Savage Mountain Punk Fest Day 1
Deguello - All photos courtesy of Evan Swartz
On August 7th through the 9th, 2025, the Savage Mountain Punk Fest celebrated its 10th anniversary show in the historic town of Cumberland, Maryland. The event’s haven for the three-day extravaganza was Mezzos Underground, a bar and restaurant that lives within a brick building constructed in 1928. As it stands, stoically, its original bricks and wooden floors seemingly left untouched in the town’s historic district, volunteers make the venue ready for the onslaught of punk that would live within its walls for days to come.
People began to show up for the first day around 5:30, as the first band, Deguello, prepared to start the event at 7:15. The band kicked off the night with its own unique blend of nu metal and hardcore influences. Playing an original single as well as closing their set with a cover of System of a Down’s “Suite-Pee.”
Cop/Out took the stage at 8:00. The band, originally from New York City, educated the event’s patrons in punk philosophy, establishing anti-corporation and anti-police sentiments while simultaneously advocating for love and peace within the world.
With the turning of the clock came Boss’ Daughter at 8:45. A band from Reno that delivered a jazz-infused punk sound. With their performance came a fun, upbeat dance party at the front of the stage while the band sang of embracing your friends and drinking in the daytime.
The Cheats came next, a favorite of night one, singing “I Want You” and “Only Thing I’m Fucking Is Up.” The band’s set proved to be memorable, pausing for moments infused with comedy and sipping beer just before jumping right into their next song, which complemented the onstage shenanigans.
Following The Cheats came the underrated horror punk masters, The Jasons. A set that comprised singing of the undead, contrasting their lively stage presence. The masked killers, outfitted with leather and hair that danced in the wind of electric fans, truly emphasized to the crowd that horror, speed, and punk go hand in hand.
Then came the end of night one with Ultrabomb. A final act that brought an electric presence, where the stage’s square footage became their playground. A collection of songs and moments that brought the crowd into moments of strange calm, only before snapping back into action like a whip. The first day of the event was alive and uncontrollable. I would return the next day, ready for more.
