Ten years ago, Aftershock left its experimental site at Gibson Ranch in Elverta to return to it’s previous home at Discovery Park, and the 2025 festival proved once again that the move was the right one. From Thursday, October 2nd, through Sunday, October 5th, the four-day event sprawled across four stages, delivering an explosive lineup curated by Danny Wimmer Presents. Despite the wild weather—shifting from pouring rain on Thursday to sunny and warm—fans came out in full force to enjoy every minute.
Day 1: blink-182 Takes the Stage
Pop-punk stalwarts blink-182 headlined the first night, making their grand return to Aftershock after topping the bill in 2019. They were undoubtedly the main draw, and they didn’t disappoint, tearing through a 90-minute, 22-song set that included a surprise cover of Descendents’ “Hope.” Good Charlotte closed out the Shockwave stage just before the main event, while other memorable performances included sets from High on Fire, Testament, and the highly anticipated reunion of Acid Bath, who drew a massive crowd.
Day 2: A Hometown Hero’s Welcome
Hometown heroes Deftones delivered a near two-hour set that packed the grounds around the Aftershock stage. Fans sang along to classics like “Digital Bath,” “Hole in the Earth,” and “Around the Fur,” with “Cherry Waves” getting a particularly massive reaction. A Perfect Circle also had the crowd singing along to every word, and Lamb of God drew a huge audience with the live debut of their new single “Sepsis.” Other highlights included hardcore sets from Turnstile and Knocked Loose, as well as a performance from Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson.
Day 3: Korn Brings the Energy
Korn headlined Day 3, proving once again why they’re one of the most anticipated acts at the festival. They played an electrifying set for their dedicated fans, some of whom had been waiting all day in the sweltering sun for a spot at the barricade. Other standout performances included Gojira, Scowl, Spy, Slaughter to Prevail, and Trash Talk.
Day 4: A Powerful Finish
The fourth and final day featured huge crowds for Machine Head, In This Moment, and Mudvayne, but it was the festival closers, UK rock titans Bring Me the Horizon, who once again proved that they are worthy of the Aftershock headliners spot.
