This should go without saying, but October is one of the best months for metal. There were so many great events this month that we actually had to pick and choose what made this list. Below are some of the most exciting metal shows taking place next month, and why you need to be there.
Devin Townsend Project
When: Sunday, October 2, 8 p.m.
Where: The Gothic, 3263 S. Broadway
Cost: $21 in advance, $25 the day of
The Lowdown: Whether you find him self-indulgent or genius, there is no denying that Devin Townsend is a hard-working dude who knows how to play some technically proficient and catchy metal. Come out to get down if you like prog; in addition to their noodling stylings, the Devin Townsend Project will be sharing the stage with Denver’s prog legends Dreadought and Glass Delirium.
Brujeria
When: Monday, October 10, 7:25 p.m.
Where: The Bluebird Theater, 3317 E. Colfax
Cost: $20 in advance, $25 the day of
The Lowdown: This Mexican extreme metal group has been shocking us for years, and they will surely do the same during their evening in Denver. Those who got into death metal during the early 2000s should also rejoice, as vegan-themed favorites Cattle Decapitation will be serving up some excellent death metal to start the evening.
An Evening with Andrew W.K.
When: Tuesday, October 11, 7 p.m.
Where: The Gothic, 3263 S. Broadway
Cost: $20 in advance, $25 the 9.75 the day of
The Lowdown: Although he’s not technically metal, Andrew W.K. is heavy as hell and has gotten a lot of metal musicians to play in his band in the past, such as Alex Webster of Cannibal Corpse. Most even outside of the metal scene are familiar with this legend, so do yourself a favor and get tickets before they sell out. You won’t want to miss an inspirational evening of piano ballads and hard, positive partying.
Gojira
When: Friday, October 14, 9 p.m.
Where: The Gothic, 3263 S. Broadway
Cost: $26 in advance, $40 the day of
The Lowdown: Gojira are a group that have definitely set themselves apart in the metal scene for being unique. These French dudes make the environment a number-one priority in their lyrics, gaining them a major following with activists in the scene. Their proggy tendencies and catchy thrash and death metal undertones won over the remaining fans who weren’t already sold on their lyrics. They will be joined this month by prog metalers TesseracT.
Skeletonwitch
When: Tuesday, October 18, 10 p.m.
Where: The Marquis Theatre, 2009 Larimer
Cost: $10 in advance, $15 the day of
The Lowdown: A not-to-miss night for those with an eclectic taste in metal, heavy thrashers Skeletonwitch will be taking the stage with the punk-influenced Iron Reagan, as well as Gatecreeper and Oathbreaker. This lineup plus the Marquis’ pizza is bound to equal an awesome night.
Big Business
When: Thursday, October 20, 8 p.m.
Where: Larimer Lounge, 2127 Larimer
Cost: $15 in advance, $17 the day of
The Lowdown: Playing some of the heaviest rock out there, so heavy it can almost be considered metal, these guys really live up to their name. Their sound is super unique, but think rock inspired by the Melvins and doom. Check them out with local favorites Native Daughters and Muscle Beach.
Bongzilla
When: Friday, October 21, 10 p.m.
Where: 3 Kings Tavern, 60 S. Broadway
Cost: $29.50 in advance, $35 the day of
The Lowdown: All Denver doom fans are getting incredibly stoked for the legendary Bongzilla to come play in town. The epitome of legitimate stoner metal, these guys can put away a lot of ganja, and they are going to undoubtedly be taking advantage of legalization while they are here. The show will be opened by Wizard Riffle, Smolder and Burn and Matriarch.
True Widow
When: Saturday, October 22, 9 p.m.
Where: Larimer Lounge, 2127 Larimer
Cost: $12 in advance, $15 the day of
The Lowdown: True Widow are one of the up-and-comers to really keep an eye on in the doom scene. Fusing male and female vocals and gracefully running the gauntlet between shoegaze-sounding, dreamy doom and soul-crushingly heavy tunes, these guys are doing it right. They will be taking the stage in Denver with Lowlands and local psych darlings Emerald Siam.
Dillinger Escape Plan
When: Saturday, October 22, 6:30 p.m.
Where: The Marquis Theatre, 2009 Larimer
Cost: $22 in advance, $25 the day of
The Lowdown: Dillinger have been shaking things up across the U.S. with their frantic brand of metal for years, and now they are embarking on another tour. Opening the show will be O’Brother, Cult Leader and Bent Knee.
Meshuggah
When: Monday, October 24, 8 p.m.
Where: The Ogden, 935 E. Colfax
Cost: $29.50 in advance, $35 the day of
The Lowdown: Meshuggah are yet another band who sound so unique that they can’t really be classified the way a lot of metal fans like to classify, by comparing them to other bands. Their death metal-influenced, frantic, prog metal stylings are completely unique and have given them a 27-year career. As an added bonus, they are appearing here with the equally-touted accessible doom power house that is High on Fire.