Ripcord Fest to take place at Nice N Sleazy in Glasgow

Ripcord Fest took place at Nice N Sleazy in Glasgow, celebrating the label’s growth since its inception in 2019. The festival showcased a variety of post-metal, post-rock, and hardcore bands, with each performance offering a unique and energetic experience for attendees.

Opening the festival were Wolves, a band that embodied the ideal festival opener with their chaotic and energetic set. Featuring a three-guitar, four-vocalist lineup, Wolves seamlessly blended Dillinger Escape Plan-esque metal with spoken word jazz interludes and melodic hardcore elements. Bassist Andy Price and vocalist Mark Howes captivated the audience with their unpredictable stage presence, while their powerful lyrics addressing fascism and everyday struggles resonated with the crowd.

Solars took the stage next, delivering a captivating performance that built up from a skittish beginning to an explosive display of dueling guitar lines and propulsive riffing. Their melodies, infused with elements of post-rock, jazz fusion, and 90s alt-rock, kept the audience engaged and energized throughout their set, culminating in a dynamic finale that exemplified the band’s musical prowess.

Civil Service’s post-rock sound provided a reflective and emotional interlude in the lineup, captivating the audience with shimmering guitars and atmospheric compositions. Their dedication to Ripcord Records’ work with suicide prevention charities added a deeper, heartfelt dimension to their performance, creating a sense of unity and warmth among attendees.

Helve brought a sense of intensity and raw emotion to the festival with their powerful rendition of ‘Teeth’, blending elements of southern-fried doom and ghostly ambience to create a multifaceted sonic experience. Their commanding stage presence and masterful range left a lasting impact on the audience, solidifying their reputation as one of the standout acts of the day.

Million Moons’ instrumental rock set transported listeners to a different sonic realm, showcasing a seamless blend of haunting piano melodies, epic guitar posturing, and fiery percussion. Their ambitious and expertly executed performance captured the imaginations of the audience, with each transition between tranquil beauty and energetic intensity feeling like a narrative shift rather than a dramatic contrast.

Closing out the festival was Beneath A Steel Sky, a band well-known in Glasgow’s heavy music scene for their unique blend of post-rock and metal. With razor-sharp vocals and a captivating stage presence, Beneath A Steel Sky delivered a riveting performance that highlighted their musical versatility and solidified their reputation as a crowd favorite.

Overall, Ripcord Fest at Nice N Sleazy offered a diverse and exhilarating lineup of bands that showcased the label’s commitment to pushing musical boundaries and cultivating a vibrant community of artists and listeners. The festival served as a testament to the growth and evolution of Ripcord Records, marking a new chapter in their journey as one of the UK’s most dynamic and exciting music labels.