After many shenanigans were had on the first day of Mad With Power 8, the weekend was shaping up to be one of the best of the best of the best. The second day of the fest surged with energy even before the doors opened, bringing together metalheads from all walks of life for a celebration of music, belonging, and sheer fun. It’s a safe haven, an inclusive space, and a reminder that every person, no matter who they are, has a place here.

The day began with an event that’s one of the fest’s best traditions: the Cheese Curd Massacre. Metalheads decked out in their best vests and patched jackets made their way down to the Dane County Farmers Market, swept up every bag of cheese curds in sight, and then respectfully stormed the state Capitol for an epic group photo. The sight of dozens of fans grinning ear to ear and holding their precious curds was a beautiful reminder that metal culture can be wholesome, chaotic, and deeply communal all at once. The best part, as always, was the looks of intruige, horror, and complete and utter confusion from the typical farmers market goers.

A few hours later back at the venue, the mayhem resumed and Lutharo kicked off the second wave of festivities with a ferocity that shook the Sylvee to its core. The Canadian five piece brought their signature mix of blistering riffs and powerhouse vocals to the Mad With Power stage, sounding like a steel-clad comet crashing down from the heavens. Singer Krista Shipperbottom demanded all eyes on her with a voice that was both delicate and monstrous, weaving melodies through the band’s galloping guitar lines. It was a captivating set that left everyone buzzing. A very strong start to day 2!

Aether Realm followed with a set that felt like a march through mist-cloaked forests and misty mountains. Their blend of folk metal and death metal drew the crowd into a swirling whirlwind of sound. From the thunder of the drums to the otherworldly vocals, every song felt like a chapter in an ancient saga. The group brought a sincerity to the stage that matched the fest’s welcoming spirit.

Then came Bit Brigade, turning the Sylvee into a gamer’s paradise. As guitars were shredded and drums pounded out blasting beats, a giant screen behind the band showcased the speedy hands of gamer Noah McCarthy as he tore through Mega Man 2 in record time. The crowd roared every time Noah defeated a boss, perfectly in sync to the blistering jams, fists pumping more and more wildly with each milestone achieved. The feat ended just in time for the dinner break, making it one of the most unique sets in the history of Mad With Power, and a perfect fusion of everything the fest is about.

After everyone re-energized during the very refreshing dinner break, or for some, an hour to crush out some high scores on arcade games, Striker reminded everyone why they are one of the best of the best of the best party metal bands around. Their set was a neon adrenaline rush, packed with big choruses, tight riffs and a contagious sense of joy. The band tore through new songs and old favourites alike, making sure every person in the room felt like a part of the show. The energy surged as the crowd sang and jumped along, making the room feel like one huge, beating heart.

Then came the hometown heroes, Lords of the Trident, the gracious hosts of the fest, storming the stage with a set packed with deep cuts, classics, and a special peek at a brand-new song. They commanded the room like seasoned generals, with is understandable considering this is their eighth consecutive time playing at Mad With Power, swords and sparks flying as the music surged and swirled. A new, yet-to-be-released track, “Insatiable,” hinted at a bold chapter for the band, and faithful fans roared their approval. The Lords have always been the beating heart of Mad With Power, and tonight, once again, they proved why.

At the end of their set, something magical happened. All of the staff and performers joined Lords of the Trident on stage for all-out metal melee. The Striker boys were tossing around weights, showing off their muscles. MC of the fest Chris Carnage had to resuscitate Ty Christain who was just so overwhelmed by the sheer face-melting awesomeness of guitarist Akira Metal’s riffs. Dancing, headbanging, sword fighting, a trio of shrimp, any shenanigans that could occur on stage did. The sight of friends, family, volunteers sharing the stage felt like a victory lap for everyone who made the fest possible. It was a reminder that Mad With Power is built on the strength of its people.

That sense of community and belonging is what separates Mad With Power from any other festival. Here, strangers become friends, friends become family, and the music is the binding force that holds it all together. It’s a space where every person can scream and sing and dance without judgment, knowing that this is where they belong. Many of us have struggled to find our place in the world, but have found a spot at Mad With Power. The heart and soul of Mad With Power is its community, a beacon for anyone searching for a home in a world that can often feel too dark and too cold.

Finally, it was time for the Dream Evil, who charges the stage with an old-school flair that felt like a hero’s welcome. Their third U.S. show ever, the anticipation for this set was sky-high. The Swedish heavy metal giants controlled the room from the first chord, reminding every single person in the venue why this music has such a special place in their hearts. Their soaring vocals and galloping riffs felt like a call to arms, pulling the crowd into a collective trance. Deep cuts and fan favourites filled the set, as well as a few tracks off of their 2024 album Metal Gods. Every song felt like a piece of a larger story being told under those hot stage lights.

Dream Evil ended their set with a flourish, pouring every last drop of energy into a grand finale that felt like a victory lap for the weekend. They closed with the very appropriate “The Book of Heavy Metal (March of the Metallians).” The room shook with applause, every person in the crowd grinning from ear to ear, knowing that this was more than a show, more than a festival. This was belonging. This was family. This was Mad With Power, and it was worth every second.

Mad With Power 8 was one for the ages, a chapter in a story that will continue long into the future. Despite some speedbumps due to absurd visa costs, the fest offically broke even for the the year thanks to some very generous donations, and Mad With Power 9 has been confirmed! The dates for next year are June 5th and 6th, 2026. The lineup may still be a mystery but one thing is for sure: Mad With Power will rise again, and when it does, this beautiful, chaotic family will be right here, ready to make new memories, raise swords, and scream until the very end.

June 7th, 2025