This year’s Darkness Day music lineup is even more ferocious than usual. A full slate of punk, metal, and whatever category you want to put Impaler in, all free, all Darkness Day long. Let’s f*cking go:
THE HEADLINER
They’ve been called the best live band in the world and the most important American band since CCR. San Diego’s Rocket From The Crypt lives up to that kind of praise.
They’re also the first Darkness Day act to appear on both MTV’s Buzz Bin and Yo Gabba Gabba. That’s range. We can’t wait to see them.
THE OUT-OF-TOWNERS
- The Schizophonics, also hailing from San Diego, have built up a formidable reputation around the world as an explosive live act. They list their influences as the MC5, James Brown, Jimi Hendrix, Iggy Pop, Little Richard, and The Sonics. Works for us.
- Khemmis is a doomed heavy metal band from Denver and one of the house favorites at Surly. Formed in 2012, this is the critically acclaimed band’s third Darkness Day appearance. Drummer Zach Coleman is also the head brewer at the awesome TRVE Brewing, a Surly collaborator with locations in Denver and Asheville
- Mean Jeans come to us from Portland, OR, with straightforward, no-frills punk, a dash of poppy tunefulness, tons of energy, and very little in the way of serious intent.
THE LOCALS
- Christy Costello is a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, disc jockey, talent buyer, promoter, mother, yogi, and Iron Ranger. Did we mention she rules? She rules, too.
- Hailing from the heart of the Twin Cities, ROT ignites stages with a ferocity that’s unmistakable. Formed in the depths of DIY venues and basement shows, ROT is fueled by a relentless passion for raw, no holds barred music. Their sound is achieved through channeling the energy and aggression of classic hardcore while infusing it with a modern metallic edge.
- The Rumours describe their sound as “straight-up rock that finally made out with punk” and “HOOKS, LOOKS, AND LOUD GUITARS!” Sold.
THE MAINSTAYS
- God Came From Space holds down the opening slot with Surly’s Slayrah Lawson on shredding duty. A tradition unlike any other.
- Impaler, whose background vocalist Dr. Corpse bears a striking resemblance to Surly’s Zach Lindsay, returns to provide bloody, disgusting mayhem. (This is a compliment.)
Doors at 11am. As noted above, this show is free to attend. See you in the pit.
