A strange thing happened at around 20:40. Stellitius did a quick soundcheck and then… they disappeared! They didn’t actually play and were replaced last minute by the now infamous Anonymous! I can’t complain too much about the change, as they knew all of Stellitius’ material. They were joined by some of the Black Orchid Beasties on stage and delivered a great headbanging set. That’s one thing about Stellitius: I can never fault their sets. They come on and deliver balls-to-the-wall metal every time! They’re also one of the few bands that actually put on a show and not just perform. It takes balls to play an entire set with full face masks on and Ian especially, pulling off his signature vocals through the fucking mask! Once again, Stellitius did not disappoint!

Next up were Durban-based extreme metallers, . These guys (and girls) treated Cape Town to their nightmarish blackened death. It was hard, it was fast, it was, dare I say, brutal! It’s always great to see them live. Their stage presence is epic, the crowds love them and both on and off stage, I’m always surprised when I don’t see blood flowing. If you haven’t seen them live, you owe it to yourself to go to every show you can! Cape Town will always welcome Theatre Runs Red to our side of the country, horns held high.

The darkness subsided, the crowd crawled outside to get some fresh air, it was already past 10 and still hot as all hell! Next on stage were Cape Town’s own hair metal maestro’s Sabretooth. These guys are always a joy to see and although they get flak from some crowds for “not being metal” (which unfortunately showed due to the dwindling crowd throughout their set), I like them. Their style is no less-metal than the bands before them. Respect to them for keepin’ on rockin’, even in the face of a dissipating crowd. If any metal band goes really big in this country it will probably be these guys, mark my words!

It grew closer to midnight and blackness descended again upon the stage. It was the long awaited return of Cape Town’s own black metallers Rigormortem. I’m not a huge fan of black metal, but regardless of my predisposition, I have good things to say. Rigormortem are unbelievably tight and assaulted the crowd with pure black metal. You have to respect what these guys are doing and by Satan they’re good at it. They could improve their crowd interaction, but I’ll put that down to the fact that they haven’t performed live since ’08. I’d also very much like to keep tabs on them and see what this year holds.

All in all, I really enjoyed Summerfest. Great bands, great crowds. Hell – I walked away limping (I might be getting too old for moshpits)! But it was one not to be missed, and if you did, see you at Winterfest in July!

It’s now 4pm the festival gates will have opened so I get scrambling. It’s still quiet having not succumbed to the arrival of the legendary M4A Party bus which will make its infamous appearance around 5:30pm, unfortunately a half hour to late for the openers who have just sound checked and nurse their beers and nerves before their set.

The setting for M4A Summerfest has not changed much having been hosted at the very capable Klein Libertas Theatre for the last 5 years and going from strength to strength ever since. The usual stalls of band merch, local and international are set up in one corner while in the other corner a outdoor stage with DJ Andy at the decks kicks off and it’s for some metal, fucking partying.

This brings me to the start of the show. First up saw newbies Forgive Us Not hit the stage for the first time in their short careers. Not being ones to hold back on their unsuspecting audience they deliver a brutal monstrosity of sonic distortion, severing eardrums and getting bodies to sway. They first act is always one of the toughest slots of the fest but they fared well and made their mark, no matter how insignificant it may have seemed. I did notice however a lot of the old school present were hard-pressed to be drawn in, but showed support irrespective and that’s what counts. Forgive Us Not has the drive, look and stamina needed to be a great band; but for how long will this last without the much needed guidance from their peers? A decent opener to the fest and with time and experience could be groomed into a true force of metal.

After a quick intermission, Diverge stepped up to the plate. Now, don’t get me wrong; I am a little out of the loop with a lot of the burgeoning younger metal heads who bring about immense amounts of energy, brutality and love for a genre only the few can appreciate, but it lacks the ever-present groove and catchy licks that make most of our metal idols so legendary. But in saying so, Diverge saw a better complement of patrons as the crowd swelled with the arrival of the M4A party bus. Sixty or so people dove in trying to take in as much of the little they had missed but still had a long day ahead to look forward too thankfully.

A bit of a longer break ensued and the murmuring started as time started to lapse into the red, the next band up had made their followers wait long enough to see them live. This all star cast of members that make up the prehistoric fin shaped death machine was Megalodon. Featuring a repertoire of seasoned musicians from legendary bands such as Odian, The Broken Result and Marching Dead, they sure as hell had to live up to the ripping math metal inspired tunes to make, dare I say, their idols Meshuggah proud.

Megalodon drew by far the biggest crowd by this point and for good reason. They delivared a kick ass show while I struggled to squirm and fight my way through the mosh pit to view them from a decent spot, only to be confronted by the statue of a body thats was their frontman Thomas. His movements while delivering big growling vocals made heads roll, while the strings complimented each other as the drums, with technical flawlessness, kept it tight and refreshing to say the least.

To break the politics of death metal inspired bands, Wargrave fronted by Infanteria main man Chris Hall took to the stage. Wargrave brought their thrash metal goodness to a crowd who, by now, I think needed a bit more melody to headbang and throw each other against the rafters to. The news of Chris leaving this act was disappointing to hear as this band really has a presence and has worked hard to put their mark on the metal scene in the past year. They were a really enjoyable band to watch and it was a pleasure to see them do what they do best.

My last act viewed was the ever catchy and watchable industrial act that is Terminatryx. Their stage was littered with projections, smoke and lighting to enhance the visual and aural experience as the day faded into darkness. The crowd had swelled even more and the booze flowed more freely and everyone was ready to be blown away. Terminatryx‘s brand of synthesized metal fronted by the ever erotic Sonja Ruppersberg and the illustrious by Paul Blom worked seamlessly to bring their audience a quality product with as much emphasis on the performance as with their music. This show was in support of their newly launched remix album entitled Remyx 1.0 which, quite frankly, is better than the original in my opinion.

Tomorrow, the BrutalViking wraps up the review. Stay tuned!

To headline the indoor stage, we’ve selected two bands. Durban Blackened death metal titans, Theatre Runs Red have especially chosen to use SummerFest ’12 as the official Cape Town launch to their debut album. For those sleepy Capetonians who have not yet seen this band live – they’re not to be missed! You’ll thank us plenty. Besides their bone-crushing sound, this band is also best known for an electrifying stage presence and breathtaking appearance.

Co-headlining, and also celebrating the release of a debut album (although not the official launch) is Sabretooth; Cape Town’s very own 80′s-inspired hair metal warriors. This band has experienced a rapid rise in the scene since first emerging in 2009, but when you see them in action you will know exactly why, with dual guitar wizardry, shredding keyboards, and all things “over-the-top”, which are expertly delivered.

To keep the headbangers happy, we’ve also thrown in the very skilled Stellitius. These guys do not venture onto the stage all too very often; but when they do, they make it count with their balls-to-the-wall heavy metal edge and pleasing songwriting ability. Just for good measure, we’ve also given over to the headbangers one of Cape Town’s strongest up-and-comers of 2011, Wargrave, who have been receiving mass praise for their onslaught of in-your-face Thrash metal.

Of course, what would life be without a twist of the bizarre? For this, we’ve dug up something brand new along with something old. Industrial “experi-metallers” since 2001 and still going stong are Terminatryx, and then to tip to the other end of the spectrum we present djent terrors Megalodon for their much anticipated debut live appearance. Do not be fooled by a debut! All of the musicians in this band are well seasoned on the M4A stage and these guys will play something the likes of which have not yet been seen in this city…

Another two bands to have begun making their mark on the local scene, particularly in the melodic death and deathcore circles are both Forgive Us Not and Diverge who have popped up on the M4A radar. Both bands will be bringing their fury to the M4A stage for the first time at SummerFest ’12.
And last but certainly not the least, we are very pleased to herald the return of Rigormortem to the live circuit. This highly regarded black metal band was last seen onstage in 2008, yet they’ve been lurking only just on the fringes all this time with each member honing his skills in various other projects. In 2012 they are now poised to return full force to the live scene, beginning here…

You can also look forward to an outdoor entertainment area featuring DJ’s spinning the best metal anthems, performances by BOB’s Beasties & friends, food & merch stalls, easy access bars, and a metal atmoshpere which comes second to none! Of course, we will also be running our legendary Party Bus. For information on the Party Bus, including pick-up points, availability, bookings procedures, etc, call Patrick: 084 621 4913 or email metal4africa@gmail.com with “Party Bus” typed in as the email subject.

For full details of SummerFest ’12, presented by www.metal4africa.com, please visit the facebook event here: http://www.facebook.com/#!/events/137974879643880/
We look forward to seeing you in the pit!

Mind Assault

Tombstone Pete was a rare gem in the metal tent, and a very good start to Saturday’s proceedings. Pete is a one man instrumental band, playing his own unique brand of acoustic and percussive tunes. His sunny yet crass disposition really adds to the seemingly effortless performance, as he threw in some hilarious quips between songs. Not being metal, he obviously drew a varied crowd. I was quite amused how various indie kids and hippies flocked to the metal tent to hear his curiously soft melodies. His easy listening but cheerful songs helped lift spirits on the lazy and hot Saturday afternoon, and I was pleased to have finally seen and heard this care-free bard.

Haggis and Bong

After Haggis and Bong warmed up the crowd sufficiently, Symphonic Schizophrenia arrived to stoke the flames even further. I have been an apt follower of Symphonic Schizophrenia for almost 3 years now and this is has been their most interesting show to date. Their music style is instrumental experimental progressive metal with blazing fast leads and amazing melodies that will screw with your head.
For Ramfest, the band had a few interesting additions to their normal show. Besides playing in lab coats like they usually do there was an extremely eerie clown that brought Bruce Sonnekus (lead guitar) his guitars between songs whenever he needed to switch. They also had a baby doll without a head that Nico Botha (bass) would play around with on stage whenever he had nothing to do. They also added a new song to their set which was even more dynamic and energetic than their other pieces. The introduction to the song was a metal version of the South African national anthem that managed to get people in the crowd singing along. They are by far the most technical band in SA and they perform on a level that boggles the mind. Unfortunately, because of this technicality they tend to have a few hiccups, like Bruce stepping on his guitar cable while caught up in the moment; however by the end of their set, they managed to impress the audience so much that the crowd unanimously started chanting for an encore and would not take no for an answer! A most impressive gesture considering the deadening effect the brutal sun had on people by that time and also considering that they were one of the earlier bands playing.

Every now and then a band comes out of nowhere and just blows your mind. A few months ago that’s what Juggernaught did for me and judging by the response of the Ramfest crowd, I’m convinced that they did the same for them. The response from the crowd was overwhelming, people were going nuts like I have rarely seen before and were sporting smiles so wide that they almost fell of their owners faces. Juggernaught, for those of you who do not know, play a rough blend of southern metal, blues and classic rock, mixed into a dirty combination. They sell themselves as “Hairy, whiskey guzzling, guitar slingin’ men, who play hairy, whiskey guzzling, guitar slingin’ music.” And they don’t just say it either. They completely live the description with beards long enough to graze their nipples. Despite their rough and sloppy appearance, they delivered their music with the utmost professionalism. Their songs were well performed, well written and played with spirit and passion. The only downside to their show was the low turnout, despite their furious marketing efforts. I would have loved to see at least double the amount of people who were actually there.

There is one local band, very aptly named after a prehistoric, over the top, bad ass party animal; Sabretooth. They’re retro, they’re flamboyant and they party hard. They have quite a dedicated following who showed up in support, and the rest of the crowd also got into their 80s inspired, neo-classical grooving. All their members are very accomplished musicians, and there is no shortage of lightning fast guitar solos, keyboard solos, intense drumming and melodic vocals. One gripe I do have about their performance however is the fact that they tend to look more like a 80s wax-statue band on stage at times. Granted, they do play some complex bits and they do have those awesome fans on stage, but their live performance needs way more energy. Two rather enjoyable parts from their set were the covers they performed; a Steel Panther number and a Van Halen classic, “Jump”. Both were well received by the crowd and despite my lethargy from the day, it got me moving and plastered a great big grin on my face.

Theatre Runs Red was the absolute highlight of the festival. Whenever they come down to grace Cape Town with their brutal presence, I make an effort to see them. The best aspect of the band is the all out black metal stage presence they possess. They dress in full corpse paint, and they also command the “I will fuck you up” attitude on stage. The music is equally brutal and executed flawlessly. What is more amazing about this band is the vocalist. In a genre that is predominantly lead by males it is very refreshing to see a woman on stage for once, and she’s not just for show either; Ebony Aberdein (vocalist) has a voice that sounds like it comes from the deepest pits of Hell and she will not only give any male vocalist a run for their money, but will blow them completely out of the water. The Ramfest crowd seemed to appreciate the band as much, if not more, than the rest of the metal acts of the day.

Theatre Runs Red

All things considered, A Walk With The Wicked is pretty damn wicked. They are a hard working, professional and dedicated group of musicians who have made something quite unique here in South Africa – a death metal band that doesn’t suck. They’re work ethic was showcased by a merch stall they set up in the metal tent, with various bits of eye candy to entice the passing metal-heads. On to their show. Personally I would’ve liked to see more people in the crowd when they were playing, but those who were there were dedicated. A solid performance from them saw the crowd really getting into the “Death Groove”, and again, sound-wise it was excellent. These boys really have a knack for getting the hair spinning and the fists pumping. After the show a friend of mine who hadn’t seen them perform before walked up to me, eyes bulging, and said simply, “Wow. Just wow, man.” I must say, I concurred.

A Walk With the Wicked

Axxon

Following the success of M4A hosting a Metal, Hard Rock & Alternative Stage at Ramfest in 2010, we will be doing so again in 2011.  We thank all the bands who submitted to participate in the coming festivities, but only 16 slots are available.   Although we’re keeping it balls to the wall, hosting this stage at Ramfest also allows M4A the unique opportunity to explore and expose some of our kindred “sub-genres” of “heavy”, so you can expect to see a few explorations away from our usual one-day festivities at the SummerFest & WinterFest shows.  In partnership with Ramfest a selection has been made as follows:

M4A Stage – Friday 04 March

18:30  -  Hard Rockers Down On The First kick off festivities in the M4A marquee.  This all-star line-up (featuring seasoned musicians spun off from bands such as Velve, 12th Avenue, Corruption Of Virtue & Heaven Underground) is presently brushing up on the finishing touches to their debut album, ‘??’, recorded and produced at Bellville Studios by none other than Theo Crous (Springbok Nude Girls, KOBUS).  After taking a bit of a sabbatical from the live circuit in 2010 in favor of recording the album, Down On The First come thundering back onto the live scene fully energized and ready to blow minds and eardrums…

19:30  -  Moment Of Clarity proved their namesakes at Ramfest IV when they opened up the M4A Stage… and the eyes of a good few hundred unsuspecting punters, bringing hundreds more streaming into the M4A Marquee within minutes.  Bringing a healthy balance between melody and power, controlled screams and crystal clear vocals, the desire to bang ones head and the need to simply stand awestruck… we had little choice but to welcome them back for another round of Ramfest.

20:30  -  From the northern lands of Gauteng, we welcome Knave to their first appearance on the M4A Stage.  Having been turning (but mostly banging) heads for years in their home city, and with many tours under the belt, Knave are no strangers to the South African festival scene and are guaranteed to bring a massive measure of entertainment to the Western Cape.  Don’t miss this one!

21:30  -  Things begin to take a turn for the ugly with Mind Assault.  As any metalhead who has seen this band live will know, this is a headbanging highlight of any event.  We welcome Mind Assault back to Ramfest as one of SA’s premier metal acts and top class entertainers, having also recently ‘proven their mettle’ at the mighty Oppikoppi in August 2010.  For those who do not know Mind Assault yet, keep an eye out for the upcoming release of ‘Metal Rites’ – for which Ramfest V will be the first launch show for the Western Cape, as well as adding a new dimension to their live show – we’ll say no more.

22:30  -  Contrast The Water are also  crowd favourites all across the land.  After a long leave of absence from the Western Cape we are only too delighted to have them return to the region for a Death Metal appearance at Ramfest.  With any luck, we hope to hear that their 2nd album will also be released in time for Ramfest.  Watch this space!

23:30  -  The Broken Result have taken the region by storm with the 2010 release of their debut album ‘Recursive’.  Having proven themselves with a string of monstrous gigs, including a mammoth performance at M4A WinterFest’10, it seemed only fitting to have them climb aboard to represent the more modern/contemporary side of metal.

00:30  -  Followers of M4A are no strangers to Infanteria who have been labouring away for a good few years, refining their sound from a high-school cover band into one of Cape Towns respected pioneers of the ‘thrash’ revival.  It’s high time that M4A pays it’s due by showcasing one of Cape Towns best kept secrets, now super-souped-up with keyboards & the works, bringing a new dimension to their rendition of thrash.

M4A Stage - Saturday 05 March

15:30  -  Hot?  Hung-over?  Of course you will be!  Come to the M4A Marquee to cool off in the shade and dig into some ice cold beers at the bar to shake off that baballas… to the instrumental celtic metal vibes of Gautengs Haggis & Bong.  Bagpipes, kilts, trombones, furious double-bass drumming – none of these are out of place where this band ventures.  It’s enough to turn any chilled out afternoon into a rip-roaring party

16:30  -  If you still have a claim to sanity by the time the pipes pipe down, then Symphonic Schizophrenia will finish what was started and have the men in white coats coming for you for sure.  No!  Wait… these guys are the men (and woman) in white coats!  I guess we’re all fucked then – with an extended dose of more instrumental madness.

17:30  -  If you’ve had enough of beer, why not try some whiskey?  At least, that is what the bearded hill-billies of Juggernaught will try to convince you.  Having just completed yet another tour of the Western Cape, these rugged rockers from Pretoria have proven to be of the right caliber to take Saturday matters on the M4A Stage to the next level…

18:30  -  Few bands have displayed such determination and desire to rise so rapidly to stardom as Sabretooth.  They’re fresh, they’re on fire, and they ooze the beloved 80′s.  Killer guitar solo’s, keyboard versus guitar duels, and a party on 12 legs.  We don’t know how else to describe this un-missable act from Cape Town.

19:30  -  Another crowd pleaser to return to Ramfest for this year are Enmity.  This dynamic act represents a cross-genre appeal that is too prominent to ignore.  They describe their sound as a blend between ‘Beauty’ and ‘Brutality’, and we now give you the opportunity to come and judge for yourselves.

20:30  -  Theatre Runs Red are one of the most exciting acts to come out of Durban in recent years.  Dark and brooding, they have a stage presence that is a rare find anywhere.  They bring together a well conceived shade of black over Death Metal.  Most surprising of all is the vocal capability of the extraordinary front lady, Ebony.  This will be their third visit to the Western Cape region.

21:30  -  A Walk With The Wicked have also risen rapidly to power.  From a humble slot at M4A SummerFest’09 to co-headlining SummerFest’10 a year later, and then touring with M4A to Gauteng & Kwazulu Natal, we have nowhere else to place them but on the M4A Stage at Ramfest V.  Pure unblemished metal performed with extreme professionalism.  Many could learn a lot if they chose to follow in these footsteps – if they chose to take… A Walk With The Wicked

22:30  -  Another favorite visitor from the Northern lands of Gauteng: The Dead Will Tell.  It is with great pleasure that we welcome them back after a long leave of absence from the region.  In the meantime, they have been taking their metal/metalcore to other parts of the Globe, having recently returned from Australia!

00:30  -  The M4A Stage takes a breather whilst ‘the International act’ gears up at our neighbouring Ramfest Stage, giving us the opportunity required to clean up the blood and guts.  And then at 00:30 we fire up again with a completely different flavour: Axxon – who bring a metalized edge to the already alternative genre of EBM/industrial.  If you have never been exposed to this sort of music, this will either freak you out completely or properly blow you away!

So book your leave and start digging out your camping gear and your drinking boots!  Access to festival on Thursday 03 March for early-bird ticket holders & artists only!

Location: Nekkies Holiday Resort, Worcester, Western Cape

Tickets: Can be booked through www.ticketbreak.co.za

More Info: www.ramfest.co.za

Check out SummerFest’11 on 29 January as a ‘warm-up’: www.metal4africa.com/summerfest11

It’s hot.  There’s more dry, sweltering, windy days than anybody cares for.  That’s because it’s fucking Summer!  …and the Cape Town metal masses eagerly await the annual M4A SummerFest’11 celebration of heavy metal sub-sulture.

At our home in the Klein Libertas Theatre (Bergzicht Plaza, off Du Toit Street, Stellenbosch) time stands still and we get to revisit some of the regions best metal moments time and time again.  Kick ass sound & light, furious mosh pits, a great variety of local and travelling bands, cold beers, and a social atmoshpere that is second to none.  What can be expected of this coming year?

SummerFest’11 Line-up:

17:00  -  A new terror has emerged from the Dark Continent.  If you venture into the “Suider” (Southern) part of Africa, then you must be prepared to confront the “Bees” (Beast).  Far from tamed, the SuiderbeeS awaits your arrival at SummerFest’11 to wrestle with your fate in the clutches of extreme symphonic death metal brutality.

17:45   -  For those who survive the initial onslaught, Wings of Aggression might prove to fly them to salvation with  their outlandish blend of Rock-Metal-Core… something…  Definitely worth a listen and a good banging of the head for these new guys on the block from the deep Southern Suburbs of Cape Town.

18:30  -  If you thought it was safe to come out at this time, you were wrong!  Regicide will bring a savage death to all.  Even the King!  Symphonic Metal with a modern edge, Regicide make their second appearance at M4A to blow speaker coils and eardrums.  You have been cautioned.

19:15  -  Loosening up the mood a little, Throatball offer a lighthearted party approach to metal.  Drawing influences particularly from old school aggressive punk and thrash bands, but with a sense of dark humour.  Members of Throatball are veterans of the local music industry, but have never drifted too far from their roots.  Respect!

20:00  -  With the African Sun sinking below the horizon, it is appropriate to bring on the darkness that is Erebus.  Many seasons have passed since their first appearance on the M4A Stage, and many have yearned their return since.  That time has finally come that this troupe of accomplished musicians grace us once again.  Bring on the black!

21:00  -  Stellitius have risen slowly and progressively through the years, but with the momentum gaining ever more rapidly.  The advantage they have taken from this is that the band is solid as a rock!  Intelligent music dilligently performed, with wild yet controlled solo’s, intense bass lines and tight-as-hell drumming, we are honoured to feature Stellitius at another M4A on the eve of their debut album launch.  Keep an eye open for details.

22:00  -  What line-up would be complete without including one of the regions titans of extreme?  None can deny the prowess of The Warinsane, and any who contest it will be destroyed in the ensuing moshpit.  No further introduction required for this band, save to say that they have acquired a new guitarist from none other than the memory of another excellent Cape Town death metal band, Azrail (R.I.P)

23:00  -  On this day will be declared an ‘Oath’ of allegiance to the nation of Stridentia!  Our lords and masters themselves will be present to ordane this sacred undertaking by performing some power metal anthems to their loyal subjects.  Strident never cease to entertain with their dramatic presence, somewhat contradicted by an abundance of light humour.  Enjoy!

The Party Bus

As tradition dictates, a party bus will travel through some of Cape Town’s prominent residential suburbs, gathering those who wish not to drink and drive – or who just enjoy a killer party – and bringing them safetly to and from the Stellenbosch venue.  Remember… book early!  The bus has sold out very early for the past two events, leaving many disappointed.  Tickets will cost R90 per seat and are payable in advance to confirm bookings.  Pick-up and drop-off locations as follows:

NB:  Times listed are estimations only.  Please ensure you are at the location and ready for departure at least 15 to 20 minutes in advance for safety margin.  The return trip will begin in Stellenbosch at 00:30, and drop-off at last location expected at approximately 02:00.

• Wynberg – BP Garage across from Wynberg Sports Club – 14:00
• Cape Town – Parking lot at Mercury Live – 14:15
• Observatory - Anzio Rd. next to Snt Peter’s Square – 14:30
• Goodwood – Parking lot at His People Church, N1 City – 14:50
• Bellville – Parking Lot at Starlight Diner – 15:20
• Brackenfell – Engen Garage in Okovango Rd. opposite Cape Gate – 15:45

NB:  Please note that these locations are from previous adventures.  They will only be used again if we have bookings from these locations.  Your seat is only guaranteed if you pay in advance, but you are welcome to arrive and see if anybody cancelled – but we cannot promise you a seat if you have not booked.  If you wish to arrive and take a chance, we’d advise you phone Andy: 0729972535 in advance to hear if the bus is stopping at a location near you.  You may bring a few beers onto the bus, but you may not take your own booze into the venue – an attempt to do this will result in confiscation.

Any additional info, please call Andy: 0729972535 or Patrick: 0846214913 asap!

Other Stuff

It’s Summer and it’s hot!  That means coming outside to the Klein Libertas lawn area often for some fresh air and cooling off.  We’ll again be investing in some outdoor entertainment, including Metal DJ’s big screen TV, and some other surpizes.  Keep an eye open for updates.

About the SummerFest’11 Artwork

The festivities already began in October when we invited graphic/digital artists to submit works with view to create the “look” for SummerFest’10.  Our wish has always been to include multiple facets of alternative sub-culture into the M4A events, including artworks.  As a new concept, we were pleasantly surpized at the enthusiasm with which members of the public took to the idea.  Although we could not use everybodies works and contributions, we’d like to congratulate Gavin McCleland of www.orangedotdesigns.co.za for his role as co-designer of the selected artwork above, and as used in our various printed materials such as booklets and posters.

Also deserving of mention were submissions from: Stephen Spinas, Christopher Hall, and Kalvin Sutherland.  We look forward to seeing this concept grow in the future.  if you are a graphic/digital artist, don’t be shy to start banging some ideas together for WinterFest’11…

METAL4AFRICA extends its reach…

We at www.metal4africa.com are very pleased to announce our formal involvement at the upcoming Ramfest IV with our own festival area.

Entering our fourth year in the entertainment arena, it is clear that the growing base of local supporters of metal and alternative bands have been looking for an opportunity to enjoy a weekend festival dedicated to their entertainment needs. This newly forged partnership with Ramfest will allow metal4africa to offer YOU exactly that.

You can expect a complete stage and festival area dedicated solely to your metal/alternative needs, benefitting from the infrastructure of a well-established premier music festival, and all the elements which you have come to enjoy and expect from metal4africa events crammed into one package

Bring your tents, braaivleis, cooler boxes, sun cream and alternative ‘gees’, and share in this amazing adventure at the most epic festival grounds the country has to offer. Heads will bang at Remfest IV.

Line-up for Friday 26 February

18:30 – Moment Of Clarity

Easily one of the country’s most promising up and coming bands across the board!  Moment of Clarity offer live music fans an electric set of metal with a more listener-friendly edge.  We could not think of a better band to kick off the METAL4AFRICA STAGE

19:30 – Cold Hand Chemistry

Still holding onto the slightly less extreme side of things, to ease you into the nights entertainment, Cold Hand Chemistry should not be missed!  Female fronted hard rock with some breathtaking instrumentation, and no shortage of chills to send up many a spine

20:30 - The Warinsane

“…Let slip the Dogs of War!”  SA extreme metal in your face!  The Warinsane features veteran metal musicians from many-a-band of yesteryear… but today!  By the time these guys are done, there will be no doubt that you found the right place.

21:30 – Day Turns Night

Are a gem from the darkest corner of the Cape Town region: Strand.  And over the last two years, Day Turns Night have been proving to a nation that through hard work and dedication, mountains can be moved!  Make sure you don’t miss these guys.

22:30 – New Altum

Needs no introduction to the Alternative music scene in SA.  This band has a track record of live shows that will not be out-done!  They have toured with international vsitors and delighted crowds everywhere.  Now, we will have them do so at Ramfest.

23:00 Facing The Gallows

Bringing the mixing pot back to the boil, Facing The Gallows are likely the most exciting band to come out of Guateng in years.  No strangers to Ramfest, we welcome them back to continue the slaughter…

00:30 – Reverse The Sands

It would hardly be fitting to end the night on a low note, therefore we bring you Reverse The Sands!  High energy, high speed, and highly recommended that you don’t drink yourself into a stupor before this band takes to the stage.  These guys are guaranteed to keep your ears ringing till the M4A Stage re-opens at 15:30 on Saturday 27th.

Line-up for Saturday 27 February

15:30 – Symphonic Schizophrenia

Instrumentally inspiring!  Come and see Bruce Sonnekus (Shredder Showdown winner) and his band rip the stage to pieces with their impressive instrumental set.

16:30 - A B Turbo

Setting a moderate pace for the day, A B Turbo are one of the cities fast uprising heroes of the Alternative/Hard Rock scene.  If you have not seen them yet, this is your golden opportunity!

17:30 – Enmity

One of the most interesting bands in the hard/alternative/extreme scene, Enmity offer a diverse cross-over between a multitude of genre.  This will be their first time doing both a Ramfest or M4A event, but we have every confidence that they will blow your minds wide open!

18:30 – Betray The Emissary

Bringing the M4A stage back to it’s roots in the hardest of SA music, Betray The Emissary need no further introduction.  For some reason, they have not yet played Ramfest, and now we have the opportunity to right this wrong.  Don’t miss em.

19:30 – Pestroy

The fact that these guys are still going after all these years must stand testement to their excellence.  Another fine example of metal crossing-over into other genres, but without losing an ounce of heaviness, we are very excited about seeing Pestroy coming to Destroy…

20:30 – Mind Assault

Cape Town’s longest surviving protagonists of extreme metal return for another electrifying set at Ramfest with an onslaught of classic SA metal tracks.  Beware not to miss this band, as they have developed a reputation for pulling all sorts of surprizes at live shows…

21:30 – SacriFist

Metal Legends of note!  SacriFist seem to find themselves in Cape Town every 2 years or so, and we took the opportunity to snatch them up to grace our M4A stage with their presence.  Come and see a band that has been dominating the SA metal scene for some 16-odd years!

22:30 – Strident

Somehow, and from out of nowhere, Strident have burst forth into the Cape Town metal scene with the force of a dragons flame!  We could not deny them this well-earned slot at the Western Cape’s premier alternative and extreme music festivals.  Make sure you save your strength for the battle which promises to ensue.

23:30 – Guns Go Bang

Once again ending the night with a burst of energy, to send you to your sleeping sack comletely broken and ready for a good nights rest… yeah, whatever – the party will go on!  And to wish you well on your late night-till-dawn revelry, Guns Go Bang from Gauteng!

Other Ramfest Information:

Tickets are selling at Computicket, nation-wide.  Pre-sold @ R350 (full-weekend) or R400 at the gates.  More detailed info on tickets and general festival infrastructure available at www.ramfest.co.za

And then because we want to see the M4A Stage kicking some ass, some useful info:

The festival begins on Friday 26th and if you are still straggling behind by sunset on Sunday 28th, then don’t be surprized if somebody boots you off the premises… haha!  Bands and pre-sold ticket-holders may enter the festival grounds on Thursday 25th between 08:00 and 20:00 – ONLY bands and pre-sold ticket-holders, mind you!  If you wish to buy your ticket at the gate, please come on Friday 26th.

Cars will be allowed into the festival grounds only while there is space for parking.  Thereafter, parking outside only – so don’t waste any time getting there!

Let’s make the M4A stage the place to be!  Instead of setting up a camp by your car and spending the weekend there, come and get your money’s worth by joining the party at the M4A Entertainment area.  Cooler boxes, camping stools, sleeping bags, skottel braai’s, beach balls and booze welcome by the stage.  Just don’t bring anything in glass, or security will get their panties in a twist!!!

Some reasons why the M4A entertainment area is going to be the place to be:

Tented/shaded area with open walls for cooling

Killer band line-up

Dj’s before, between and after bands

Social party vibe!

Other entertainment surprizes

Any enquiries relevant to the M4A Stage and Entertainment area can be directed to darkfiend@metal4africa.com – all other festival enquiries can be directed through the official www.ramfest.co.za website.

See you in the pit!

SummerFest’10

Date: Saturday 30 January 2010

Time: 16:00 till late (bands finish at midnight)

Place: Klein Libertas Theatre

Address: Bergzicht Plaza, off Du Toit Street, Stellenbosch.

Cost: R50

Party Bus

The SummerFest’10 Party Bus will be running in full swing and at the same reduced price as WinterFest’09 -  R70 (down from R120) and includes entrance to SummerFest’10 – that’s a really good bargain, so get your bookings in asap, because if last time was anything to go by, openings will NOT last long…

Departure points (subject to confirmation) are likely to include: Cape Town, Observatory, Goodwood, Table View, Bellville, Kraaifontien – and others depending on demand.  If we get requests from deeper in the Southern Suburbs, we might make a plan!  Call ANDY – 072 997 2535 to place your bookings NOW – only payment upfront ensures your seats.

Line-up

We are very excited to be welcoming a great number of new bands to the M4A stage in 2010.  We’ve stuck a few old fav’s in there too, though – for maximum enjoyment!

17:00 – Ministry Of Lost Souls

Cape Town’s brand new progressive sensation!  Shredding guitars dualing with keyboards and power-metal vocals – this band should not be missed…

17:45 – Regicide

6-piece onslought of metal mayhem!  Sinister keyboard melodies with brutal as F*** guitaring and drums leaves almost nobody alive to suffer the wrath of beastly vocals… extreme metal has come a long way in SA

18:30 – Infanteria

Thrash metal with a twist.  Infanteria have been a part of the M4A family for a long time, but this is the first time we see tham back on our stage in over a year, and they are sounding better than ever!

19:15 – Dark Heritage

One of Cape Town’s fast-rising death metal outfits, featuring fantastically crunching vocals and killer instrumentation to get the mosh-pit into full swing.  Not to be missed…

20:00 – Terminatryx

Industrial Experi-Metal???  Featuring members of legendary Cape Town acts from yester-year and today: Sonja Ruppersberg (Makabra Ensemble – Oppikoppi, HorrorFest), Paul Blom (V.O.D – African Metal Legends!), Patrick Davidson (Mind Assault) and Ronnie Belcher (Gramlich).

20:45 – A Walk With The Wicked

After a sensational performance at SummerFest’09, we knew we’d be calling this  band back for a top-slot position sooner or later.  We’re happy to be saying:  “SOONER!”

21:45 – Azrail

Taking the M4A stage as their own are one of the countries finest technical death metal bands.  Azrail are no strangers to M4A and it makes us happy to offer this deserving band a top-slot once again.  Gauranteed to get the house pumping!

22:45 – Empery (visiting from Gauteng)

If you did not get enough Thrash Metal during Infanteria (or if you were foolish enough to arrive late!) then These first time visitors to Cape Town should set you straight.  Show them a warm Cape Town welcome by bringing the roof down…

23:30 – Revenge By Dawn

It’s about time!  We’ve seen these guys rising to power for more than a year, gracing the stages of some of the areas finest metal events.  Finally, we get to see them on the No.1 metal stage in the region to blast us all into the bewitching hour!

Killer Features

M4A prides itself in bringing you only top quality events.  We offer top class sound & light, along with carefully selected bands, all presented to you in one of the regions best live music venues.  Furthermore, we do this at an affordable price – so there are no excuses!

In this mix of bands, we offer everthing from power-prog to blackened death, industrial, thrash and whatever can be found inbetween.  If you have never attended a metal concert, then this is the one to come to.

We are known to pull off a few festive surprizes, so even if you find it hard to endure 8 hours of metal bands, you can steal a few minutes in our outdoor entertainment area and who knows what might lie in-store for you?

For more information, email darkfiend@metal4africa.com

Laney Amplification has been a longtime supporter of metal4africa and has provided us with kick-ass backline since our first event in June, 2007. Now we are privileged to be able to take that partnership up one level.

Free!

Amp Crank is a free workshop inviting all guitarists and bassists (over 18, unfortunately) to meet together at Burn for an insight into the practical aspects of solid state versus valve technology – something which still remains a mystery to many!

Additionally, for those who have the courage, members of the public are invited to try out some of these top-of-the-line amplifiers, used by the likes of Bill Kelliher (Mastodon), Mikael Akerfeldt (Opeth), Mattias ‘IA’ Eklundh (Freak Kitchen) and Toni Iommi (Black Sabbath), which will be onsite for the workshop.

Presenters will be Francois ‘Flapper’ Pretorius and Patrick Davidson of Mind Assault. Bassist to be announced.

DATE: Saturday 5 September, 2009

TIME: 14:00 till 16:30 (presentation at 14:00, Q&A + tryouts till 16:30)

VENUE: Burn Nightclub

ADDRESS: 2nd Floor Fidelity House, Walls Avenue, Greyville, Durban (just off Umgeni Drive)

COST: Free Entrance – cash bar trading throughout.

Also on 5 September will be the metal4africa “A Showcase of African Metal”, taking the night time slot at Burn. Make a day of it and come see some of SA’s most talked about bands alongside those from your own region.

We will be giving 3 people 2 FREE TICKETS to WinterFest’09 as well as R100 BAR VOUCHERS!

To enter, we need you to simply register.  SMS the following details to 072 225 5711 (normal sms rate):

Your name & surname – date of birth (year/month/day) – your email address – favorite drink – and let us know which band on the WinterFest’09 line-up you are most excited about seeing perform live.  It’s easy!

We will contact the winners directly on July 30, and post their names in our news section also on that day.  NOTE: Only one sms per person, please – it’s not that sort of competition!

WinterFest’09 Details

As with our previous events, we will remain at Klein Libertas Theatre.  It is still, without doubt, the most suitable venue in the region for our metalicious needs.

Entrance Fee is R50

Doors open at 16:00

First band at 17:00 (Symphonic Schizophrenia – don’t miss!)

WinterFest'08 - June 07

The Party Bus

Lekker cheap!   Only R70 – gets you there, gets you in, gets you back.  BOOK IMMEDIATELY to avoid disappointment!

Click this link for details http://www.metal4africa.com/party-bus-to-m4a-winterfest09

The Line-up

METAL4AFRICA line-up selections have become characterized by a few key elemants which will ensure you a true representation of our local metal scene, and a night of quality entertainment:  There will always be visitors from other cities, there will be new talent along with old favorites, and most importantly, there will always be a very wide representation of sub-genre.

SubMission are Namibia’s most active metal band, and are finally bringing their desert inspired Power Metal to Cape Town audiences.  They also take us into a new era of M4A by being our first non-South African visitor.  After almost 5 years, WinterFest’09 headliners Mind Assault are still one of the regions most sought after Metal acts, and have a reputation for delivering the most engaging sets, spiced with a truly South African flavor… Azrail has risen rapidly to power in more recent times, and after much hard work and dedication, co-headline M4A for the first time.   They deliver a brand of Death Metal that will leave you aghast!  Just returned from their national tour, Day Turns Night are another must see act who have just released their debut album “Fallen Legacy” and is set to blow you away with their ingenious rendition of Post-Metal / Death-Core.  From Durban, Theater Runs Red have been stirring the local scene with their awesome stage presentation and are bound to whet the appetites of any Black Metal fans.  A unique feature of this band is that the lead singer is a girl of unbelievable vocal capability!  Another band representing a more Modern Metal sound and rising to the foreground in recent times are Original Sin, with dual vocals and a sharp abrasive edge to their sound.  Stellitius might well be one of the Western Capes best kept secrets!  Having been lurking below the surface for quite some time, this band blends Old School sensibility into a modern sound and is now poised to bring a refreshing vitality to the Cape Town metal scene.  And then to satisfy two of the most clear-cut genres representing two of the cornerstones of metal as we know it today, we introduce some of Cape Towns freshest talent in the form of Melodic Death Metal outfit, Norse Code, and the instrumentally genious Progressive Metal band, Symphonic Schizophrenia!  This concludes yet another line-up that will set the bar still higher, making our future line-up selections even more of a grueling challenge.  Enjoy!

SummerFest'08 - February 2

Shredder Showdown

Included at WinterFest’09 will be the top of three catagories from our Shredder Showdown event to rip it up between bands.  Don’t miss these top guitarists in action as they solo their hearts out.  Names to be announced after July 18 – keep an eye on this space!  Click here for more information: http://www.metal4africa.com/shredder-showdown

Directions to WinterFest’09

From Cape Town International Airport & Southern Suburbs:

Follow the N2 highway towards Somerset West.  Keep a look out for the Baden Powell (R301) turnoff.  Turn left toward Stellenbosch and continue all the way until Baden Powell ends at the M12.  Turn right toward Stellenbosch and continue all the way into town.  The M12 will “merge” with the R44 at a set of traffic lights – keep left.  After the merging of the two roads, you will be driving adjacent to the railway lines – move into the right lane and look for Merriman Road on your right.  Turn right into Merriman and continue, keeping in the right lane, to the next traffic lights.  At the traffic lights, turn right into Bird Street.  Once in Bird Street, take your very first right turn into Du Toit Street.  Again, turn right at the very next opportunity – there is a tree that separates the lanes, kind of right in the middle of that intersection!  In that short stretch of road before entering a parking lot, there is a drive-through gate on the immediate left (with a large Klein Libertas Sign to mark it).  Enter.  If parking is full, then proceed towards the parking lot off of the property.

From Cape Town & Northern Suburbs:

Take the N1 highway towards Paarl.  Keep a look out for the Stellenbosch (R304) turnoff.  Take that offramp and turn right, towards Stellenbosch.  Continue all the way into town.  The R304 will eventually become Bird Street.  Look out for Merriman Road (can be identified by the Caltex garage on your right) and cross straight over it.  At your very first right after Merriman, turn into Du Toit Street.  Again, turn right at the very next opportunity – there is a tree that separates the lanes, kind of right in the middle of that intersection!  In that short stretch of road before entering a parking lot, there is a drive-through gate on the immediate left (with a large Klein Libertas Sign to mark it).  Enter.  If parking is full, then proceed towards the parking lot off of the property.

From Somerset West & Overberg:

From the N2 Highway, take Broadway Boulevard (R44) towards Stellenbsoch.  Continue all the way into town.  In town, you will eventually become aware that you are driving adjacent to the railway lines – move into the right lane and look for Merriman Road on your right.  Turn right into Merriman and continue, keeping in the right lane, to the next traffic lights.  At the traffic lights, turn right into Bird Street.  Once in Bird Street, take your very first right turn into Du Toit Street.  Again, turn right at the very next opportunity – there is a tree that separates the lanes, kind of right in the middle of that intersection!  In that short stretch of road before entering a parking lot, there is a drive-through gate on the immediate left (with a large Klein Libertas Sign to mark it).  Enter.  If parking is full, then proceed towards the parking lot off of the property.

WinterFest'08 - June 7