September is always a great month for metal, and this year is no exception. From doom to black metal, some amazing bands are stopping by or playing locally in the Mile High City and the scene is stronger than ever. Here are a few not-to-miss events to get your head banging.
Monolord and Beastmaker
When: Tuesday, September 6, 9 p.m.
Where: Lost Lake Lounge, 3602 E. Colfax
Cost: $12 in advance, $15 the day of
The Low Down: If you like it slow, loud and heavy and you mean that in the most literal sense possible, you will love seeing Monolord up close and personal at Lost Lake Lounge. They are going to completely destroy it with their low frequencies, and Beastmaker and Sweatlodge will be warming up the crowd. All doom fans need to be at this one.
Russian Circles and Cloakroom
When: Wednesday, September 7, 8 p.m.
Where: The Gothic – 3263 S. Broadway
Cost: $20.75-25.00
The Low Down: Those who like their proggy, instrumental and introspective metal to still have life and action to it should check out Russian Circles. These guys definitely focus on instrumentation and creating a mood, but they aren’t stuffy in their delivery and still put on a great show. They’ll be joined at this show by Cloakroom.
Cult of the Lost Cause
When: Thursday, September 8, 8 p.m.
Where: The Gothic–3263 S. Broadway
Cost: $10-$13
The Low Down: If you didn’t get enough instrumental madness last night, head right on back to the Gothic and check out local instrumental post-metalers Cult of the Lost Cause. It’s a completely local show, and they will be joined by party thrashers Muscle Beach and also Abrams and Church Fire.
The Munsens
When: Saturday, September 10, 9:30 p.m.
Where: Hi-Dive–7 S. Broadway
Cost: $8
The Low Down: The Munsens are a local band by choice; they started out based in New Jersey, but moved to Denver for the rich doom scene. Come check them out with other local groups Warhawk, Green Druid and Phallic Meditation.
Savage Master
When: Monday, September 12, 9 p.m.
Where: Lost Lake Lounge–3602 E. Colfax
Cost: $10
The Low Down: Come out and get weird with the BDSM-themed Savage Master. Stacy Savage and her band of hooded players are going to be preaching their “occult metal” gospel at this stop of the With Whips and Chains U.S. Summer Tour. They will be joined by locals Scepter of Eligos and Plague Hammer.
Black Sky Presents Marduk
When: Wednesday, September 14, 6 p.m.
Where: The Marquis, 2009 S. Larimer St.
Cost: $20-$25
The Low Down: Come celebrate an epic night of metal with classic black metal group Marduk, and newer but equally epic bands Rotting Christ, Carach Angren, Necronomicon and Eye of Minerva. The show is sponsored by Black Sky Brewery, so expect a brutal assortment of available beers.
Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats
When: Thursday, September 15, 8 p.m.
Where: The Gothic, 3263 S. Broadway
Cost: $25
The Low Down: Uncle Acid are an amazing psych rock band that flirt with the boundaries of metal, and if you dig things that hearken back to Black Sabbath but put their own spin on it and don’t sound like a rip-off, then this is the band for you. They’ll be joined by another great throwback-style band, Danava, as well as The Shrine.
Trivium
When: Thursday, September 22, 9 p.m.
Where: Summit Music Hall, 1902 Blake St.
Cost: $10-$25
The Low Down: Classic melodic death metal group Trivium are touring again and will be gracing Denver with their presence at the end of the month. Sabaton and Huntress are on the bill as well.
Witch Mountain
When: Sunday, September 25, 9 p.m.
Where: Hi-Dive–7 S. Broadway
Cost: $10-$12
The Low Down: Come check out indie-influenced classic blues metal band Witch Mountain, hailing from Portland and taking influence from the psychedelic side of things. They’ll be joined by locals proggers Dreadnought and also Sugar Skulls & Marigolds.
The Devil’s Own Presents Ghosts of Glaciers
When: Friday, September 30, 7 p.m.
Where: The Marquis, 2009 S. Larimer St.
Cost: $10-$12
The Low Down: This local showcase highlights progressive black metalers Ghosts of Glaciers and alongside Abrams, smolder and burn, and DR. Zllog.
September was huge, but spooky October should be even better for amazing big-name tours and awesome local shows. If you have any tips or want your band or event featured in a future Metal Meltdown, email addison@303magazine.com.