Camden Rocks? Bloody right it does! Let's face it, Camden has some of the most iconic venues in London, so having 14 playing host to some of the best new and established bands from midday was simply too good to miss.  The atmosphere in all the venues was buzzing and without doubt we didn't see a single poor performance, 

All festival goers are familiar with bands clashing problem but Camden Rocks takes it to the next level with countless bands we wanted to see on at the same time. Deciding which band to see is like choosing your favourite child, you just can’t do it, so we came up with a simple formula, choice would be driven by proximity to last venue and the quality of the Guinness.

After collecting our wrist bands from the Worlds End Pub we had a couple of ‘control’ pints before setting off.

So off to the Stillery for the band Metal hammer are calling the next big thing in British Metal EofE hailing from the Midlands they cut through the pretty boy image and slam us with some impressive songs. Egging the smallish but willing crowd into some participation EofE really enjoy themselves, Wake Up and Bridges standing out from their relatively short set.

Having multiple venues means that more bands get the chance to play and also give the fans some important decisions to make, I for one feel fully satisfied that I made the decision to walk the length on Camden High St to see The Fallen State (I also thank the person who managed to screw up the timings at Belushi’s Cavern Club). The Fallen State play good honest rock and deliver a show the way it should be big riffs, thumping Bass lines, superb drumming and singer that not only sings like a rock star he looks like one too! (Jealousy is a wonderful thing). Get Up starts the set and from the opening beats the band don’t let up, Great Unknown and Burn it to the Ground deliver as does the final song Hope is Revival and with that the band are off stage and every one of us in the crowd have a huge smile on our faces, definitely one band to catch again.

Ginger Wildheart has Proud packed to the rafters for his afternoon slot, and with a heavy heart we give up and leave the queue knowing that anyone lucky enough to be inside is likely to stay put. No Guinness available which meant alas we wouldn’t be seeing Glen Matlock.

One of the other things about a festival like Camden Rocks is that you are likely to stumble across a band that you have never heard (yes I know they have been around for years), and one that you will always look for on a festival line up from now on. The St Pierre Snake Invasion are that band this year. The Hawley Arms puts everyone on the same level including the band, only the drummer gets some elevation and the SPSI kick off their set with the rasping Thanks But The Answer’s No and they or the crowd don’t look like the show is going to slow up anytime soon. With Call The Coroner & Jesus, Mary and Joseph Talbot only takes things to another level. Add some banter about the impending FA Cup Final and requests for drinks lead singer Damien Sayell keeps things in time and with a stunning sing a long If the only way is Essex you can kill me now you can see why they are making a name for themselves. 

Heavens Basement requires some queuing but the wait is so worth the while, The Underworld delivers the stage, the crowd bring the atmosphere and the band brings some of the best new rock you are likely to hear in a long time – oh it’s going to be a good show as the opening riff of Executioners Day blasts out over the speakers. Getting hot and sweaty is in order as I am Electric, Can’t Let Go & Lights Out in London brings the mandatory crowd surfing from lead singer Arron Buchanan and some of the crowd. As if the crowd could sense the upturn in tempo Heartbreaking Son of a Bitch delivers it with such force but the band don’t let up and with the rousing Nothing Left to Lose the crowd get the participation they have been waiting for. Jump Back, Welcome Home and the grand finale Fire Fire bring a stunning show to an end. If you haven’t seen Heavens Basement yet I suggest you make it your mission. 

Skindred are one of my favourite bands, but as this was Bullet For My Valentines only London gig this year it was time to walk a few yards up the road.

BFMV are a big, big headliner for Camden Rocks and it shows the aspirations of the festival. The Electric Ballroom is bursting at the seams as BFMV take to the stage and launch into No Way Out and the masses gathered before them go ballistic. Matt Tuck and the boys take us through a journey to heavy metal heaven and back. Raising Hell, Scream Aim Fire & All These Things I Hate brings the ballroom to its knees and as we try to catch our breath our senses are smashed again and again. Pleasure and Pain and the song we had all been waiting for Tears Don’t Fall and with that we have to find our way out of the rubble.

Camden Rocks has delivered yet again and with this year being a sell-out it can only get bigger and better. The festival and the venues are a perfect fit and its success is not only due to the superb organisation but to the fans as well.

Article by Andy Jamieson
Photos by Trudi Knight & PGBrunelli