Rustbelt Rock Review

By: Z.M. Delgado

Volume #253: State Line Farm Fest 2026

August 15th, 2026

1911 State Line Road, Pierpont, OH

Well, well, well. Here we are. And of course, here I am. Back again, at my keyboard with a fresh yarn to spin. This is a tale of madness and music. Of fun and friendship. Of decadence and debauchery. It is the tale of State Line Farm Fest 2026 from the depraved perspective of I, Z.M. Delgado. So what is State Line Farm Fest? I am glad you asked. State Line Farm Fest is an all day music festival. This years fest included eleven bands, camping, booze and food… all absolutely free. That’s right. No strings attached. Not catch. No fine print. Nada. It is one hundred percent free and one hundred percent legit. What started as a family clam bake, that grew into a pig roast, is now an ever expanding music festival. Sporting some of the finest musical acts from the surrounding region, State Line Farm Fest is one of the best kept secrets in Northeast Ohio. So now that you kow what State Line Farm Fest is, let me share with you a portion of the experience.

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For me the whole affair began days before with the construction of an in-depth “to do” list. Having survived two previous ventures to Farm Fest, I was resolved to be better prepared for this go around. That in depth list led to shopping trips. The gas station, bank, grocery store and dispensary were all on the agenda as I buzzed around town. In time my quests were complete and my car was loaded. All was set for my morning exodus. I was fully prepared for Farm Fest 2026. When the A.M. arrived I jumped out of bed, and set off with all haste. I rendezvoused with my Heavy on Cleveland teammates Kelly Funk of Funky Photos and Jessica Mowrer of Stargazer Studios, and together we set out; our caravan headed East. We traveled far and wide, journeying from freeway to roadway, to back roads and on and on. Deep into the forests of Ashtabula County we trekked until we reached our destination: an isolated field in what is seemingly the exact middle of nowhere. We broke though the treeline and entered the fabled field, the home of State Line Farm Fest. Up the hill we drove and miraculously, I found my favorite campsite deserted. For the third year running I was able to set up my tent in the same location! This I saw as a positive sign as we parked our cars and began to set up camp. Once our homestead was erected, we ventured over to the HAMS tents, to check in with the crew and get the party started. We drank and smoked and laughed. Things were already in full swing and we were happily caught up in the currents.

It was 12:05 when the music started. We heard the sounds of Urban Cattle begin, signifying the official start of the days entertainment. We headed down the hill to the stage and proceeded to check out the scene. There was a modest crowd at this early hour, we drifted among them, investigating and documenting all that there was. My first stop was the booze trailer where I perused the complimentary drink selections. This year featured draft beer, three kinds of wine and water, all served ice cold from taps. I poured myself a sizable portion of the black raspberry wine and returned to the stage. Urban Cattle was Rockin’ and the music was the perfect vibe for the early afternoon. Serving up a mix of Hard Rock songs, they delivered a blend of originals, covers and mash-ups. They covered Neil Young, Southern Culture on the Skids and Fleetwood Mac. They also performed originals like “Nashville” and a song about Tim Misny entitled “Make You Pay.” All in all Urban Cattle did their job and launched SLFF ’26 with great success. We waited until the band finished tearing down their gear, and then we approached them to conduct the first of the day’s many interviews.

Next up was After the Apocalypse. This four piece came out with fire and exploded heavy and fast. The Vocals were vicious; their frontman packing one of the best snarls in Cleveland Metal. Meanwhile, backing Vocals were delivered by their ace Guitarist. His riffs were as sharp as a buzzsaw and just as deadly. The band as a whole was was air tight, flawless and disciplined. They played with precision and power unleashing a continuous barrage of Metal mayhem. I noticed as they performed, the crowd began to fill in, as the ATA sound drew the Metalheads from all corners of the vast property. After the Apocalypse threw down hard and upped the intensity of the afternoon to be sure. After their set we returned to the campsite and were soon joined by the fourth member of our team Jimmy “The Dook” Fedor of Roxxxstarradio. The Dook had recently celebrated a birthday, so we bestowed upon him many gifts before refreshing our drinks and returning to the stage for interview #2.

Third up was Evil X Robot. This four piece really blew me away. Their sound all fuzzy vibrations and heavy noise… and I mean that as a very good thing. They have a style that hovers somewhere between Grunge and Southern Metal. Imagine if you will, I full hybrid of early Nirvana and Corrosion of Conformity. Their Vocals are clean with a very abrasive edge. The Bass has an incredible tone that really helps to drive home the sound. They pack ripping riffs, great breakdowns and, like I said before, excellent vibrations and noise. I also enjoyed their stage energy which was intense. Evil X Robot was nothing short of awesome. They had me Rockin’ out and banging my head for sure. After EXR played I had a fascinating conversation, with home girl Holly, about Stephen King’s “The Dark Tower” series. By this time we were in a rhythm. We’d watch the set, then race back to the campsite for further intoxication measures. Then we’d hurry back down to the stage to interview one band, all before the next band started. This became a bit of a frantic ritual migration. We’d trudge over the hills to the site, where people would indulge in all manners of mind alterations. Not to say who did what with who, but suffice to say, there was great madness and hedonistic indulgence. Booze, dope and fungus ran wild through the campsites as many band members, and fans alike, slid into the realms of insanity and hallucination.

Back down the hill we went and I noticed they had begun to set out the food. Yes, as I mentioned earlier, there was food. A whole elaborate spread was laid out. Pulled pork, potatoes, mac n’ cheese, pasta salad, salad salad and that’s just what I remember off hand. It was a bonafide buffet and there was plenty for all. I fixed myself a plate and returned to the stage as The Bics were jumping off. This band had a straight up Rock N’ Roll sound reminiscent of the Golden Age. They packed in a feel good sort of style with a strong retro vibe. They also had the distinction of being the only band on the bill who brought a dedicated Maracas player. I was taken by their stage presence, particularly that of the Bass and Maracas players. They danced and Rocked out to the music throughout the entirety of their time. On the final song of their set their Vocalist even broke out a Harmonica, which further enhanced their set. All told, The Bics were really good! I enjoyed their energy and their fun loving vibe.

Mainbreaker was up fifth and this was a set I was stoked for. Ever since their crushing performance at Hot Dog Fest, I have been itching to see Mainbreaker again. Simultaneously this is when things begin to get a bit slippery in my mind. Here my days indulgences begin to stack up and my grip on reality becomes tenuous. My notes grow sloppy and my memories are… highly suspect. What I do know… what is crystal clear, is that Mainbreaker crushed. This three piece came to destroy and that just what they did. They played a very driving, high energy brand of Rock N’ Roll. Their Vocals were shouted and came on a rough tone. Their Drum work was on point and the Bass work was furious as devastating riffs pushed the set onward. They made the most of their time and blazed up the stage utterly before taking a bow.

Sixth up was The Private Jets. This band was a solid four piece with a signature look, you could say. Each member of the band took to the stage wearing a pilots hat, and with the pop of a Champagne cork, they began their set. They were, what my notes call, a pretty straight forward Punk band. Their Vocals were clean, and their Percussion was concussive. Their Guitar chords were slick and quick. My notes indicate that I was a big fan of their riffs, as I mention them three different times. This two guitar attack allowed for great Guitar work and excellent melodies. Simultaneously, the Bass sound was a powerful, classic tone; Clean, clear and strong. Energetic and exciting, The Private Jets were a fun addition to SLFF.

Our seventh act of the day was Trunk Ride. This four piece is known for their intense, high speed, Punk style. They pack an energy that could drive your latest skate session, with lyrics that could accompany a political protest… or a riot. With an avalanche of Punk Rock power Trunk Ride pushed the needle of the festival into the red. The Vocals were clean and came at high speed matching riffs like a meat grinder. The Bass work was simply sick and the Drums set a break neck cadence. The singer had great stage presence, Rocking out continuously, with an “in your face” demeanor. My notes describe them as “truly fierce” and that matches with my memory of the event.

Eighth in the procession of bands was Oongow!!! This band is a five man Surf Rock outfit. They packed in three Guitars, Bass and Drums with one Guitarist pulling double duty at a keyboard as well. Their music is by and large and instrumental endeavor, utilizing occasional Vocal outbursts for effect. What I can tell about Oongow!!! is that they are freaking awesome! They are upbeat and exciting. Their music is lively, grooving and a lot of fun. I’m a fan of Surf Rock, so when Oongow!!! started up, it caught me completely unawares and it was a most pleasant surprise. I can’t possibly describe to you how perfectly their music hit in those inebriated moments. I danced and moved to the sweet sounds, as they kicked out jam after most excellent jam. The crowd seemed to really dig it, as the applause was applied heavily.

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The ninth performers of the night were the Rock N’ Roll powerhouse better known as HAMS. This five piece came out swinging, packing their full force into every note from the first strike of the Bass. With the trademark pig and wolf masks in place, HAMS was an inferno of energy. Every member of the band was in motion, one guitarist even raced among the fans while playing. With their signature Bass sound in full effect, they assaulted the ears of Rock N’ Rollers for miles around. Their Vocals are a coarse, gravelly and aggressive. Their dual Guitar attack is rock solid and the Drums are mechanized warfare. With unmatched showmanship HAMS stole the show and aroused a mighty cheer from the fans. Meanwhile, as the sun set, the four story bonfire was ignited, quickly growing and shooting flames high into the sky. Simultaneously, a light show started up, projected up into the trees, from a nearby tent. At this point, my notes end. For whatever reason, I failed to make any notations after the point when the bonfire was lit. Everything from here on out will be drawn from my somewhat dubious memory.

Tenth in the lineup was Toan. If I remember correctly this was a two man Guitar duo. They played a sort of wild and strange Noise Rock. It was some kind of highly distorted, highly reverberated, ambient soundscape. I don’t remember there being any Vocals, or even clear beginnings or endings to the songs, it all blended together in a long and ever evolving auditory tapestry. Toan rolled on unleashing waves of sound on the audience that crashed against us. The light show dazzled and it seemed all to fit together incredibly well. The eleventh and final performer was Snowblowerrr, which just happened to feature both members of Toan. Based upon my fuzzy recollections, this was a female fronted Death Metal Band. I know one thing, they were heavy… very heavy. They savaged, shredded and destroyed their way through their time. The fans cheered, the light show blazed and Snowblowerrr raged, bringing an apocalyptic finale to the festival. it wasn’t until I had staggered back to my campsite that I realized I had neglected to get a picture of Snowblowerrr. For that, I apologize.

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Then it was backed to the campsites. That was a blur of drinks and smoke, acoustic Guitars and hilarious anecdotes. With good company, music and laughter we wandered off into to wee hours. Sometime after sunrise I awoke in my tent to the sound of drunken babbling. A herd of wasted derelicts had come to rest not far away and had subsequently woken up half the campsite. Establishing that I was not going back to sleep, I broke camp, said my goodbyes and headed out for the highway. And that was that. I made my way north and west for an hour or more before I finally reached my safe home. Along the way I reflected on the night prior, and of the summer gone by. State Line Farm Fest has become the last great party of the summer. It is the final hurrah before the days grow a little shorter, the nights a little colder and our season in the sun gives way to the season of the witch. Sure I know that it’s still only August, but for me Summer kind of ended when I took down my tent Sunday morning. Let’s face it the Halloween decorations are coming out in the stores, the kids are headed back to school and football season is rearing it’s ugly head. All the hallmarks are there. Fall is upon us… or at least it’s breathing down our necks. So let me say this. For those of us that were there, it was a great, wild and cathartic experience. State Line Farm Fest is our final shebang that lets out that last puff of summer time stream. For those of you that missed out, well consider coming out and joining us next year. I assure you, you won’t regret it. In the meantime, thanks for reading, for rocking and for banging your head!!!

Until next time, Rock on, Rustbelt,

-Z.M. Delgado

Rustbelt Rock Review

Rustbeltrockreview.com

08/18/2026

Vol #253: State Line Farm Fest 2026

Vol. #251: Befallen, Druparia, Chalked, Galactic Satan & Storm Reaver