Spring showers bring metal power

Fictional rock band Spinal Tap's lead guitarist Nigel Tufnel once said "It's like how much more black could this be? And the answer is none ... none more black."

There couldn't be a better description for Metal Madness 3, coming Friday and Saturday to Schock's Pub in Scott City. The biannual music festival features local hard-rock favorites Drivin' Rain, Thorlock and Emaciation in addition to top touring thrashers Vampire Mooose, Horizontal Orange and Annihilate the Hero. In fact, MM3 organizer Randy Mallett, owner of local music Web site BannedPromotions.com, said this Metal Madness could easily outperform its predecessors.

"If you're into any kind of metal, you'll find a band to like at MM3," Mallett said. "Just to cover a few, we've got experimental hard core, straight-up hard core, thrash, screamo, goth, glam, death, doom, you name it. All in all, I would simply describe the average band performing at MM3 as 'brutal as hell.'"

Thirteen bands are set to play MM3 and independent filmmaker Brooks Kohler will be filming both nights. Kohler recently completed work on his first film, "Bar Chord Harvest," a documentary featuring interviews and original music from unsigned bands in St. Louis, Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois.

"The main reason people should come to Metal Madness 3, and other similar shows in the area, is to support the bands, the bars and the people who put the shows together so we can continue doing shows like this and bring in better bands in the future," Mallett said. "Thirteen great bands, one great club, two nights, cheap cover and good beer. That alone makes 18 reasons if I've counted correctly. Of course, depending on the number of beers you may drink that number could be higher."

Doors open at 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Friday is an all-ages show. Music is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. Admission is $5 each night. Alcohol will be sold on Friday, but the bar will be closed off from the stage area. For more information and complete lineup times go to