Unhinged Festival: Denver’s Heavy Music Revolution
A High-Altitude Epicenter for Heavy Music
Once recognized primarily for its jam bands and granola trailheads, Denver has undergone a remarkable transformation into a thriving hub for heavy music. Punk and metal have transcended mere subcultures; they are now integral to the civic culture of the city. This summer, the Unhinged Festival will encapsulate this evolution, presenting a two-day, unrestrained celebration of sound, tattoos, craft beer, and community. Curated by AEG Presents Rocky Mountains and Brew Haha Productions, this festival is set to redefine the local music landscape.
AEG Presents: Beyond Blockbusters
AEG Presents, traditionally known for orchestrating blockbuster tours and high-profile productions, is now taking a more nuanced approach to cultivate the heavy music identity in the region. With the Unhinged Festival, they are not merely organizing an event; they are championing a scene that is deeply rooted in DIY ethics, tattoo artistry, microbreweries, and intense mosh pits.
A Lineup to Remember
The Unhinged lineup reads like a manifesto for heavy music enthusiasts. Featuring renowned acts such as Lamb of God, Knocked Loose, Dillinger Escape Plan, In This Moment, and Body Count, the festival promises to deliver unforgettable performances across two stages with no overlapping set times. Yet, beneath the surface chaos lies a profound connection to the local music scene.
Local Influence and Rising Stars
Local bands like Wayfarer, who will open for Emperor during their rare Denver appearance, exemplify this connection. Wayfarer’s frontman is a bartender at TRVE Brewing, a beloved metal-themed taproom. Other Unhinged acts, including Khemmis, Palehorse/Palerider, and In The Company of Serpents, have honed their craft in Denver’s basements and DIY venues like Seventh Circle.
A Thriving Local Support Infrastructure
The local support system for heavy music in Denver is unparalleled. Bars such as The Crypt and The Brutal Poodle combine horror aesthetics with high-energy playlists and late-night trivia. Venues like Black Sky Brewery and Black Shirt Brewing Co. serve dual purposes as community hubs and sanctuaries for heavy music fans, where tour routing discussions often occur over craft beer flights, fostering a strong sense of community.
Craft Beer at Unhinged
The festival’s beer culture will play a significant role, featuring a curated beer tasting with over 25 regional craft breweries, including notable names like Ratio Beerworks and Renegade Brewing. This dedicated tasting session promises to enhance the festival experience, blending the worlds of heavy music and craft brewing seamlessly.
The Tattoo Experience: A Unique Addition
In a city celebrated for its iconic tattoo parlors and creative inked individuals, Unhinged’s Tattoo Experience stands out, offering a dimension that no other festival can match. Presented by Ink’d and Amp’d, this comprehensive tattoo convention will feature over 100 talented artists, including industry luminaries like Chris Nuñez, Oliver Peck, Nikko Hurtado, and local legend Scott Ferguson. Attendees can schedule tattoo sessions on-site or in advance, ensuring that the festival’s memories are indelibly etched.
A Collaborative Spirit
What sets Unhinged apart is not only its impressive lineup but also its reflection of the ecosystem that nurtured it. AEG Presents RM could have easily adopted a plug-and-play model; instead, they chose to partner with the local scene, fostering a sense of collaboration rather than co-optation.
A Love Letter to Denver’s Heavy Music Scene
By featuring local bands and breweries alongside national acts that resonate with the city’s gritty ethos, Unhinged serves as a heartfelt tribute to Denver’s loudest voices, both past and present.
Upcoming Heavy Music Events
- This spring and summer, Denver’s event calendar is packed with heavy-hitting performances:
- Ministry, Pig Destroyer, Devin Townsend, and Wardruna will grace stages like Mission Ballroom, Ogden Theatre, Gothic Theatre, and Bluebird Theater.
- TRVE Brewing’s 13th Bacchanal, featuring Wolves in the Throne Room, returns on June 20th.
- Unhinged anchors it all on July 26–27, attracting fans from across the nation.
Conclusion
Whether you’re drawn by the pulsating riffs, the allure of rare craft beers, or the promise of a custom tattoo beneath the Denver skyline, Unhinged Festival is more than just an event — it’s a movement. Prepare for a loud celebration of heavy music that promises to leave a lasting impact.
FAQs
What is the date of the Unhinged Festival?
The Unhinged Festival will take place on July 26–27.
Where is the festival being held?
The festival will be held at the National Western Stockyards in Denver.
How can I purchase tickets for the festival?
Tickets for the festival can be purchased online through the official festival website.
Will there be food and drink available at the festival?
Yes, the festival will feature a curated beer tasting with over 25 regional craft breweries, along with food options available on-site.
Can I get a tattoo at the festival?
Yes, the festival will host a Tattoo Experience where attendees can schedule sessions with over 100 tattoo artists on-site.
