Slideshow: Blaze of Glory Highlights of the Milwaukee Metal Fest

Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 13, 2023 - 11:28am

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FANS Crowd Surfing

MILWAUKEE – The long-awaited return of Milwaukee Metal Fest brought forth a fierce and unrelenting three-day extravaganza from May 26th to 28th, 2023. Nestled within the ominous and grand architecture of The Rave/Eagles Club, this venue proved to be the perfect setting for the metal genre. Under expansive arches, dark ambiance, and multiple and versatile stages, as well as hidden corners adorned with shops and liquid refreshments, the setting created an atmosphere that delighted the hearts of the multitudes of Heavy Metal enthusiasts.

Thrash aficionados from all corners of the country embarked on a pilgrimage to The Rave, uniting under the banner of their shared love for the energetic music. Laughter filled the air as bonds were formed, memories were created, and the sheer power of the music was fully embraced.

Originally founded by Jack Koshick, Milwaukee Metal Fest had been a staple annual event until it faded into the shadows over a decade ago. However, this year witnessed a resurrection, courtesy of none other than the vocalist from HATEBREED, Jamey Jasta, who obtained the rights to the festival and breathed new life into its veins.

The festival boasted a jam-packed lineup, showcasing an array of sub-genres that included Death Metal, Thrash and more. With the likes of ANTHRAX, SUICIDAL TENDENCIES, SHADOWS FALL, MISERY and UNDEATH gracing the stage, attendees were in for a relentless onslaught of sonic brutality.

And that was just the tip of the iceberg, as LAMB OF GOD, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, DARK ANGEL, NAPALM DEATH, DYING FETUS, GOATWHORE, MIDNIGHT, DEFEATED SANITY, OBITUARY, IMMOLATION, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY, SHADOWS FALL, FEAR FACTORY, MACHINE HEAD, CEPHALIC CARNAGE, GATEKEEPER, JUNGLE ROT, FROZEN SOUL and more contributed to the musical feast, enough to keep your head both banging and spinning.

Music reporter and photographer Jeff “Doc” Doles of HollywoodChicago.com had the opportunity cover this historic re-emergence of the Milwaukee Metal Fest. Click “Next” and “Previous” to scan through the slideshow or jump directly to individual photos with the captioned links below. All photos © Jeff “Doc” Doles.