Away from the main stage spotlight, Rockfest’s second day offered a different kind of intensity across the Red and Black Stage. Friday saw a varied and compelling lineup, moving from the modern metal hooks of Dead By April and the raw energy of Awake Again, to the technical precision and crushing power of Jinjer, and the brooding, atmospheric darkness of Cemetery Skyline to wrap our day up fittingly.

These performances showcased the breadth of contemporary heavy music at Rockfest: intimate in scale, fierce in delivery, and driven by an audience fully locked into the moment. Here’s a visual recap of how Friday unfolded beyond the festival’s main stage.