The Aftershock Festival is almost underway! In just a couple of short months, we’ll be able to witness another stacked lineup in Sacramento’s Discovery Park. The most exciting thing we’ve seen so far is that a new stage will be unveiled, leaving more room for more epic performances to come!
Here are our recommended festival performers we think you must see this year!
1. Alien Weaponry
In the recent history of heavy metal, there have been few emerging bands that have shaken up the scene in the way Alien Weaponry has over the past three years. Since releasing their acclaimed Napalm Records debut Tū in 2018, the New Zealand band’s kinetic presence and unique sound – combining thrash metal with lyrics in the native indigenous language, te reo Māori — has attracted throngs of fans and media supporters across the globe that have responded to the sheer ruthlessness, untempered passion, and unbelievable noise created by the three-piece.
Starting humbly in the island town of Waipu when brothers Henry (drums) and Lewis de Jong (guitars, vocals) were young children, the three-piece — rounded out by new bassist Tūranga Morgan-Edmonds — have recently been hailed as the “future of metal” by esteemed music bible Metal Hammer and voted by Revolver fans as “one of the bands most likely to break out in 2021.”
When it comes to the future of Alien Weaponry, anything and everything is possible for this promising young act that’s just getting started. As Henry says, “We are just scraping the surface.”
2. Oxymorrons
This band embodies the essence of New York City, a melting pot of sounds, styles, and cultures that can never be succinctly defined or shoved in a box. Comprised of vocalist brothers KI and Deee, drummer Matty Mayz, and guitarist Jafe Paulino, their diverse backgrounds, eccentricities, and flawless imperfections blend together to create their unique sound. Always with one eye on the bigger picture, Oxymorrons use music as a catalyst for change, an opportunity to help craft a global movement that never fails to put community over division.
3. Winona Fighter
Nashville-based Winona Fighter is breathing new life into the resurging punk scene. Recently signed to Rise Records, they are on a mission to create punk music that is accessible and accepting to all music lovers willing to listen. This mission statement is exemplified by latest single “I’m In The Market To Please No One”, a sonic kick in the face with an earworm chorus and empowered lyrical content and delivery.
Coco’s (front-woman of Winona Fighter) introduction to the Boston punk rock scene at an early age was the catalyst influence for her sound and stage presence. Moving to Nashville gave her a task to expose music lovers to the power of thrashable tunes. After recruiting lead guitarist Dan Fuson, they set off to do justice to the scene Coco had left behind, eventually adding Austin Luther (bass/producer) to the family.
The release of “I’m In The Market To Please No One” saw the band deliver their first proper music video. The song received major support from DSPs including placements with covers on ‘All New Punk’ and ‘New Noise’ playlists. The band is recognized as an energized powerhouse during their live performances. Their shows are a space where all bullshit and ego is left at the door – all are welcome, equal and need to get on their feet.
4. Nerv
This 4-piece genre-bending rock band resides in California. Locals to northern California are especially building in anticipations for a local rising act. Nerv has band members from all over the United States with vocalist Dillon Jones (Sacramento), guitarists Jordan Grokett and Scott Buchanan (Dallas) and drummer Tyler Clark (Atlanta). Nerv burst onto the scene in November 2017 with their heavy hitting debut single ‘Enough’. Then in Spring 2018 the band released their highly successful debut EP ‘Bad Habits’, working with producer Erik Ron (I Prevail, Godsmack, Hollywood Undead). They’ve been recently picking up heat with their hit single, “Bad Habits.”
5. NOTHING MORE
We can’t include an Aftershock lineup without including some of our favorites, Nothing More. As veterans on the Aftershock stage, it’s been especially exciting to watch these artists grow each year they come.
NOTHING MORE combines the cerebral and sublime. The music Jonny Hawkins, Mark Vollelunga, Daniel Oliver, and Ben Anderson make together is primal, elemental, and even carnal. Their foundation is heady and heavy, filled with creative nuance that rewards repeated listens, while the catchy hooks always soar, intertwined in a delicious dance between accessibility and experimentation. They’ve already earned three GRAMMY nominations and two gold plaques along the journey. 2022’s SPIRITS, which produced songs like “YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT LOVE MEANS” and the Top 5 smash “TIRED OF WINNING,” indulged the outer edges of NOTHING MORE’s esoteric leanings without sacrificing melody. Two years later, CARNAL brings them full circle with focused precision. CARNAL harkens to their breakthrough 2014 self-titled set and the bombastic energy of songs like “This is the Time (Ballast),” while powerful interludes and trippy transitions anchor it all together. If SPIRTS was water, CARNAL is fire. NOTHING MORE sound biting, visceral, and in-your-face and we can’t get enough.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Aftershock Festival!
2 Comments