Bend’s hard rock and metal scene is an ever-evolving thing, where bands form and dissolve in the blink of an eye and heavy-friendly venues come and go (and sometimes come again) according to the whims of owners and promoters.
To combat such a mercurial milieu, it would seem to be a good idea for some stable bands to bond together and showcase their skills. Strength in numbers, if you will. And that’s exactly what the Bend Metal Fest intends to bring to the table.
Tonight at Bend’s Domino Room, five solid local bands will provide a sort of sampler platter for Central Oregon’s heavy scene. Show up and you can taste Tentareign’s highly technical thunder, StillFear’s cool throwback vibe, Shovelbelt’s caustic neo-grunge and Exfixia’s mix of melody and brutality, plus the growling death metal of Embrace the Fear.
It’s kind of like The Bite of Band for headbangers. The Bang of Bend! Or something.
Seriously, though, if you like your music loud and shredtastic, hit this show. At $5, it’s a bargain. Plus, you can pick up a pass at Sunday Guitars (541-323-2332) in Bend or Habit-tat Studio & Salon (541-923-4703) in Redmond that’ll let you bring a friend for free.
Bend Metal Fest, with Tentareign, StillFear, Shovelbelt, Exfixia and Embrace the Fear ; 8 tonight, doors open at 7 p.m.; $5 at the door; Domino Room, 51 N.W. Greenwood Ave., Bend; www.jmrentertainment.co or 541-977-3982.
