Madison, WI – Just when you think it could not get better, the fine folks at Mad With Power Fest outdo themselves. This, in my 3rd year attending at least part of this wonderful event, I was again taken aback by not only the music, but by the comradery and atmosphere of the event. It was kind of like a family reunion without the uncle no one can stand!
As I approached the Sylvee in Madison, WI on August 2, 2024, I noticed a lot of familiar faces in line. One thing that makes this event wonderful is the family air. Not to sound too cliche’, but the feeling is so Wisconsin (and that is a good thing!).
As I entered the venue, I was greeted by the sweet music of video games and pinball, the passion of my youth. Like previous years, Mad With Power was not only a power metal festival, but it was also a great opportunity to once again wake the pinball wizard genes in all of us… and all games were on freeplay!!
The first band of the night was Oak Ash, and Thorn, a power metal band out of Denver Colorado. “Unchain the Wolf” was one of the 6 songs that got the Sylvee crowd in the mood for metal.
Next on the bill was a female fronted symphonic metal band from Danbury, CT called Dialith. Check out their newest video, “Shadowdancer“, a metal tune with a little Mideastern twist.
The final band of the first half of day one was Owlbear hailing from… the internet!! Talking to their lead vocalist, Katy, saying they hail from the internet is much easier than naming the plethora of cities their members come from. Check out their single, “Fiend of Fire“.
Mad With Power VII – Day 1 – Photo Gallery
Mad With Power is not just about the music and the games, it is about the people, fans and bands alike. First off, many of the bands, when not on the stage, hang out with the fans and join in the celebration. A second thing is that this is one of the few events where Ticketmaster actually publishes the real price, so as not to surprise customers with a ton of fees. Something that is quite unique, and perhaps a little Wisconsin, is that founder and fearless leader, Ty Christian listened to fans and built in a dinner break to allow fans to eat and not miss any of the music. What a novel idea!!
Coming out of dinner we were treated to a Chicago based band, Starkill. What made their appearance very special to me was that I captured their last performance, pre-COVID, in NYC opening for Epica. This was their first stage appearance since COVID. Check out their single, “Detonate“. Let’s hope it is not 4 more years until their next appearance!
Rounding out the pre-headliners day 1 was a Houston based band, Oceans of Slumber! Their sound was very unique and blew me away. Another reason to love Mad With Power is this is not an all bands are alike festival. You need to check out “Poem of Ecstasy“.
Mad With Power VII – Fellowship – Photo Gallery
Day 1’s lineup concluded with the first US appearance of the UK band, Fellowship. They brought their medieval look and melodic power metal sound to the stage, taking down the house. Their set included an unreleased song, “The Bitter Winds” which was met with a metal roar. Give their single, “Oak and Ash” a listen.
Day 2 of Mad With Power started at about 11:30 AM, as hundreds of metalheads converged at the Wisconsin state capital and home of one of the largest farmer’s markets in the country. After embarking on a quest for curds, we stormed the Wisconsin capital, leaving a power metal footprint not to be forgotten any time soon. Yes, it is a festival like no other!!
The first band of day 2 was Celestial Wizard, another band from Denver, CO. Power metal and fun!! Here is one of their singles, “Ice Realm“.
Mad With Power VII – Day 2 – Photo Gallery
Between bands 1 and 2 was a little preview of what the next act, Lame Genie, had lined up. A video game metal cover band from Providence, RI took the stage in true gamer fashion and let the games dictate the set. Does “Mega Man II” sound familiar?
Next up was Glyph, a power metal band without an identified lead vocalist. Rumors had been swirling before they took the stage and, as fate would have it, we were all pleased when Barbara Blackthorn took the stage and kicked some Sylvee ass!! If you have never heard Glyph, you need to check out “Volarad” Barbara and the band put on a powerful performance, full of emotion. This was a memorable performance!!
After dinner, another instrumental act, Magic Sword, took over the Sylvee. Lighters or cell phones? Child’s play! Throughout their performance audience members waved their magic swords to the riffs and progressions. “In the Face of Evil“.
Mad With Power – Curds, Capital, and Lords of the Trident – Photo Gallery
As we approached the last two bands of the festival, no one was thinking wind down. Mad With Power hosts, Lords of the Trident entered with a bang (and had a few bangs throughout the show). Ty Christian and the crew put on one hell of show, whipping the home town crowd into a metal frenzy. Confetti swords and other weapons added to the fun!! You need to listen to their newest single, “The Ballad of Jon Milwaukee“.
Going into their lost song of the evening, the traditional “The Metal Sea“, they brought up many guests, volunteers and others to join in the fun. Matt from Fellowship also joined Ty on stage. It was one heck of a way to end a set!! We were ready for the final band of the night!!
Mad With Power VII – Anthem – Photo Gallery
Before the festival headliner, a 2025 Mad With Power preview video was played. One big change is the time. Mad With Power will be moving from its traditional August dates to June 6 and 7. Check out the announcement video HERE.
Like the end to Day 1, Day 2 was another first… almost. The Sylvee stage was taken over by the Japanese power metal band, Anthem, making their first US appearance in 30 years!!
In no time they had the crowd jumping, moshing, and banging!! Opening with “Destroy the Boredom” they did not let up. The return to US set included “Wheels of Fire“, “Blood Brothers“, and “Immortal Bind“. The night concluded with an appearance by Ty joining in and the final song, “Wild Anthem“.
And with that, Mad With Power VII was a memory. As I departed and passed into the night, I thought I heard, “The memories are ours, forever as we’re sailing the metal sea,” Until the next Mad With Power, so long to my metal brothers, sisters, and even the uncle that no one likes!
August 2024
