The Midwestern metal institution comes roaring back with a three-day roster of bands that covers the entire spectrum of extreme music.
Last year, Hatebreed frontman, accomplished podcaster and heavy community champion Jamey Jasta doubled down on his personal investment in the culture by acquiring the rights to the storied Milwaukee Metal Fest.
Regarded as the biggest and longest-running metal festival of it’s kind in the domestic United States, the Milwaukee Metalfest has long been the stuff of legend. Responsible for playing host to an international roster of some of extreme music’s most iconic bands, the generational mainstay was a huge part of the Midwest’s metal music identity.
Considered the precursor to cultural shifting festivals like Ozzfest and Mayhem, Milwaukee Metalfest was a fixture in heavy culture throughout the 90’s – curating an internationally respected roster of artists that had major implications for the proliferation of metal music during the era.
That influence resonated big with many current ambassadors of the genre, specifically with Hatebreed frontman Jamey Jasta. Regarded as a prominent voice within the community of heavy music, Jasta is taking his role as generational leader to the next level, acquiring the rights for Milwaukee Metalfest with the clear intention of restoring the banner to it’s storied glory days.
Confirming the return of the festival for 2023, Milwaukee Metal Fest has roared back with a three-day Memorial Weekend that touts a truly comprehensive line-up. Headed by the likes of Lamb of God, Anthrax, Suicidal Tendencies and Napalm Death, additional standouts include The Black Dahlia Murder, Obituary, Corrosion of Conformity, Dying Fetus, Vio-lence, Immolation, Crowbar and more. Bridging the generational divide with new school sensations, bands like Frozen Soul, Dying Wish, Sanguisugabogg, Gatecreeper, Undeath and more will also join rank.
“The infamous Milwaukee Metal Fest created so many memories, hosted legendary bands, and gave up and comers something to aspire to. Memorial Day Weekend 2023 (May 26, 27, and 28) — it returns with a stacked line up and a new lease on life,” says Jasta. “I cannot wait to see all the bands and hang with everyone in Milwaukee. I’m so grateful for [booking agent] Tim Borror and the Sound Talent Crew; and Leslie, Joe, and everyone at The Rave/Eagles for helping us put this event together. Milwaukee Metal Fest is back! See you in Wisconsin this May!”
Jasta’s creative ally in Tim Borror of Sound Talent Group added, Borror, “Milwaukee Metal Fest was such a huge part of the metal culture back in the day, and it really helped a lot of bands. It was always at The Rave and the combo is iconic. Working with Jamey, the great people at The Rave, and all the bands to bring it back in 2023 is fucking incredible. This is going to be a great event, don’t miss it!”
A complete list of the confirmed artists for Milwaukee Metal Fest can be found below. Tickets are set to go on-sale starting February 3rd – HERE.
Knotfest will host an exclusive pre-sale starting Tuesday January 31st at 12pm CT through Thursday February 2nd until 10pm local time. Access the pre-sale – HERE
MILWAUKEE METAL FEST 2023 LINEUP:
Lamb of God
Anthrax
Suicidal Tendencies
Napalm Death
Dark Angel
The Black Dahlia Murder
Obituary
Shadows Fall
Corrosion of Conformity
Fear Factory
After the Burial
The Halo Effect
Dying Fetus
Immolation
Crowbar
Vio-Lence
Goatwhore
Jungle Rot
Misery Index
Broken Hope
Terror
Macabre
Gatecreeper
Sanguisugabogg
Frozen Soul
Defeated Sanity
Dying Wish
Khemmis
Undeath
Blood Incantation
Imperial Triumphant
Impaler
Fuming Mouth
Ingrown
HATH
Repentance
Casket Robbery
Disinter
Thrown Into Exhile
Toxic Ruin
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