Fri July 14th & Sat July 15th - The 2-Day Upheaval Music Festival took Grand Rapids, Michigan by storm on July 14th and 15th, delivering an unforgettable experience for Rock & Metal music enthusiasts. With an impressive lineup featuring a diverse range of bands from various genres, this festival promised two days of non-stop energy, powerful performances, and a sense of musical unity. Let's dive into the highlights of each day and relive the electrifying atmosphere that engulfed the festival grounds.
Day 1 - Friday, July 14th:
Opening the festivities was Michigan’s own prog rock/metal band Black Note Graffiti. The band took the stage and was here to get the crowd pumped up for opening day of the festival. Gabrielle Bryant’s power vocals controlled the opening set, which definitely set the tone for what was going to be an amazing day.
Detroit based metalcore band In Our Wake put the crowd into a moshing, crowd surfing frenzy. The boys from Detroit delivered massive breakdowns, and some killer riffs. Steven Schuler's brutal vocals were definitely enough to keep this crowd pumped and moshing.
Dayseeker unleashed their melodic post-hardcore sound, setting the tone for the evening. Their infectious energy and emotionally charged lyrics resonated with the crowd, instantly drawing them into the performance.
Until I Wake took the stage next, captivating the audience with their blend of heavy metal and electronic elements. Their intense performance left no one standing still, as the crowd enthusiastically embraced their pulsating beats and relentless aggression.
Royal Bliss added a dose of hard rock, showcasing their raw talent and energetic stage presence. Their anthemic songs connected with the crowd, prompting sing-alongs and an outpouring of positive energy.
Memphis May Fire delivered a powerhouse performance, blending metalcore with catchy melodies. Their infectious hooks and powerful delivery had the crowd jumping and moshing in unison, creating an electrifying atmosphere.
The stage belonged to Dorothy next, as her soulful voice filled the air. With a fusion of blues and rock, she captivated the audience, leaving them spellbound with her passionate and raw performance.
The Ghost Inside, known for their emotionally charged metalcore sound, delivered a set that was both emotionally cathartic and energetically explosive. Their connection with the crowd was palpable, showcasing the unifying power of music.
As the night progressed, Lamb of God took the festival to a whole new level of intensity. Their unrelenting heavy metal assault ignited the mosh pits and sent shockwaves of adrenaline through the crowd. The band's technical prowess and commanding stage presence showcased why they are considered one of the titans of modern metal.
Closing out the first day, Bring Me The Horizon unleashed their eclectic blend of metalcore and electronic elements. Their high-energy set had the crowd on their feet, embracing the band's infectious hooks and memorable choruses. The euphoric atmosphere created by the band's anthems left a lasting impression.
Day 2 - Saturday, July 15th:
Day 2 started out with a whole different kind of crowd feel. The minute the gates opened, fans stampeded the main stage to hold their ground for the rest of the day. The energy in the park seemed to be electrified, and the crowd was ready to give it their all. The dynamic and electrifying rock band Black Heart Saints known for their high-energy performances and powerful sound would start the day on the Lookout stage. Combining elements of classic rock, hard rock, and modern influences, they would captivate the audience.
Michigan's own Of Virtue would kick off the days festivities over on the main stage. Renowned for their emotive and melodic approach to heavy music, the band's sound features a perfect blend of aggressive breakdowns, soaring clean vocals, and introspective lyrics. With a focus on authenticity and passion, Of Virtue delivered an intense performance that resonated with fans.
Eva Under Fire kicked their set off on the second day with their hard-hitting rock sound, setting the stage for an electrifying day of music. Their energetic performance and engaging stage presence immediately drew the crowd in.
Fame On Fire injected a dose of alt-rock and post-hardcore, delivering a set filled with infectious melodies and soaring vocals. Their crowd interaction and passionate delivery left an indelible mark on the audience.
Crobot took the stage next, infusing their performance with groovy hard rock and bluesy undertones. Their infectiously catchy riffs and dynamic stage presence had the crowd moving and grooving along.
Suicide Silence unleashed a brutal onslaught of deathcore, igniting the mosh pits and showcasing their uncompromising heaviness. The band's fierce energy and relentless aggression left a lasting impression on the festival-goers.
We Came As Romans delivered a poignant and heartfelt set, paying tribute to their late vocalist Kyle Pavone. Their blend of metalcore and melodic hooks struck a chord with the audience, creating an emotional connection and a sense of unity.
Flyleaf, with their infectious alternative rock sound, took the festival in a different direction. The band's captivating performance and powerful vocals resonated with the crowd, evoking a wave of nostalgia and enthusiasm.
Ice Nine Kills brought their theatrical and horror-inspired metalcore to the stage, providing a visually stunning and musically intricate performance. The band's energy and stage presence were infectious, leaving the crowd exhilarated.
Halestorm, fronted by the powerhouse vocals of Lizzy Hale, dominated the stage with their hard rock anthems. Their fiery and energetic performance ignited the crowd, with head banging and sing-alongs echoing throughout the festival grounds.
Closing out the festival with a bang, Falling in Reverse unleashed their signature blend of post-hardcore, pop punk, and metalcore. Front man Ronnie Radke commanded the stage, delivering a charismatic and high-octane performance that left the crowd craving more.
The 2-Day Upheaval Music Festival in Grand Rapids, Michigan was an exhilarating journey through a diverse range of musical genres. From the raw emotion of Dayseeker and Bring Me The Horizon, to the thunderous heaviness of Lamb of God and Suicide Silence, the festival delivered a relentless barrage of powerful performances. The festival atmosphere was alive with unity and shared passion for music, leaving a lasting impact on all who
attended. With its exceptional lineup and electrifying energy, the Upheaval Music Festival proved to be a remarkable celebration of the rock and metal community.
Review & Photography By: Jim Helmecy Jr.
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