Local bands to host

NINE local and heavy bands are set to bring their ear-splitting sounds to the Eastern next week as part of an inaugural festival aimed at celebrating Ballarat’s metal scene.

The event called B’Rat Fest is being fronted by Ballarat metal stalwarts Fall and Resist and marks the group’s frontman and festival co-planner Liam Frost-Camilleri’s post-COVID festival return.

Having previously organised metal mashups from Too Metal for Meredith to Beyond Black, which raised funds for Beyond Blue, Frost-Camilleri said there’s been a recent lacking in opportunity for large and heavy lineups.

“There’s a missing void of heavy metal type festivals that would showcase some of the up-and- coming bands in particular,” he said.

“I was talking to James [Bogers, event co-planner and Distorta member] about starting another one back up again and it’s grown from there.

 

“It’s about showcasing what Ballarat has to offer in terms of metal. Festivals are generally well-attended and they can give a wider scope in terms of punters and that additional exposure.”

With Fall and Resist and Distorta at the top of the bill, the remaining lineup features Cosmonaut, Order of Torment, Bush Wizard, Dhert, and Yeah, Sick!

Announced earlier this week, Nuske will open the festival following a competition that saw half a dozen emerging acts taking part.

“We wanted an up-and-coming band that hadn’t played many gigs but wanted a bit of exposure to put their hand up for this,” Frost-Camilleri said.

“It really highlighted how many bands there are. There’s such an overflow. The Eastern as well have been so supportive in this in actively supporting the community in this grassroots event.”

Frost-Camilleri said he hopes for the event to become an annual fixture for Ballarat’s metal scene.

B’Rat Fest will take place on Saturday 27 April with doors opening at 4pm.

Tickets are $17.35 and can be booked at bit.ly/3Jnj2fG