REVIEW: LA’S GATES OF METAL FESTIVAL

On October 14^th and 15^th, legions of metal fans descended on the Garden Amp in Garden Grove, CA. Over two earth shaking days, LA’s Gates of Metal Festival provided a legendary event for the throngs of metal heads present. Between the outdoor and indoor stages, there was always a band giving 110% for the crowd, with little delay between acts. The food and beverage vendors were well stocked and eager to assist. Many thanks to Paul and his team for putting forth an exceptional effort to represent metal so well!

Day One Highlights

Saber
Los Angeles, CA based Saber delivered a high energy set packed from start to finish with shredding guitars and soaring vocals. They swiftly ran through a power packed set with all the showmanship you’d expect from them. It’s always a treat when Saber is on the stage, and they did not disappoint the packed crowd.

Following the festival, I was able to talk with Joel Dominguez (guitars) about the festival and 2024 plans for the band. He said, “The fest was amazing, and we were honored to be a part of it. As for our 2024 plans, we are going to release our sophomore album! The release date is yet to be determined, but we have signed with a label and will unveil it really soon! After that, we’re definitely going to hit the road and bring what Saber has to offer to the masses!”

Intranced
Also from Los Angeles, CA, Intranced is a fast-rising star in the metal world. From the moment of their first note, the powerhouse vocals and bone crushing riffs they blew the crowd away. This band is full of talent, energy, and drive. Be sure to watch for them at a venue near you.

After their set, I caught up with James Paul Luna (vocals) and asked about their plans for 2024. He offered, “We are about halfway through recording our first full length record. We are planning to release it via High Roller Records (Germany) and are targeting May of 2024 for release. Our goal is to tour Europe and explore opportunities related to that region. Of course, we are always looking to do a North American/US tour with the right opportunity.”

Ironflame
Based in Martins Ferry, OH, Ironflame came on strong and did not let up. Their sound has evolved in an amazing way since their inception in 2016. Power, thrash, and traditional heavy metal are clear elements of their songs. This band was another crowd favorite that delivered a top-notch set.

I reached out to Andrew D’ Cagna for his comments regarding 2024 plans. He offered this for fans, “We are currently working on a new album for 2024 with plans of touring as much as possible, both in the US and European territories.”

Vicious Rumors
San Francisco, CA based Vicious Rumors wasted no time getting to work on stage for their set. Their unique brand of power metal has been honed and perfected over 40 years. Their work was tight, powerful, and riled the crowd into a frenzy. They did a great job of getting the crowd engaged in the set!

Hellfire
San Francisco, CA is home base for Hellfire. They delivered a blistering set of searing dual guitar-based speed/thrash/traditional metal. The near capacity crowd were trashed and battered by the sheer force of the music on stage. Their set was one of the most impressive and you should keep an eye out for them.

At the merch table, I was able to talk to Jake Nunn (vocals, guitars) and asked about plans for 2024. He said, “We are writing a new record and then trying to get back on the road for a couple of tours. We’d like to hit North America and Europe. Our priority is writing and staying sharp by playing shows when we can. Maybe we can get a Bay Area festival together, it’s something we’ve thought about for a while. We always have that on our mind. Ultimately, record number five is something we’d like to finish and release in 2024. Timing is still TBD based on writing and recording.”

Haunt
Fresno, CA based Haunt needs no introduction. Trevor William Church is the heir apparent to the modern metal movement. He’s put in the work and has earned his stripes. His return to Los Angeles, CA was met with a great deal of anticipation and excitement. The capacity crowd was not disappointed as Haunt ripped through a set of face melting crowd favorites. Trevor is a master musician and metal-mad showman. He knows what the crowd wants and delivers the goods flawlessly. The band by his side (Andy Lei, Andy Saldate, and Sam Harman) are all superior musicians and round out the killer sound of Haunt. This was easily one the of best performances of the festival.

Trevor provided me with this statement regarding plans for 2024, “We’ve got a new album, ‘Dreamers’, set for release in March 2024. There will also be a European tour set for that month. In August, we will be on tour with Savage Master. For the fall, we are planning another European tour.”

Riot
Formed in New York, NY in 1975, Riot needs no introduction. These elder statesmen of heavy metal put on a masterclass as the headline act. With a crowd of devoted fans at the barricade, the true magic of their performance was their blistering set list of incredible material. Of course, the night was complete with the crowd singing along to the anthem “Swords and Tequila”! It was an amazing end to the first day of the festival.

Day Two Highlights

Nite
From San Francisco, CA, Nite delivered a packed set of metal songs with themes based in horror and occult. Their line up features a group of veteran musicians who showed their talent on stage. Their delivery is in the vein of black/death metal and it’s a bone crushing performance. Absolutely brilliant set from the band!

Evildead
Formed and based in Los Angeles, CA, Evildead hit the stage and wasn’t taking any prisoners. Their sound is rooted in thrash metal and their live act is a full-on assault of metal energy. The band is tight and well presented. On stage, they hinted at recording new music soon. Stay tuned for that!

Bonded by Blood
After being on a hiatus, Bonded by Blood announced in 2021 that they had been revived as a band. There was a thick veil of anticipation in the massive crowd waiting for them to take the stage. The band roared to life and did not stop until every drop of fuel was spent. It was a thrash metal blitz. Stunning speed metal is their game, and they are one of the best out there. It’s great to see this band active again!

Heathen
Originating from San Francisco, CA, Heathen has an impressive resume from 1984 to the present. They are leaders in the Bay Area thrash metal scene, and for good reason. With an aggressive mix of melody and heavy riffs, they whipped the crowd into a frenzy. Delivered with energy and precision, they are at the top of their game.

Sadistic Intent
Formed in Los Angeles in 1986, Sadistic Intent are veterans on the death metal scene. Their ominous brand of death metal is well known among their followers. With death metal growls, crushing drums, driving riffs, and thundering bass, this band knows how to deliver. As the headliners of the second night of the festival, they gave the crowd exactly what they wanted. They were a stunning closer to the second day and the festival as whole.

Final Thoughts

The LA’s Gates of Metal Festival was an exceptional experience! TheNWOTH.com and Mark Pruett would like to thank the organizers for the opportunity to participate. With special appreciation to Paul for taking the time for a quick introduction.

This festival was well-run by a massive team of professionals. Across two days, there was an incredible line-up of metal bands across the spectrum. The bands themselves mixed with the crowd between sets to catch their favorites. There were also quite a few famous faces among the crowd.

Finally, in a massive display of metal brotherhood, thanks to Mark Gromen of BraveWords.com for sharing photos!

Cheers! See you next year!