Headbangers reunited as soon as once more in Tacoma, Washington, from February 7-9, 2025, on the Tacoma Dome for the extremely anticipated fifth version of Thunderdome, the brainchild of Jeff Abel, aka Excision. Since its debut in 2018, the competition has developed miraculously from a one-day occasion to now a three-day spectacle, inviting followers from throughout the globe to share the identical area as bass music’s most proficient artists, rapidly changing into a gold customary for festivals within the style.
Very like Excision’s different flagship occasion, Misplaced Lands, the competition fosters an environment the place artists debut unreleased tracks and groundbreaking collaborations, additional solidifying its popularity as an incubator for innovation. With Excision’s signature surprises, from unannounced friends to unique set moments, Thunderdome has grow to be one of the anticipated occasions in digital music, regularly elevating the bar.
This yr’s version of the mini-fest welcomed the abilities of House Laces, PEEKABOO, ALLEYCVT, Levity, Emorfik, Hedex, and SIPPY. Including to the occasion, Thunderdome 2025 delivered electrifying back-to-back performances, together with a high-energy set from DRINKURWATER and Benda. The grand finale noticed Excision and Wooli take the stage for an enormous B2B, however the pleasure didn’t cease there—halfway by means of their set, they welcomed fellow bass famous person ILLENIUM as a particular shock to additional elevate the set to legendary standing.
Not solely did a few of bass music’s most proficient icons carry out collectively all through the weekend, however particular collaborations have been showcased all through the occasion, together with Wooli’s unreleased ID with Subtronics and a beforehand leaked ID with GRiZ. Levity proceeded to play Wooli’s unreleased “Stephanie” edit. The weekend was crammed with unbelievable shock friends and artists displaying off their genius reinterpretations of different artists’ tracks.
Thunderdome 2024 set a brand new benchmark for visible manufacturing in digital music, delivering among the most immersive and jaw-dropping shows the scene has witnessed. The stage got here to life with 3D-esque legendary creatures, offended dinosaurs, hallowed skeletons, and a demonic Shrek, all showing to interrupt by means of towering LED screens and work together with the group in unprecedented methods. Nevertheless, Thunderdome 2025 failed to succeed in the identical heights, leaving many attendees underwhelmed by visuals that lacked the innovation and spectacle of the earlier yr.
A refined however vital shift this yr in comparison with final yr’s internet hosting appeared to be a much less collaborative lineup. Whereas the grand finale B3B delivered one of the surprising moments in bass music historical past, the general variety of B2Bs was markedly decrease in comparison with earlier Thunderdome lineups. Whereas Excision has an expansive roster of dance music heavyweights at his disposal for his signature closing B2B, he opted for Wooli—an undeniably proficient artist however one who had already shared the stage with him in an identical format at Misplaced Lands simply months prior. Many followers have been disenchanted, hoping for a recent, surprising collaboration quite than repeating one thing already seen.
Previous to the present, Wooli eased followers’ minds with a publish on X that learn, “Btw ought to add… this set isn’t gonna be similar as LL. If you already know me, I sit in entrance of a pc 20 hours a day, tinkering with new concepts and having an unrealistic purpose to folks please. Jeff had dwelling time with the child and been cooooookin IDs. Tdome gonna be a complete vibe”
Admittedly, the duo delivered a high-energy set, debuting recent music whereas weaving in fan-favorite tracks from their catalog. Excision had simply welcomed a model new child; his choice to prioritize household is each comprehensible and commendable. Nevertheless, it’s truthful for followers to really feel considerably shortchanged, as Thunderdome has lengthy been recognized for its groundbreaking, surprising collaborations—a noticeably absent customary this yr.
Regardless of the dearth of revolutionary visuals this yr, Excision delivered a signature audiovisual spectacle, proving as soon as once more why his productions stay a gold customary in bass music. His iconic, vibrantly coloured lasers—now synonymous together with his title—blanketed the venue, pulsing in excellent sync with every earth-shattering drop. Whereas the visuals could not have reached the cinematic heights of earlier years, the sheer sensory impression of the present was plain. It’s clear that Excision’s meticulous consideration to manufacturing continues to push the boundaries of reside digital music, creating an expertise that followers received’t quickly neglect.
Safety maintained the identical strict enforcement as in earlier years, making certain a tightly managed surroundings from entry onward. The in depth listing of prohibited objects included on a regular basis necessities like ChapStick, lip gloss, gum (even factory-sealed), non-clear and tinted-clear baggage, and hydro-packs, alongside competition staples similar to poi, circulate toys, and vapes. Safety personnel have been thorough and unwavering, opening fan and earplug instances and strictly imposing the no-exceptions coverage. Attendees rapidly realized that any prohibited objects—regardless of how small—might imply denied entry, reinforcing the competition’s hardline stance on its security rules.
In response to current occasions, the addition of additional safety was each appreciated and crucial, although it did require a bit extra preparation on the a part of attendees. Care Crew, a gaggle of devoted ravers serving to ravers, was noticed all through the venue—helping with medical emergencies, handing out free sweet and water, and spreading positivity with high-fives as they navigated the crowds. With coat checks for $10 per day and lockers for $25 per day, ravers might convey further layers for the brutal Seattle climate post-show, and bringing giant baggage appeared pointless.
General, Thunderdome is, and can proceed to be, one of the iconic, standout occasions in digital music, particularly for bass music lovers. Few festivals or occasions can manufacture the manufacturing that Excision does with the shock worth that he cultivates.
Featured picture courtesy: Excision Presents through Fb.
