Mad With Power Fest 2025: A Distinctive Metal Experience in Madison
- Gabriella
- Jun 12, 2025
- 3 min read
The Sylvee, Madison, WI – June 6–7, 2025
Now in its eighth year, Mad With Power Fest returned to Madison with two days of metal, retro gaming, and a lineup that spanned multiple subgenres and continents. Held at The Sylvee, one of Madison’s more intimate large venues, the festival has steadily carved out a niche for itself, not only for its music but for the merging of metal and arcade culture. This year’s edition largely delivered on its promise: a well-organized, enthusiastic gathering of musicians and fans.
Friday, June 6: A Slow Start with a Strong Finish
The first day of the festival started with a somewhat reserved energy and a smaller crowd, but the momentum picked up steadily through the evening.
Brian Koenig, known primarily for his work with Lords of the Trident, opened with a solo guitar set heavy on video game music. While technically impressive, the lack of a full band behind him made the performance feel more like a warm-up act than a fully immersive show. It was later confirmed that Koenig stepped in last-minute, which may explain the minimalist setup.
Oryad followed, offering a mix of operatic vocals and doom metal. The band has clearly defined their identity and stuck to it throughout. I also thought their “nature” aesthetic (?) was really unique.
North Carolina’s Mega Colossus brought a noticeable shift in energy. Their brand of traditional heavy metal,with strong riffs, high-tempo rhythms, and was one of Day 1’s highlights.
Post-dinner, the festival took a theatrical turn with The Dread Crew of Oddwood. Dressed in full pirate looks, the band leaned heavily into a folk-metal-pirate hybrid sound. It could have easily tipped into gimmick territory, but they backed it up with a lively, well-paced set that was both entertaining and musically solid.
Nanowar of Steel, known for their satirical approach to metal, closed the comedic arc of the evening with a chaotic, deliberately absurd performance that included costumes, inflatables, and genre-hopping songs. The crowd responded enthusiastically, though the band’s appeal clearly depends on one’s tolerance for parody in metal. Either way, their technical skill and commitment to the bit were undeniable.
The night ended on a more traditional note with Firewind, a power metal band from Greece whose polished, high-energy set justified their headliner status. A strong showing of fans in Firewind merchandise underlined their draw, and their performance had the cohesion and professionalism expected from a band of their stature.
Saturday, June 7: A Consistently High-Energy Lineup
If Friday was a gradual build, Saturday had no such pacing issues. The evening maintained high energy from start to finish, helped by a lineup that balanced technical skill with crowd-friendly setlists.
Canadian band Lutharo opened strong with a mix of melodic death metal and thrash elements. Their energy on stage immediately elevated the room, and their precise playing made them one of the more impressive openers of the weekend.
Aether Realm followed with a heavier, more expansive sound. Their blend of folk metal and melodic death metal was well-received, and they carried themselves like a band comfortable on larger stages.
Bit Brigade, known for combining live video game speedruns with synchronized rock instrumentation, brought a unique interlude to the evening. For those unfamiliar with video games, (like me) it may have been confusing, but the execution was tight, and the crowd response suggested that many came specifically for this blend of gaming and live music.
Striker, with their blend of glam and traditional heavy metal, offered a sharp and effective contrast. Their set leaned heavily into crowd-pleasers and guitar solos, keeping the energy high and the atmosphere upbeat.
Madison’s own Lords of the Trident received a predictably warm welcome. Their theatrical performance, including armor and stage effects, was well-rehearsed and offered a balance of humor, local pride, and solid musicianship. It was one of the most participatory sets of the night.
Swedish headliners Dream Evil closed out the festival with a classic heavy metal set that was straightforward but effective. While their style didn’t stray far from established genre conventions, they executed it with precision and delivered what fans expected from a closing act.
Final Impressions
Mad With Power Fest 2025 maintained its reputation as a niche but worthwhile entry in the summer festival circuit. It doesn't aim for mass appeal, and that works in its favor. The blend of heavy metal with arcade culture, and the event remains tightly curated and community-driven.
