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Photo : Edward Spinelli
May 2024 • Volume 50 , Number 7 • www . illinoisentertainer . com
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COVER STORY : JAMEY JASTA ne of the country ' s most nostalgic metal festivals was resurrected in 2023 and will be thankfully returning for a second straight year .
Initially founded in 1987 by Jack Koshick ( also the founder of March Metal Meltdown ), the Milwaukee Metal Fest has a storied history and was once an annual global metal music tradition up until 2004 , then returned for a one-off in 2007 .
In 2022 , Hatebreed frontman Jamey Jasta purchased the rights from Koshick and relaunched the festival the following year to worldwide fanfare . With the upcoming second year of the reformation , Milwaukee Metal Fest continues to grow into the powerhouse it was once known for . MMF takes over The Rave / Eagles Club in Milwaukee for three sweat-inducing days , beginning on Friday , May 17 ( including the pre-party on Thursday , May 16 ). This year ’ s festival has the most diverse lineup but also honors the spirit of the original fest . Some of the major highlights of the festival include thrash legends Testament — who have been the festival ’ s most requested band , two unique sets by Death to All covering two of Death ’ s most prominent albums , and a Friday night set from Swedish power metal legends Hammerfall . Some of the veteran bands who represent the old guard of the festival include Heathen , Deicide , Destruction , Atheist , and Possessed . Up-and-coming and newer bands , such as Paleface Swiss , Belushi Speed Ball , Bleed From Within , and regional favorites from Madison , Casket Robbery , will also be performing . Unfortunately , Marduk and Metal Church had to cancel , but in their place will be Overkill and Doro , respectively . The eclectic mix of bands this year bridges the gap between the death , thrash , hardcore , classic , power metal and even the rock genres . Kelley Simms spoke to Mr . Jasta .
LEGIONS OF METAL A revered Chicago metal tradition continues to thrive under its new name with this year ’ s two-day music festival . Legions of Metal originally began as Ragnarokkr Metal Apocalypse Festival in 2012 at our beloved Reggies . Now in its sixth year , the festival has grown into a favorite destination for bands and metal fans alike . It arrives May 3 and 4 in the South Loop at Reggies . Kelley
Simms has the preview .
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Hello My Name is ... Neil .
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