Fresh off the back of a hugely successful Metal 2 The Masses campaign, No Play Festival offered a chance to capitalise on the revival of the Liverpool Metal Scene. Situated in the shadow of Evertons new Bramley Moore Dock stadium, the Invisible Wind Factory provided a setting for bands from all over the country and beyond to prove their worth across 2 rather contrasting stages.
Read MoreThe final morning of the festival sees us welcomed by local favourites Where Oceans Burn. The band is growing from strength to strength and there are elements of grunge, tech-metal, and groove metal throughout.
Read MoreWe wake up early, roll out of the tents and make our way to the press area to grab a coffee and prepare for a full day of live bands and interviews. We start the day with Cavekiller, complete with Hawaiian shirts, and Glower offering us some hardcore tinged metal.
Read MoreIt's Saturday morning, the sun is shining and the shuttle buses are shuttling. In fact, I have got very little to moan about, so let's go straight into the bands. Our day starts with Californian natives Dirty Honey who are playing their first show on the shores. Their retro-fuelled sound brings to mind The Black Crowes’ electrifying opening set on these very grounds thirty-one years ago. They share the ability to feel simultaneously authentic but also thoroughly modern. They have taken a much-trodden route and made it very much their own.
Read MoreThere’ve been times that Slam Dunk looked like it may have shot its final 3-pointer, what with the date changes close to four times across the pandemic. But the determined promoters kept at it and managed to get the festival, together with a still fantastic line-up to the masses of Leeds and Hatfield. I’m off to the North date, and start by navigating the intricate shuttle bus queuing system in the centre of Leeds (have I just entered Alton towers?). Pleasingly I can see loads of people are ensuring they get there for opening at Slam Dunk 2021.
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