Ramsgate Rock Festival 2026 - Friday 23rd October
Reviewed by Laura DQ
Despite poor attendance and terrible weather thanks to Storm Austen, there’s a wonderful feeling of warmth at the Silvers this evening, the result of a local scene that is always friendly and welcoming. Though some of us have met before, many of us haven’t, but that doesn’t stop us talking, laughing, dancing and head-banging together as the evening progresses. For us, it’s less about what bands have been booked, and more about getting behind them and having a good time regardless.
Circus 66 are up first, and deserve more of a crowd than the one they’ve got. No matter, the quartet seem unfazed, with singer Annabelle Zaychenko treating the stage like it’s much bigger, shaking her hips to the hard rocking grooves that are the signature of songs like ‘Reverie’. With a voice that feels wrenched from somewhere deep within, she’s just what is needed to liven up the room. Circus 66 might not be doing anything particularly new, but they’re doing it very well, proving that big riffs and catchy choruses never go out of style.
Flame Pilots are an altogether quirkier proposition, their frontman rocking a unique look comprised of shades, hat and a loud suit, which nicely complements his lively stage manner. An eccentric presence who seems almost giddy with the excitement of performing, he is a transfixing master of ceremonies, whether singing into a megaphone or throwing his arms theatrically to the strutting “ping-pong guitar” that introduces ‘The Show’. A talented group who should be congratulated for doing things a little differently, the combination of acoustic and electric guitar adds unusual texture, songs like ‘Waiting for the Dust’ lingering in the mind long after the dust has settled.
If Gallows Circus frontman Ian Day seems a little stiff this evening, it’s because he had “part of [him] cut off yesterday”; he’s not letting on which bit, but thankfully it doesn’t seem to have affected his voice! A band with an ear for a riff and an unforgettable hook, Gallows Circus’ debut album has been a long time coming, so it’s exciting to hear a refreshed set with numbers from ‘Jumping at Shadows’ making the cut. Old favourites ‘Medicine Man’ and ‘Hell’s Whiskey’ haven’t been abandoned, and the ballad ‘Holding my Breath’ continues to be a guaranteed crowd pleaser. With accessible tunes that welcome a singalong, even from the uninitiated, Gallows Circus are an ideal festival band.
Pryma are undoubtedly the most aggressive group on the line-up, serving up glorious rage with real conviction. I admire Gabrielle George, not only for her snarling vocals, but for her unique stage presence, refusing to pander to any sort of expectation for a woman to be sexualised or provocative, favouring a scowl and a domineering command of the crowd. She is pleasingly feisty, explaining that ‘John Doe’ was written after being told by someone in the business that she couldn’t sing. It’s a venomous retort that proves whoever it is was wrong. The rest of the band are equally dynamic, throwing themselves into the heavy riff that powers ‘Freaky Fright Night’. Strong contenders for band of the evening, Pryma always deliver.
In terms of popularity, it’s hard to beat Black Roze who are well established as local favourites. Reliably good fun, it's impossible to resist the infectious ‘Kix’ or the sinister cover of ‘Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)’. Latest single ‘Breathe’ sees the band up the heaviness, with a thudding riff that leads to a cathartic chorus, Viixen owning her place centre stage. Often sounding like a band lifted from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, (albeit a few years late!) ‘Penny for Your Sins’ is no exception, and sees guitarist Baz take the spotlight, shredding a fantastic solo. 'Afterparty' is the perfect crescendo, the "roll up roll up" refrain certain to echo around your head for several hours after the event!
With a diverse mix of bands, it’s arguably the power trios who triumph this evening. Molly Karloff seemingly make the biggest impact, with fantastic, heavy riffing songs that it’s hard to believe anyone could dislike. It’s rare that all members of a band are equally as fascinating to watch, but Molly Karloff succeed, all three vying for your attention in spectacular fashion. Tight and punchy, the likes of ‘Do it Again’ match the energy radiating from the men on stage.
Headliners Samavayo are an unknown entity to some, but these Germans make a fabulous racket, somewhat akin to Queens of the Stone Age, only more sprawling and epic. ‘Hate of Thousands’ explores multiple different riffs and moods, all of them utterly absorbing. A trio who sound much bigger than they really have any right, brothers Stephan and Andreas Voland weaving intricate bass lines around complex drum parts, leaving guitarist Behrang Alavi to lay down the monolithic riffs. ‘Keep on Rollin’ is uncharacteristically catchy, and leads to some welcome audience participation. They might be unusual headliners, but Samavayo prove themselves worthy, leaving us worn out and excited for the main event tomorrow.