Insomniac, the mastermind behind legendary electronic dance music experiences, recently unveiled its inaugural Apocalypse: Zombieland at the Queen Mary Waterfront, and the event was nothing short of extraordinary. Boasting a lineup of industry-leading bass-music behemoths like Excision, Adventure Club, Sullivan King, and Zomboy, the festival promised a bone-shattering journey that lived up to its apocalyptic theme. As I recount my personal experience, I’ll delve into the production, musical offerings, and venue and also provide an overall assessment of this groundbreaking event.
Production: 9 / 10
Insomniac’s reputation for top-notch production remained intact at Apocalypse: Zombieland. The festival’s four stages — Zombieland, Apocalypse, Containment Zone, and The Lab — captivated attendees with stunning visuals, lasers, ambient lighting, impeccable sound, and pyrotechnic displays, all with unique touches making them feel one of a kind.
Zombieland, the main stage, witnessed awe-inspiring closings by Zeds Dead on Day 1 and Excision on Day 2. Featuring a signature colossal zombie ripping the stage apart from behind the DJ booth, accompanied by lasers and pyrotechnics, this stage created wow-factor and hype. VIP attendees enjoyed a unique vantage point from aboard Queen Mary. Even while hosting heavyweights like Liquid Stranger, Wooli, and Sullivan King, Zombieland maintained a perfect balance of crowd size, giving festivalgoers space for uninterrupted headbanging without sacrificing view.
Apocalypse, located just a short walk from Zombieland, arguably a second main stage and adorned with more visuals, provided a breathtaking sunset backdrop of water and downtown Long Beach. Acts like Kai Wachi b2b Kompany, Rusko, and Peekaboo turned the stage into a magnet for bassheads to gather all night long. At this stage, every moment offered an opportunity to gaze around, vibe in the crowd, and engage in tomfoolery with a fellow headbanger.
Containment Zone, a drum and bass haven, was the first stage that welcomed attendees after entering the festival and was designed to contain the infectious energy of faster BPMs and heavy basslines. Electric performances by Andy C, Bou, Netsky, and Sub Focus kept energy levels high from doors open to close. The visual and pyrotechnic spectacle and the pulsating music offered a warm sanctuary even as temperatures dropped after dark.
The Lab, nestled between Apocalypse and Zombieland, showcased emerging talent in the bass scene. Despite being the smallest stage, it drew in crowds with its captivating sound and design, featuring up-and-comers such as Emofrik, Chee, Shades, and Ivy Lab. Whether attendees deliberately visited this stage to witness some new acts or ended up there by chance while exploring areas between the more prominent stages, it was easy to get lost in the vibes and stay longer than planned.
Each stage left its own unique mark, contributing to an unforgettable experience. The absence of sound bleed between stages for a bass-only event was a delightful surprise, solidifying the production’s remarkable score of 9/10.
Music: 9.5 / 10
Apocalypse: Zombieland’s lineup was nothing short of stacked. Across both days, from 2 pm to midnight, the festival featured a slew of must-see acts from the biggest names in bass music, making it hard to take a break or even grab a bite without missing a phenomenal artist. The addition of after-parties with Kompany, Reaper, and Jessica Audiffred aboard the Queen Mary kept the musical experience going until the early morning hours. This lineup and enticing after-parties deserve a stellar score of 9.5/10.
Venue: 9 / 10
With the uncertainty of a debut festival, Apocalypse: Zombieland showcased Insomniac’s commitment to excellence. The venue’s entry walkway, filled with roaming zombies, graffiti-painted shipping containers, a crashed gas tanker truck, and a firetruck, immersed attendees in a post-apocalyptic world. Everywhere one looked, the attention to detail reinforced the event’s thematic brilliance. From fake zombies on motorcycles to photo-worthy props, the festival’s ambiance was second to none. Insomniac’s dedication to the Apocalypse: Zombieland theme earned the venue a commendable 9/10.
Overall Grade: 9.5 / 10
In SoCal, a region longing for a dedicated bass-only festival, Insomniac delivered in grand style with Apocalypse: Zombieland. With phenomenal stages, elite music acts, and an immersive atmosphere, the event left little room for critique. The overall grade of 9.5/10 reflects the planning and execution that went into this groundbreaking experience. As the countdown to Year 2 begins, one can only anticipate another epic apocalyptic chapter in the saga. Will you be there in 2024? I know I will.
