Concert Review: Upheaval Festival
- Austin Spain
- Jul 27
- 6 min read
Updated: Jul 28
Day 1
The Midwest heat was relentless, but it never stood a chance against the energy pouring through Upheaval Festival on Day 1. From the second I walked through the gates with my camera in hand, it was clear this wasn't just another music festival it was a gathering of a community that lives and breathes heavy music.
My day started with Thousand Below, who wasted no time pulling the crowd into their emotionally charged sound. Their performance struck a balance between vulnerability and aggression, making every moment through the lens feel authentic. It wasn't about flashy production it was about connection.
That intensity only escalated when Showing Teeth took the stage. Their set was unapologetically heavy, feeding off the crowd's energy as the pit erupted almost instantly. From behind the barricade, it was impossible not to get caught up in the chaos while chasing the next shot.
One of the day's defining moments for me came courtesy of LANDMVRKS. Few bands command a stage the way they do. Every breakdown landed with purpose, every movement demanded your attention, and the audience answered with nonstop movement from the front rail to the back of the field. It was one of those performances where the energy never dipped, and every frame felt like it captured a different side of the storm unfolding onstage.
Kingdom Collapse carried that momentum forward with a hard-hitting performance that showcased exactly why they've been gaining so much attention. Their chemistry onstage translated directly into the crowd, creating one of those sets where you could feel the connection between band and fans in real time.
Then came a different kind of moment.
Story of the Year didn't just perform they reminded everyone why they've remained a cornerstone of post hardcore for over two decades. Watching thousands of voices become one as classic songs echoed across the festival grounds was a powerful reminder that great music never loses its impact. It was nostalgia for me I felt like I was back Highschool Jamming out with my friends on the bleachers listing to their timeless songs that delivered with the same passion they've always had.
The lookout stage Up the Hill went up in Full Chaos when Zero 9:36 took over, seamlessly taking rock, hip hop, and modern alternative into a set that kept the audience engaged from beginning to end.
Moments later, Magnolia Park injected a burst of youthful energy into the festival, proving that the next generation of rock continues to push the genre forward without losing sight of what makes live music so exhilarating.
As daylight gave way to darkness, there was a palpable shift across the festival grounds. Everyone knew what was coming.
Then Gojira took the stage.
There's heavy, and then there's Gojira.
Watching them perform from the photo pit was an experience I'll be thinking about for a long time. Joe Duplantier's commanding presence, Luigi Paraventi’s impossible precise drumming, Christian Andreu and Jean Michel Labadie locking into crushing grooves it all came together in a performance that felt almost elemental. Towering visuals, thunderous sound, and an audience completely locked into every note transformed the festival grounds into something unforgettable. It wasn't just a headline set. It was a statement. Unfortunately they didn't have Mario Duplantier performing due to travel issues but Gojira made sure they found someone to fill in and I personally was so Happy to find out that they chose none other than my boy Luigi Paraventi from the band “Paleface Swiss” 21 years old from Brazil and this kid is seriously this Generations best drummer to date he brings a passion to the drum kit and music overall that I’ve never seen someone so young carry with them and to play with legends like Gojira just proves that this kid is seriously going places and he truly deserved this special moment.
As I packed away my gear at the end of the night, I realized my memory cards weren't just filled with photos they held snapshots of a day defined by passion, intensity, and the unmistakable bond between artists and fans. That's what makes Upheaval stand out. It isn't simply about stacked lineups or massive productions. It's about standing shoulder to shoulder with thousands of people who understand exactly why this music matters.
Day 1 didn't ease us into the weekend. It threw us straight into the fire and every band I had the chance to photograph left their mark. If this was the opening chapter, Upheaval had already made one thing clear: this weekend wasn't going to be forgotten anytime soon.
Day 2
If Day 1 set the tone, Day 2 at Upheaval Festival hit the gas and never let up.
From the time I walked through the gates with my camera slung over my shoulder, the festival grounds were buzzing with anticipation. Every stage was alive, every crowd was louder than the last, and the final day delivered one unforgettable performance after another.
My day behind the lens started with Silly Goose, whose controlled chaos immediately ignited the crowd. Their relentless energy made for the kind of photo pit that keeps you moving every second.
Dying Wish followed with a crushing set full of raw emotion and unrelenting aggression, proving once again why they're one of the most exciting bands in heavy music today.
Alyxx brought a different kind of intensity, commanding the stage with confidence and giving me plenty of standout moments to capture.
Then came Jinjer, and as expected, they were nothing short of incredible. Watching Tatiana Shmayluk effortlessly shift between haunting melodies and ferocious growls while the band locked into every technical groove was a reminder of why they're such a force on any festival lineup.
One of the day's most memorable performances came from the Highly Anticipated Silent Planet. Their music has always carried emotional weight, but seeing that translate live is something else entirely. Every movement, every lyric, and every crowd response created moments that felt as powerful through the camera as they did standing in the pit.
Then the mood shifted in the best way possible as Bilmuri hit the stage. Equal parts heavy, hilarious, and unpredictable, they had the crowd smiling just as much as they had them moving. It was one of those sets that reminded everyone not to take themselves too seriously while still delivering an incredible performance. I’ve been wanting to Cover Bilmuri for Several Years now and I’m truly grateful and so happy I got to experience and achieve a dream of covering and working with the seriously talented band that is Bilmuri. I highly recommend you check them out!
I then headed over to the Lookout stage to capture Set It Off headline and keep the momentum rolling with a polished, high-energy show that had fans singing every word. Their stage presence and connection with the audience made every song feel like an anthem, creating one of the most electric crowds of the day.
As the sun dipped lower, it was time for the legends.
Papa Roach didn't just close the night they owned it. From the first note, Jacoby Shaddix had the audience in the palm of his hand, feeding off the energy of thousands of fans who screamed every lyric back at the stage. Decades into their career, they continue to perform with the same passion and intensity that made them icons and witnessing it from the photo pit was something I'll never forget.
What continues to separate Upheaval from so many other festivals isn't just the lineup it's the people. The fans show up with unmatched passion, the artists leave everything they have on stage, and the crews behind the scenes make the impossible look effortless. It's a festival built by people who genuinely love heavy music, and you can feel that in every corner of the grounds.
When the lights finally came up and I packed away my gear, I realized I wasn't just leaving with memory cards full of photos—I was leaving with another collection of moments I'll never forget.
Day 2 was loud, emotional, relentless, and exactly what a rock and metal festival should be.
Upheaval Festival continues to prove why it's become one of the premier destinations for heavy music in the Midwest. If this weekend is any indication, the future of the festival has never looked brighter. I’ve always wanted to cover a festival since I started photography and what better first choice and first time then at Upheaval, I’m Truly so Grateful for the opportunity and can’t wait to do it again next year. Go Check out Upheaval you definitely won’t be disappointed.
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