Milwaukee Metal Fest

Milwaukee Metal Fest is back -- 2023 Lineup

Way before Maryland Deathfest and other U.S. metal festival that have popped up in recent years, Milwaukee Metal Fest was a gathering place for metalheads who got to witness now-legendary lineups in the unlikely location of Wisconsin. Started in the late 80s by Jack Koshick, the fest went down in flames in the mid 2000s, but is now back thanks to Hatebreed’s Jamey Jasta who acquired the rights from Jack last year (Jamey has said that the idea came during a conversation he had with the late Trevor Strnad of The Black Dahlia Murder, another passionate music fan.)

MMF officially happens across four indoor & outdoor stages on May 26-28 at The Rave / Eagles Club (in Milwaukee, duh). The lineup recently solidified and includes The Black Dahlia Murder who are now playing as a tribute to Trevor. Crowbar is on the lineup celebrating the 30th anniversary of their 1993 self-titled album, and Lamb of God headline the Sunday playing a special set to celebrate 20 years of their third LP, As the Palaces Burn.

Other names on the lineup include Dark Angel, Napalm Death, Dying Fetus, Goatwhore, Midnight, Defeated Sanity, Obituary, Immolation, Corrosion of Conformity, Suicidal Tendencies, Shadows Fall, Fear Factory, Machine Head, Cephalic Carnage, Gatecreeper, Jungle Rot, Frozen Soul and so much more. Biohazard headline Friday (5/26), playing their first US show back with their classic lineup. Anthrax headlines Saturday (5/27). Check out the full lineup in the poster below, and get your ticket.

Milwaukee Metal Fest 2023 lineup

Other names on the poster include Vio-lence, Khemmis, Deeds of Flesh, Warbringer, Putrid Pile, Morbid Saint, Imperial Triumphant, Impaler, Allegaeon, Misfire, Toxic Ruin, Disinter, GOST, Age of the Fallen, Squidhammer, Mantra of Morta, Terror, Raven, Misery Index, Macabre, Frozen Soul, Undeath, Ripper, Blood Incantation, Malignancy, Swollen Teeth, Micawber, Rose Funeral, Phobophilic, Ingrown, Vermillion, Aftermath, Engineered Society Project, MRSA, After the Burial, The Halo Effect, Broken Hope, , Unearth, Sanguisugabogg, Bodysnatcher, Vended, Dying Wish, Dead to Fall, Pissing Razors, Angelus Apatrida, High Command, Morta Skuld, Casket Robbery, Fuming Mouth, Molder, Hath, Repentance, Thrown Into Exile, Gates To Hell, and more.

And they say:

This will be an indoor/outdoor event utilizing three stages in The Rave/Eagles Club, and our Eagles Craft Beer Garden outside with half a dozen food trucks, craft beers and liquor, merch tents, and patio tables. Grab a bite, a drink and a seat between bands, and then head back in for your next band. We’ll add a site map of the beer garden once we get closer to the event.

Food truck lineup so far: (more to be added)
Pig Tailz (Friday, Saturday, Sunday), Marco Pollo (Friday, Saturday, Sunday), Jalisco’s (Friday, Saturday, Sunday), Roll MKE (Saturday, Sunday)

Ticket options include three-day, two-day (Fri and Sat, Fri and Sun, or Sat and Sun), and single day passes, as well as VIP options. The three-day Ultimate VIP pass includes a premium reserved VIP balcony seat at the main stage for all three days; a VIP merch package with a t-shirt, collector’s cup, 11×17 poster, lanyard, and sch,wag bag; early entry for all three days; a signed 18×24 color poster; a signed Milwaukee Metal Fest compilation CD; a wall flag; a guided behind the scenes tour; a daily 4-pack of Milwaukee Metal Brew Commemorative craft beer; limited in and out privileges; admission to an exclusive pre-party; and an onsite VIP host.

There are also upgrade packages: the first features early entry for 3-day and 2-day pass customers, a limited edition festival t-shirt, an 11-17 poster, and a guitar pick. The second has all of that and a collectors cup; the third has everything from the second, and a schwag bag. Head to the fest’s website for more info.