The Amnesia Rockfest 2013 takes place on June 14th-15th (yes, that’s on a Friday and Saturday). The event takes place in Montebello, Quebec, and with roughly 100 bands performing (not including indoor venues hosting numerous bands) it’s about the biggest bang for your concert buck you can get; a weekend pass costs just $79 plus fees and taxes. I don’t know how they afford it (generous sponsors, most likely), but that means you’re paying about $1.26 per band.
Obviously, you won’t be able to see every band, and with such an extensive lineup it can be a daunting task to decide which bands to see. Outside of your own personal favorites, we’d like to recommend a few bands that you should check out.
No.6 Trapped Under Ice
Friday, June 14th, at 5:45 p.m.
If you’re a fan of New York Hardcore, you’re going to have to check out Trapped Under Ice. They formed in 2007, and hail from Baltimore, drawing influence from NYHC. While I’m not a fan of modern Hardcore (it’s the wimpy vocals and the dancing), this shit is killer. Wicked vocals, great rhythm, nice drop-tuned/thrash sound, infinite energy, and more make Trapped Under Ice a must-see at Amnesia Rockfest. Plus, who can resist a band that most likely culled their name from a Metallica song?
No.5 Biohazard
Saturday, June 15th, at 7:45 p.m.
In the early days of Biohazard, they were notorious for putting on a ferocious, incendiary show. Biohazard, formed in Brooklyn, was among the first bands to incorporate the sounds of Hip-Hop, Hardcore, and Thrash, joining the likes of Suicidal Tendencies and Anthrax. The band hasn’t had an easy existence, flying mostly under the radar and losing members along the way, and finally breaking up in 2007. However, the original lineup reformed in 2010 and put out a new album, Reborn in Defiance, in 2012. The reunion was short-lived due to vocalist Evan Seinfeld leaving to focus on his porn career, and later Attika 7. Scott Roberts took over the mic, and obviously the band has something to prove.
No.4 Screeching Weasel
Friday, June 14th, at 9:25 p.m.
If you fly outside the pop-punk territory, you may never have heard of Screeching Weasel, but I assure you, this band is among the best at what they do. Formed in Chicago in 1986, Screeching Weasel has had its ups and downs, breakups and reunions, good times and controversies – actually, they have the longest list of former members I’ve ever seen. The band formerly closed the door in 2001, releasing a greatest hits in 2005 to lock said door, but in 2009, the Screeching Weasel re-emerged. In 2011, they released their latest effort, First World Manifesto, and in March of that year, vocalist and founding member Ben Weasel jumped into the crowd during a show and assaulted two women. I don’t think you’ll see any antics like that at Rockfest… as long as you don’t throw ice on stage!
The remaining 3 Yell! Magazine Amnesia Rockfest 2013 recommendations, plus a few local bands to check out…
