I generally hate festivals – no Warped or Lolla for me – but for some reason, I really like Mayhem Fest. Odd. I don’t even like metal music.

Bullet For My Valentine opened the main stage. I didn’t know much about them going in, and was surprised to find that they were English (from Wales, actually).  The band claims that their influences include Metallica, Slayer, Megadeath, and Judas Priest (amongst others), and it’s definitely noticeable in their riffage and heavy guitars.  Overall, they were entertaining, but paled next to Killswitch Engage, who followed their set. (more…)