The first week in May seems to be the time of heavy, awesome, metal-influenced rock in the Denver area. Before we even get the chance to recover from the crushing performance by Graveyard, Clutch and Mastodon at Red Rocks last Sunday, we are confronted with the almighty Solstafir out of Iceland and then Mothership headlining a show Thursday with some awesome local acts. Clear some time on you calendar for these awesome shows and read on for the low-down on the best events in metal to check out this week.

Solstafir

Solstafir @ Lost Lake Lounge – Tuesday, May 5th

We are lucky enough to have Solstafir, all the way from Iceland, gracing Denver with their presence this Tuesday. Solstafir’s odd and lilting blend of metal, psych rock, melody, and uique instrumentation is extremely compelling, and if you haven’t had the good fortune of checking out their music, you are missing out. They are currently on tour in support of their newest record entitled Ótta, and although this is probably their biggest record yet for the U.S. and they are just starting to gain a following over here, this is actually their fifth studio album. Usually when I hear music being described as so eclectic, I worry the final product may just sound like a mash-up or have no cohesion, but that is not the case here. All of their songs and albums tell a thorough story that draw the listener in, even if they aren’t completely familiar with all the sub-genres and sounds being blended. Ancient Wisdom, whom they are on tour with, will be opening the bill, making this show a real treat.

Who: Solstafir, Ancient Wisdom

Doors: 8:00PM/Show starts at 9:00PM

Cost: $15 in advance/$17 the day of

mothershipflier

Mothership @ The Moon Room – Thursday, May 7th

In keeping with the theme of awesome metal-tinged rock shows, Mothership, the space rockers from Texas, will be taking the stage at The Moon Room. This band takes cues from where classic space rock groups like Hawkwind left off, but with their own, distinctly Texan blend of rock n’ roll. Opening the show will be Dirty Streets from Memphis whom they are on tour with and Cloud Catcher and The Munsens from Denver. Don’t miss out on this if you want to hear some nice and heavy rock n’ roll.

Who: Mothership, Dirty Streets, Cloud Catcher, The Munsens

Doors: 8:00PM

Cost: $10 in advance/$12 the day of

thecontortionistflier

The Contortionist @ The Marquis – Sunday, May 10th

Progressive metal heavyweights The Contortionist are a non-stop touring machine and they’re keeping this momentum going by embarking on yet another U.S. tour with fellow prog metal upstarts Chon and Auras. They’ll all be rolling through Denver this Sunday for an evening of proggy delight that’s sure to please fans of the genre. Local prog metallers Parallels will be opening the show. So much prog. What does prog even mean anymore? I really don’t know. If you want to find out, go to The Marquis on Sunday. Heck, bring your mom along with you and treat her for Mother’s Day. I think even she would dig it.
Who: The Contortionist, Chon, Auras, Parallels
Doors: 7:00 p.m
Cost: $14 in advance, $16 the day of

By Aaron Lambert and Addison Herron-Wheeler

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