Blue Ridge Raged On While The Weather Lurked In The Shadows on Day 2

All Photos By Kellye Robinson & Trevor Williams

After day 1 was abruptly cut short, anticipation for day 2 was at an all time high. Fans eagerly lined up and quickly entered the venue so that they wouldn’t miss a moment of the music.

On the Famous Monsters stage, San Antonio metalcore band Upon a Burning Body returned to Blue Ridge Rock Fest for the second year in a row. Showing pride in where they come from, they had a huge Texas state flag as their backdrop. They are known for their high-energy stage presence. Often enter the stage with an intense burst of energy, setting the tone for the entire show.

The band members move around the stage, interacting with the audience and each other, creating a dynamic and engaging atmosphere.

Crown the Empire took the stage at the Blue Ridge Rock Fest 2023 with an electrifying presence that got fans excited for the rest of the day. They delivered a performance that left a lasting impact on fans and newcomers alike. The band’s unique blend of post-hardcore and metalcore was on full display, creating an atmosphere charged with emotion and energy.

Crown the Empire’s stage presence was magnetic, as they engaged with the crowd, encouraging sing-alongs and creating an intimate connection with their fans. The band’s chemistry was evident as they moved seamlessly across the Monster Energy stage throughout their show.

Chelsea Grin, in particular, made their presence known on the Famous Monsters Stage. Marking their second appearance at the festival they solidified their status as a crowd favorite.

With visual effects such as colorful lighting, fog machines and strobe lights, they created an atmosphere to match the intensity of their music. Vocalist Tom Barber’s stage presence is powerful as he engages with the audience and creates an atmosphere that matches the dark and aggressive nature of their music. 

On the Monster Energy Stage, Trustcompany made a monumental return to live music, marking their first show in 12 years and reuniting with their full original band members after an astounding 17 years.

This emotional and highly anticipated reunion left fans both in awe. The band showed appreciation to their fans for sticking with them after all the years. Their set ended with their biggest hit, “Downfall”, which left the crowd feeling nostalgic.

Of Mice and Men took the ZYN Stage by storm with the promise of a new album on the horizon.  It had been 1313 days since their last live show so there was a lot of anxious energy leading up to their set.

The crowd’s anticipation was palpable as they eagerly awaited a glimpse of the band’s upcoming material. Teasing fans with what was to come, they played the never heard before song, “Into the Sun.” Their setlist was composed of both new and old songs, which made all fans happy.

Meanwhile, After the Burial graced the Famous Monsters Stage, treating fans to the premiere of two new songs, “Nothing Gold” and “Death Keeps Us From Living” left a lasting impression. During their performance, vocalist Anthony revealed that they were releasing a new album soon.

Throughout their set, the band’s energy radiated into the crowd. Closing their set with an unmistakable guitar riff from “Behold the Crown”, fans started jumping with the rhythm of the song. This was just a warm up show for the massive upcoming tour with Motionless in White.

Throughout their set, the band’s energy radiated into the crowd. Closing their set with an unmistakable guitar riff from “Behold the Crown”, fans started jumping with the rhythm of the song. This was just a warm up show for the massive upcoming  tour with Motionless in White. 

Despite the looming threat of more dangerous weather, Knocked Loose unleashed a relentless onslaught of heavy riffs and bone-shaking breakdowns on the ZYN stage. Their high-octane performance sent shockwaves through the crowd, starting a frenzy of mosh pits and crowd-surfing.

The band’s raw intensity and frontman Bryan Garris’s ferocious vocals left a lasting impression, making it clear why Knocked Loose has become a formidable force in modern hardcore and metalcore music. Their set was a visceral and unapologetic sonic assault that left fans exhilarated and craving more.

Flyleaf’s reunion on the Monster Energy Stage was a trip down memory lane for fans, as they showcased their lineup featuring all original members. The band’s ethereal melodies and powerful lyrics resonated throughout the festival grounds, evoking a sense of both nostalgia and renewed appreciation for their music.

Lacey Sturm’s emotive vocals captivated the audience, and the chemistry among the band members was obvious. Flyleaf played familiar songs such as “I’m So Sick”, “Cassie”, and “Fully Alive.”

As the sun began to set and the rain clouds began to dissipate, Sleep Token made their way onto the ZYN stage, They used the opportunity to introduce their new album to the world, delivering a show that will surely be remembered as one of their largest in a US festival setting.

The performance began with a hushed silence that envelops the crowd. Sleep Token’s enigmatic frontman, known only as “Vessel,” emerges onto the stage heavily drenched in fog. Wearing a flowing robe and a mask, it added to the mystery and intrigue.

Vessel’s powerful and soulful voice captivates the audience from the very first note, drawing them into a world where emotion and music are intertwined. As their popularity had skyrocketed over the last year, the crowd for their set was massive compared to when they played the fest in 2022. 

After the sun went down,  Job for a Cowboy reunited on the Famous Monsters Stage, marking their first show in seven years. Teasing fans with the promise of new music after a nine-year hiatus, they played their latest release, “The Agony Seeping Storm.”

During their song, “Entombment of a Machine”, Will Ramos, from Lorna Shore joined them on stage. This epic duo featuring two deathcore’s finest vocalists, had the crowd in an insane frenzy. 

Getting ready to start The Touring the End of the World Tour, Motionless in White returned to Blue Ridge Rock Festival for the third year in a row.  Each time playing a bigger stage to a significantly larger audience

In the middle of their set, Chris Motionless made an emotional tribute to their dedicated fans that demonstrated the deep appreciation for the support they’ve received throughout their career. Literally, with pyro, they set the stage ablaze with their incendiary performance, reminding everyone why they are a force to be reckoned with in the metal world.

Lorna Shore’s appearance on the Famous Monsters Stage was nothing short of a sonic tempest that engulfed the festival-goers in a torrent of crushing brutality and haunting melodies. As they took the stage, the crowd was immediately transported to a dark and foreboding realm, driven by their intense brand of deathcore.

The band’s frontman, Will Ramos, unleashed guttural growls and unearthly shrieks that sent chills down the spines of onlookers. Lorna Shore’s precision in execution and their ability to seamlessly blend melody with extreme heaviness showcased their evolution as a powerhouse within the metal scene. Lorna Shore’s set was a  highlight of the festival, and a reminder of the boundless possibilities within heavy music.

Slipknot, headlining the Monster Energy Stage for the second year in a row at Blue Ridge Rock Fest. Their stage setup was a spectacle in itself, featuring eerie visuals and the band’s iconic masks. As the curtain dropped and the band erupted into their set, the crowd was engulfed in a sensory overload of sound and visuals.

Slipknot’s intense energy and precision were on full display as they blazed through a setlist that spanned their career. Corey Taylor’s commanding presence as the frontman and the collective energy of the band members created an electrifying atmosphere that left fans craving more. 

However, as the sun began to rise on day 3, ominous clouds covered the sky. Due to rain and thunderstorms, festival management delayed opening the fest gates until the weather passed. Shortly after, the decision was made to cancel the entire day due to possible inclement weather. They also announced that a decision for Sunday would be made at 5pm. 

The final announcement was made at 5pm that the festival had been officially canceled leaving many fans feeling heartbroken and disappointed. Although the festival didn’t go as planned, attendees made the most out of the time they were given and the band’s that they did get to see.