Sacramento California USA
Written By Sason Bishope Parry
Northern California’s biggest hard rock festival landed in Sacramento on October 10 through the 13th and was hands down their biggest line-up and best edition to date. Over 160,000 music lovers and headbangers from all walks of life poured into Discovery Park to catch a glimpse of their favorite bands. 130+ bands performed throughout the weekend, including headlining sets from Iron Maiden, Slayer, Motley Crue, Slip Knot, Pantera, Evanescence, and many others. It was a mind-boggling smorgasbord of who’s who in rock music and music fan’s dream wonderland oasis. Where else but a festival of this caliber can you see so many amazing bands all in one place.
When the line-up was first dropped earlier this year, Danny Wimmer (founder of Danny Wimmer Presents) had this to say, “Get ready, Sacramento. This is the biggest Aftershock lineup we’ve ever curated and the largest rock and metal festival ever put together in California. See you in October!”
Well, he was right, as organizers outdid themselves with the massive star-packed lineup and the incredible production overall. They transformed every inch of the venue into a rock and heavy metal oasis with multiple stages, fantastic production, arts and crafts, dope merchandise, and so much more. Every year, Aftershock gets decked out in fabulous rock décor from the moment you walk in and throughout the festival grounds. This year was no different, as the festival was an excellent experience for diehard fans who travel from all over to attend California’s biggest hard rock festival.
Beyond the great music, of course, Danny Wimmer always ensures that fans have many great food options, which this year I was happy to see multiple plant-based options around – Thank You, Danny Wimmer Presents (DWP). Given the past week’s record temperatures, fans showed up dressed down and light in their favorite rock, goth, and indie fits and ready to enjoy everything that Aftershock had to offer. The good news is that temperatures had already cooled off a bit, making the weekend much more bearable and enjoyable for fans, who could catch their favorite bands from opening to closing.
The biggest challenge, of course, is who to catch and who to miss. Given so many options across multiple stages, it was impossible to see everything, but like many of the thousands of fans ripping between sets, we did our best.
Musical Highlights from Each Day
DAY 1 – THURSDAY
SLAYER
The night belonged to Slayer, and they dominated every second! Headlining the opening day of Aftershock 2024, Slayer delivered one of the festival’s most anticipated and electrifying performances. With fists in the air and a sea of headbanging fans, the biggest of the night, the band erupted onto the stage with an intense energy that could be felt throughout Sacramento. Their infamous logo was lit up on massive screens amidst a barrage of colors and pyrotechnics that blasted from all parts of the enormous main stage. Thousands of fans went wild as Slayer launched into a relentless 20-song set, marking their second reunion show of 2024. It was a long break since they bid fans farewell in 2019, but definitely worth the wait!
Slayer opened with “South of Heaven,” wasting no time unleashing their ferocious energy. Tom Araya’s iconic and powerful vocals pierced through the air, with fans feeling every bit of raw emotion he was projecting. Alongside Araya, Kerry King, Gary Holt, and Paul Bostaph all delivered razor-sharp riffs and thunderous drumming that kept the energy at full throttle. The setlist included fan favorites like “Reborn,” “Raining Blood,” and “Angel of Death,” each played with raw intensity and with fans screaming along. Slayer came to slay—and they did just that, reclaiming their throne as heavy metal legends with a night fans will never forget!
PANTERA
Pantera made their long-awaited return, and it was nothing short of epic. Following last year’s cancellation, fans were eager for the metal icons, and the band did not disappoint. Taking the stage just before Slayer, the Texas-bred legends wasted no time revving up the crowd with tracks like “A New Level,” “Strength Beyond Strength,” and “Becoming.” Frontman Phil Anselmo exploded onto the stage with an energy from beginning to end that matched the intensity of their iconic sound, immediately engaging the sea of fans with his fiery presence. “I love seeing all the youngsters out here!” Anselmo shouted, grinning as the crowd erupted in response, showing how the band’s music has spanned generations of metalheads. Backed by Rex Brown, Charlie Benante, and Zakk Wylde, Pantera delivered a blistering hour-long set packed with their career-spanning anthems.
Phil Anselmo’s intense energy and dark humor continued to dominate the set as he connected with the crowd, joking, “If you’re trying to figure out the lyrics, find the nearest old MF, and he’s singing them!” The show peaked with a powerful rendition of “Fucking Hostile,” sending fans into a frenzy. Anselmo even led the crowd in chanting “Slayer!” to salute the headliners. It was a long-overdue performance, and Pantera proved they’re still metal gods, leaving the Aftershock crowd electrified and wanting more.
INSANE CLOWN POSSE (ICP)
Insane Clown Posse (ICP) brought their signature chaos to the stage, blending circus-like fun with horror movie madness. The Detroit hip-hop duo emerged in full clown gear, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Diehard fans, many dressed in wild clown costumes with face paint, packed the front rows, eager for the mayhem that was about to unfold.
As expected, the moshing kicked off early, with fans colliding in the pit while being drenched in classic “Faygo showers.” Juggalos—ICP’s devoted followers—fully embraced the madness, chanting along to every word. The horrorcore legends delivered an intense set filled with excellent renditions of songs like “Hokus Pokus” and “The Show Must Go On.” The energy was non-stop, with the duo spraying colored drinks and keeping the wild crowd on their toes, making it an unforgettable, high-energy performance.
CYPRESS HILL
Los Angeles hip-hop legends Cypress Hill took the stage at Aftershock to a haze of smoke and a crowd ready to party. One of the coolest things about Aftershock is mixing hip-hop acts with a heavy rock lineup, and Cypress Hill was the perfect fit. B Real, whose defunct “Smoke Out” Festival once bridged the gap between genres, led the charge, and the group didn’t miss a beat. The crowd vibed hard to fan favorites like “Dr. Greenthumb” and “Hits from the Bong” as the group’s signature sound filled the air. B Real’s unmistakable flow and deep connection to the music and the fans brought an infectious energy to the performance. When they dropped “Insane in the Brain,” complete with a massive skeleton head prop looming at the stage, the crowd went wild, capping off an unforgettable set for the hip-hop superstars.
SEVENDUST
Atlanta hard rockers Sevendust delivered one of the most electrifying performances of Aftershock’s opening day, leaving fans buzzing with energy. Known for their intense, high-octane live shows, the band brought their signature aggression and power from start to finish. “We weren’t sure we’d be able to do this tour, but the Lord works in mysterious ways!” frontman Lajon Witherspoon shouted, addressing the crowd. His words hit home, as the band recently welcomed Mammoth WVH guitarist Jon Jourdan to fill in for Clint Lowery, who’s sitting out this tour. Sevendust wasted no time, launching into fan favorites like “Enemy,” “Praise,” and “Face to Face” with the kind of force that hit the crowd like a tidal wave. A mosh pit erupted as expected, with fans feeding off the band’s relentless energy. From the first note to the last, Sevendust proved they’re still a consistent powerhouse on stage, and their set was a fiery highlight of the day.
DAY 2 – FRIDAY
SLIPKNOT
Day two continued with great music, bigger crowds, and fantastic weather. Slipknot brought pure chaos and energy to day two of Aftershock, delivering a headlining performance that left fans buzzing long after the final note. With massive anticipation,
thousands of fans waited eagerly for the masked metal legends to take the stage, and they did not disappoint. No newbies to headlining Aftershock, Corey Taylor, ever the showman, immediately engaged the crowd: “Welcome to 1999. You will not hear a song written after 1999!” Slipknot took fans on a journey back to their roots, playing early tracks with raw power and intensity, starting with heavy hitters like “Eyeless” and “Wait and Bleed.”
Dressed in their iconic masks and jumpsuits, they commanded the stage, bathed in green light and fog, with Taylor’s vocals cutting through the air like a knife. The setlist was a tribute to their early days, thrilling die-hard fans and even surprising some newer ones. At one point, Taylor spotted fans climbing trees to get a better view, shouting, “What is happening with the people in the trees?” A true testament to their devoted following. Closing with explosive renditions of “Spit It Out,” “Surfacing,” and a powerful “Scissors,” Slipknot ended the night on a high note, leaving an undeniable mark on Aftershock. Their performance was a force of nature, echoing through the crowd and beyond, reminding everyone why they remain one of the most loved and feared metal bands.
FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH
Five Finger Death Punch delivered a show that was nothing short of electrifying at Aftershock. Lead singer Ivan Moody, who has deep roots in Northern California, received a hero’s welcome from the hometown crowd. “As many of you know, I was born in Marysville,” Moody proudly declared. Moody’s energy was unstoppable despite a recent injury at the “Louder Than Life” festival. They kicked off their set with the hard-hitting “Welcome to the Circus,” igniting the crowd and getting the energy cranked to maximum. The band tore through an exhilarating set that blended fan-favorite classics with a few lesser-known B-sides that still resonated with the massive audience. Guitarist Andy James and drummer Charlie Engen put on a masterclass of precision, with searing solos and powerful drum rolls that left fans in awe. Engen, in particular, had several moments to showcase his incredible drumming skills.
A heartwarming highlight came when Moody invited a young fan onto the stage, giving him a memory that would last a lifetime. The band continued to pour their all into performances of “Wash It All Away” and the intense “Burn MF.” Moody’s powerful vocals and the band’s ability to keep the fury alive kept fans moving the entire time. To cap off their incredible set, Moody announced that a portion of the night’s proceeds would go to hurricane relief efforts, earning the crowd even more respect and admiration. Five Finger Death Punch brought the house down with their mix of charisma, heart, and unrelenting energy.
EVANESCENCE
As the sun dipped below the horizon, anticipation for Evanescence was palpable at the Jack Daniels stage. Though Juliette Lewis & The Licks played across the park at the same time, I couldn’t resist the pull of Amy Lee and her powerhouse band. Hailing from Arkansas, they wasted no time captivating the massive crowd with an explosive start, driven by the sheer force of Amy Lee’s unmistakable voice. Fresh off their latest album, Evanescence
delivered a performance brimming with energy and intensity that was impossible to look away from.
Evanescence is the kind of band with endless fan-favorite hits and sing-along anthems. From “Going Under” to “Lithium” and “End of the Dream,” the band proved they’re still as relevant as ever, with Lee’s ethereal yet commanding vocals sweeping across the park like a sonic wave. Arguably one of the most talented vocalists of the weekend and one of my favorite bands, Amy Lee showcased her incredible range on songs like “Imaginary” and “Better Without You,” blending her classical vocal style with heavy, rock-driven instrumentation from her impeccable band. A true highlight came when she sat at the piano for a haunting and powerful rendition of “Lithium,” pausing to reflect, “This song is about taking the good with the bad because you can’t have light without darkness.” Her Zen-like stage presence and her gothic flair kept fans mesmerized throughout the set. Evanescence ended on a high note with crowd favorites like “Call Me When You’re Sober” and my personal favorite, “Bring Me to Life,” closing out with an unforgettable performance that ranked among the best of the weekend.
HIGHLY SUSPECT
Highly Suspect cranked the energy of day two up to a new level as the afternoon crowd swelled in anticipation. Johnny Stevens and twin brothers Rich and Ryan Meyer delivered a performance packed with attitude, grit, and raw power. While their performance may have been brief, the Cape Cod rockers set was undeniably electric, kicking off with the fan-favorite “Bath Salts.” Stevens wasted no time showing off his impressive vocal range, proving once again why he’s a frontman with charisma to burn and a voice that commands attention.
The band kept the momentum rolling, mixing their biggest hits and fresh tracks from their latest album, “As Above, So Below.” Tracks like “Run for Your Death” and “Plastic Boxes” delivered a one-two punch of hard-hitting rock that had fans headbanging and chanting along. The energy was palpable as the crowd fully embraced the band’s unique blend of gritty rock, atmospheric sounds, and introspective lyrics. The Meyer brothers held down the rhythm section with thunderous precision, allowing Stevens to soar with both his vocals and guitar work. Even with a shorter set, the band packed enough punch to leave a lasting impression on the Aftershock crowd, proving that they are still one of the most exciting rock acts of our time.
THE WARNING
The Warning set Aftershock ablaze, proving that the Villareal sisters from Monterrey, Mexico, are a rock force to be reckoned with. The trio stormed the stage with a ferocious energy that had fans cheering from the get-go. With their undeniable talent, enough sex appeal to go around, and fierce presence, they delivered an explosive set, kicking off with hard-hitting tracks like “Sick,” “More,” and “Que Mas Quieres.” Lead vocalist and guitarist Daniela was unstoppable, her impressive voice soaring as she shredded her guitar with melodic power.
Her sisters, Alejandra and Paulina, brought equal fire, with Alejandra’s slick bass lines and Paulina’s powerhouse drumming driving the band’s sound with flawless passion. The front-row fans couldn’t contain their excitement, screaming and headbanging to every beat. Despite their early afternoon slot, The Warning drew a good-sized crowd, who were fully locked into their performance. As they tore through crowd-pleasers like “Sharks” and “Automatic Sun,” the energy only climbed higher. By the time they closed with “Evolve,” the band had left fans begging for more. The Warning didn’t just perform; they dominated the stage, proving that Mexico was in the house and that they were a rock act that was not to be missed. It was a masterclass in high-octane performance from start to finish.
DAY 3 – SATURDAY
IRON MAIDEN
Iron Maiden delivered one of the most unforgettable and epic performances at Aftershock 2024, electrifying day three with a massive, two-hour set that took the crowd on a metal-fueled journey. Fans, young and old, packed Discovery Park, stretching from the front of the stage to the far reaches of the grounds, even climbing trees or climbing on shoulders just to catch a glimpse of the legendary band. Bruce Dickinson, the iconic frontman, led the charge with unmatched energy, kicking off with classics like “Caught Somewhere in Time,” “Stranger in a Strange Land,” and “The Writing on the Wall,” reminding everyone why Iron Maiden is one of the greatest heavy metal bands of all time. Dickinson’s charisma was on full display as he engaged with the crowd, calling out fans from across the globe. “I see Chile out there! Brazil, too!” he screamed. His sense of humor also lit up the night, joking with one fan about holding a pineapple and teasing the crowd about DeLoreans before launching into the epic “The Time Machine.” They followed this up with an explosive performance of “The Prisoner.”
The stage production was a spectacle in itself, featuring elaborate lighting and effects that illuminated the entire park and sky. The moment fans went wild for? When Iron Maiden’s massive monster mascot stormed the stage, engaging in a wild gun battle with Dickinson—pure chaos and fun that had fans roaring. Iron Maiden tore through their set with relentless energy, closing out the night with powerhouse performances of “Fear of the Dark,” followed by an encore of “Hell On Earth” and “Wasted Years.” For those who missed it, they missed one of the best moments of the entire weekend. Long live Iron Maiden!
JUDAS PRIEST
For 50 years, British rock legends Judas Priest have reigned as heavy metal royalty, and on Aftershock’s third day, they proved exactly why. Led by the iconic Rob Halford, the band tore through a blistering set with eager fans ready to witness the metal masters. Kicking things off with “Panic Attack” from their latest album, Invincible Shield, then wasting no time before launching into one of their biggest anthems, “You Got Another Thing Comin’,” which had the crowd roaring and singing along. “What’s up, maniacs? The Priest is back!” Halford shouted, his voice cutting through the night as powerfully as ever. At 73, Halford showed no signs of slowing down, strutting the stage in a silver outfit like the undisputed
king of metal, hitting the high notes with the same fire he had in the ’70s. Fans erupted when the band dropped classics like “Breaking the Law,” with guitar gods Glenn Tipton and Richie Faulkner shredding through epic solos. Their chemistry and technical skill kept the energy at a fever pitch, especially during the heavy-hitting “Turbo Lover.”
Halford expressed heartfelt gratitude to fans, reminding them of the band’s half-century legacy. “We’ve been together over 50 years, and we couldn’t do this without you,” he said, humble yet commanding. A standout moment came when Halford rode a Harley Davidson onto the stage for “Hell Bent for Leather,” thrilling the audience as he performed part of the song seated, giving it raw, emotional power. As the set neared its end, Priest delivered face-melting performances of “Painkiller” and “Electric Eye” before closing with the massive singalong hit “Living After Midnight.” It was pure metal magic from start to finish, leaving fans in awe and hoping Judas Priest will carry the heavy metal torch for another fifty years. Simply wow!
BODY COUNT
Who would’ve guessed a hip-hop legend could dominate a hard rock festival and stand tall among metal titans? That’s precisely what happened when Ice-T and Body Count took the stage at Aftershock. At nearly 70, Ice-T proved he still has the swagger, ferocity, and presence to rival artists half his age. “Call me an old man, and I’ll beat your ___ right backstage!” he shouted, igniting the massive crowd. Jokes aside, Body Count, brought their A-game and delivered one of the most electrifying sets of the day. They unleashed pure fire right from the start with a brutal cover of Slayer’s “Raining Blood,” Ice-T’s growling rap flow blending seamlessly with the metal riffs, forcing even the most reluctant headbanger to move. The energy hit another level with “There Goes the Neighborhood,” a track that set the tone for Ice-T’s metal journey. Adding to the family vibe, Ice-T brought out his son, Little Ice, as a hype man and even had his daughter, Chanel Nicole, join the stage, making it a true family affair.
Co-founder and guitar virtuoso Ernie C was a beast on the axe, shredding through the set with riffs that could stand toe-to-toe with any of the guitar gods at the festival. Fans were treated to a preview of tracks from Body Count’s soon-to-be-released album, adding even more excitement to an already wild show. The set climaxed with the infamous “Cop Killer,” a track that stirred controversy decades ago but still hits hard today. But the ultimate highlight came when they performed a jaw-dropping cover of Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb,” featuring guitar work from David Gilmour (not present, sadly) and Ernie C, who killed it again! It was a stunning moment that cemented Body Count as more than just a side project for Ice-T—this was a full-blown musical force, blending metal and rap with a message that resonates now more than ever.
STAIND
Staind, the iconic ’90s rockers from Springfield, delivered a powerful late-afternoon set on the Shockwave stage, drawing an immense crowd of eager fans. Keeping things straightforward, they let their music do the talking as the audience sang along to every anthem. Frontman Aaron Lewis commanded the stage with his larger-than-life presence and emotionally charged vocals. Songs like the opener, “Lowest in Me,” along with fan favorites “Eyes Wide Open” and “Fade,” showcased Lewis’ vocal depth, drawing the crowd into every lyric.
Guitarist Mike Mushok’s incredible playing felt like an extension of the songs, almost as if he was singing through his guitar. The band continued to thrill the crowd with hits like “Not Again,” “It’s Been Awhile,” and a stunning acoustic rendition of “Outside.” Despite 25 years in the game—longer than many attendees have been alive—Staind showed they’re still a force in rock. They closed out with the fan-favorite “Mudshovel,” leaving the audience on an emotional high. Though Aaron Lewis stirred the crowd with political comments supporting Donald Trump and criticizing President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, it didn’t overshadow the undeniable power of Staind’s music. Love or hate his politics, the music remains timeless.
DAY 4 – SUNDAY
MOTLEY CRUE
Hollywood’s 80s glam rock kings, Mötley Crüe, consisting of Nikki Sixx, Tommy Lee, new guitarist John 5 (replacing Mick Mars), and the iconic Vince Neil, headlined the final night of Aftershock. It was a wild ride through nostalgia, packed with hits, high energy, and a dose of debauchery that only Mötley can deliver. Sunday was as packed as Saturday, with a massive sea of fans throwing up devil horns, eagerly waiting for their metal heroes to take the stage. Despite most of the band being in their senior years, they proved they could still bring the heat and rock with the best of them. Mötley launched into their set with an energetic blast, kicking things off with “Primal Scream,” “Too Fast for Love,” and “Wild Side.” But it was “Shout at the Devil” that truly ignited the crowd, with Vince Neil leading the charge as fans screamed the chorus right back at him, echoing through the night like a massive rock choir.
The band was tight, with Tommy Lee delivering thunderous drumbeats, Nikki Sixx laying down funky basslines, and John 5 showing off his guitar prowess, shredding through solos and bringing fresh energy to the classic Crüe sound. Fans were hooked from start to finish, soaking in the legendary vibes. The night ended in epic fashion with a heartfelt performance of “Home Sweet Home,” Neil’s vocals soaring over a piano-driven ballad that had everyone singing along. They then powered through a high-octane encore with “Girls, Girls, Girls” and the adrenaline-pumping “Kickstart My Heart,” closing out Aftershock with a bang. Mötley Crüe took fans on a wild, unforgettable journey and brought the festival to an explosive finale.
DISTURBED
Chicago rock titans Disturbed, led by the ever-charismatic David Draiman, unleashed a powerful set at Aftershock that left fans buzzing. Draiman’s energy was undeniable despite being under the weather, humorously telling the crowd, “You have to forgive me. There’s a few frogs in my throat.” The band, known for their consistency and raw power, still delivered a hit-packed performance featuring crowd favorites like “Hey You,” the explosive “Stupify,” the anthemic “Ten Thousand Fists,” and the emotional “Prayer.” Fans roared back Draiman’s signature growl, headbanging and singing along to every massive chorus. The production was equally epic, with lights and sound blasting from all corners of the stage, creating an electric atmosphere. Highlights of the night included powerful covers, like Genesis’ “Land of Confusion” and their iconic rendition of Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Sound of Silence,” which had the crowd in awe. As a special treat, Disturbed brought out country rock singer Royale Lynn for a killer duet on “Don’t Tell Me,” where she flawlessly stepped into Heart’s Ann Wilson’s shoes. It was a perfect close to a killer night, with great weather and Disturbed proving again why they have such a devoted, diehard fan base.
TOM MORELLO
When one of rock’s greatest guitar legends, Tom Morello, takes the stage, you know you’re in for something unforgettable. His solo set at Aftershock was nothing short of epic, filled with the same fire and energy that made Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave iconic bands. From the opening power of “Soldier in the Army of Love” to fan-favorite anthems like “Testify” and “Hold the Line,” Morello’s unmistakable riffs electrified the crowd, who packed in to witness his guitar mastery. Morello also paid tribute to his late Audioslave bandmate Chris Cornell with emotionally charged renditions of “Cochise” and “Like A Stone,” which stirred the crowd with memories of the legendary singer. True to his activist roots, Morello took a moment to rally fans, saying, “The world won’t change itself. That’s up to you,” drawing cheers of admiration for his message of empowerment. He closed out his set with the explosive “Bulls on Parade” and the iconic “Killing in the Name,” leaving the audience roaring for more. Morello delivered a blistering performance and reminded us why he’s one of the most inspiring figures in rock. De La Rocca and Cornell would be proud!
BADFLOWER
Badflower, one of L.A.’s hottest rising rock bands, hit the Aftershock stage with an intensity that matched the blazing sun and the passion of their diehard fans. Led by charismatic frontman Josh Katz, their afternoon set drew a sizable crowd, all eager to catch the raw energy that has become Badflower’s signature. Katz’s powerful vocals, especially on emotionally charged tracks like “Don’t Hate Me,” “The Jester,” and the hauntingly raw “Heroin,” had the audience completely hooked. Guitarist Joey Morrow shredded with precision, while Alex Espiritu’s thundering bass and Anthony Sonetti’s explosive drumming brought the performance to life. Fan favorites like “Ghost,” “30,” and “Stalker” kept the energy high, with the crowd singing along every step of the way. Badflower ended their set with a fiery rendition of “Detroit,” leaving fans hungry for more. It was an electrifying performance that proved why they’re one of rock’s most exciting new bands and that held its own amongst the legends they shared the bill with.
Final Words
What can be said that hasn’t already been said about Aftershock? Every year, just when we think Danny Wimmer Presents has hit its peak and plateaued, the festival gets even bigger. And by the excited reaction of fans throughout the weekend and especially at the close of every night, it was clear that organizers outdid themselves once again. Danny Wimmer Presents has etched itself in stone as North America’s biggest rock and heavy metal festival promoter, and we can’t wait to see what they have in store next for Aftershock and beyond…
For more info on Aftershock Music Festival go to: www.aftershockfestival.com
For more info on Danny Wimmer Presents go to: www.dannywimmerpresents.com
