The upcoming sixth installment of the NYC-based apocalyptic music event, Apex VI, has been announced and confirmed, bringing a three-day fiesta of absolutely demolishing proportions to the city from June 5th to 7th, 2015.

The biennial Apex gathering unites a wide spectrum of international music artists, experimenters, and collaborators from across the realms of noise, drone, industrial, power electronics, and more. The 2015 installation promises to be one of the most damaging lineups, with a monstrous array of artists from across the smoldering globe.

Presented by Annihilvs Power Electronix in association with Black Horizons, Crucial Blast, Cyclic Law, Earsplit PR, Handmade Birds, Heaven Street, Malignant Records, and M.A.P.S., the Apex VI gala will take over Trans Pecos in Ridgewood, Queens. While the three-day lineup is not fully complete or announced, the list of confirmed acts is already set to include Portland doom cult, The Body (including guest collaborators to be announced), the second stateside performance from Dutch maniac Gnaw Their Tongues, the first appearance from Sweden’s IRM in 10 years, since playing at the first APEX in June 2005, as well as Trepaneringsritualen, Menace Ruine, Burial Hex, Sutekh Hexen, Svartsinn, and many others hailing from Sweden, Norway, Canada, and abroad, in addition to short films and visual works presentations, exclusive merch/vendor wares, and much more.

Advance tickets and multi-day bundles — including a fest compilation digipak CD and exclusive T-shirt designs from Gnaw Their Tongues and The Body — have been posted.

View the entire confirmed lineup as of now, all ticketing options, the official event page, and more after the jump…

Psycho California (May 15th-16th) — the West Coast’s inaugural metal festival and a must-see for fans of doom, heavy psych, and sludge — has announced the headliners for this year’s event: Cult of Luna (May 15), Sleep (May 16), and Pentagram, who will perform First Daze Here in its entirety (May 17).

Cult of Luna’s Johannes Persson said:

2015 is going to be a slow year for Cult of Luna. However as much as we are musicians we are also fans. Evaluating if the offer to play Psycho California was worth dusting off our instruments was not hard after looking on the line-up. Being on the same bill as Pentagram, Sleep, and a festival packed with the best bands around is a privilege in itself and we’ll try to live up to that honor.

The lineup for Psycho California is: Sleep, Pentagram, Cult of Lune, Kylesa, OM, Earth, Russian Circles, Bedemon, Conan, Wrench, Eyehategod, Indian, Earthless, Pallbearer, Stoned Jesus, Old Man Gloom, Cave In, Acid Witch, Truckfighters, Tombs, Bang, Electric Citizen, Coffinworm, SubRosa, Eagle Twin, Mammatus, True Widow, Anciients, Bellwitch, Dead Meadow, Lord Dying, Death By Stereo, Radio Moscow, Ancient Altar, Samsara Blues Experiment, Atriarch, Elder, Mothership, The Well, Deathkings, Wo Fat, Rozamov, Destroyer of Light, Highlands, Bloodmoon, Slow Season, Goatsnake, Crypt Trip, Wrench, Lords of Beacon House, Tumbleweed Dealer, Sinister Haze, Blackout, Red Wizard, Banquet, and Loom.

Festival interludes will be provided by Housecore Records’ artist Author & Punisher and vinyl DJ set from Bob Lugowe (Relapse Records) and Sean Pellet (Last Daze Here).

Previously announced early bird tickets sold out immediately. Tickets for the festival are on-sale as of this morning, with both a 3-day pass ($149.50) and a 3-day VIP pass available ($256.66). Tickets can be purchased at: psychoca.com

VIP packages include a 3-day festival pass, a signed screen print concert poster by David D’Andrea, express entry via artist check-in booth, access to artist VIP lounge, a limited-edition Thief X Obey festival tee, a Psycho record bag and patch, as well as access to a complementary craft tequila bar, premium microbrews, and artisan snacks.

Rock Hard \m/

Farmageddon, Western Canada’s loudest open-air metal festival has announced that it will host its third annual edition from June 11th-14th, 2015, in Ryley, Alberta (80 km east of Edmonton), with a line-up of over 30 bands from across the country.

Farmageddon founder, Tyson Travnik, has commented:

I’m looking forward to having Farmageddon return for its 3rd year and promise it will dwarf its previous years in terms of attendance, bands and features. Follow us on our facebook and twitter as we reveal line up details in the New Year. See you in the mosh pit!

Last year’s festival saw Havok headline with a powerhouse line-up that included Wretched, Sanktuary, Ironstorm, Psychotic Gardening, Death Toll Rising, Scythia, Kyoktys, and many more.

Presently, Farmageddon is taking submissions from bands interested in performing at the festival at the following application link. Deadline to apply is February 15th.

In addition, the festival is looking for volunteers. Applicants can apply here.

See below for 2015 ticket information according to the press release. More information is available on the event’s website: www.farmageddon.ca

Pre-Sale Tickets Info:

[sic]
For 2015, FARMAGEDDON is an ALL AGES event. The festival strongly suggests that patrons under the age of 18 be under supervision of a guardian over the age of 18. Adults will be issued separate wristbands permitting access to the licensed area. NO ACCESS WILL BE PERMITTED TO THE LICENSED AREA WITHOUT VALIDATION OF GOVERNMENT ISSUED ID! NO EXCEPTIONS!

FARMAGEDDON offers 2 different festival passes for 2015.

DIABLO ($50.00) – A single day pass, only redeemable at the festival grounds on Friday, June 12 2015.

HELLRIDER ($100.00) – 3 days, and 2 nights of heavy metal insanity! Also includes a special souvenir waiting for you at the festival! ALSO includes free admission to any of our warm-up shows in Calgary, Red Deer, or Edmonton on June 11th 2015.

Upon online purchase, tickets will be mailed out, starting Feb. 31 2015 until May 1 2015. They will also be available at the following locations during the same dates:

The Rendevouz Pub (Edmonton)

Blackbyrd Music (Edmonton)

The Soundhouse Guitar & Record Shop (Red Deer)

Lord Nelson’s Bar and Grill (Calgary)

Or call Excalibur Productions at 780-245-0849 to arrange delivery!

FARMAGEDDON ARE CURRENTLY OFFERING A LIMITED NUMBER OF 100 HELLRIDER 3 DAY PASSES AT 20% OFF! THESE WON’T LAST LONG, SO GET ‘EM WHILE THEY’RE HOT!

Rock Hard \m/

These are pretty obvious things that require the minimum of common sense, but we may need a reminder every now and then. If you’re a regular fest goer, you’re probably aware that you shouldn’t fight or tramble a fellow pit resident.

Anyway, on with the show:

No.5 Get Drunk

Drinking and smoking pot go hand in hand with heavy metal fests, and, as a matter of fact, any music fest. So, go ahead, have a few cold ones, roll a fat one, no one really cares. That is, no one cares until you become an obnoxious pain in the ass and pass out, forcing someone to take care of your ass. So, unless you want to be the guy with chunky puke down the front of your shirt, passed out against a porta potty, or the guy pressed up against the barricade in front of the stage, or even the guy who can hardly walk through the fest grounds, don’t get drunk. Besides, how can you really enjoy the music when you’re preoccupied with trying not to look too hammered or when you can’t hear anything beyond the spinning of your head. And, those gravity blasts are hell on the gag reflex.

No.4 Neglect Hydration

Heavy metal festivals usually take place outdoors, in the sun and heat. You’re going to get thirsty, and you should quench that thirst. An ice-cold beer is going to feel real good, but don’t forget to drink water. Alcohol and sun, despite popular belief, don’t really go well together. They’re kind of like oil and water, or a straight girl trying to get with a gay dude. A good rule of thumb is to drink one water for every alcoholic beverage you consume, and also to be constantly sipping on a water bottle. You just don’t want to get dehydrated, which will happen faster than a pimp can say, “Where’s my money?” when you’re standing in a crowd, moshing, drinking alcohol, and exposed to constant sun and heat.

No.3 Get Sunburned

While you’re taking care of your hydration because of the sun and heat, make sure you take care of your skin. Whether you know it or not, whether there are clouds or not, UV rays are wrecking havoc on your poor skin. I don’t care too much about how pretty you are, but don’t be one of those idiots with skin that looks like cooked lobster. You’ve seen the guys who’ve gotten burned and then taken off their tank tops to expose the pale skin that was concealed under it — you look like a moron who can’t function without mommy.

Point is, a bad sunburn will hurt, and, well, could lead to skin cancer. You’re hardcore, but not that hardcore.

No.2 Wear A Cowboy Hat

Your 10-fucking-gallon Stetson is only cool if you’re at a country music fest or a damn rodeo. Sure, some country boys like their metal, but a heavy metal fest is no place for your tucked-in plaid, cowboy hat, or boots. Also, if you stand in the crowd to watch the show, your fucking hat will block the view of at least three people behind you. If you don’t get your ass kicked, count your lucky stars. If you absolutely must show Motley Crue your country pride, at least take off your damn hat while watching the show.

No.1 Piss where People Walk

If you can’t hold it as you wait to use a porta potty, use that guy’s Stetson for a toilet. But, whatever you do, don’t piss where people have to walk. It’s disgusting, you farm animal. If you do this, I hope a porta potty upends on your ass for eternity in hell. Go find a tree or some other discreet place, but don’t piss through a security fence or beside a porta potty where people are bound to walk. People will step in your waste and then have to go home, bringing your stink in their house. Maybe people who are caught doing this should have a GPS shoved up their urethra so that we can find their home, enter their living room, and piss all over their carpet. Sound good?

Rock Hard \m/

That’s right, folks, the perennial music festival is attempting to stop thousands of punk kids from moshing and crowd surfing. Warped Tour has asked bands to not ask for a pit and has posted banners at each stage, like the one above. Since warped only started to ask fans to behave a certain way last year, I’m guessing that the Randy Blythe blemish in the Czech Republic is the root of this evil.

It’s clear from the banners that organizers are concerned about being sued (to hell with the kids’ safety, we want our money), so it’s likely that this is just a precautionary/protection thing. I always thought there was an injury disclaimer on the back of tickets to provide legal protection. If I’m right, it seems to me that the fine print should be sufficient. Guess not.

How plausible is it that a music fest that attracts this type crowd could stop moshing and crowd surfing? Not bloody likely.

Early reports, however, indicate that this tactic isn’t working and fans are still behaving like fans.

Do you think promoters have the right to ask fans to not mosh or crowd surf?

Rock Hard \m/

Riot Fest turns 10 this year, and there’s no sign of it slowing down any time soon. There are over 100 bands scheduled to decimate three cities this September, and with the eclectic mix of bands in the lineup there’s sure to be something for everyone. Bring your mom and throw her in the pit!

Make sure to give us a follow on Facebook.

Riot Fest will hit Toronto on September 6th-7th at Downsview Park, Chicago‘s Humboldt Park on September 12th-14th, and Denver‘s May Farms on September 19th-21st. All three festivals will be headlined by legendary Goth rockers, The Cure.

Other noteable acts include Jane’s Addiction, The National, Rise Against, Social Distortion, The Flaming Lips, Weezer, Slayer, Descendents, Samhain, Patti Smith, Wu-Tang Clan, The Offspring, Pussy Riot, NOFX, Mudhoney, Andrew W.K., Stiff Little Fingers, and, last but not least, GWAR.

Exactly in what capacity GWAR will be performing is unknown at this time, but thinking that it might be left over information from before Dave Brockie‘s death, I checked GWAR.net, and sure enough the information is posted there on May 13th.

See below for complete lineup information and ticket ordering links.

Riot Fest founder commented on the 10th anniversary of his baby:

Hard to believe it’s been 10 years. Really doesn’t seem it’s been all that long. But, my partner Sean (McKeough) and I are so very lucky that the fans believe in what we do… And I’m just as thankful that a good chunk of our friends from over the years are coming back to play and blow out a few birthday candles alongside us. Between both, that’s what makes this year special.

At Chicago’s Riot Fest, there will be a special interactive panel discussion with Russian conceptual artists and formerly imprisoned activists, Pussy Riot (Nadya Tolokonnikova and Masha Alekhina). Details on the panel discussion with Pussy Riot/Zona Prava will be announced in the coming weeks, but fans should anticipate a novel festival experience unlike one ever witnessed at Riot.

Riot Fest Ticketing Info:

Tickets for all three Riot Fests are on sale now via www.ticketfly.com: Toronto, Chicago, Denver

Camping – https://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/577787

Toronto Riot Fest Lineup:

Chicago Riot Fest Lineup:

Denver Riot Fest Lineup:

More band announcements are forthcoming as well as a few more 10th Anniversary surprises.

Rock Hard \m/

The sixth-annual Scion Rockfest just announced its official and full lineup… and it’s not something you’re going to want to miss if you’re in the Pomona, California, area on May 17th. Machine Fucking Head, Crowbar, Exhumed… does anything else need to be said? I guess ticket information would be helpful: Starting tomorrow, March 26th, at 10 a.m. PST, visit www.scionav.com to make your claim.

See the full lineup listed below, as well as additional information in the press release.

From the Press Release:

Since the 2009 debut of Scion Rock Fest, the annual outing has featured Mastodon, Down, Neurosis, Baroness, Morbid Angel, and the Melvins. A rotating location has found the Fest in Atlanta, Columbus, Tampa, Memphis, as well as the 2011 event, which was also in Pomona.

Scion Rock Fest is one of the many music and cultural events curated by Scion Audio Visual, the entertainment division founded by Scion in 2003. Over the past decade, Scion AV has hosted numerous concerts and tours including the monthly Scion Rock Show in Los Angeles and High on Fire’s recent North American trek, sponsored Phil Anselmo’s Housecore Horror Festival and Revelation Records’ 25th Anniversary celebrations, brought together the brightest minds in the music industry for the annual Scion Music(less) Music Conference and offered numerous free singles and EPs from a wide variety of musicians including Meshuggah, Corrosion of Conformity
and Municipal Waste.

The Scion Rock Fest 2014 Lineup:

Machine Head
High On Fire
Red Fang
Orchid
Crowbar
BL’AST!
Speedwolf
Power Trip
Jex Thoth
Coffins
King Buzzo
Big Business
Hot Lunch
Aqua Nebula Oscillator
All Them Witches
Pins of Light
Carousel
The Well
Midnight
Exhumed
In Cold Blood
Nekrogoblikon
Windhand
Lord Dying
Moab
Black Sheep Wall

Rock Hard \m/

The weekend of April 26th looks like it’s going to be the hottest weekend in Florida all year… and it won’t even be summer yet. There are two very good reasons for my prediciton, which doesn’t rest on just Rob Zombie or Korn.

There are two big music events happening on this particular weekend. First there’s Monster Energy’s Fort Rock at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers on April 26th. Second there’s Welcome to Rockville Festival at Metropolitan Park in Jacksonville on April 26th and 27th.

The first thing you might notice is that Fort Rock is pretty much identical to day two at Rockville. The other thing you’ll notice is that these events are happening at opposite ends of the peninsula. If for some reason you were planning to see the same show two days in a row, you’ll be spending a few hours on the road.

Check out the details below.

Monster Energy’s Fort Rock

When: April 26
Where: JetBlue Park in Fort Myers, Florida

This is Fort Rock’s second year and the lineup for the one-day event is impressive:

Fort Rock Lineup:

Rob Zombie
Five Finger Death Punch
Korn
Seether
Theory of a Deadman
Black Stone Cherry
Sick Puppies
Trivium
Skindred
The Pretty Reckless
Kying
Nothing More
Twelve Foot Ninja
and more…

Jeremy Spencer of Five Finger Death Punch said:

5FDP is incredibly excited to be part of the kickoff of the World’s Loudest Month. Having already ‘rocked’ Rockville, this will be our first time bringing it to Fort Myers. We are blessed to have so many fans in Florida that made it possible for the band to step up as a festival headliner standing beside giants like Korn and Rob Zombie! Thank you, Florida. See you all soon!

If you know you’re going for sure, then you might want to think about buying during the pre-sale on January 28th-30th when ticket prices are reduced (plus fees). Pre-sale pricing is as follows:

Tuesday, January 28th: $29.50
Wednesday, January 29th: $39.50
Thursday, January 30th: $45.50

If your less committed, then tickets officially go on sale on January 31st at 10 a.m. ET. Be aware that ticket prices increase on February 10th. You can make your purchase at FortRockFestival.com or at Ticketmaster outlets.

General Admission starts at: $49.50
VIP start at: $99.50

Also, select Pita Pit locations will sell General Admission tickets for $50, with no service fees. A limited number of discounted GA military tickets will on sale for $29 through www.govx.com.

Welcome to Rockville Festival

When: April 26th and 27th
Where: Metropolitan Park, Jacksonville, Florida

2014 marks the fourth annual Welcome to Rockville festival, which grows each an every year. Last year’s event hosted more than 25,000 rabid heavy metal fans, and this year should be even bigger. I mean, last year had Alice in Chains headlining on day one, which is fine, AIC is great, but Limp Bizkit co-headlined, which means bathroom break and beer run. On day two, Lynyrd Skynyrd headlined, making them the festival’s headlining act. Um, what?

So, yeah, this year’s lineup is looking drastically better. Ticket information follows the lineup below.

Welcome to Rockville Lineup:

Saturday, April 26th

Avenged Sevenfold
The Cult
Motörhead
Volbeat
Alter Bridge
Chevelle
Hellyeah
Chiodos
Memphis May Fire
We Came As Romans
Middle Class Rut
Adelitas Way
Rev Theory
Fozzy
Butcher Babies
Devour The Day
We As Human
Evergreen Terrace
Monster Truck
Ernie Ball Battle Of The Bands winner

Sunday, April 27th

Korn
Rob Zombie
Five Finger Death Punch, Staind
Seether
Theory of a Deadman
Black Label Society
Black Stone Cherry
Trivium
Motionless In White
Sick Puppies
Skindred
The Pretty Reckless
Lacuna Coil
KYNG
Nothing More
Twelve Foot Ninja

Jonathan Davis of Korn said:

Can’t wait for Rockville! We love coming to JAX – the fans there always bring it!

Just as it was with Fort Rock, there are benefits to ordering your tickets sooner. Pre-sale begins January 28th-30th with a limited number of two-day general admission and VIP tickets available. You need a password to access the pre-sale; it can be obtained by visiting www.WelcomeToRockvilleFestival.com, www.FolioWeekly.com, www.RevolverMag.com, or listen to your local rock radio station. Add fees to the prices below:

Tuesday, January 28th: $69.50
Wednesday, January 29th: $79.50
Thursday, January 30th: $89.50

Regularly priced weekend and single-day tickets go on sale Friday, January 31st, at 10:00 a.m. ET at www.WelcomeToRockvilleFestival.com, Ticketmaster outlets, and select Jacksonville Metro PCS locations. A limited number of two-day VIP tickets and hotel packages will also be available.

Two-day General Admission start at: $99.50
Single-day General Admission tickets start at: $59.50

Once again, be warned that General Admission and VIP ticket prices increase on February 3rd. A limited number of discounted weekly General Admission tickets will be available to military for just $69 through www.govx.com.

Rock Hard \m/

Well, that rumor is now as good as true! Pollstar, a popular website known for displaying concert tours, has leaked a few of the tour’s first dates. If you’re interested in seeing one of the thrashiest lineups of all time, I suggest you check this out. Below is a list of the first concert dates that were leaked by Pollstar.

Slayer, Suicidal Tendencies, and Exodus Tour Dates:

5/9 Magna, UT @ The Great Saltair
5/10 Denver, CO @ Fillmore Auditorium
5/11 Billing
s, MT @ Shrine Auditorium5/13 Kansas City, MO @ Uptown Theater
5/15 St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant
5/16 Milwaukee, WI @ Eagles Ballroom

Rock the Nation America recently announced the 2014 Paganfest America lineup. If you’ve ever seen a past Paganfest tour, then you know that the tour has hosted such bands as Ensiferum, Turisas, Alestorm, Tyr, Trollfest, and Heidevolk.

Folk metal has been growing considerably over the past 20 years, debuting as early as the early ’80s. Paganfest America, however, has only been up and running since 2009, but it has been putting top-of-the-line folk metal acts on the stage ever since.

Headlining this year, in 2014, is Korpiklaani. Korpiklaani, which is Finnish for “Wilderness clan,” is obviously from Finland, and were formerly known as Shaman. Formed as early as 1993, the band has seen two different name changes, ultimately finalizing on the current name. The band didn’t just change it’s name, they also changed their music. The traditional yoik vocals and the use of the Sámi language were dropped, and the synthesizer was replaced with real folk instruments. Their current lineup has 6 band members, after having seen 16 members come and go.

Supporting acts on this year’s festival are Turisas, also from Finland, Chthonic from Taiwan, Varg from Germany, and Winterhymn from the U.S. Quite a good supporting lineup if you ask me.

Folk metal has been growing strong on me over the years since 2011, when I was first introduced to Ensiferum. Although tour dates haven’t been announced yet, I’m quite sure they will be very soon. Typically the tour lasts no more than a month and isn’t more than 20 or so shows. Keep a lookout for tour dates coming soon.