Westfest bands ready to rock Auckland

Megadeth are one of the headlining acts at tonight's Westfest show.

New Zealand's biggest metal festival kicks off tonight, bringing together some of the heaviest bands ever to rock Auckland.

Westfest, which runs over two nights at Vector Arena, features big names including 8 Foot Sativa, Eagles of Death Metal, Rob Zombie, Megadeth and Korn.

While it is not officially associated with Australia's Soundwave festival, for most of the bands it will be a warm up for the event's five dates, starting in Brisbane on Saturday.

Tonight's headline act, Rob Zombie recently told Time Out he would pull out a few surprises in his set, as well as old favourites.

"I think the worst moment you can ever have at a concert is when the band comes out and says they're going to play the new album. We don't tend to do that - I don't ever want to do that.

"I love New Zealand - I've only been there once and it was a long time ago so I'm very much looking forward to coming back."

Tickets for Westfest cost $120 per night, or $200 for both nights.

Westfest set times:

Wednesday, February 19
5pm: Doors open
5.20pm: Devilskin
5.45pm: 8 Foot Sativa
6.20pm: Uncle Acid & The Deadbeats
7pm: Eagles Of Death Metal
7.45pm: Five Finger Death Punch
9.00pm: Megadeth
10.30pm: Rob Zombie

Thursday, February 20
5pm: Doors open
5.30pm: Saving Grace
6.10pm: Terror
7.10pm: August Burns Red
7.50pm: Black Veil Brides
9pm: Asking Alexandria
10.15pm: Korn

- nzherald.co.nz