Grand Rapids, MI (Top40 Charts) Showcasing 18 of the best local heavy metal bands in MI, the 13th annual Heavyweight
Battle of the Bands is set to kick off on January 11 at The Intersection.
Sponsored by MoshPitNation and 101.3 The Fox's Metal at Midnight , this annual clash of the area's most brutal local musicians brings together metal bands, metal fans and local business like no other in Michigan. An estimated 3500 people attended the 2012 shows, and that number is expected to grow in 2013.
The audience selects 2 winning bands at each of the 3 preliminary rounds. They go to the finals and compete for $2500 in cash and tons of prizes, including recording time from Darkwave Audio, Tattoos from Forever Ink, gear from RIT Music and more.
Band line up for 2013 Heavyweights:
- Jan 11 Withhold the Blood, The Severed Process, Arrhythmia, Seraphim, Pass of Aggression, Neqriem,
- Jan 18 Deleted by God, Condition: Critical, Lakeland, Divided They Fall, Flood the Desert, Through the Ashes,
- Jan 26 Silent Lapse, Hand of Uziel, I'm William Cutting, Aside the Ashes, Burden of Ages, Drawing Down the Moon
"This show has become a cornerstone of the local music scene in West Michigan. With many of the small clubs that held local metal shows slowly closing their doors, The Intersection has remained constant in their support of local music through The Heavyweights, and other concerts.", says Jimmy Rains, promotions director at The Intersection.
MoshPitNation founder Jen Lorenski, adds "The interest in the music is there, and metalheads are a strong bunch, determined to play their music and get to shows. It's evident by some of the MI bands breaking through to the national level. We support heavy metal around here. It's more than just music, it's a community. That's what MoshPitNation is trying to do, support the music at the local level, all over Michigan."
Other things happening at this year's Heavyweights
- Ultimate Shredder guitar contest by MoshPitNation and RIT Music
- Tattoo contest by Forever Ink Tattoos
- Beard contest on Feb 9 hosted by Beardcore and Glorious Beards of Michigan
- Plus heavy metal t-shirts and gear, glassware and other local vendors, including Vertigo Music, Bonafide Tough Guy and GHS Strings
