S.L.R. Magazine

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THE MUSIC VENUE GARDEN AMPHITHEATER IN ORANGE COUNTY, CA HOSTED A METAL MUSIC FESTIVAL CALLED FIRE IT UP FEST MEETS SELF INFLICTED FEST, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2026, BY DON MARCELO

It was a day of metal madness in Orange County.  BREAKING SERENITY, the band behind SELF INFLICTED FEST and SELF INFLICTED PRODUCTIONS partnered up with FIRE IT UP FEST for a one day event of pure metal music on two stages at The Garden Amp. The event called FIRE IT UP FEST MEETS SELF INFLICTED FEST was hosted…

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It was a day of metal madness in Orange County.  BREAKING SERENITY, the band behind SELF INFLICTED FEST and SELF INFLICTED PRODUCTIONS partnered up with FIRE IT UP FEST for a one day event of pure metal music on two stages at The Garden Amp. The event called FIRE IT UP FEST MEETS SELF INFLICTED FEST was hosted by non-other than Mike Z. of 96.7 FM  KCAL ROCKS. 

Written by Don Marcelo

Many Angelenos traveled from all different parts of Southern CA for an afternoon and evening of moshing, mayhem, madness, head banging, and metal music. The line up was insanely filled with different styles of heavy metal music. Originally set to just photograph two bands on this day, EDGE OF PARADISE and ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (check out my previous articles and reviews of both bands here on S.L.R. MAGAZINE. Click on the links below in the photo gallery), I decided to extend my work and include the other bands that I got to see perform on the MAIN STAGE, since Illusions of Grandeur’s set was at 4pm and Edge of Paradise’s set was at 10pm. So I said to myself, “I’m already here, why not enjoy the festivities and rock out and photograph and help promote the other bands as well.” Huge shout out to EDGE OF PARADISE and ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR for having me.

According to the band BREAKING SERENITY, “this event marked the second annual Self Inflicted Fest, following the original edition which was previously produced in collaboration with Mortus Viventi Clothing Company…the festival has been strategically designed to elevate both emerging and established artists while building a sustainable LIVE-MUSIC platform.” 

Furthermore according to the band BREAKING SERENITY, “this appearance represented our 10th show at The Garden Amphitheater with EDGE OF PARADISE, including multiple co-headline performances…SELF INFLICTED FEST is scheduled to return with new concepts and expanded collaborations.”

A great day and great night was had by everyone who was here on this day. Saw several of my colleagues and friends. But more importantly, I got to see and hear great bands perform killer metal music. All of the bands I saw performed an exciting set. Enjoy the photo gallery of the bands I got to photograph on this day. FOLLOW them on their socials and help keep METAL MUSIC alive and kicking.

Photos by © Don Marcelo Photography 2026.

EDGE OF PARADISE

A live performance by the band Edge of Paradise, featuring a lead vocalist with long hair shaking in motion, dramatic stage lighting, and a drum set in the background.
A live music performance at an outdoor amphitheater with colorful stage lights and a smoky atmosphere, featuring a band playing in front of an audience.
A female vocalist performing on stage with a microphone, dressed in a flowing red outfit, in front of a backdrop displaying the text 'EDGE OF PARADISE'. The setting is illuminated with dramatic purple stage lights.
A live performance by the band Edge of Paradise, featuring a guitarist with long hair passionately playing, while a drummer is visible in the background. The stage is illuminated with colorful lights, and a large screen displaying the band's name is behind them.
A live rock band performing on stage with colorful stage lights and smoke effects, featuring a vocalist in a red outfit, a guitarist, and musicians playing bass and keyboards.
A musician passionately playing bass guitar on stage with colorful lighting and a cosmic-themed backdrop. A band member is seen in the background playing keyboard.
A rock band performing on stage with dramatic lighting and smoke effects. The lead singer, dressed in a long red coat, is singing into a microphone while the guitarists play electric guitars.
A rock band performing live on stage, with a guitarist playing a green electric guitar and a female vocalist singing into a microphone. The backdrop features a cosmic-themed graphic with the band's name 'Edge of Paradise.'
A rock band performing on stage with vibrant lighting. The vocalist stands center stage, dressed in a flowing red outfit, while musicians play guitar and drums. A large screen displays the band's logo in the background.
A female vocalist performs on stage with a dynamic pose, wearing a flowing red and black outfit. A male guitarist plays beside her, while a drummer is visible in the background, with vibrant stage lights illuminating the scene.
A guitarist performing on stage with backlighting, showcasing long hair and wearing a sleeveless shirt, holding a guitar with a striking design.
A live performance by the band Edge of Paradise, featuring a vocalist in a flowing red outfit and a guitarist with long hair. The stage is lit with dramatic lights, and a backdrop displays the band's name.
Guitarist with long hair performing on stage, wearing a black outfit and playing a green and black striped electric guitar, with bright stage lights and instruments in the background.
Silhouetted musicians performing on stage in front of a vibrant visual display featuring the text 'Edge of Bar'.
A musician passionately playing an electric guitar on stage with long hair flying, surrounded by colorful lights and fog.
A bassist performing on stage with dynamic lighting and smoke effects, wearing a black shirt and playing a multi-string bass guitar.
A musician playing a bass guitar on stage during a performance, with long hair flying and colorful stage lights in the background.
A guitarist with long hair performs on stage, lost in the music, surrounded by colorful smoke and bright lights.
A drummer performing on stage with a lively crowd in the background and stage lights illuminating the scene.
A female performer on stage, passionately singing into a microphone with long, flowing red hair. She is wearing a black outfit with colorful accents and knee-high boots, surrounded by fog and stage lights.
A vocalist in a red outfit and an electric guitarist perform together on stage, with dynamic lighting and smoke effects in the background.
A singer performing on stage with a microphone, surrounded by purple and blue smoke.
A singer performing on stage with a microphone, surrounded by blue smoke and dramatic lighting.
A singer performing passionately on stage, wearing a flowing red outfit, enveloped in smoke and dramatic stage lighting.
A guitarist performing on stage with long hair, surrounded by colorful lights and smoky atmosphere.
A musician performing on stage, playing a keyboard in front of a colorful backdrop.
A musician performing on stage with a keyboard under colorful lights.
A drummer performing on stage with vibrant lighting and visual effects in the background.
A drummer passionately performing on stage, captured mid-action with drumsticks raised. The background features colorful stage lighting and music equipment.
A drummer performing on stage with sunglasses, playing drums in a colorful lit environment.

https://www.edgeofparadiseband.com

https://www.facebook.com/EdgeOfParadiseBand

https://www.instagram.com/edgeofparadise

LOVEBITES’  ETERNAL PHENOMENON TOUR–U.S. 2025, ALONG WITH SPECIAL GUEST, EDGE OF PARADISE, CONCLUDED WITH AN EPIC PERFORMANCE BY BOTH BANDS AT THE VERMONT HOLLYWOOD IN LOS ANGELES, CA., BY DON MARCELO

ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR

A performer with long red hair and dramatic makeup singing into a microphone on stage, wearing a black outfit with intricate details. The backdrop features the text 'ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR' along with a graphic design.
A performer with red hair and dramatic makeup stands on stage, holding a microphone. In the foreground, a decorative skeleton hangs from a chain, adding a gothic touch to the scene.
A performer with long red hair in a sheer black outfit passionately singing on stage in front of a banner that reads 'ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR'. A drum set is visible in the background along with a skeletal decoration.
A performer with long red hair and fishnet stockings is singing on stage, holding a microphone and striking a pose. The background features a band setup with drums and a graphic display.
A singer with long red hair performing on stage, wearing a black lace outfit, microphone in hand, in front of a band logo that says 'Illusions of Grandeur'.
A musician performing on stage, wearing a leather vest and sporting distinctive face paint, playing a black bass guitar.
A performer with long red hair and a mesh outfit sings energetically on stage, engaging with an enthusiastic audience seated in front of her.
A performer with long red hair and striking makeup sings passionately on stage, wearing a black mesh outfit and fishnet stockings. She stands confidently on a speaker, holding a microphone, with musical instruments visible in the background.
A woman with long red hair passionately performs on stage, wearing a black mesh outfit and fishnet stockings, holding a microphone.
A guitarist performing on stage, wearing a black shirt and shorts, and playing a bright green electric guitar. The scene shows a lively atmosphere with stage lights and equipment in the background.
A performer on stage with long red hair and a silver face paint, wearing a black mesh outfit and fishnet stockings, striking a dynamic pose in front of musical equipment.
A performer with long red hair and a black outfit, striking a dramatic pose on stage. They are holding a microphone and expressing energy, surrounded by music equipment and a dark backdrop.
A musician performing on stage with a bass guitar, wearing a sleeveless black vest and face makeup, with a backdrop featuring the text 'ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR'.
A musician in dark attire performs on stage, playing a unique black bass guitar. The artist has long hair and dramatic face paint, creating an intense visual atmosphere with amplifiers and stage equipment in the background.
A performer with long red hair and dramatic makeup, including black lips and striking facial markings, holding a microphone and looking intensely at the camera.
A performer with vibrant red hair sings passionately into a microphone, dressed in a black bodysuit and fishnet stockings, on stage with dramatic lighting.
A drummer performing on stage in front of a large backdrop featuring the text 'ILLUSIONS GRANDEUR' and a graphic design. The drummer is wearing black clothing and is actively playing the drums.
A drummer performing on stage with a large graphic backdrop featuring a skull and the text 'ILLUSIONS GRANDEUR'. The drummer is playing a pink drum kit and smiling.
Two musicians performing on stage; one is playing a bass guitar while the other plays an electric guitar. The backdrop features the text 'Illusions of Grandeur.'
A drummer performing on stage with a painted face and long hair, surrounded by a dark backdrop featuring a graphic design with a skull and a face.
A musician performing on stage, playing a bright green guitar, wearing a black t-shirt and shorts, with bare feet and a cloth mask covering half of the face.
A guitarist performing on stage, playing a green electric guitar while barefoot. The performer is wearing a black outfit and a hat, with a microphone visible. Stage equipment and lighting can be seen in the background.
A female performer with long, vibrant pink hair, wearing a black lace bodysuit and fishnet stockings, singing passionately on stage. Her makeup is dramatic, featuring dark eyeshadow. She holds a microphone and is surrounded by dramatic lighting and a crowd.
A performer with long, curly red hair and striking makeup performs on stage wearing a sheer black outfit with fishnet details and bold accessories.
A male musician in a black vest and pants performs passionately with a unique bass guitar on stage, featuring dramatic stage lighting and a band logo in the background.

https://www.iogmusic.com

https://www.facebook.com/IllusionsOG

https://www.instagram.com/iogmusic

ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR FEASTED TO THE IMAGINATIONS OF THEIR FANS, PERFORMING A MYSTICAL KILLER LIVE SHOW, BY DON MARCELO

BREAKING SERENITY

A performer leaping into the air during a live music concert, with a drummer visible in the background and colorful stage lights illuminating the scene.
A male vocalist in a black leather jacket passionately singing into a microphone on stage, with colorful stage lights and a band in the background.
A musician playing electric guitar on stage with dramatic lighting and a colorful backdrop during a live performance.
A performer jumping off the stage during a concert, with fans in the foreground and smoke effects in the background. The atmosphere is energetic and vibrant, characterized by stage lights and balloons.
A red balloon with a smiling face design hangs in the foreground, while a performer sings in the background, accompanied by band members.
Musician performing on stage, playing an electric guitar while wearing a black studded jacket.
A musician performing on stage with a keyboard, focused on playing amidst colorful stage lights.
Musician playing electric guitar on stage, wearing a black cap and a graphic T-shirt, surrounded by colorful stage lights.
A shirtless male singer performing on stage with a microphone, engaging with the audience in the foreground, while a band member plays in the background under colorful stage lights.
A musician playing the violin on stage, dressed in dark clothing, with glasses and a focused expression, illuminated by colorful stage lights.
A dynamic stage performance featuring two singers, one with long braided hair and the other with a shaved head, passionately engaging with the audience. Colorful stage lights create an energetic atmosphere.
A live music performance featuring musicians on stage, with one artist jumping above another who is playing a violin. Colorful stage lights cast a dramatic atmosphere, and a large red balloon is seen nearby.
A dynamic performance scene featuring two musicians on stage, one with dreadlocks and the other raising a hand, illuminated by colorful stage lights and a vibrant backdrop.
A female vocalist passionately performing on stage, gripping a microphone with intensity, dressed in black with a striking hairstyle, amidst a vibrant concert atmosphere.
A female singer performing on stage, kneeling while holding a microphone, engaged with an audience member who is extending a fist towards her. The scene is illuminated by colorful stage lights, creating a dynamic atmosphere.
A musician jumping energetically on stage during a performance, with a colorful backdrop displaying 'BREAKING SERENITY'. Red balloons and promotional banners are visible.
A performer on stage with a microphone during a concert, with a drummer in the background. The backdrop features colorful graphics and the text 'BREAKING SERENITY'. Red balloons are visible, adding to the lively atmosphere.
A live band performing on stage with dramatic lighting. A guitarist is in the foreground, playing a red bass guitar, while a violinist stands nearby. A drummer is visible in the background, with a large screen displaying the text 'BREAKING SERENITY'.
A performer energetically dancing on stage during a concert, with a backdrop featuring the words 'Breaking Serenity'. The musician holds a microphone and wears a black cap, showcasing a dynamic pose. Colorful stage elements include balloons and band equipment visible in the background.
A drummer performing on stage with a vibrant background displaying bold text and graphics.

https://www.facebook.com/BreakSerenity

https://breakingserenity.bigcartel.com/breaking-serenity-biography

https://www.instagram.com/breakingserenity_music

FOR THOSE WHO SUFFER

A musician passionately performing on stage with a microphone, while a photographer captures the moment from the front row.
A musician performs passionately on stage, holding a microphone and singing, while a photographer captures the moment from the front row. A bright background features stylized text.
A vocalist performing energetically on stage with a microphone, while a drummer plays in the background. The scene is lit with dramatic lighting, creating a vibrant atmosphere, and a large screen displays graffiti-style text.
A black and white photo of a live music performance featuring a singer with arms raised on stage, a drummer in the background playing, and a guitarist to the side. The backdrop displays stylized graffiti art.
A live music performance featuring a band on stage, with a singer in the foreground and a drummer in the background. The stage is illuminated with bright lights and fog effects, enhancing the energetic atmosphere.
A band performing live on stage, with a guitarist and vocalist in the foreground and a drummer in the background. The stage features dramatic lighting and a large graphic display behind the musicians.
A musician performing on stage while jumping in the air, microphone in hand, with dramatic lighting and a band member visible in the background.
A musician playing bass guitar on stage with a drummer visible in the background, illuminated by stage lights and a large screen displaying stylized text.
A musician playing an electric guitar on stage, illuminated by dramatic lighting and surrounded by a misty atmosphere.
A male vocalist passionately performing on stage while holding a microphone, with a drummer visible in the background. The scene is lit with stage lights, and a graphic backdrop enhances the energy of the performance.
A drummer passionately performing on stage, surrounded by a vibrant backdrop with bold graffiti-style text.
A drummer performing on stage, surrounded by a vibrant backdrop featuring bold graphic text.

https://www.instagram.com/forthosewhosuffer_

RAIN BRINGS WEATHER

A musician performing on stage with a guitar, raising one hand in a dramatic pose. The performer has long hair and is wearing makeup, with a microphone in front of them. The background features stage lights and equipment.
A musician playing guitar on stage, wearing a white shirt, black tie, and shorts, with long hair covering his face, surrounded by band members and musical equipment.
A musician with long hair, wearing a white shirt and black tie, performing on stage while playing a gray electric guitar.
A musician performing on stage with long hair, wearing a white shirt and black tie, playing a yellow electric guitar while singing into a microphone.
A guitarist performing on stage with long hair, wearing a white shirt and black shorts. The stage is illuminated with lights and smoke, and a man can be seen watching from the side.
A musician performing on stage, passionately singing into a microphone while playing a yellow electric guitar.
A drummer performing on stage, wearing a mask and vibrant clothing, with a colorful drum set. In the background, a large mural featuring a cartoon character under an umbrella amidst rain.
A drummer with a monstrous mask playing a red drum set on stage, with a colorful backdrop featuring cartoonish weather elements.
A musician with long hair and face paint performing on stage, holding a bass guitar, wearing a white shirt and jeans.
A musician with long hair and a painted face playing a bass guitar on stage, wearing a white shirt and jeans, with concert lighting in the background.
A musician with vibrant red face paint and dramatic hairstyle plays an electric guitar on stage, with a colorful backdrop and drums visible behind.
Musician performing on stage, wearing a white shirt and black tie, playing an electric guitar with long hair and dramatic makeup.

https://www.facebook.com/RainBringsWeather10

https://www.instagram.com/rainbringsweather

FIRE SETS FIRE

A bassist performing on stage, wearing sunglasses and a cap, with a vibrant background of musical instruments and stage lights.
A drummer performing on stage with a vibrant backdrop, surrounded by lit candles and musical equipment.
A drummer performing on stage with a fiery background and a confident gesture, surrounded by drums and candles.
A guitarist performing on stage, wearing a black jacket and cap, playing an electric guitar with various effects pedals in front of him. Bright stage lights are in the background.
A male musician wearing sunglasses and a sleeveless shirt, kneeling on a wooden box near a drum set, with a colorful background featuring a logo and lights, during a performance.
A musician playing an electric bass guitar on stage, surrounded by dramatic lighting and smoke.
A musician performing on stage, playing an electric guitar with intense focus, surrounded by colorful stage lighting and fog.
A guitarist performing on stage, playing an electric guitar with intense focus, surrounded by colorful stage lighting and smoke.
A bassist performing on stage with a vibrant, fiery background and visible musical equipment.
A dynamic performer in a red tank top is energetically singing or shouting into a microphone on stage, with a drummer visible in the background. The backdrop features vibrant red graphics, enhancing the energetic atmosphere of the live performance.

https://firesetsfire.com/home

https://www.facebook.com/firesetsfire

https://www.instagram.com/FiresetsFire

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