The Rialto is spreading the love for locally-made music with this weekend’s Metal Fest VIII.
Seven bands will take the stage at the theatre, screaming out music that rocks with heavy bass, squealing guitars and the requisite distortion. And it will be loud. Which is exactly how we like our metal.
Most have deep Tucson ties. All are from Arizona.
On stage will be bands that have been around for awhile.
“We’ve been playing for 20 years,” says Danny Page, who plays bass and does vocals for Slowtruck. “We’ve done heavy metal since the beginning.”
Slowtruck, which begins recording a new CD this summer, is deeply committed to playing original tunes. In addition to Page, the band consists of his brother, Dale, who plays drums, step brother Brian Laughlin on guitar, and Mike Kamke, lead guitarist.
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“Of course, I’m biased, but I think they rock and they are fun,” Page says about the band.
Also active on the Southwest music scene is Tribulance, which has been together since 1995, save for a short break, says Brandon Laplander, who plays drums,
While the band has just finished its second CD, it’s playing live that really feeds the members, he says.
“We like to do live shows. We come with full stage show and props. We give a music and visual show. I believe in the showmanship.”
Other band members include Michael Vidal, lead vocals; Gino Silva, bass, and Sal Flores, lead and rhythm guitar.
Also on the bill: Tridon, Ashbury, Push, Big Mean and Infinitely Zero.
