To say that 2019 has been an insane year for metal will be one of the biggest understatements in metal history. So many amazing albums, so many bands breaking out of the underground, and constant touring. With the summer ending and 2020 just around the corner, many festivals are coming to end the year on a high note. One of these festivals is Louder than Life at The Highland Festival Grounds in Kentucky is a festival that will further launch this year in the stratosphere for metal.

First off the headliners for this 3-day festival is an insane one. Starting with Slipknot, just recently I saw them on their Knotfest Roadshow with Volbeaet, Gojira and Behemoth and even with just four bands on the tour, it felt like a festival within itself. There is no denying that there is no live show more entertaining that Slipknot. With all 9 members constantly moving with the pyro, lights and pure destruction, combined with their sound of pure sonic brutality, like them or not, you will be immersed into their realm of pure insanity, and no matter where you stand in that festival you are getting into it one way or another. Guns N’ Roses will be headlining on night 2 and how could you possibly go wrong?! I think its fair to say that almost every band on the bill at this festival was inspired by them one way or another. Many old-school fans of rock and metal will be satisfied and with Slash, Duff and Axl joining forces again, many younger fans are finally going to be able to witness what made them so special. After selling out stadium after stadium on their Not in this Lifetime Tour, there is no doubt this place will be filled with people to see them. On the final night we end with Disturbed. Disturbed are experts when it comes to headlining festivals from Mayhem Fest, to Uproar Fest to most recently at Sonic Temple. The powerful voice of David Draiman with Mikes intense rhythm and Dan’t ultimate shredding, you are in for a treat. After an entire year of headlining arenas, including Madison Square Garden in New York City, you are in for a treat.

Even with the headliners at these festivals, every band before them is a headliner within its own right. Marilyn Manson and Rob Zombie always deliver a great combination of a sonic and visual experience within their characters and their music. The metal horror show in massive festival is something to remember. Many of the bands have just as amazing of a show to see whether you like the music or not. GWAR right before Slipknot?! That is the ultimate masked show. If you missed the Twins of Evil Tour that has been coming around quite frequently, now you have a chance to see Manson and Zombie. You will not just be watching the show, you will be in it. Philip Anselmo and the Illegals will turn these massive stages into a small club but with their pure rawness and interaction but this festival is the ultimate send off before they decimate the US on Slayers final US tour. Will they be playing Vulgar Display of Pantera classics?! Either way, Phil Anselmo is one of the ultimate frontmen in metal. We also get the return of Staind who in itself is a reason to go. For many young rock fans, this will be the first time they get to witness such a revolutionary rock act and who knows when they will return again?

This festival is as diverse of a festival as you can get.  Ice Cube, Knocked Loose, Stone Temple Pilots, Godsmack, Melvins and Suicidal Tendencies all on the same day?! Classic harcore punk, godfathers of sludge metal, the return of one of the greatest Seattle grunge bands, and more all leading up to Guns N Roses. Disturbed, Rob Zombie, Breaking Benjamin, Sum 41 and Ho9909?! There is something for everyone at this tour whether you appreciate more mainstream rock, old school classic rock, punk, hardcore, metalcore and more.

Last thing to be said is how many newer bands are on this festival. Badflower did an intense tour with Nothing More and Of Mice & Men followed by opening up the mainstage at Sonic Temple Fest. Many people are already on board but there is no doubt more people will be on board at the end of their set at this one. All Them Witches brings a catchy element to classic stoner rock for any lover of bands such as Baroness or Sleep. They killed it at Bowery Ballroom in NYC earlier this spring on their recent headline tour. Dirty Honey has been on a role this year as well. After Sonic Temple, they embark on a run with Skillet and Alter Bridge and this will be the festival to further make their mark. Amigo the Devil is one of the most unique performances you can see at any rock show. At Sonic Temple, he managed to get a circle pit to an acoustic set. That in itself is a reason to check him out.

Classic Rock Acts such as Stone Temple Pilots and Guns N Roses, metalcore acts that connect with many people such as A Day to Remember, I Prevail and Beartooth before their epic fall/winter tour together, punk and hardcore fans will be pleased with Anti Flag and Suicidal Tendencies, modern rock fans will be stoked for Breaking Benjamin and Three Days Grace, some goo laughs with Andrew W.K. and Gwar and so much more will be happening. Bands from the 80s, 90s, early 2000s, and even this decade, Louder than Life is not just the ultimate festival to end 2019, but also end this decade as well!!! \m/