EVIL Festival 2 w/ DROP DEAD CHAOS - ROMANO NERVOSO - STOUTNESS - RED GORDON - ONE MORE SLAVE - DELUXE RENEGADES - 02.05.2026 - Ecourt-Saint-Quentin (FR)

On May 2, 2026, the town of Écourt-Saint-Quentin hosted the latest edition of EVIL Fest, and it was a day defined by heart and purpose. More than just a concert series, this festival served as a welcome beacon of community spirit. With 100% of the proceeds donated to local charities—specifically L’Épices Riz Solidaire and the Association de sauvegarde des équidés—the event was a tangible reminder that heavy music and a big heart can go hand-in-hand.
Beyond the noble mission, the event was a masterclass in hospitality. The atmosphere was distinctly familial, defined by a level of organization that felt both professional and intimate. The staff was incredibly welcoming, with smiling faces and an infectious enthusiasm that made everyone feel right at home from the moment they walked through the doors. This warm, inclusive vibe, combined with the seamless logistical flow, ensured that attendees could focus entirely on what mattered: the music. Furthermore, the technical standards were exceptional; the professional-grade lighting and sound engineering ensured that every performance was delivered with pristine clarity, showcasing the bands at their absolute best.

Deluxe Renegades: Taking on the challenging "opening act" slot, this power trio proved that a dirty job needs to be done by the right people, and they did it damn well. They brought a potent, groove-heavy cocktail of Hard Rock and Rock 'n' Roll that channeled the spirits of legends like ZZ Top, Rose Tattoo, Motörhead, and AC/DC. It was the perfect, punchy wake-up call for the festival, setting a powerful, high-energy tone right out of the gate.

One More Slave: A massive highlight and the biggest discovery of the day. Featuring five musicians on stage, the band thrives on a volatile, explosive fusion of rap, metal, and trip-hop. Their sound—evoking the rhythmic intensity of Senser, RATM, Prophets of Rage, and One Day as a Lion—was built on incredibly catchy, driving riffs that demanded movement. The frontman was intensely expressive, living every word he spat into the mic. Special mention goes to the band’s "jack-of-all-trades," who masterfully juggled the samples, added vocal layers, wielded a megaphone, and seamlessly switched to guitar duties. It was a dense, expertly mixed performance that balanced high-octane energy with brilliant musical textures. 

Red Gordon: Delivering a technically impeccable Nu-Metal set in the vein of Slipknot, their striking visual presentation and commitment to the stage earned them an overwhelmingly positive reception from the crowd. Given the band members' relatively young average age, their performance was particularly striking; they displayed a level of maturity and professionalism that suggests they have significant potential for the future.

Stoutness: A total shot of adrenaline. They brought a more "roots" approach to the stage, stripping away any unnecessary fioritures to deliver raw, primal energy. With a sound deeply rooted in the DIY spirit of punk-rock and crossover hardcore, they simply "charged at the wall" and got the job done. It was pure, unfiltered, "nature" music—relentless and hard-hitting—proving that sometimes the most effective performance is the one that prioritizes raw power and direct impact above all else.

Romano Nervoso: The undisputed surprise of the day. Hailing from La Louvière, Belgium, they delivered a masterclass in raw, unadorned Rock 'n' Roll. Captivating from the start, the band leaned into a distinct vintage glam-rock aesthetic that felt both nostalgic and vital. The frontman commanded the stage with the persona of a world-weary "disillusioned rock star"—a performance art piece to be taken with a knowing wink—while his vocal delivery bore - at times - a striking, haunting resemblance to the late, great Belgian icon Arno. There were no unnecessary fioritures; just honest, high-quality music brimming with grit and genuine emotion. It was a performance that reminded everyone why rock remains timeless.

Dropdead Chaos: Closing the night, the band operated like a finely-tuned machine, showcasing elite Modern Metal execution. Their stage presence was undeniably polished, professional, and it is easy to see why they conquered the crowd; their set hit the mark for most of the audience. Personally, however, I found myself torn: while I deeply respect the technical mastery and the undeniable impact they had on the room, the performance left me slightly detached. The sound felt somewhat clinical and cold, lacking that elusive "human warmth" that I crave in a live set. They are a powerhouse that clearly delivers, but for my own sensibilities, the experience was more of a technical exhibition than an organic connection. A matter of taste, nothing else....

Evil Fest 2026 was a success in its mission and its warm, welcoming atmosphere. The organizers succeeded in curating a highly varied lineup that explored many facets of the modern heavy music spectrum. However, it was regrettable to observe a lower turnout compared to last year's edition. Such an impeccably organized festival, with a noble heart and a genuinely diverse bill, truly deserves a larger audience. Let’s hope that future editions see the attendance numbers climb back to where they belong, as the local metal scene in the Pas-de-Calais has a real treasure here.



Credits :
All pics by MESS WITH ME Photography.