Ahh yes, September, the month when we finally realize that despite the hot weather summer time is over. Teachers and students go back to school and a life of fun and leisure comes to a close. But, for those of us in Southern California, we all know that just because summer is ending, it doesn't mean that the concert season has to. This month, for all the headbangers, we present the best metal concerts in Orange County and the greater region.
5. Duane Peters Gunfight atThe Doll Hut in Anaheim
September 10
OK, so we know this is a metal list, but still we thought that this punk show might be of interest. Considering the train wreck that is the life skateboarding and punk rock legend Duane Peters, this might actually be an entertaining show. With his band Gunfight, the traditional and energetic sounds of anthemic, urgent punk and hardcore come to fruition, with a very rock-n-roll vibe, reminiscent of greats like the Weirdos, The Dickies, Social Distortion and even Motorhead. So, despite all the stories of domestic violence, mental issues, substance abuse and tragic deaths, the music speaks for itself, and if you catch this band at the Doll Hut, be sure to soak up all the glory, violence, madness, beer and sweat that go into a real punk rock show.
4. Hair Nation at Irvine Meadows
September 17
Hair Metal is still technically metal, and let’s face it, at one point it time it was bigger than the world, in the early to mid '80s when the Sunset Strip was the Mecca for all rockers and aspiring musicians. Today, a new germination, as well as the old ones, are reviving the nostalgia of the Hair Metal Movement from three decades ago. Hosted by former That Metal Show hose and metal radio DJ Eddie Trunk, this festival will be both a Sausage Party and Milf Fest, with tons of bands, you never knew were even still around, and artists you would expect to play an event called Hair Nation. Vince Neil of Motley Crue and Bret Michaels of Poison will headline, but this festival will also feature guitar God Yngwie Malmsteen, Slaughter, Lita Ford, LA Guns, Loudness and many more. Expect lots of puffed up hair(obviously) torn jeans, fading tattoos, denim, leather pants, and the lingering fumes of Aqua Net, pot smoke and Pabst Blue Ribbon.
3. Chainfest at the Chain Reaction in Anaheim & Observatory in Santa Ana
September 17
Celebrating 20 years, this festival is presented by both the Chain Reaction and Observatory in Santa Ana. With multiple stages and over 20 bands performing the entire day, headliners include post hardcore emo rock band Coheed and Cambira, heavy hitters Underoath and hardcore rockers Circa Survive. Other bands performing include more punkier sound bands like MXPX, melodic hardcore heroes Comeback Kid and The Story So Far, and heavier groups like Zao, Movements, Nomads, Title Fight and Turnover. With such an eclectic line up the crowd will also be very much diversified for this festival in Santa Ana and Anaheim.
2.Ozzfest Meets Knottfest at San Manuel Amphitheater, San Bernardino
September 23-24
Arguably, the biggest metal festival of the year, this two day heavy metal extravaganza comes to San Bernardino at theSan Manuel Amphitheater for two days of some of the biggest names in heavy metal, and some underground favorites as well. On Saturday, September 23, headliners Slipknot will play last, but the day will be full of insane performances on the second stage by bands like Overkill, Suicide Silence, Sabaton, Butcher Babies, Combichrist, Motionless in White and more. Plus, Amon Amarth, Anthrax and the mighty Slayer will perform as direct support for Slipknot.
As if that weren’t enough, Sunday September 24, will be round two, as the evening will conclude with perhaps the final Southern California Black Sabbath performance ever. Providing direct support for the Godfathers of Heavy Metal will be Megadeth, Opeth and Black Label Society. Second Stage bands like Suicidal Tendencies, Kataklysm, Brujeria, Goatwhore, Hatebreed, Devildriver and Municipal Waste, among others will ensure the day is one non stop circle pit. To top things off both days will be full of camping, odd attractions, fair rides, food vendors, beer gardens and outright madness. This will be the perfect way to end your summer with a bang.
1.Madball at Alex’s Bar in Long Beach
September 27
Madball is known for ferocious live performances that are powerful, intense and in your face. This legendary East Coast hardcore band spawned from another legendary punk band, Agnostic Front more than two decades ago. In short, without Madball, there would be no metallic hardcore scene. This band paved the way in both sound, mentality, work ethic and performance. This performance will be something special, considering the intimate stage in Long Beach at Alex’s Bar. This show should be all ages, but if you don’t like being at shows with the youngsters, take advantage of this 21+ show. Expect more than a slam pit, expect utter chaos to ensue.
Alex Distefano is an established freelance writer and music blogger from the Los Angeles area. With over a dozen years under his belt as a published Journalist, he covers the worlds of heavy metal music, punk rock, current events, cannabis culture, comedy, radio, food, tattoos, the paranormal, and ‘conspiracy theories.’ He graduated from California State University Long Beach in 2012 with a Bachelor’s Degree in both Journalism and Ancient History. Aside from his professional writing endeavors, Distefano works as an Educator, and delivery/rideshare driver.