Ozzie and Sarah’s Journey to Sonic Temple Fest- Final Stop: SONIC TEMPLE!

Sonic Temple Festival 2026 - Columbus, OH

In Loving Memory of Ozzie J. Jacobs

We made it!

Our last stop was Columbus, Ohio, where we bore witness to the one and only Sonic Temple Festival. I’m going to be completely honest with you—I almost backed out and didn’t go.

My ride-or-die, my partner in crime, Ozzie, passed away one week before Sonic Temple. I couldn’t imagine attending something that would bring me any type of joy while I was absolutely crushed by the loss of my best friend. But with some encouragement from friends—and knowing he’d be with me rocking out at every set—I set sail for Columbus and jammed out to 31 amazing bands.

Come with me as I highlight some of the sets I checked out!

Photo Credit: @ness.holt & Danny Wimmer Presents

Body Count

Who doesn’t love one of the OGs who taught us to talk shit, get shot?

Fronted by Ice-T and now featuring his son, Little Ice, on backing vocals, Body Count closed out the third night on one of the smaller stages at the festival. That made it ten times more wild when people came pouring in from every direction to catch these legends perform.

On stage, the original members ripped through classics while Little Ice was down in the pit throwing elbows. The most memorable moment? Ice-T telling the crowd to yell, “Fuck the police—it’s okay, I play one on TV,” while actual police officers were actively watching the crowd.

If you want a high-energy, nostalgic performance, Body Count is your band.

Photo Credit: @nathanzucker & Danny Wimmer Presents

Cradle of Filth

My middle school obsession.

I made sure I was as close as possible to the stage so I could live out the dream 12-year-old me would have wanted. Dani Filth did not disappoint in full makeup and garb.

Again on one of the smaller stages—which I will always prefer—Cradle of Filth performed like no time had passed. Dani was still hitting insane highs, the band still had incredible energy, and they mixed old favorites with newer material while the crowd sang along with devil horns in the air.

Plus, some random guy turned around, handed me a homemade keepsake, and then walked away without saying a word. Random? Absolutely. On brand for a festival? Absolutely.

If you want incredible female vocals, wild Dani Filth screams, and the full goth aesthetic, Cradle of Filth is your go-to.

Photo Credit - SteveThrasher & Danny Wimmer Presents

Pierce the Veil

As my third time seeing Pierce the Veil, they were just as powerful and energetic as ever.

Playing on the largest stage, I found myself hanging over the balcony railing because every seat was packed for their daytime performance. Running through hit after hit, Pierce the Veil had the crowd both singing and screaming every word back at them.

This is a band that instantly makes you feel happy and young again. They take you right back to your elder emo days when you gave exactly zero fucks.

All four members know how to command a stage. They're a well-oiled machine moving in sync while somehow making it feel like you're seeing them for the very first time.

Do you like high-energy post-hardcore with a pop-punk flavor? Then Pierce the Veil is your vibe.

Photo Credit: @ness.holt & Danny Wimmer Presents

Bloodywood

Bloodywood delivered a fresh sound—one unlike any other band at the festival.

Bringing Indian folk metal to the Midwest, Bloodywood had the crowd bouncing from the first note to the last. Also, how cool is it to watch someone headbang while playing the dhol?

This is a band that's gaining serious momentum and turning a lot of heads. I was excited to catch them on a smaller stage because this is a group that will eventually be headlining much larger venues. Their time is coming.

If you like something different, something fun, and something heavy, Bloodywood is for you.

Photo Credit - @nathanzucker & Danny Wimmer Presents

Sublime

What a vibe.

Imagine a band performing while standing on fake grass. Their dog occasionally runs onstage and they throw a tennis ball. Their DJ skateboards around on a homemade ramp between songs. Everything feels completely relaxed, like they're just hanging out at practice.

That's Sublime.

Sublime will always have a special place in my heart. I truly think it’s impossible to be sad while listening to them, and that's why I'll always love them. They embody that happy carefree energy.

With Jakob Nowell fronting the band in honor of his late father, he fit in perfectly from an outsider's perspective. It was another nostalgic and blissful set.

If you're a chill person, Sublime is for you.

Photo Credit: SteveThrasher Danny Wimmer Presents

Amon Amarth

A Viking expedition.

With the stage built like a Viking ship, Amon Amarth had my attention immediately. Then the guitars kicked in, the growls hit, and I was hooked.

First of all, I have no idea how I went this long without knowing about this band, but now that I do, I need to see them again.

The sheer grit and depth of the vocals combined with the guitar work was phenomenal. I'm not exactly sure what a Viking voyage sounds like, but I assume it's this.

If you like raw, heavy death metal, you need to check out Amon Amarth.

Photo Credit - SteveThrasher & Danny Wimmer Presents

Marilyn Manson

I can’t end this wrap up without mentioning …Marilyn Manson.

I’ve followed Manson ever since six-year-old me saw the video for "The Dope Show" and was both extremely confused and intrigued. Leading up to the festival, I had heard plenty of rumors that Marilyn Manson hadn't been performing well over the past few years and that I shouldn't go in with high expectations. Well, those rumors didn't hold true this time as the set clicked and the performance was tight overall.

The band played a mix of old and new material and sounded clean and polished. It was another wave of nostalgia, with me singing along to every word.

Not many can command a stage like Marilyn Manson. His stage presence can draw you in—which isn’t surprising, as his first record came out in 1994, he’s a veteran of live performance. If you like your concerts nostalgic, dark, and just a little bit chaotic, Marilyn Manson provides that in abundance.

Manson is a name that stirs controversy both on and off stage. Manson often does this intentionally as part of the show, and sometimes through actions in his personal life. Manson has faced allegations abuse and sexual misconduct which have caused legal issues for the embattled musician. These allegations against Manson have also resulted in the cancellation of some sets on his most recent tour. Despite the recent show cancellations, I didn’t notice any demonstrations on the grounds or surrounding areas in response to his presence at the festival and there have been no reports to show that any demonstrations took place either.

Other bands I caught throughout the weekend that were still fantastic, even though they were not mentioned in this list, included Rise Against, Breaking Benjamin, Dayseeker, My Chemical Romance, Stone Temple Pilots, Yellowcard, Halestorm, Staind, Shinedown, Simple Plan, The Plot in You, Black Veil Brides, Alter Bridge, Motionless in White, Bush, The Amity Affliction, The Story So Far, Black Label Society, Public Enemy, Thrice, We Came as Romans, Chiodos, Electric Callboy, and Tool.

Sonic Temple Festival was an absolute blast. The lineup was stacked, the festival was well organized, and everything was set up in a way that made the entire experience smooth and enjoyable.

Rating - 10/10 festival experience.

And Ozzie? He was there with me the whole time. 🖤🤘 🐾