SACRAMENTO — Discovery Park sizzled both literally and figuratively Friday on the second day of the rock and roll circus that is Aftershock Fest. The heat ruled the day, and with temperatures stretching into the mid-90s, fans sought out shady spots to take in the day’s action or lined water stations to hydrate. It was noticeable to the acts too, with many pointing out the heat. The musical fireworks were also on display with a pair of the most visual bands in hard rock ending the day.

KISS

Legendary rockers KISS lived up to their reputation, packing in a stadium-sized production. A festival can sometimes limit with theatrics and visuals, but that didn’t apply to KISS, who packed everything and the kitchen sink. There were pyrotechnics, flames and moving platforms. Two massive statue-like figures representing each band member towered over each side of the stage.

The band opened with an explosive rendition of “Detroit Rock City,” which featured nonstop pyro as the KISS members were lowered down from the ceiling. KISS’ set was one of the longest for an Aftershock headliner in recent memory, stretching just shy of two hours. In the crowd, the KISS Army was well-represented with many donning full costumes and face paint—a tough task on such a hot day.

“This is our 13th time playing here!” Paul Stanley announced with his trademark high-pitched delivery. “For us, it’s more like ‘Sacra-mental!'” It’s a number that seems too low for a band with such an expansive career, but that’s neither here nor there.

Flames filled the stage on tracks like “War Machine” and “Shout It Out Loud.” It’s relatively understood that a KISS set is over-the-top and bombastic. It’s all part of the fun.

“We made it through that panic-demic; that was scary stuff, but it’s OK—we have a doctor here with us,” Stanley said before the band launched into “Calling Dr. Love.”

There was plenty of musicianship alongside all the theatrics. There were extended musical interludes and jams galore, and every member of the band got a solo. At one point Stanley and guitarist Tommy Thayer pulled out a guitar duel as another explosion rocked all sides of the stage, and Stanley’s guitar launched its own pyro.

The classic rock heroes’ set wasn’t necessarily for everyone at Aftershock, but the band still drew a massive crowd. Fans of heavier music were drawn to performances by Lamb of God or Meshuggah, who were performing at the same time.

The band closed out with classic singalong anthems “Do You Love Me” and “Rock and Roll All Nite.”

Danzig

Glenn Danzig’s namesake band was a late addition to Aftershock after Judas Priest dropped out, but the band provided plenty of heavy metal fireworks. It was a return appearance for the singer. His other band, The Original Misfits, played here last year.

“Want us to turn up the heat? We’ll give you more heat,” Danzig declared early on in the set.

The stocky singer attacked the stage up and down as the band churned out riffs for a 10-song set spanning the band’s catalog. Opening with “SkinCarver,” Danzig followed it up with “Eyes Ripping Fire” and “Her Black Wings.”

Glenn Danzig’s voiced was strong and his performance energetic as the band tapped into the most material from Danzig and Danzig III. As expected, the band closed with the classic “Mother.”

GWAR

Slipknot and KISS weren’t the only bands with masks or face paint—heavy metal band GWAR brought one of the most visual and gory sets of the weekend. When it comes to GWAR’s stage show, if you know, you know. While the band only played a half dozen songs over 40 minutes, that doesn’t tell the whole story. The members took the stage in their highly detailed costumes, with everything from giant deer antlers to masks and furs.

The set also had blood, and plenty of it. A headless body shot a cannon’s worth of blood into the crowd. Those near the railing likely took the brunt of it. The band began with “The Cutter” and “The Issue of Tissue (Spacecake).”

Between songs, GWAR bantered about any number of things, from lost love to polyamorous relationships, the war in Ukraine, or the Civil War—just about nothing was off limits. During the set, there was always something to look at. Actors battled it out in the middle of the stage; others simply walked around adding extra personality. GWAR brought a unique dynamic to the night and infused some unpredictable life.

Chevelle

It’s possible no band has played Aftershock quite as often as Chevelle over the festival’s 10 years. The band’s Friday night set was the fifth time appearing at the festival dating all the way back to Year 1.

This afternoon set wasn’t a collection of greatest hits, but rather a journey through some of the its heaviest material. While songs like “The Red,” “Send the Pain Below” and “I Get It” were all represented, Chevelle played the deeper cuts, too.

The Chicago trio has always kept it simple at its shows. It achieved punishing heaviness without the help of electronics or backing tracks. Chevelle played songs from its latest album, released at the height of the pandemic, which meant that most fans hadn’t had the chance to hear newer stuff like “Mars Simula” and “Self Destructor” in concert before.

Motionless in White

Hard rockers Motionless in White brought their patented mix of heavy metal and cyber/synth hard rock.

Led by vocalist Chris “Motionless” Cerulli, the band kept the crowd moving with heavy tracks like “Disguise” and “Signs of Life.”

Cerulli kept encouraging the crowd to get crazier and sing louder as the performance unfolded. The eight-song set was also capped off with a surprise: a hard rock cover of The Killers’ “Somebody Told Me.”

Spiritbox

One of hard rock’s buzziest bands, Spiritbox was one of the highlights of Friday afternoon.

They’re the only band to be invited to all of the Danny-Wimmer-Presents-produced rock festivals this year, and for good reason.

The Canadian hard rockers proved why they’re ones to watch by delivering a poised and punishing set showcasing their mix of melodic and guttural heaviness.

Vocalist Courtney LaPlante owned the stage, making deliberate but powerful moves. The pit was active on songs like “Circle With Me” and “Holy Roller.” Spiritbox even worked in its stellar new track, “Rotoscope.” The genius of the performance was that the 30-minute, six-song outing likely left fans hungry for more.

Set It Off

Set It Off was one of the few pop-punk bands on the bill, bringing a highly energetic performance. The band brought out songs like “Killer in the Mirror” and “Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing.” At one point, Set It Off even mixed in a quick cover of Backstreet Boys’ “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back).” It was great counter-programming to the heavier bands.

Nemophila

Japanese hard rock quintet Nemophila provided one of the best sets of the day, churning out heavy metal. Maybe even more impressive, young vocalist Mayu performed while pregnant, with the band taking a moment to give her accolades during the set.

The band’s sound had a little bit of BabyMetal’s energy, but they’re two very different bands.

 

 

 

Follow writer Mike DeWald at Twitter.com/mike_dewald.