6th September 2025
Mathew Pitfield Images Review by Mark Pitfield
Sheffield’s Forge Warehouse threw open its doors for Rockin’ the Bowl 2025, and from the very first chord to the final encore, the energy never let up. The venue itself proved to be a superb choice: vast and open, with plenty of space for the crowd, merch stands, and no fewer than five bars to keep the drinks flowing. Each act had 30 minutes to leave their mark, with the headliner getting a well-deserved 70. The whole day was seamlessly tied together by compere Pete Mally, with a steady stream of rock royalty, emerging talent, and seasoned favourites taking to the stage.
What followed was a celebration of rock in all its shades—here’s how the day unfolded.
Kris Barras Band
Closing out the night was the Kris Barras Band, and what a finale it was. Led by the former MMA fighter himself, Kris commanded the stage with magnetic presence. They delivered a powerhouse set befitting their headline status, cementing themselves as the perfect exclamation mark on a festival that had already delivered so much.
The Karma Effect
Returning with three new members, The Karma Effect lit up the stage with their signature bluesy rock ‘n’ roll. This set doubled as a warm-up for their upcoming European run, and they looked every bit the part of a band on the rise. The crowd welcomed them with open arms, proving once again why they’ve earned such a loyal following.
Hollowstar
The Cambridge four-piece brought a storm of riffs with influences ranging from Black Stone Cherry to Slash. Formed in 2015, Hollowstar showed exactly why they’re a band to watch, their blend of power and melody keeping the crowd firmly locked in.
Doomsday Outlaw
Derby’s Doomsday Outlaw, veterans of more than a decade, delivered a set drenched in heavy riffs and blues-soaked vocals. Their hard rock swagger resonated through the venue, filling every corner with raw energy.
Amongst Liars
Eastbourne’s alternative rockers Amongst Liars made their mark with a set that spanned their acclaimed self-titled debut and 2024’s By Design. Fierce, polished, and brimming with passion, they proved their growing reputation is well deserved.
In Search of Sun
Harrow’s funk-metal fusionists brought something a little different, mixing grooves and heaviness into a package that kept the energy high. Their alternative edge provided a refreshing shift in the day’s sonic landscape.
This House We Built
No strangers to the scene, this North Yorkshire four-piece continued their upward climb with another memorable performance. Their tight musicianship and engaging songs captivated the audience, further proof that their star is steadily rising.
Ace of Kings
From Scunthorpe, Ace of Kings tore into their set with influences clear from Metallica, Alice in Chains, and Black Stone Cherry. Heavy, melodic, and unapologetically loud, they turned plenty of heads in Sheffield.
Ablaze
Australia’s Ablaze have made the UK something of a second home, and their set showed why fans here welcome them back time and again. With nods to AC/DC and Guns N’ Roses, their high-energy rock ‘n’ roll went down a treat.
Ransom
Opening duties fell to London’s Ransom, and they wasted no time in making an impression. Their classic hard rock sound was a perfect festival starter, with “Back to the Boozer” standing out as a singalong anthem that had everyone joining in.
Final Thoughts
Rockin’ the Bowl 2025 at The Forge Warehouse was a masterclass in live rock music. From fresh talent to established names, every band brought something different, and together they created a daylong celebration of everything we love about this scene. Sheffield played host to a festival brimming with heart, riffs, and unforgettable performances—a true reminder that rock is alive, loud, and thriving.
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