Diecember Fest, Vancouver’s loudest and longest running metal holiday party, is gearing up for its seventh annual edition. The two-night bash, which kicks off on December 11 at the Rickshaw Theatre, features a stacked lineup of the city’s heaviest bands and has quickly gained momentum as one of the most anticipated musical traditions of the year.
Local production company and independent label Apocalypse Sunrise Productions started Diecember Fest in a bid to showcase the slew of talent that exists in the aggressive underground scene. Helmed by Johnny Matter (himself a metal musician and former frontman of hardcore outfit ANION), the company first threw the gathering in 2008 at Pat’s Pub with performances by four hard-hitting bands. It was an immediate success. Each year that followed saw a swift expansion of the event, calling for more performers and a bigger space for them to rock out, and generating increasing excitement from music industry and fans alike.
This year, with the addition of promoters the Invisible Orange and the Modified Ghost, Diecember Fest is set to present 14 bands in a diverse range of metal subgenres from doom and thrash to punk and noise. Some of the heavies on the bill include hard rockers Bushwhacker, death thrashers Assimilation, and glam grinders Precious Dudes.
And though Diecember Fest has its feet firmly fixed in the dark underground, it also strongly maintains the warm spirit of the season. Patrons are encouraged to bring donations for the Vancouver Foodbank Society and enter for draw prizes contributed by the bands, promoters, and local businesses. Proceeds from the raffle will benefit both the Foodbank and Canadians Sharing Locally and Globally — a humanitarian relief charity currently working with the Canadian Red Cross in Syria, Iraq, and Libya.
Diecember Fest
When: December 11-12, 2015
Where: Rickshaw Theatre – 254 East Hastings Street
Tickets: $15 per night or $20 for both nights in advance online
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