UPHEAVAL FESTIVAL BRINGS TWO UNRELENTING DAYS OF HARD ROCK AND METAL TO MICHIGAN

Michigan’s annual Upheaval Festival has returned for its fifth year in a row. This two day event was headlined by Gojira and Papa Roach, along with supporting acts such as Bilmuri, Jinjer, Dying Wish, Landmvrks, and Magnolia Park. Taking place in Belknap Park in Grand Rapids, Upheaval Festival has most certainly made its mark as Michigan’s most prominent rock and metal festival. 

Starting off early with doors opening promptly at 12:45, fans showed up lining blocks down the streets of Grand Rapids in hope to secure a barricade spot. Initiating the fest, Mighigan locals, Vexatious, began their set on the Lookout Stage. This stage is located atop the daunting hill of Belknap Park. The festival provides golf-cart rides to the stage free of charge, but some guests (myself included), did decide to hike the hill on foot. Vexatious truly had a phenomenal stage presence, and even performed a cover of the iconic ‘Paper Planes’. This made the set incredibly memorable, and a great way to start the day. 

Transferring seamlessly into the next set, Showing Teeth took over the stage. Showing Teeth have been gaining traction on TikTok and amongst the metal community. Mainly from their vocalist, Addison’s metal vocal covers she posted in her car. With the release of their new songs, ‘Rip’, and ‘Labyrinth’, they have been gaining more traction than ever, even playing the Bring Me the Horizon 20 Year Count Your Blessings Anniversary show. Additionally, I was given the incredible opportunity to interview their vocalist, which you can view here. 

Afterwards, France’s Landmvrks took the Upheaval (main) stage. This band brings loads of energy to the crowd, making their entire general admission section a sea of crowdsurfers and mosh pits. The crowd erupted as they played their hit songs, “Lost in a Wave’, and “Self-Made Black Hole’. 

Returning to the Outlook Stage, Zero 9:36 captivated the crowd. Zero 9:36 is reminiscent of prominent metalcore acts such as, Bring Me the Horizon, I Prevail, and From Ashes to New. Their most renowned song being ‘Adrenaline’. Additionally, they have made collaborations with many household names such as, We Came As Romans, Ice Nine Kills, Theory of a Deadman, Hollywood Undead, Travis Barker, and Atreyu.

Although their set experienced some technological difficulties, it ultimately created a memorable performance as the artist was able to interact with the crowd. Even going as far as bringing a fan on stage who drew a portrait of the vocalist (pictured below). Overall, Zero 9:36 delivered a phenomenal and energetic set, leaving fans hungry for more! 

Next up on the bill was the highly anticipated Poppy. Unfortunately, due to the high AQI levels in the air, Poppy decided to not sing for her set, while the band themselves played instrumentals. Additionally, the band can be seen wearing N-95 masks under their signature masks. While this left many fans disappointed, they were still able to see the songs played instrumentally. 

Headlining the Lookout Stage, one of metal’s most buzzing bands, Magnolia Park conquered the stage. The metalcore group immediately brought the energy opening with ‘Animal’. The crowd erupted into a frenzy immediately as the first note thrummed the air. 

As darkness settled over festival grounds, the tone shifted into a more serious note, as the day one headliner, Gojira took the Upheaval Stage. Gojira is widely renowned as one of their strongest live bands in modern metal. Opening with the song, ‘Born for One Thing’, energy exploded throughout Belknap Park. Their set had an overwhelming amount of intensity, leaving fans in awe at the technical ability. The crowd responded with uncommanding energy. Mosh pits emerged as the pyro erupted from the stage, showcasing the relentless power of Gojira. 

As the distinct notes of ‘Stranded’, echoed through Belknap Park, it sent the crowd into a frenzy. Additionally, Gojira has such phenomenal high quality visuals and lighting, making their set the highlight of the night. With the final notes of ‘The Gift of Guilt’echoing through the air, the first night of Upheaval Festival came to a close, with energy still lingering high in the air, leaving festival-goers ready for day two!

With another early start to the day, Upheaval Festival day two began promptly at 12:45 pm once again. Starting off strong with Atlanta’s Silly Goose, which is one of the fastest growing names in metal, reminiscent of Limp Bizkit, and Rage Against the Machine; Silly Goose commanded the stage like nobody's business. The band has become so well known for the unique way they promote themselves, doing pop up shows at places such as gas stations and fast food chains near large festivals. That same chaotic energy was transferred into their performance as the audience immediately came alive. Additionally, frontman Jackson Foster, even surfed into the crowd! 

Following immediately after, the powerhouse of a metalcore band, Dying Wish mesmerized the crowd as they opened the stage with ‘I Don’t Belong Anywhere’, quickly igniting the crowd. They played many songs off of their recent album, ‘Flesh Stays Together’, which is quickly becoming a classic within the metal scene. Furthermore, I was given the opportunity to interview their vocalist, which you can watch here.

Taking over the Upheaval stage next, Jinjer represented their musicianship and technicality on stage alongside their unique sound. This set made an impact on festival goers, especially those seeing it for the first time! Overall, the performance was powerful and enthralling. The band used unique visuals, along with captivating lighting that entranced the crowd, alongside vocalist Tatiana’s brutal screams and haunting cleans.

Going back to the Lookout stage, Silent Planet took over with fueling intensity. Frontman Garrett Russell commanded the set with raging insanity, even going as far as wearing no shoes! This definitely created an impression on viewers, giving them a memorable set to remember Silent Planet by.

Going back to the Upheaval stage, co-headliners Bilmuri brought a refreshing change of pace to Upheaval Festival. Coming out with their saxophonist, this set certainly shocked festival goers who were expecting another traditional metalcore band. Shocking them once more, they even have a banjo player! This band brought an ecstatic energy to the fest, fusing genres such as post-hardcore, pop-punk, and even country! Their infectious riffs inspired a surge of crowdsurfers rushing to the front. This set the tone for the oncoming set. 

Bringing the night to a close, Papa Roach proved why they are a household name! The band brought both nostalgia and energy to the crowd, connecting the older fans with the current generation of music listeners. Crowdsurfers rained from the sky, as pyro erupted from the stage. As the night closed to an end, Papa Roach showed why their music has been a staple throughout generations!