Hella Rock Festival 2025: Highlights
- Sabo
- Sep 2
- 2 min read
In the home of British heavy metal, the West Midlands, sits a one-day rock festival that is both affordable and brings a great mix of hard rock and heavy metal grassroots bands to the forefront. Aptly named "Hella Rock Festival" at the HMV Empire, Coventry; myself and the on-screen ball and chain, GlamRat, were very kindly invited along to see what it's all about!
The day started for us of course with the obligatory pre-festival wetherspoons fuel up - barely a five minute walk away from the venue in Coventry centre! The HMV Empire boasts an impressive live room, 2 bars, and balcony overlooking the busy town square. Once greeted by our gracious hosts we settled in for a day of rock!
Mystiek
Straight out of the gate and bringing "hella" energy were local band, Mystiek. With a powerful blend of driving riffs akin to 1990's greats like Deftones, Metallica and Alice In Chains, these rough and ready looking boys pounded the stage with their mix of 80s metal and 90s grunge with a heavy, modern feel that did not dissapoint.
Eddie and The Wolves
Keeping the energy and spirits high were the ferocious, Eddie & The Wolves. These guys have an appetite for pounding rhythm, tight harmonies, country/blues-esque melodies, and heavy licks, with an eerily haunting and enchanting overall sound and style. Lots of fun to watch, but prepared to feel all the feelings!
A'priori
The Blackpool based powerhouse trio that puts a modern twist on classic rock. With thrashing drums, groovy synth bass lines, driving guitars, piercing vocals and anthemic sing-along tracks, they always aim to please. Not to mention, the hair, the biceps and smouldering looks... these lads are pure testosterone-fuelled Rock 'N" Roll!
Photography: The Little Rockers
The Virginmarys
From a trio to a duo, The Virginmarys have been gracing our ears with their hard-hitting mix of punk, indie and hard-rock for nearly 20 years, and show no signs of slowing down any time soon. This two-piece make a LOT of noise with just one drum kit, one guitar and those punchy in-your-face vocals. The perfect Hella Rock headliner... PEACE, LOVE, TRUTH, MUSIC.
Photography: The Little Rockers
A HELLA GOOD TIME
Overall, Hella Rock Festival was a hella good time for all involved, and at just £20 a ticket for 8 of the finest bands on the scene right now, its a no-brainer. 2025 was only the second edition for the fledgling festival, but was met with great turnout and response and the date is already set for next year; September 5th 2026. Despite it occuring right at the back end of the summer festival season, the crowd showed no fatigue and the future looks bright for Hella Rock.
Thanks to festival organiser, James Pilling for inviting myself and GlamRat!
Thanks to Mark and Matthew for Photos.
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