Milwaukee Metal Fest Day 1 - The Eagles Club - Milwaukee WI - May 16th 2025

Milwaukee Metal Fest Day 1 – The Eagles Club – Milwaukee WI – May 16th 2025

Review and photos by Kyle Hansen

The first day of Milwaukee Metal Fest 2025, held on Friday, May 16, at The Rave/Eagles Ballroom, showcased a dynamic blend of metal subgenres, drawing both seasoned fans and newcomers to the venue.

I had no idea what I was in for at The Milwaukee Metal Fest. It was unreal to say the least. The stair master challenge was enough to sit for two days after I got home.

I would like to thank the guards up front for thinking of us photographers. They kepp all the flying people front hitting us. Thank you for letting us do our job.

First I noticed the battle jackets. They were amazing Here is a sample of some of them.

Next up were the vendors. They were incredible. For food you had tots, pizza, tacos, burgers, pork sandwiches and more. There were patches galore, t-shirts, hoodies, vinyl, collectibles, Dimebag and just a ton of stuff. Check it out.

The Eagles Club is the best venue for this. I cant not think of anywhere else this could be. I tried to cover all the bands but due to some overlapping I was not able to get them all. The club has three levels. The bottom being for the vendors, the second with The Rave The Bar and The Vibe room and the top being The Eagles Club. An unreal experience covering this event.

The first day of Milwaukee Metal Fest 2025, held on Friday, May 16, at The Rave/Eagles Ballroom, showcased a dynamic blend of metal subgenres, drawing both seasoned fans and newcomers to the venue.

Highlights from Day One

Down: The festival’s opening headliner, featuring Phil Anselmo (Pantera), Kirk Windstein (Crowbar), Pepper Keenan (Corrosion of Conformity), Jimmy Bower (Eyehategod), and Pat Bruders (Crowbar), delivered a powerful set. Their performance was a standout, setting a high bar for the weekend.
Chimaira: Reuniting for a special set, Chimaira’s performance was met with enthusiasm, drawing a dedicated crowd eager to experience their blend of groove and metalcore.
S.O.D. Tribute (Stormbreeders of Death): This all-star tribute band, featuring Scott Ian (Anthrax), Dan Lilker (ex-Anthrax, Nuclear Assault), Jamey Jasta (Hatebreed), and Scott Ian’s son, brought the raw energy of Stormtroopers of Death to life, offering a nostalgic and intense experience for fans.
Enslaved: Known for their progressive black metal sound, Enslaved captivated the audience with their intricate compositions and atmospheric presence.
Paradise Lost: Their set was a journey through gothic and doom metal, resonating deeply with long-time fans and newcomers alike.
Wolves in the Throne Room: Their atmospheric black metal set added a mystical layer to the day’s lineup, providing a moment of introspective heaviness.
Pentagram: The legendary doom band delivered a set filled with classic riffs and haunting melodies, solidifying their status in the metal pantheon.
Exhorder: Their thrash metal performance was a high-energy display, drawing parallels to early Pantera and leaving the crowd energized.
Full of Hell: Known for their grindcore intensity, Full of Hell brought an abrasive and chaotic energy to the stage, pushing the boundaries of extreme metal.
END: Their set was a fusion of hardcore and metal, offering a cathartic experience that resonated with the audience.
Nekrogoblikon: Their theatrical performance, complete with goblin-themed antics, provided a lighthearted and entertaining contrast to the heavier acts.
Deceased: Their old-school thrash death metal set was a throwback to classic sounds, appreciated by fans of traditional metal.

Venue and Atmosphere

The Rave/Eagles Ballroom, a historic venue in Milwaukee, provided an intimate yet expansive setting for the festival. The multiple stages allowed for a diverse range of performances, though some logistical challenges, such as long merchandise lines, were noted by attendees. Despite these minor issues, the overall atmosphere was one of camaraderie and shared passion for metal music.

Overall Impressions

Day One of Milwaukee Metal Fest 2025 set a high standard for the weekend, offering a rich tapestry of metal genres and memorable performances. The blend of legendary acts and emerging bands ensured that there was something for every metal enthusiast, making the festival a significant event in the Midwest’s music scene.

Legions of Dooms