the weekend. The lights dimmed and out stormed a couple of Brits dressed as if they were going to a Renaissance Festival. Fellowship’s performance marked their first-ever appearance in the US. Many in attendance had come from all across the US just for the opportunity to finally see Fellowship, and not a single person was disappointed. Fans were fully entranced by their melodic power metal anthems, which were delivered with pure passion and precision. Fellowship’s infectious energy and engaging stage presence made them an instant favourite among the festival-goers and well worth the wait for their US debut. Following the announcement that morning of their upcoming album, “The Skies Above Eternity,” Fellowship also used this history-making performance as an opportunity to debut three brand new songs!

The crowd’s enthusiasm spiked tenfold when Ty Fang VonWrathenstein of Lords of the Trident joined Fellowship on stage for “Glint.” The collaboration was a perfect blend of talent and charisma, further cementing Fellowship’s reputation as a band to watch. A legendary surprise collab such as this is truly only possible at an event such as Mad With Power. This brief four minute song perfectly encompasses the spirit of Mad With Power and shows what the community is capable of when we all come together.

To end the show, and the first day of the fest, Fellowship brought it all the way back to the beginning, to the first song they put out on YouTube four years ago – their absolutely brilliant cover of Can You Feel The Love Tonight. A song that can be appreciated by all but is a very special treat for OG fans. Fellowship’s ability to connect with the audience on such a profound level spoke volumes about their artistry and potential. As the set concluded, the thunderous cheers were a testament to the band’s impact on the festival’s first day.

The welcoming and accepting atmosphere of the Mad With Power Festival was palpable from start to finish. Embracing the spirit of NWONMB, New Wave Of Nice Metal Buds, bands and fans alike fostered an environment where everyone felt included and appreciated. The festival’s unique approach, including a thoughtful dinner break and taking on Ticketmaster to show all fees up front (the first festival in the nation to do so), highlighted the love and care that went into its organization. Most metal shows feel mostly safe, but there’s always one asshole who has to ruin it. Not at Mad With Power. Every single person, both working and in attendance, was so genuinely kind and accepting of everyone; it created an environment like no other. This commitment to creating a positive and enjoyable experience was evident in every aspect of the event.

The first day of the Mad With Power Festival was a resounding success, blending exhilarating performances with a warm and inclusive community spirit. Each band brought something unique to the stage, contributing to a diverse and dynamic lineup that celebrated the multifaceted nature of metal music. The festival’s emphasis on kindness and camaraderie set it apart from other events, making it a standout experience for all who attended. As the sun set on the first day (figuratively, as it was very, very late when Fellowship ended), the excitement for what lay ahead was palpable, promising even more memorable moments the next day…

August 2nd, 2024