SOS FEST - DAY 2 - SATURDAY 5TH JULY
- snaphappypixie
- Jul 6
- 4 min read
Review part#1 By Snap Happy Pixie Photography
Day two of the SOS Festival at Whittles Tokyo in Oldham unfolded under surprisingly resilient spirits, despite the initial grey skies. Even as the rain began to fall steadily, the dedicated festival-goers remained in remarkably good spirits, embracing their status as 'soggy fans' with enthusiasm. Their positive energy seemed to coax the heavens, as after lunchtime, the sunshine bravely tried to break through, and spirits remained contagiously high.
Inside the bustling venue, North Yorkshire rock band This House We Built proved to be an undeniable force; they commanded an almighty crowd, who were clearly captivated by the band's delivery of massive, bone-shaking riffs that resonated throughout the space.
Later, out on the outdoor stage, fan-favourites Dacara ignited a different kind of energy. Often seen as the underdogs of the Manchester music scene, their journey, which includes playing prestigious events like Download, clearly resonated with the audience, and they wasted no time in getting the crowds thoroughly pumped, proving why they're such a beloved act.
Reaper UK, the blistering metal militia band, has swiftly become a force to be reckoned with on the live circuit, leaving a trail of sonic destruction in their wake.
Playing next on the indoor stage here at SOS Festival 2025, these lads cause nothing short of chaos and destruction.
Their sound is built on the bedrock of incredibly chunky riffs that hit you like a sonic sledgehammer, driving a powerful rhythm that compels instant headbanging.
But it’s not just brute force; their performances are punctuated by blistering solos that scream with technical precision and raw emotion, each note meticulously crafted yet delivered with unrestrained fury.
The crowd's response is a testament to their mastery; from the moment the first chord rings out, a sea of metal horned salutes rises in unison, faces contorted in expressions of pure exhilaration. It’s truly something to witness this young group of lads command such a fervent following, effortlessly igniting an inferno of energy that permeates every corner of the venue.
They don't just play the songs; their pummelling riffs assault your ears in such a way it gives you the most ultimate ear-gasm you will have ever received, transforming each gig into a high-octane celebration of pure, unadulterated heavy metal, proving without a doubt that they have what it takes to really get the crowds pumped up and then some.
Review Part #2 By Mr Beard
The air at SOS Festival was electrified, as Dutch Hard Rock/Progressive Rock powerhouse, Diggeth, absolutely blew the crowds away on the outdoor stage.
This isn't just another band; Diggeth will digest it – every riff, every rhythm, every raw emotion – and will spew out their audacious mix of hard rock, progressive flourishes, and a myriad of other genres into songs brimming with undeniable hooks, bone-rattling heaviness, and an infectious groove.
This kick-ass three-piece isn't just playing; they're redefining what it means to be a modern rock outfit..
Their live shows are legendary.
The promised mix of genres is never forced, a jarring transition, but rather a seamless, organic force that flows, pulses, grinds, and most importantly, undeniably grooves, captivating every soul in attendance.
At the helm of this sonic assault is Harald “Big H”, the big-bearded, veteran guitar slinger and vocalist who founded the band and truly knows his trade. From his massive, big-sounding guitar tones and weathered, raw, yet melancholic vocals that cut deep, to the low-end thunder provided with masterful precision by bass player Natasja, aptly known as “Pebbles”, and the powerhouse, grooving, heavy drums laid down by Casper “The Chief”; each member is an indispensable cog in Diggeth’s formidable machine, delivering a performance to the crowds here at SOS Fest 2025 that truly leaves a lasting impact.
SOS Festival 2025's Saturday night belonged unequivocally to Manchester's own power metal juggernaut, Absolva.
Headlining the packed evening, the band delivered an unforgettable performance, centred around the highly anticipated launch of their new album, Justice.
In a bold move, they played the entire record from start to finish, a testament to their confidence in the new material and a true treat for the dedicated fanbase that had converged on the stage.
At the helm, the formidable Appleton brothers – Chris, a captivating presence on lead vocals and searing lead guitar, commanded the crowd with his powerful delivery and intricate solos, whilst Luke laid down a formidable bass foundation with his characteristic stage presence and anchoring backing vocals.
Their synergy, honed over years, was palpable, driving the band's relentless energy.
Completing this powerhouse lineup were the welcomed return of Tom Atkinson, whose blistering 2nd guitar added another vital layer to their signature twin-axe attack, and perched behind the kit, the undisputed 'Thunder God' Martin McNee, whose thunderous precision drumming provided the relentless rhythmic backbone.
As Saturday night's headliners, Absolva's draw was immense. Suffice to say, you literally couldn't get near the stage for these stalwarts of the Manchester metal scene.
The arena was a pulsating mass of humanity, wall-to-wall people who had turned out in their droves for this truly almighty act.
The roar of approval as they launched into the first track of Justice was deafening, a collective acknowledgment of a band at the absolute peak of their powers, delivering a show that will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the festival's defining moments.
SOS Fest Day 2 was nothing more than superb, tomorrow i'm sure i will be waking up with a bad case of mosh neck that's for certain!
