'HAMMERFEST '
Prestatyn, Wales 2009
Review by Metal Mick ‘the beard’ Staley

As I arrived at Pontins, Prestatyn (yes, I shit you not, Pontins!), my first thought was, ‘who the hell would want to spend a holiday in such a grim looking place. It resembled a prison camp rather than a holiday one, but as I got to the booking in station, I was bowled over by the relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
No heavy handed security, no in your face rules and regulations, as at other festivals, just a totally chilled out experience.
The first day went well, as I finished interviewing before any bands were due to play, which is unusual at festivals as I usually miss most of it through interviewing. I was well chuffed because now I could soak up the atmosphere, see some bands and generally have a good time.
I got to where the 2 stages were and they were only a matter of yards apart, only separated by an amusement arcade and bar area.
It all looked as though it should not have worked, a holiday camp, 2 concert halls and amusement arcade, but it did!!!!!
The last bands were due on stage at 2am so the whole thing finished at 3am.#it wasn’t long before we were into the spirit of things (literally) as a  Jaeger shot followed every pint.
The bands lined up for this inaugural bash were of the highest order with the exception of Exit Ten who are, lets face it SHIT. (You may disagree!) Their lack of audience would back up my point though.
This is a festival for true metal heads, run by metal heads, with old school metal and thrash, being the main draw.
Evile stole the show Friday as the filled their area even though they clashed with The Lost Prophets set.
Hammerfall were also a revelation on the night with a cracking set that pleased just about everyone.
I had promised to stay awake and sober enough to see my old mates Kiuas at 2am, I managed to stay awake, but as for sober, c’mon!
The whole weekend was a great experience and the chilled out atmosphere was infectious. Bands mixed with fans with no hassle and were never pestered.
The fans are the lifeblood of metal and without them; there would be none of the great camaraderie.
The only disappointment for me and many fans I spoke to was the lack lustre performance of Opeth. Whether it was a culmination of endless touring I don’t know but they just seemed to be going through the motions.
Day 2 saw the arrival of metal heavy weights, Saxon who were flawless as usual and got everyone going.
Other Saturday highs for me were the performances of Cathedral and Wolf.
From the newer bands on offer I would have to recommend Hexagram, thirteenth sign and Mencea.
Everyone will have their own favourites and opinions about bands, but everyone I spoke to about the whole experience, said it is a must for their calendar.
To put the feeling across here is a story:
I spoke to a security guard who told me that there were 3000 pissed up metalheads at Prestatyn that weekend, with only 40 security staff to police them and there had been no trouble.
He also told me they hold raves at the same venue for half the number of people and have 400 security, they get loads of trouble, need I say more!
The organisers for this cannot be praised enough and if Hammerfest 2 is of the same vein, then it will be fantastic.
The bands loved it, the bands loved it, a holiday camp full of heavy metal fans having a good time listening to and watching great bands, what more do you need for a perfect weekend.
Also remember, beds, showers, TV and not a porta loo in site, you can’t get two nights in a hotel for £90 nevermind entertainment thrown in.
HRH 3 and HF2 are both at the same venue and if you have not yet been, I suggest you do.
Well done to all involved for making Hammerfest a weekend to remember

 

All in all this was an amazing weekend that we will definitely be back for.
With W.A.S.P, Sonata Arctica and The Quireboys already announced for Hard Rock Hell we’re definitely coming back to Pontins again!

 

Hammerfest.co.uk