Where – The Corporation, Sheffield
When: 27th/28th February 2026
Review and Photographs by Linda McDermott
Day Two – Saturday 28th February 2026
Day two of the Call of the Wild Trailblazer Finals at The Corporation in Sheffield begins early with a VIP party before another ten bands battle it out for a coveted slot at this year’s festival. That festival takes place at Lincoln Showground from 28th to 31st May, and this weekend is all about filling those remaining spaces and showcasing some of the best grassroots talent in the country. Following five fantastic bands on day one (see separate review), today’s line-up is just as strong. If yesterday’s voting was anything to go by, it’s going to be another difficult day, and I may well need a lie down in a dark room before the night is through!
Proceedings start with the VIP party, where Sabian and Charlotte are on DJ duties, spinning cracking tunes while trays of shots do the rounds to loosen vocal cords ahead of the audience participation each band might demand. It’s a lively warm-up and sets the tone perfectly before the live music begins.
Opening the day are London-based 4 Foxsake, who take on the unenviable task of warming up the crowd. They hit the stage bursting with pent-up enthusiasm, delivering riff-packed rock that immediately grabs attention. ‘Light The Way’ stands out for me, driven by a heavy bassline that has my foot tapping from the off. Marios’ strong vocals cut through the crunch of the guitars, adding a punky edge that lifts their hard rock sound and gets the room firmly on side.
4 Foxsake
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/4foxsakeband
Damaged Goods keep the momentum going with a set full of punchy, up-tempo rock. Their sense of humour shines through between songs, and that connection with the audience makes all the difference. Shattered Dreams carries a cracking beat that anchors the track and keeps heads nodding. They clearly enjoy what they do, and that enthusiasm spreads into the crowd. I certainly hope their dreams aren’t shattered, as I’d happily see them again at Call of the Wild or anywhere else.
Damaged Goods
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DamagedGoodsUK21
Bribes become the unofficial theme of the day, with T-shirts launched into the crowd. Fair play. If votes are on the line, why not?
Dead Zebras take things up a notch with pure entertainment from start to finish. Even though I caught them a fortnight ago at the Rockmantic Weekender in Carlisle, I was more than ready for round two. Opening with What I Need and Keep Yourself Alive, they immediately take control of the room.
Yes, there are a couple of covers in the mix, but during a long day of new discoveries, that familiarity helps create connection. Instead of tee-shirts, they throw fake money – well, I think it was fake; it had The Bank of Dead Zebras on it as the notes were launched into the crowd at the end of their set, a cheeky touch that wins laughs and probably a few votes too. I’d be very surprised not to see them on the festival bill.
Dead Zebras
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/deadzebrasuk
Next, Wailing Banshee steps up with a full-throttle heavy metal assault. Fast becoming a favourite name on the grassroots scene, they pack their set with riff after riff, and the metalheads in the venue absolutely lap it up.
Hair flies everywhere for those lucky enough to have some as Fight to Be Free and Lord of the Flies launch proceedings in furious style. They lay down a serious marker with a relentless performance that feels like a gauntlet thrown firmly at the feet of the competition.
Wailing Banshee
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/wailingbansheeofficial
Hailing from Derby, No Setting Sun brings variety and flair to the stage. There’s a subtle early Bowie feel to the vocals that I really like, woven through strong melodies and pulsing basslines. They’re not afraid to involve the crowd either, encouraging a chorus of ‘oh oh oh’s’ that echoes around the venue. Their set showcases range and confidence and another voting dilemma.
No Setting Sun
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/NoSettingSun
It’s only halfway through the day and already we have seen so much talent, energy, and stage presence, with each band bringing something different to the stage.
With no let-up, it’s now the turn of Scottish outfit Holyrood Vault, who come from Edinburgh armed with high-speed, sleazy rock ’n’ roll and make every minute of their 25-minute slot count. Three songs fly by in a blur of swagger and drive before they switch gear with the song Memories. Slower, melodic, and purposeful, it provides a welcome change of pace and proves their versatility. They soon crank things back up again, finishing strongly and justifying that five-hour journey south.
Holyrood Vault
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/HolyrudeVault
For The Forsaken, opt for “less talk, more rock”, a statement that earns a huge cheer. Bringing their grunge-tinged sound to the stage, they power through their riff-laden tracks, including Pain and Bring the Fire, all landing brilliantly with the crowd. When Dan asks who’s seen them before, the cheer is sizeable, and he’s quick to remind them that votes would be appreciated. No harm in asking. It’s a confident, no-nonsense performance that keeps the standard high.
For The Forsaken
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/theforsakenband
Not now, Norman; keep the intensity up with angst-driven songs and fearless honesty. Taylor-Grace commands attention with her sassy presence, her attitude woven into every lyric. Introducing Shut Your Mouth with a stark explanation of its personal inspiration makes the performance even more powerful.
They close with End of the Day, dedicated to the neurodivergent beauties in the crowd, and it’s clear from the reaction that they’ve brought plenty of fans with them. Not Now, Norman, never fails to produce a set of great heavy rock songs with attitude and power, and I count myself as a fan of the band.
Not Now Norman
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/NotNowNorman
Dead Reynolds are another welcome addition to an already stacked bill. With a strong back catalogue to choose from, selecting a 25-minute set can’t have been easy, but they make it count. Save Me, dedicated to those facing mental health struggles, strikes a chord while still maintaining an uplifting feel. The new single Face Me gets an approving response, and at one point Rossco takes the performance into the crowd, blurring the barrier between the stage and audience. It’s an assured and thoroughly engaging performance.
Dead Reynolds
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DeadReynolds
The day runs like clockwork; there are slick changeovers, great sound, and an atmosphere that builds steadily as voting becomes increasingly difficult. Every band brings something worthwhile, making those final choices far from easy.
With all votes locked in, it was time for the special guests and headliners to close the night. I can’t think of a better band to bring this showcase of a weekend to a close than the very talented This House We Built, with their superb songs. Songs such as Fair Weather Friend, Nobody’s Fool and the brilliant Fly Me To The Moon all hit the right spot, with the night ending with a great sing-along with the band.
With hands in the air, a bit of swaying, and a whole lot of “It’s only fucking rock and roll, but I like it” screamed back at the stage, it was a fitting end to a weekend celebrating the strength and spirit of grassroots bands.
This House We Built
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/thishousewebuilt
Video
Better Man https://youtu.be/tDG5Fl0Nxdk?si=h2MV3VfCElnjMySP
After all the incredible performances and tough voting, the anticipation was high, and the crowd was buzzing, wondering if their choice got through.
So, what were the results, I hear you say?
Well… drum roll, please.
Main stages
Dead Zebras
Beggars Bliss
Trailblazer Stage
Wailing Banshee
JOANovARC
White Lightning
For the Forsaken
Dead Reynolds
Holyrood Vault
If you’d like to see all the winners live, you better get your ticket for Call of the Wild. Tickets are available at https://www.gigantic.com/call-of-the-wild-festival-tickets
Please also check out all the bands and give them a follow on their socials, as it all helps grow grassroots music.
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