After an incredibly successful first day, Mad With Power Fest was prepped and primed for a highly anticipated second day. Day 2 began not with a soundcheck but with a pilgrimage to the Dane County Farmers’ Market, with one singular goal in mind: buy ALL the cheese curds. Seeing a sea of battle vests and black metal shirts was a stark contrast to the typical farmers’ market crowd, but it was nothing but joy and happiness and unconditional acceptance from everyone. Once the curds had been acquired, there was only one thing left to do: storm the Capitol. Respectfully. It was a fitting start for a day that promised both the best of local flavors and the heavy riffs that Mad With Power is known for. With stomachs full and spirits higher than ever, festival-goers were ready for another day of metal mayhem, and the lineup did not disappoint.

Celestial Wizard kicked off day 2 with a set that can only be described as face-melting. Their riffs were sharp and relentless, cutting through the air with precision. The band’s energy was infectious, with hair flying everywhere as they powered through their set. The crowd responded in kind, headbanging and fist-pumping to the beat. Celestial Wizard’s blend of fantasy themes and aggressive metal set a very high bar for the rest of the day, leaving everyone craving more.

Lame Genie followed, bringing a lighter, more playful vibe to the stage. Before their set even began, the band engaged the audience with trivia playing on the backdrop screen, building anticipation in a unique way. Once they started playing, it was clear that Lame Genie knew how to have fun. Their set was filled with audience participation, with fans shouting out which of two presented songs they want next. The band’s ability to blend humor with skillful musicianship made for a memorable performance that had everyone laughing while they moshed.

Next up was Glyph, with one the most highly anticipated sets of the fest. Since they had separated from their singer a few months prior, there was one singular question everyone was asking: who was going to be their vocalist at Mad With Power? As the band took the stage one by one, anticipation grew exponentially. The core band took the stage first: Jeff Black on keytar, Rob Stoneway on guitar, and Darin Wall on bass. Then came previously announced special guests: Jeff Potts on guitar and Damien Rainaud on drums. But there was still someone missing. Darin took to the mic and, with words that will go down in metal history:

“Tonight, we have no captain.

Tonight, we have an EMPRESS!”

Barbara Blackthorne truly is an Empress and was the absolute perfect choice as guest vocalist. Glyph’s sound, heavy and unrelenting and ultra-anthemic, was perfectly complemented by Barbara’s powerful pitch-perfect vocals and dominating stage presence. Everyone was fully enraptured, drawn into the fantastical world that Glyph creates with their music.

Despite half the lineup being guests, the chemistry between everyone on stage was completely natural, something that’s a rarity with long-standing bands without significant lineup changes. Their playful and relaxed aura gave the already powerful jams an extra punch. All through the set, there was nothing but overwhelming support for both Glyph as a whole and specifically for Barbara. It was incredibly emotional, with the last few months all culminating into one perfect 40-minute performance where everyone played their hearts out. Glyph’s set was a testament to their resilience and versatility, proving that even with lineup changes, they can and will deliver a world-class performance regardless of circumstances.

After the day’s dinner break, Magic Sword brought a complete shift in tone with their moody and atmospheric set. The stage was bathed in ethereal lighting and thick smoke, creating a sense of mystery that perfectly matched the band’s otherworldly sound. Magic Sword’s music, a blend of synthwave and metal, was both hypnotic and powerful, drawing the audience into a trance-like state. The visual spectacle of their performance was just as captivating as the music, with the band shrouded in shadows and hooded cloaks, their silhouettes moving through the fog like mythical figures. The combination of sights and sounds created an immersive experience that transported the crowd to another dimension, making Magic Sword’s set one of the most unique of the day.

The energy ramped back up with Lords of the Trident, the hosts of the fest, who delivered a performance that was equal parts theatrical and musically impeccable. Known for their epic stage presence, the band did not disappoint, delivering a set filled to the brim with powerful anthems and classic power metal fun. Ty Fang commanded the stage with an infectious energy, leading the crowd through sing-alongs and fist-pumping anthems that had everyone on their feet. The combination of shredding guitars, thunderous drums, and soaring vocals created an electrifying atmosphere that was impossible to resist. And to reprise the surprise Fellowship x Lords of the Trident collab on day 1, Matthew Corry joined the fellows on stage for the ever-popular “To Kill a God.”

The highlight of Lords of The Trident’s set came during their final song when they brought out their friends and fellow musicians, everyone involved in making Mad With Power possible, for an epic conclusion. The stage was packed tight, with everyone dancing and singing and even piggyback riding, creating a sense of chaotic unity that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of Mad With Power. The energy in the room was electric, with everyone feeding off each other’s excitement. By the time the final note was played, it was clear that Lords of the Trident will never ever disappoint anyone with their live shows.

As the sun began to set (once again, figuratively, as it was already after 11), Anthem took the stage for a historic performance. This marked the band’s first US appearance in over 30 years. The anticipation in the air was thick, and Anthem did not disappoint. They played a mix of classics all throughout their discography, spanning over 40 years, and some of their brand new material from their 2023 album, “Crimson & Jet Black,” showcasing their evolution as a band. One of the standout moments of their set was a song dedicated to the special bond between the band and their fans, a sentiment that resonated deeply with old and new fans alike.

Anthem’s performance reached its peak during the encore when Ty joined them on stage for a song. He broke out some Japanese in the process, which was strangely both very surprising and also not surprising at all. The collaboration was a powerful moment, blending the talents of two generations of power metal and creating a truly unforgettable experience. The energy in the room was electric, with the crowd roaring their approval. Anthem’s set was a fitting conclusion to the day’s performances, leaving the audience in high spirits and eager for more.

As Day 2 of the Mad With Power Festival came to a close, the sense of community and shared passion for metal was stronger than ever. The diverse lineup, ranging from face-melting riffs to moody, atmospheric soundscapes, surprise collaborations and historic performances, provided something for every fan. But more than that, the festival’s emphasis on inclusivity and camaraderie created an environment where everyone felt welcome and appreciated. The spirit of NWONMB was alive and well, making Mad With Power not just a festival, but a celebration of everything that makes metal great.

With the incredible two day fest closed out for the year, everyone is already looking towards the future. Next year’s line-up is stacked with Dream Evil, Striker, Æther Realm, Bridear, Boards of the Hydrant, Bit Brigade, Oryad, Ok Goodnight, The Dread Crew of Oddwood, and more still to be announced!

August 3rd, 2024