Hellfest – Day 1: A fiery start!

crédit photo : Ben TARDIF

First day at Hellfest, and frankly, Dante's cliché of a burning hell has never been so literal. Under sweltering heat, but with general anticipation, the audience tackles this first day of the festival.

Here is a small anthology of what struck me.

crédit photo : "L'INK" Slaveofpaint

Skindred

It's impossible to imagine a better opening act than Skindred to kick things off. As usual, they delivered plenty of good cheer with their explosive cocktail of metal, reggae, and punk. It's all sprinkled with old-school samples and completely offbeat looks. Benji Webbe, true to form, sunglasses firmly on his nose, but above all: always very chatty with the audience.

Their reggae touch and ultra-groovy choruses were just perfect under this blazing sun. A small hiccup on Nobody , but it was sorted out in no time, and we were off again. Great atmosphere, but a small regret: no Gimme That Boom on the program.

crédit photo : Ben TARDIF

Kim Dracula

Kim Dracula burst onto the stage like a wild card and transformed his first-ever Hellfest into joyous chaos. True to his reputation, the show was completely crazy, unpredictable, and completely devoid of transition, between ultra-funk bass, saxophone riffs, and massive breakdowns. Nothing was linear, everything went in all directions, and frankly, I loved it.

Kim Dracula is pretty much what TikTok has achieved best. This young Tasmanian is the Joker of the music scene: offbeat, explosive, divisive. Personally, I love this chaotic and unfiltered side, even if I understand that it doesn't appeal to everyone. With only one album under his belt, he's already taking over the Mainstage, and frankly, I had no idea what to expect. The result: I loved it. And I tell myself that the day he has a slightly more advanced stage design, it will be legendary.

crédit photo : "L'INK" Slaveofpaint

Monkey3

I originally wanted to go see Jinjer, but - the Altar being completely impassable - I had to adapt my plan and headed to the Valley for the Monkey3 concert. Complete change of atmosphere. Monkey3 offered us a perfect moment to breathe a little. The Valley, too, was packed with fans who came to escape into their prog psyche universe. It really felt good after the chaos of the previous concerts.

I really enjoyed the almost jazz-like drumming and the precision of each musician. It was beautiful, it was masterful, and it was just what I needed after a busy day. A real musical break, soothing but not boring. I don't regret this little change of program.

crédit : APA-PICTUREDESK VIA AFP

Electric Callboy The ultimate metal rave

A band was needed that could get the ball rolling after part of the post-Korn crowd had left, and Electric Callboy was perfect for that. As always, they came with one goal in mind: to party, with their completely uninhibited fusion of metalcore, electro, and '80s-'90s dance.

Honestly, between Metal or Cascada: Why choose?

At Electric Callboy, we don't take ourselves seriously: everything is fun, everything is exaggerated, and that's what's good.

A little bonus moment that got the crowd going: Sum 41's drummer joined the band for a completely over-the-top cover of Still Waiting .

The audience sang, jumped and had a blast with Spaceman , We Got The Moves , Pump It , not to mention their crazy songs like Élévatrice Opératoire and Bidule San Kawaii . A true compendium of self-deprecation and pure happiness. Honestly, it was the best way to end the day: with a smile from ear to ear.

This first half-day of Hellfest was a perfect introduction. The next few days promise to be longer, busier, and probably even hotter, but that's exactly what we're looking forward to. Looking forward to what's next!

Klo

for BGP MUSIC LIVE