While most might think of Tampa, Florida, as the home of death metal, many may soon see the city as the host of the Southern Darkness Festival, which just announced its inaugural festival will take place on August 23.
According to the fest website:
Southern Darkness Festival brings the best of extreme and experimental music right to Tampa's historic district of Ybor. More than 20 bands will deliver a diverse range of heavy music, from Post Rock all the way to Grindcore. With a lineup that is second to none, SDF is bound to leave a mark in Florida's heavy music scene and turn heads worldwide.
Organized by music fans for music fans, SDF sets out to create a special experience for fans and artists alike. The historic district of Ybor is not only the perfect setting for an artistically minded crowd, but also houses Tampa's best live music venues – all in walking distance from one another.
The Southern Darkness Festival will span three different stages at three different venues: The Orpheum, Crowbar, and Ybor Live. The lineup is fuckin' top-notch; check it out:
Pelican
All Pigs Must Die
Maruta
Centuries
Sannhet
Mouth of the Architect
Black Tusk
Jungbluth
Yautja
Order of the Owl
A Storm of Light
Phobia
Strong Intention
Zoroaster
Everything Went Black
Weekend Nachos
Lord Mantis
Coke Bust
ASG
Junius
Set and Setting
Traitor Crucifix
Cosm
Just based on this initial lineup, this fest is completely worth the $40 ticket. More bands are expected to be announced, and I have a feeling some of those bands are going to be INSANE. Tickets will go on sale sometime in later this month, but peep their Facebook for updates.
And go buy a plane ticket.
