Quest Fest 2026 – The Review

Taking place at KK’s Steel Mill in Wolverhampton on Saturday October 10th, 2026, Quest Fest returned for its ninth event. Packing out an iconic venue with fans of power, prog, fantasy rock/metal, gaming, and so much more. Featuring All for Metal, Myrath, Masterplan, Battle Born, and many more bands.

I went, and I had a fantastic time. Finding a festival not just dedicated to showcasing great music, but a festival dedicated to giving attendees the best event possible. That is what I will remember about Quest Fest 2026, how warm, welcoming, and fun the entire event was. I truly believe that all festivals, one dayers or full weekenders, should strive to be like this. Making their events feel like an event and not just a place for bands to play, space dependant.

From the moment I walked into the main area, I could tell it was going to be a special day. It all just felt so welcoming and there was an overall feeling of positivity in the air. Walking around, it didn’t take me long to get my bearings, and I found myself immediately gravitating to the gaming area. Where, as well as having sofas to chill out on, a variety of consoles were available, tabletop gaming was an option, guitar hero competitions were on-going throughout the day, and in between the bands, Quest Fest’s resident Bard, Eärendil, would perform.

I was in and out of the area a few times. Playing a few games (kicking Lou’s butt in Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter, and Super Mario Kart), watching a bit of guitar hero, and a little bit of the Bard. It was a great area to go if you needed some time away from the nosier and busier main space.

Not that that area was ever uncomfortable, as the size of KKs means there was always somewhere to go if you need to get away from it all. For example, a sizeable smoking area outside, which had a great pizza van for food. Alongside hotdogs and burgers, and a sweet stall, although I didn’t have any so I’m not too sure what was on sale there. Alongside all of that, two large bars meant queues were often at a minimum and prices were fair (£4.50 for a pint of pale ale), and there were numerous stalls selling jewellery, records, and more.

Like I said, an event, and I am glad to have experienced it all, alongside many friendly people, all of whom helped make it a special day overall.

Of course, I didn’t travel all the way to Wolverhampton from London to play Super Mario Kart and have a cheaper pint. So, let’s talk bands. One stage, seven bands, with plenty of time in-between each to recover and be ready for the next.

The day kicked off with Crown Solace, a symphonic metal band with strong stage presence and a pair of vocalists who contrast wonderfully. They set a high bar for the day, delivering energy and excitability, and no small amount of wonder. Whereas Fortune Teller are a bit more direct, and a lot more anthemic. Drawing in one of the biggest crowds of the day (from my perspective), their symphonic metal sound is very dynamic and their choruses undeniably epic. It is ear pleasing stuff and based off the heads being banged around me, I wasn’t alone in being impressed by what they offered.

How about Battle Born though? Heavy metal mayhem that was one of the highlights of the entire day. Seemingly on a mission to get as many steps in as they could throughout the show, the group (drummer aside) simply didn’t stop moving and with so many anthems in their pockets, neither did the crowd. I had a blast with Battle Born and would definitely check them out again.

Of all the bands on the bill, the one I was least familiar with was Serious Black, a melodic power metal band boasting some pedigree within their ranks. Alas, I can’t say too much about them as I didn’t watch a lot of their set. Needing a break from the main room, chatting to some friends, messing around in the gaming area, etc. I did catch a bit of them, and they sounded suitably big, but I was saving myself for Masterplan, and I was so glad I did.

Icons of power metal, they were outstanding, looking like they were having the best time and packing their set with body shaking singalongs. Midpoint confusion over what the next song was added some humour to things, and you could tell that if they had the choice, they would have carried on playing long over their time. The best band of the day by far.

Although I was also impressed by Myrath, and for some people, the Tunisian progressive metal band were clearly the band they were here to see. I don’t know them well enough to have an opinion on that, but I can tell you that they were delightful. Filled with metal power, elaborate melodic detail, and pugnacious progressive intensity, they’re one of the tightest bands of the day and sound so grand.

Which brings me to the headliners, All for Metal.

Cards on the table, I’m not a fan. I’ve not been impressed by their heavy metal/power metal sound on record, and when I saw them at Bloodstock a few years back, I came away even less impressed. However, I am always up for having my mind changed and this seemed like the perfect time and venue to give them another chance.

So, was my mind changed? Am I now a chest-beating, foot-stomping, sword-raising All for Metal fan? No, I’m afraid not. That being said, I get them a little more now. They’re not looking to change the world, and their songs are certainly anthemic, so as a ‘fun’ way to end the night, they make sense as headliner. Ultimately though, they’re not for me.

As for the rest of the night? It’s all a bit of a blur as an after-party at the Gifford Arms lived up to its after-party promise and I drank into the wee hours of the night. Before staggering back to my hotel, head heavy, but heart full. I’ll be back next year. Especially as it is the festival’s 10th anniversary.

Buy tickets for 2027 here!