Nothing can replicate the sensation of a metal festival – the thunderous drums, the scintillating guitar solos, the passionate vocals, the dazzling lights, and the sheer force of the sound reverberating through the body.
That was the Hell & Heaven Fest – an adrenaline rush. Three magical nights laden with intensity and energy, where lighting and music came together to create a unique and unforgettable experience that for sure left tens of thousands wanting more.
I attended The Hell and Heaven Fest last 2, 3, and 4 December in Mexico City, which gathered many of the most famous metal bands in the world, including Judas Priest, Pantera, Megadeth, Scorpions, Arch Enemy, and Anthrax.
According to the organisers, the event reached more than 180,000 people, bringing together fans from different states within Mexico aside from plenty more coming from Argentina, Peru, Chile, Ecuador, the United States, Costa Rica, Panama, confirming that this festival is the biggest in the country.
From start to finish, the energy never stopped flowing; crowds singing and head banging all over the venue.
Without further ado, let’s crack on with the best of H&H.
Day 1 – FRIDAY
Fans from all walks of life arrived in droves. The power was palpable in the air and the passion of the metal fans, evident.
Famous bands of the day: Epica, Arch Enemy, Pantera, Meshuggah, Venom, Cradle of Filth, Till Lindemann, and Scorpions.
The Return of the Cowboys from Hell
The highlight of this initial day was Pantera.
Most devotees were expecting to see Pantera live because it was their first show in more than 20 years; a tribute to Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul onstage.
Phil Anselmo and Rex Brown (original members) plus Zakk Wylde and Charlie Benante (Anthrax), brought to life this comeback for the thousands of fans expecting this reunion.
Phil Anselmo was powerful singing “A New Level,” to then blow with a pummelling set that included “Cowboys from Hell,” “Mouth for War,” “Yesterday don’t mean Shit,” “Becoming,” and “Fucking Hostile.”
“This is for Vince and Dime, man.” Phil Anselmo.
A vulgar display of power at the Hell & Heaven Fest.
Energy coming from the multitude exploded the venue when Epica and Arch Enemy played, while a hysterical audience head banged at the sound of Meshuggah and Doro Pesch.
The metal evening continued. The crowd was in a frenzy with Scorpions, singing along with Klaus Meine “Wind of Change,” “Rock you like a Hurricane,” and “Big City Nights.”
At the end of the evening, everybody was exhausted but exhilarated. A night, an amazing experience to be remembered fondly for years to come.
Day 2 – SATURDAY
The day started off well. Fans witnessed the power of Corrosion of Conformity, Pain, Kittie, Behemoth, and Bad Religion.
Hell of an evening went on with Architects and Trivium which were the appetisers for Judas Priest and Slipknot, the most awaited bands of the day.
Filled with energy and passion, Metal God Rob Halford opened Judas Priest’s show.
Halford’s followers wanted to know if his screams were still as high pitch as before – not disappointed, still are.
“Breaking the Law,” “Painkiller,” “Turbo Lover,” and “Living after Midnight,” made all and sundry sing along so loudly that even the angels felt the might of the priest.
For Slipknot, everybody was ready for a head banging and moshing evening.
The masked opened up with “Disasterpiece”, then triggered the audience with “Wait and Bleed,” “Before I forget,” and the most chorused “Psychosocial.”
No lack of screams and metal horns, as the ‘maggots’ with fists in the air created the perfect storm for a brutal spectacle.
The evening was over. Those camping in the venue went to their tents, just waiting for an exciting and promising next, final day.
Day 3 – SUNDAY
Last day of the festival. Hypocrisy, P.O.D, Avatar, Butcher Babies, While She Sleeps, Mercyful Fate, and Stryper were some bands the audience had been awaiting.
But this day was in essence at the mercy of this triad: Anthrax, Megadeth, and the sempiternal KISS.
Anthrax has produced some of the most popular thrash songs of all time. Bringing them to the Hell & Heaven was the mission of Scott Ian, along with Joey Belladonna, whose mighty voice came through the speakers with the power of a raging storm.
The crowds pledged allegiance with a thunderous roar.
Already uplifted, the fandom welcomed Megadeth, one of the most influential bands in history.
A loud and intense Dave Mustaine lit the fire with “Symphony of Destruction,” “Peace Sells,” “Angry Again.”
Kiko Loureiro was in charge of the solos that electrified the atmosphere – Tornado of Souls, the best in my view.
KISS – What a Rock and Roll Night
Closing the festival was on the platform shoes of the legendary KISS, which had announced this would be their last presentation in Mexico.
Fans with heart-shaped make-up on their faces flooded the audience, showing their loyalty to their favourite band.
Tens of thousands were enthusiastic and filled with anticipation as the lights dimmed and the first note played.
Then KISS appeared on elevated platforms over the stage, creating a madness that painted a picture of the night coming.
The anthemic “I was made for Lovin’ You,” and “Heaven’s on Fire,” proved that KISS is still a force to be reckoned with on stage.
No one wanted the evening to end.
Paul Stanley led the crowd in a chant that echoed throughout the venue.
The show reached a climax when Paul Stanley flew over the crowd on a zip wire.
“Rock and Roll all Nite” rendition, followed by balloons, fireworks, and a storm of confetti, engulfed the fans on that magical night.
Hell and Heaven was a tremendous success. After three days of memorable performances, head banging and hard rocking, the festival came to an end with the satisfied festivalgoers heading home and a bittersweet goodbye.