The Hellfest 2003 DVD was put out recently by High Roller Studios. I was given the task to review it. I have an utter distaste for Hellfest as a whole. Most recently because it has/will basically be turning into an edgier Warped Tour. It has taken on corporate sponsorship like Hot Topic and that will probably grow as the fest grows more in popularity. The fest will probably be a touring fest which I really hate. I don't like it for the fact that it pulls good bands off the road where they can play smaller intimate shows and places them in this overly crowded and impersonal setting. I really don't like the crowds that these types of fest generate either but that is a whole other rant. I know that the fest itself grew from basically nothing and has spawned a whole new fanbase from all over the US and part of the world. I respect that. I don't really care for the band line ups. This years Hell Fest was a lot more diversified but the DVD's line up was kind of most of the same. Mostly all metal bands with a few hardcore/punk bands and some more artsy bands in the mix.
The production value of this DVD is rather good but what isn't nowadays? With digital equipment becoming less and less expensive a little known band or even festival can pull resources and put out a well produced DVD. I found for the most part that the first DVD had the best quality. The second DVD disappointed me. With two of the best bands (Comeback Kid and Champion) at the fest getting the worst quality. There was an over dominance of metal bands. I can't really say anything else besides that. After the DVD was over I never wanted to hear metal again.
Some of the highlights were:
Dillinger Escape Plan and fire always go nice together!
Walls of Jericho: Wow, they have the hottest lead singer
Stretch Arm Strong: They got a great response, the song didn't go too well but everyone got into them.
Norma Jean: The lead singer getting thrown into the crowd two or three times. This is good because I hate Norma Jean
CKY: even though I don't like the band they covered a G.G. Allin song.
Some Disappointments:
Thursday: I gave up on liking this band a few years ago and I'm glad. Geoff can not carry a tune outside the studio.
Further Seems Forever: Wow, Jason can't sing either but he is gone now so it's okay.
Comeback Kid/Champion: They are great but the production value of their sets were pretty bad compared to the rest of the DVD.
The Red Chord: For such a good metal band, their response was dull and so was their performance.
No Warning: I don't like them and their lead singer scammed my friend out of some records off eBay.
Norma Jean: What is up with their lead singer. I have never met a girl more feminine than he is. They suck. Enough said.
Overall the DVD was okay. I did enjoy some of it and some of the stage dives were funny and also amazing. Hellfest has nothing on Positive Numbers Fest. That is by far the best fest around.
2.5/4
