Live Review: Beastfest 4 at Leo’s Red Lion, Gravesend (29/08/26)

Taking place on Saturday August 29th at the iconic Leo’s Red Lion in Gravesend, Beastfest returned for its 4th, and possibly final stand-alone, iteration. Featuring an array of stellar bands across the metal and rock spectrum, if this was it for the all-dayer, it went out with a bang.

Traffic on route to the venue meant that I arrived a little later than planned, so I only got to watch half of the opening band, Heavy Mass Driver. A punchy riff-drenched, fuzzed-out head banger of a band who set the volume bar at a high place. They were tight, pulling in a decent crowd for being the first band on, and looking nice and relaxed on stage. I liked them.

I also liked Stormborn, who brought a bit of power to proceedings, sounding suitably epic and having a bit more stage presence. They’re a melodic metal band with power infusions and one hell of popular booking, based off the crowd swell and response.

The Cartoon Cartel also brought the crowd in, but whereas I liked the first two bands, I loved what the dirty groove-infused power trio delivered. I missed them at Bloodstock, so I was glad to make up for that here, and came away really impressed by them. Sometimes wild, fast, and heavy, sometimes chilled, melodic, and touching, they were one of the best bands of the day.

Pryma were up next and hit the stage with the kind of confidence and presence that puts the exclamation mark on what most already know, that this band is going places. They sounded huge, delivering a thrilling blast of rock and metal that cleverly genre bends.

It’s a tough set to follow, but the room was buzzing for the return of Silas. Having not played together for around a decade (it has been even longer since I last saw them), it was clear that a lot of people were here for it. Good thing they didn’t disappoint then, eh? It was an awesome showcase of progressive rock and metal, with plenty of riffs and powerful vocal harmonisation.

The halfway point of the day then saw a sonic shift as nu-metalcore outfit Devilhusk took to the stage with the intent to cause some chaos. They’re a hot band right now, always busy releasing new music, but unfortunately, technical issues affected the first part of their set which hurt momentum. However, I thought they recovered admirably and showed just why they are considered a band to keep a close eye on.

Talking of keeping a close eye on a band, Riff Dealer were up next and it’s fair to say, pulled in the biggest crowd of the day. The riff-driven, groove-infused, metal band hit the stage with headliner-like aura and showed just why their debut album ‘New Blood’ is a must listen. The chemistry in this band is off the charts and the cherry on top is a rousing rendition of Killswitch Engage’s The End of Heartache with Joe from Devilhusk on guest vocals. They were fantastic.

From that to one of my personal favourite bands, Tribe of Ghosts who bring all their inimitable intensity, chaotic energy, stunning vocal harmony, esoteric vibes, and then some, to a vibrant show. I will never tire of hearing the likes of False Gods and Hive live, but they also remain one of the most watchable bands in the UK scene too. Hopefully, these days, I’m preaching to the bloody choir as far as Tribe of Ghosts’ quality goes.

Leo’s Red Lion and Famyne go hand in hand, so when the melodic doom band were revealed as a mystery guest band, it wasn’t too much of a surprise (especially as two members of Famyne also play in Silas), yet familiarity doesn’t mean disappointment. Famyne are consistently brilliant, and on a day filled with brilliant bands, they still manage to stand out as one of the best.

However, for me, the day belonged to one band and that was the incomparable Ten Ton Slug, who made their long-awaited return to English shores and delivered a staggering showcase of riff-laden sludge. The kind that comes with a smile and tons of personality. They’re an easy band to love, especially when a show like this comes with filthy riffs, thick groove, and pure head banging inducing riffs.

Finally, and wrapping up the night, it’s Cage Fight, who have been on an absolute tear this year. Not only releasing a banger new album, but hitting stage after stage with the kind of unforgettable energy that screams ‘next level’.

Guess what? That is exactly what they brought here too, delivering their focused, no-nonsense hardcore sound with the kind of intensity that is staggering to see. I’ve said before that I think Rachel is one of the world’s best vocalists, and to hear her not miss a note while being part of an energetic pit for Pick Your Fighter, was stunning. It’s all over too quickly, alas, but I wasn’t complaining about a vicious sounding version of Pig being the track to end things.

So that was Beastfest 4. A one-dayer like no other featuring an array of bands that shows just how strong the scene is, not only locally, but across the entire country. If you weren’t there, you missed out!