This year’s Inkcarceration festival was pretty well stacked, so my sister and I snagged tickets right away.
With it being in the middle of July, it’s likely always going to be hot, and so far that’s all I’ve ever experienced the two other times I gone. This year we finally had to contend with the rain. But more on that later. Blessedly, Friday wasn’t as extreme weather-wise, so we were able to enjoy a multitude of sets fairly close to the Redemption stage. Given that it was directly beside the main stage, it wasn’t a bad viewing spot for those acts either! So we pretty much parked it there all day and watched alternating acts gear up.
We started off with Drowing Pool, but Killswitch Engage really brough the energy – both positive and aggressive! “My Curse” and their bomb cover of “Holy Diver” definitely had the crowds going wild. Though I don’t really listen to them, I was actually pretty damn impressed with The Devil Wears Prada. It was cool to see them and Chiodos, who have both been going at it for 20 years. Speaking of Chiodos, this was my first time ever seeing them and they did not disappoint. It was almost otherwordly to hear “Baby, You Wouldn’t Last a Minute on the Creek” and “The Words “Best Friend” Become Redefined.” With a voice as unique as Craig Owens, I shouldn’t have been surprised that he sounded so good, but I was!
My sister was the most excited for Friday because it ended with sets from two of her favorite bands. The first was Knocked Loose, who have become wildly popular the past few years. I am not a fan at all of the vocals, but the set wasn’t nearly as bad as I was anticipating. They ultimately just seemed like good dudes who were pretty pumped to be where they were. Falling in Reverse ended the evening. They were fiften minutes late to taking the stage, so who knows if they actually had enough planned out to fill ninty minutes, but with the time they did play, you know Ronnie Radke was there to entertain. “Just Like You” is my personal favorite and I hope that never leaves their setlist, but “Popular Monster” always slaps. All in all, he knows how to engage a crowd and sound damn good while doing it.
Saturday we skipped out on a good amount of the earlier acts in favor of going through the prison tour. It feels like they shorten that thing every year, but it’s still such a mesmerizing spectacle. After that we took up residence in the shade to watch August Burns Red, Dayseeker, The Dillinger Escape Plan, and Acid Bath. After that, unfortunately the rain started coming down a little bit. Thankfully there was never any lightening in the area to contend with, but I suppose I am like a cat in that I don’t like being wet unless I want to be. So the rest of the evening was a little miserable for me. Slaughter to Prevail didn’t make it any better, I can tell you that. I truly don’t understand the hype around these guys, but at least they seemed honored to be playing there.
Marilyn Manson’s set was actually pretty awesome. While all of the allegations surrounding him have soured him a little bit, there is no denying that he’s made some great songs. The stage and costumes were also 10/10. Seeing him this time around compared to in the lawn at Blossom was far more superior. “The New Shit” and “Beautiful People” were so, so good. Finally, the night ended with Slipknot. I’ve officially seen them too many times. Based on how many times I’ve seen them and how much my sister has listened to them over the years, I am actually very familiar with most of their setlist. The vocals always wow, as does the elaborate stage set-up. Still, I’ve seen them enough.
After spending several hours in the rain and seeing what a muddy mess the festival grounds and parking lots were, my sister and I unanimously decided that it wasn’t worth attending Sunday. It was a cost I was fine with eating. Besides, we weren’t even going to be sticking around for Five Finger Death Punch. Perhaps the only act that I was a little sad to miss was Three Days Grace, but I have seen them before so it wasn’t too much skin off my back. All in all though, it was a fun weekend! We do think we may be a little more picky in what days we attend next year, but hopefully it’s a fully stacked lineup so we can continue to support!
