Hell SmashFest is getting heavy

FOR THOSE ABOUT TO ROCK: Rumour has it that when eight bands converge on Gisborne venue Smash Palace for this weekend’s fourth annual Hell SmashFest, the metal artists — including members of Wairarapa quartet Demon Fetal Harvest (pictured) — are planning a special tribute for former Motorhead frontman the late Lemmy Kilmister, who died on December 28. Picture supplied

DESCRIBED as everything from a reunion for New Zealand’s heavy metal “family” to the first metal festival of the year — anywhere — the annual Hell SmashFest feast of heavy music is back, this time with a line-up of eight bands.

Industrial Subdivision venue Smash Palace has changed hands since the last Hell fest but with new owner Darryl Monteith agreeing to continue the tradition, SmashFest 2016 is confirmed for its fourth incarnation.

To do so the organisers have drawn bands from all over the North Island, acts travelling from the north, west, east and south to converge on Gisborne for the event.

And if past years are anything to go by fans, too, will be travelling from afar for their fix of brutal music.

At the centre of it all is five-piece progressive death metal band Metal Tower which, though made up of musicians from around the country, had its origins in Gisborne.

However, with one member soon heading overseas, the band members say the Fest may be their last show for the foreseeable future.

Founded with the intention of offering locals and visitors alike something a little different from the mainstream summer events, SmashFest’s claim to fame is that, each summer, it is the first metal/rock event of its kind to be played in the New Year.

Hell SmashFest 2016 is on at Smash Palace from 3pm this Saturday.