Upheaval Festival made its return to Grand Rapids for another wild two-day run of heavy music and community spirit. Set in the familiar hills of Belknap Park, the festival once again struck that rare balance between raw energy and thoughtful organization. It felt big—big enough to host household names—but never overwhelming, with the kind of layout that lets you actually enjoy music instead of fighting crowds.
The three alternating stages made it easy to catch nearly every artist without the dreaded schedule overlaps. And yes, the infamous lookout stage still sits high atop that hill—some fans cursed the climb, but once you reached the top, the sweeping views of Grand Rapids and golden-hour sets made it worth every step. Watching bands like Crossfade and Dead Poet Society with the city skyline behind them felt almost surreal. With tickets selling before the lineup was even announced, it’s clear this festival has earned serious loyalty from its fans.
Main stage headliners Rob Zombie and Falling in Reverse closed out each night in completely different styles, but both reminded us why they continue to dominate. Zombie brought the horror and theatrical chaos; Ronnie Radke and co. brought the genre-defying chaos. Somewhere between the moshing, the tears, and the kids on their dad’s shoulders, it became clear: Upheaval isn’t just another festival—it’s a scene staple.
And the kids? They were everywhere. Whether crowd surfing on their parents’ bellies or tucked under a blanket in the front row, they stole the show just by being there. There’s something beautiful about a four-year-old with soundproof headphones pumping their fists alongside their mom during a metalcore breakdown.
Security was present but never overbearing, and water stations, shaded spots, and helpful volunteers made a real difference—especially for older fans trying to navigate the terrain. One security guard even turned into a makeshift hero, spraying the crowd with a hose throughout the day to keep people cool. It’s the little things like that that make Upheaval stand out.
Day 1 Highlights
The Funeral Portrait opened the weekend with style and emotion, cutting through the morning haze with a set that felt too big for its timeslot. With theatrical flourishes, heartfelt lyrics, and a commanding stage presence, they pulled in early arrivals and left a lasting impression. Frontman Lee Jennings stitched the set together with charismatic storytelling and raw vulnerability. We were able to speak with Lee just after the show—check out that full interview now right here.
Taproot, returning to their home state, delivered a heartfelt performance drenched in nostalgia and sharpened with grit. Their set was both a love letter to their Michigan roots and a reminder that their brand of melodic aggression still connects.
The Plot In You closed out the afternoon with searing emotion and a metalcore wallop. Their recent material hit hard, and the audience leaned into every cathartic note, proving why their fanbase continues to swell.
Scene Queen brought bubblegum chaos and unapologetic feminism to Belknap Park, challenging expectations and electrifying the crowd. Whether addressing online haters mid-song or swatting away bees onstage, her performance was a rebellious celebration of individuality.
Architects delivered the kind of set that makes you forget the heat and dust. Technical, passionate, and commanding, they anchored Friday night with an explosive mix of past anthems and new cuts. Sam Carter’s voice soared and growled in equal measure, pushing the emotional intensity to 11.
Crossfade reemerged at golden hour on the Lookout Stage, giving fans a long-awaited set bathed in both sunlight and sentiment. It was impossible not to get swept up as voices joined together for “Cold,” echoing across the hill like a collective memory.
And then came Rob Zombie. Fire. Gore. Dragula. A closing set full of costumed chaos and industrial stomp, reminding everyone why Zombie is still one of the best live shows in heavy music.
Day 2 Highlights
Saturday kept the momentum going with an early jolt from A Killer’s Confession. Waylon Reavis led his band through a potent set of alt-metal hymns, bridging the past and present with polished ferocity.
Bodysnatcher followed with sheer brutality. The Florida deathcore crew unleashed a pit-friendly barrage that flattened anyone in its path. “E.D.A.” and “Murder8” turned the dirt into chaos—and fans couldn’t get enough.
Royale Lynn brought star power and swagger to the main stage. Tracks from her “Black Magic” project proved she’s more than just a rising name—she’s a full-fledged force. Watching her command the stage with ease made it clear she won’t be on early slots for long.
Yelawolf’s set may have been cut short by lightning, but he still made a massive impression. Between genre-bending tracks and a surprise Garth Brooks singalong, he earned the crowd’s respect. Even after the shutdown, he stayed behind the fence taking photos and signing autographs—a class act in the storm.
Wage War brought it all home with a pulverizing pre-headliner set. From “Low” to “Stitch,” their performance stirred the dust and the fists. They knew their role in the night and delivered with precision and power.
And then—Falling in Reverse. Returning to Upheaval for another headline set, Ronnie Radke and company gave the fans everything. “Zombified” and “Popular Monster” shook the park, while new track “NO FEAR” slipped seamlessly into the setlist. Radke even paused mid-show for a medical emergency in the crowd, making sure safety came first. Pyro, strobes, tears, and screams—this was everything fans came for.
Final Thoughts
Upheaval 2025 felt like more than just a festival. It was a reunion of generations, a proving ground for emerging artists, and a chance to witness some of metal and rock’s best in their element. With kids on shoulders, fans hugging strangers, and security guards spraying down the pit with hoses—this wasn’t just organized chaos, it was community.
Whether you were there for the nostalgia or the next wave, Upheaval once again delivered a weekend that proves rock is very much alive—and thriving—in Grand Rapids.
See you next year.
