Winterstorm Festival – Year 9, Day One

Troon Town Hall – planB
Review by Darren McIntyre Scott Anderson photos

Winterstorm has become one of the UK rock calendar’s most cherished end-of-year fixtures, and as it rolls confidently into its ninth year, the seaside town of Troon once again transforms into a global meeting point for rock fans. Since its inception in 2016, the festival has built a reputation for pairing world-class acts with an atmosphere that feels more like a family reunion than a conventional gig. It’s a place where newcomers, seasoned veterans, and passionate music lovers collide in the best possible way.

What truly sets Winterstorm apart is how seamlessly it runs. From the Stormtroopers and booking team to sound engineers, lighting crew, stagehands, and vendors, the operation feels effortless yet personal. Having attended since year one—first as a fan and now as a reviewer for Jace Media Music—it’s a privilege to document a festival that continues to evolve without losing its heart.

Day one kicked off at 5pm sharp with Scarlet Rebels, who wasted no time igniting the main hall. Delivering a thunderous ten-song set, the Welsh rockers filled the venue with muscular riffs and anthemic hooks. Frontman Wayne Doyle commanded the crowd with ease, encouraging singalongs that warmed both the room and the freezing Ayrshire coastline outside. Their polished, high-energy performance set the bar high and blew away any lingering cobwebs.

Over on the Sessions Stage, Angel Eyes proved that age is no barrier to impact. The East Ayrshire grunge outfit—still in their mid-teens—played with confidence well beyond their years. Vocalists Evie and Marissa led the charge with infectious energy, while the rest of the band delivered tight, heavy grooves that turned heads throughout the room. Judging by the phones in the air, many were keen to say they witnessed the rise of something special.

Back on the main stage, Italian progressive power metal veterans Vision Divine unleashed a towering set that showcased their decades of experience. Michele Luppi’s soaring vocals cut through the hall as the band delivered a set packed with drama, precision, and sheer force. A surprise cover of Whitesnake’s Still of the Night sent fists skyward and confirmed that power metal is alive and thriving at Winterstorm.

Edinburgh’s Nothing Speaks brought raw intensity to the Sessions Stage, combining gritty grunge energy with metal-edged aggression. Tracks like Wasting Away and One More Day hit hard, earning them a strong response from a crowd clearly hungry for something loud and honest.

Downstairs, funk-rock trio High Fade detonated the room with groove-heavy chaos. Their explosive blend of crunching guitar, deep basslines, and relentless rhythm had the crowd hooked as they powered through an extensive set, closing with the unstoppable Life’s Too Fast. New fans were undoubtedly made.

One of the evening’s standout moments came courtesy of Glasgow groove merchants Bison Hip. Formed during lockdown, the band proved that experience and passion are a powerful combination. With tracks like Everything, Mercy, and This Old City, they delivered a masterclass in feel-driven blues rock that resonated deeply with the crowd.

Closing out an unforgettable opening night were California hard rock icons Ugly Kid Joe. From the moment they launched into Neighbor, the Town Hall erupted. Whitfield Crane’s storytelling and effortless charisma carried the set as classics like Everything About You and Cat’s in the Cradle lit up the room. A ferocious cover of Motörhead’s Ace of Spades sealed the deal, lifting the roof and sending fans into the Troon night buzzing.

Winterstorm Year 9 couldn’t have asked for a stronger opening statement.

Thursday Line-up:
Scarlet Rebels
Angel Eyes
Vision Divine
Nothing Speaks
High Fade
Bison Hip
Ugly Kid Joe