Last weekend I took a ride over to Dallas to catch The Eagle‘s BFD 2025 mini festival. The Eagle is a Dallas based rock station, that used to do this every year before they were taken off of the air. With the station recently coming back on iHeartRadio, they decided to bring BFD (Big F*ckin Day) back with a bang.

Fire From The Gods got us started with a bang. They were the local guys on the show, being from Austin. From beginning to end, they brought the energy. They worked the stage with a presence that many bigger bands could only hope to match. I have seen this band three times now, and they just keep getting better and better. Whether it’s lesser known tracks like I N I, or their bigger hits like Right Now, They blend rap and metal in a way that just makes you want to hear more. I hope they play a headlining tour soon, because when it happens, I will be first in line to get tickets.

After about 45 minutes of waiting, a Dos Equis, and a Liquid Death (First water I’ve ever bought at a show… Texas weather don’t mess around) it was time for Stabbing Westward. I had no idea who these guys were going in, but they put on a helluva show. Their atmospheric metal sound was dope, and I definitely have to check out more of their music after that show.

Next it was time for Sleep Theory to take the stage. I was really pumped for them, as I somehow missed them at Aftershock last year, and I really wanted to see what they could do. Let me tell y’all, they did not disappoint. Their blend of screaming metal elements with melodic pop elements, they had me, and thousands of other sweaty Texans captivated. You could also sense their genuine appreciation for the spot they had, which goes a long way with me. I can’t wait to see how they evolve in the future.

Another 45 minutes and a second Liquid Death later, Evan’s Blue took the stage. This was another band that I didn’t know, and holy crap, they brought it. The vocalist screamed with raw power, and was entertaining from beginning to end. I definitely need to check out more of their music.

Now the main card kicks off with P.O.D. They really brought the boom to this performance (Ha ha). This is the second time I’ve managed to catch them, and they were even better here than they were at Aftershock. Even better, I managed to get through their set without putting a big hole in my lip this time. There’s just something awesome about being in a crowd belting out lyrics to Youth of Nation that heals the soul. Even cooler, my brother in law managed to get a pic with the lead singer later that night.

About an hour later and it was time for us all to be one of the Beautiful People as Marilyn Manson took the stage. Say what you want about Manson, but hot damn, almost nobody can work a crowd like him. With every scream of “DALLAS!” the crowd got louder and louder. Everybody I know who had seen Manson in his glory days said to not expect much, but now that I’ve seen him twice all I can say is thank god he got off drugs, because he really did make us all feel like stars at his dope show.

Closing out this all day long extravaganza was Chevelle. They are a band who I’ve always knew of, but never really managed to get past their first album. That was a mistake, because their whole catalog is filled with banger after banger. I have never heard a three piece band sound so clean live. How the lead singer gets that awesome guitar tone while belting out some amazing screams is something I will always envy. I need to find his gear rundown somewhere, just in hope of being able to figure his sound out.

That’s it for me, one day, 7 amazing artists/bands, and a few gnarly sunburns. I can’t wait to see what next year’s BFD looks like, because if it is anywhere near as good as this one, you can bet your ass I’ll be there.