Search Results: denver

• NARCOTIC WASTELAND Announces "Praise the Beast North American Tour 2026" w/ BELPHEGOR, INCANTATION, HATE

  Nov 17, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Extreme metal juggernaut NARCOTIC WASTELAND has announced they will be joining the "Praise the Beast North American Tour" with BELPHEGOR, INCANTATION, and HATE for February and March 2026, continuing their relentless assault on stages worldwide. This marks the band’s third major run in less than a year, following the “Annihilation of Wasteland Tour” across the U.S. in September 2025 and their headlining "Annihilation of Europe Tour" in November and December 2025.
  ​
  Fronted by guitarist/vocalist Dallas Toler-Wade (ex-Nile), Narcotic Wasteland has built a reputation for uncompromising brutality, technical precision, and lyrical themes that confront addiction, corruption, and societal decay. Their recent tours have drawn packed venues and critical acclaim, cementing their place as one of the most ferocious acts in modern death metal.
  ​
  ​“The energy we felt from fans in both North America and Europe has been incredible. We’re coming back harder than ever in 2026. Expect a setlist that spans our catalog, new material, and the kind of intensity that defines Narcotic Wasteland,” says Toler-Wade.
  ​
  The upcoming tour will see the band storm through major cities across the U.S. and Canada, dates and venues listed below. The tour is a crushing lineup, making this one of the most anticipated metal tours of early 2026.

  Tickets for the "Praise the Beast North American Tour" with BELPHEGOR, INCANTATION, HATE, and NARCOTIC WASTELAND go on sale on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, at 12:00 pm PST / 3:00 pm EST.

  ​Narcotic Wasteland has carved out its place as a dominant force in the modern metal scene, unleashing a punishing fusion of razor-sharp technicality, feral aggression, and raw intensity. At the helm is guitarist and vocalist Dallas Toler-Wade, celebrated for his tenure with Nile, whose unmatched precision and commanding stage presence drive the band’s sonic assault.
  ​
  Behind the kit, Joseph Howard delivers a relentless barrage of power and accuracy, propelling the band’s crushing rhythms with thunderous authority. His dynamic drumming lays the foundation for the group’s dark and uncompromising atmosphere.
  ​
  Anchoring the low end, Kenji Tsunami injects depth and texture with inventive, hard-hitting bass lines. His formidable musicianship and commanding presence add another layer to the band’s overwhelming wall of sound, amplifying the ferocity of their live performances.
  ​
  Together, Dallas, Joseph, and Kenji form a unit that is both unstoppable and uncompromising, captivating audiences with explosive performances and boundary-pushing compositions. With their collective skill and vision, Narcotic Wasteland stands tall as one of the most formidable powerhouses in extreme music today.

  Praise the Beast North American Tour 2026​
  ​w/ BELPHEGOR, Incantation, Hate, Narcotic Wasteland
  ​Feb-19 - Brooklyn, NY - Brooklyn Monarch
  Feb-20 - Lowell, MA - Taffeta Music Hall
  Feb-21 - Montreal, QC - Le Studio TD
  Feb-22 - Toronto, ON - Lee's Palace
  Feb-23 - Lakewood, OH - Mercury Music Hall
  Feb-24 - Joliet, IL - The Forge
  Feb-26 - Denver, CO - HQ
  Feb-27 - Albuquerque, NM - Launchpad
  Feb-28 - Haltom City, TX - Haltom Theater
  Mar-1 - Houston, TX - Scout Bar
  Mar-2 - San Antonio, TX - Paper Tiger
  Mar-5 - Mesa, AZ - The Rosetta Room
  Mar-6 - San Diego, CA - Brick by Brick
  Mar-7 - San Francisco, CA - DNA Lounge
  Mar-8 - Roseville, CA - Goldfield Trading Post
  Mar-9 - Los Angeles, CA - 1720
  Mar-10 - Anaheim, CA - The Observatory

  ===

  Narcotic Wasteland - Annihilation of Europe Headlining Tour​
  13.11 - Oslo, Norway - Brewgata
  14.11 - Lublin, Poland - Fabryka Kuitury Zgrzyt
  15.11 - Bratislava, Slovakia - Pink Whale
  16.11 - Vienna, Austria - Escape Metal Corner
  17.11 - Ostritz, Germany - AZ Meva
  18.11 - Lübbenau, Germany - Kulturhof
  19.11 - Kassel, Germany - Goldgrube
  20.11 - Kortrijk, Belgium - DVG Club
  21.11 - Alkmaar, Netherlands - Herrie Metal Fest
  22.11 - Milton Keynes, England - Craufurd Arms
  23.11 - Sheffield, England - Record Junkee
  24.11 - Nottingham, England - Billy Bootleggers
  25.11 - Manchester, England - Junior Jackson's
  26.11 - London, England - The Black Heart
  27.11 - Newcastle upon Tyne, England - The Lubber Fiend
  29.11 - Rennes, France - Ty Anna Tavern
  30.11 - Paris, France - Le Zorba
  01.12 - Basel, Switzerland - Valhalla Bar
  02.12 - San Giovanni Lupatoto, Italy - Damage Inc.
  03.12 - Bologna, Italy -Freakout Club
  04.12 - Trodica Di Morrovalle, Italy - Drunkin public
  05,12 - Pordenone, Italy - Tune Music lab
  06.12 - Salzburg, Austria - Rockhouse Bar
  07.12 - Graz, Austria - Explosiv
  08.12 - Belgrade, Serbia - Bleed to Death Fest
  09.12 - Sofia, Bulgaria - Grindhouse
  10.12 - Bucharest, Romania - Encore Club
  11.12 - Budapest, Hungary - Turbina
  12.12 - Olomouc, Czech Republic - Sklub
  13.12 - Krakow, Poland - Confession Club
  14.12 - Bilbao, Spain - D8 Sorkuntza faktoria
  15.12 - Madrid, Spain - Wurlitzer Ballrom
  16.12 - Barcelona, Spain - Sala Deskomunal

  More info: https://linktr.ee/narcoticwasteland​

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• Check Out This Festival Spotify Playlist! Aug 16th - Denver's MILE HIGH POWER FEST 2025 w/ POWERGLOVE, GLYPH, OWLBEAR, EMPRESS, GREYHAWK, CELESTIAL WIZARD and more!

  Aug 12, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  As we count down to this year’s Mile High Power Fest on August 16th at The Oriental Theater in Denver, CO (4335 W 44th Ave), the festival invites you to crank up the volume with a sneak peek of the lineup!

  Featuring epic acts like POWERGLOVE, GLYPH, OWLBEAR, EMPRESS, GREYHAWK, CELESTIAL WIZARD, and many more, immerse yourself in the sound of MHPF with their Spotify playlist.

  Mile High Power Fest 2025 Spotify Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3ZOTgQVburG34RYN5Aub1C

  [embed]https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3ZOTgQVburG34RYN5Aub1C[/embed]

  Deeply rooted in Denver’s vibrant culture, Mile High Power Festival champions local talent and businesses while providing a stage for rising power metal bands to unleash their sound and seize the spotlight. Like the thunderous clash of steel against the Rocky Mountains, this festival delivers an unforgettable experience, forging connections and showcasing the future of power metal.

  "After an incredible debut in 2024, we’ve taken everything we learned from last year to make 2025 even more exciting. Expect a weekend filled with electrifying performances, an unbeatable atmosphere, and the energy that only power metal can deliver. Whether you’re a devoted fan or new to the scene, this festival is your chance to be part of something truly special. Don’t miss out on the energy, the excitement, and the chance to be part of Denver's next great tradition. Get your tickets now and experience the power for yourself at The Mile High Power Festival 2025—where metal and steel collide with the cold, untamed spirit of the Rocky Mountains!" adds festival co-founder Lucyfer - BiteSize Productions.

  General Admission Tickets ($45 USD) are available at the following link: https://tickets.holdmyticket.com/tickets/444811​

  Featuring headliner Boston's PowerGlove, the very beloved instrumental power metal cover band will present a night of nostalgic tributes to retro video game and television themes. The band released their latest EP, "The Super Smash Bros," in August 2024. Listen at https://spoti.fi/4b2wcvJ​

  They are joined by the Pacific Northwest's Glyph, which is not just a heavy metal band; they are a crew of intergalactic mercenaries escaping a dying planet in their spaceship, the VSS Dragonlord. Clearly, Glyph isn’t just writing songs; they’re building worlds, and they bring it forth in their latest album "Honor, Power, Glory," released in March 2024.

  ​

  Formed in 2020 during a time in which plague stalked the land and time lost all meaning, the core of Owlbear is comprised of North American scene veterans Katheryn Scary (vocals), Jeff Taft (guitars), and Leona Hayward (bass), all of whom hail from different corners of the continent. The band made their live debut at the sold-out Legions of Metal festival in Chicago in 2024 in support of their debut album "Chaos to the Realm" (2023) (Alone Records). Musically, Owlbear draws influence from classic heavy and speed metal and roots their lyrics in the media its members love, from the famous role-playing game that inspired the band’s namesake to the Final Fantasy franchise. Dynamic vocals, frenetic riffing, and bass that are equal parts pummeling and acrobatic drive the band’s relentless approach, and with the imminent release of their sophomore album "Feather & Claw" on February 28th, 2025 via Alone Records, Owlbear aims to continue to carve out its niche within the heavy metal community with a savage swipe of a plumed talon. 

  ​

  Hailing from Philadelphia, Empress is a symphonic power metal quintet that loves weaving grand tales over catchy and triumphant symphonic soundscapes. Their critically acclaimed debut album, titled “Fateweaver,” released in August 2022, which renowned mixing and mastering engineer Dan Swanö has characterized as one of his best works in melodic metal, carefully entwines musical universes and invites you to follow your imagination and fantasy. Among Empress’ remarked past live performances, it is worth mentioning their album release show at Mad With Power Fest in Madison, WI, on the release day of “Fateweaver”, as well as having shared the stage with bands such as Oceans of Slumber, Seven Spires, and Grim Reaper on their journey to conquering the symphonic metal stronghold with sophistication.

  ​

  GREYHAWK, with new singer Anthony Corso at the helm, is ready to bring the power with what will surely be their best performance at Mile High Power Fest! Anyone who has seen this traditional heavy metal titan knows they are in for an incredible set. Their newest album, "Thunderheart," released in April 2024 on Fighter Records, a division of Xtreem Music, has been making waves across the heavy metal and power metal scenes worldwide. 

  ​

  Local hometown heroes, Denver's Celestial Wizard brings a mix of fantasy and heavy metal to the table, giving you a front-row seat to a sci-fi experience unlike any other! The band has been blazing new trails with their aggressive, powerful sound. Pulling from both power metal and death metal, they achieve a melodic, high-intensity mix that hits just right. Their third studio “Regenesis,” was released on July 11th by Scarlet Records. Check out the album's opening track, “Pale Horse”. The song teases the concept of endings and beginnings that is ever present throughout the record. 

  ​

  Also supporting the lineup will be Denver's blackened pagan power metal Oak, Ash & Thorn, who released their latest album "Our Grief Is Thus" in April 2024 on Lost Future Records. The album is a powerful, unique sound that is fully their own, as melodic and memorable as it is heavy and crushing. Now, Oak, Ash & Thorn are taking the next step in their journey by signing with Season of Mist. As they continue to tour in support of their latest album, the band will begin writing what’s bound to be a highly anticipated follow-up. 

  ​

  To open the festival's night, the winners of the 2024 Battle of the Bands for the festival will be Denver locals Viperwitch and Signs of Tranquility. Make sure to come early to the fest to cheer on the local winners!

  In addition to the primary festival night, Mile High Power Fest hosts a pre-party that puts Denver’s local talent in the spotlight. But this isn’t your average showdown—it’s a platform for rising Denver local metal bands to showcase their passion and skill, with the chance to earn a coveted spot on next year’s MHPF lineup. Industry pros from across the country join the fun, offering feedback, mentorship, and networking opportunities that can launch careers. It’s a night of powerful performances, community connections, and metal excellence that sets MHPF apart from every other festival out there.

  Mile High Power Fest 2025 Lineup:​
  Powerglove
  Glyph
  Owlbear
  Empress
  Greyhawk
  Celestial Wizard
  Oak, Ash, & Thorn
  Viperwitch
  Signs of Tranquility

  More info:​
  Website: https://www.bitesizeevents.com/mile-high-power-fest​

  FAQ - https://www.bitesizeevents.com/mhpf-2025-press-release​
  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556641145956​
  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milehighpowerfest

  Read more

• Denver's MILE HIGH POWER FEST 2025 Adds GREYHAWK To 2025 Lineup w/ POWERGLOVE, GLYPH, OWLBEAR, EMPRESS, CELESTIAL WIZARD and more!

  Jun 10, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  With tickets selling fast and VIP tables sold out, this year's Denver, CO's Mile High Power Fest has a new addition to announce to their lineup, Seattle's GREYHAWK to replace Canadian heavy metallers Lycanthro, who have unfortunately been forced to cancel their performance. GREYHAWK, with new singer Anthony Corso at the helm, is ready to bring the power with what will surely be their best performance at Mile High Power Fest! Anyone who has seen this traditional heavy metal titan knows they are in for an incredible set. Their newest album, "Thunderheart," released in April 2024 on Fighter Records, a division of Xtreem Music, has been making waves across the heavy metal and power metal scenes worldwide.

  ​

  GREYHAWK joins an incredible lineup that features POWERGLOVE, GLYPH, OWLBEAR, EMPRESS, CELESTIAL WIZARD and more for the 2nd edition of Mile High Power Fest being hosted on August 16th at the Oriental Theater (4335 W 44th Ave) in Denver, CO that will be a celebration of strength, unity, and the unyielding spirit of metal.

  General Admission Tickets ($45 USD) are available at the following link: https://tickets.holdmyticket.com/tickets/444811

  Mile High Power Fest 2025 Spotify Playlist - https://spoti.fi/432isz9​

  Deeply rooted in Denver’s vibrant culture, Mile High Power Festival champions local talent and businesses while providing a stage for rising power metal bands to unleash their sound and seize the spotlight. Like the thunderous clash of steel against the Rocky Mountains, this festival delivers an unforgettable experience, forging connections and showcasing the future of power metal.

  "After an incredible debut in 2024, we’ve taken everything we learned from last year to make 2025 even more exciting. Expect a weekend filled with electrifying performances, an unbeatable atmosphere, and the energy that only power metal can deliver. Whether you’re a devoted fan or new to the scene, this festival is your chance to be part of something truly special. Don’t miss out on the energy, the excitement, and the chance to be part of Denver's next great tradition. Get your tickets now and experience the power for yourself at The Mile High Power Festival 2025—where metal and steel collide with the cold, untamed spirit of the Rocky Mountains!" adds festival co-founder Lucyfer - BiteSize Productions.

  Featuring headliner Boston's PowerGlove, the very beloved instrumental power metal cover band will present a night of nostalgic tributes to retro video game and television themes. The band released their latest EP, "The Super Smash Bros," in August 2024. Listen at https://spoti.fi/4b2wcvJ​

  They are joined by the Pacific Northwest's Glyph, which is not just a heavy metal band; they are a crew of intergalactic mercenaries escaping a dying planet in their spaceship, the VSS Dragonlord. Clearly, Glyph isn’t just writing songs; they’re building worlds, and they bring it forth in their latest album "Honor, Power, Glory," released in March 2024.

  ​

  Formed in 2020 during a time in which plague stalked the land and time lost all meaning, the core of Owlbear is comprised of North American scene veterans Katheryn Scary (vocals), Jeff Taft (guitars), and Leona Hayward (bass), all of whom hail from different corners of the continent. The band made their live debut at the sold-out Legions of Metal festival in Chicago in 2024 in support of their debut album "Chaos to the Realm" (2023) (Alone Records). Musically, Owlbear draws influence from classic heavy and speed metal and roots their lyrics in the media its members love, from the famous role-playing game that inspired the band’s namesake to the Final Fantasy franchise. Dynamic vocals, frenetic riffing, and bass that are equal parts pummeling and acrobatic drive the band’s relentless approach, and with the imminent release of their sophomore album "Feather & Claw" on February 28th, 2025 via Alone Records, Owlbear aims to continue to carve out its niche within the heavy metal community with a savage swipe of a plumed talon.

  ​

  Hailing from Philadelphia, Empress is a symphonic power metal quintet that loves weaving grand tales over catchy and triumphant symphonic soundscapes. Their critically acclaimed debut album, titled “Fateweaver,” released in August 2022, which renowned mixing and mastering engineer Dan Swanö has characterized as one of his best works in melodic metal, carefully entwines musical universes and invites you to follow your imagination and fantasy. Among Empress’ remarked past live performances, it is worth mentioning their album release show at Mad With Power Fest in Madison, WI, on the release day of “Fateweaver”, as well as having shared the stage with bands such as Oceans of Slumber, Seven Spires, and Grim Reaper on their journey to conquering the symphonic metal stronghold with sophistication.

  ​

  Local hometown heroes, Denver's Celestial Wizard brings a mix of fantasy and heavy metal to the table, giving you a front-row seat to a sci-fi experience unlike any other! The band has been blazing new trails with their aggressive, powerful sound. Pulling from both power metal and death metal, they achieve a melodic, high-intensity mix that hits just right. Their third studio “Regenesis,” will be released on July 11 by Scarlet Records. The band unleashed their first single and the album's opening track, “Pale Horse”. The song teases the concept of endings and beginnings that is ever present throughout the record.

  ​

  Also supporting the lineup will be Denver's blackened pagan power metal Oak, Ash & Thorn, who released their latest album "Our Grief Is Thus" in April 2024 on Lost Future Records. The album is a powerful, unique sound that is fully their own, as melodic and memorable as it is heavy and crushing. Now, Oak, Ash & Thorn are taking the next step in their journey by signing with Season of Mist. As they continue to tour in support of their latest album, the band will begin writing what’s bound to be a highly anticipated follow-up.

  ​

  To open the festival's night, the winners of the 2024 Battle of the Bands for the festival will be Denver locals Viperwitch and Signs of Tranquility. Make sure to come early to the fest to cheer on the local winners!

  In addition to the primary festival night, Mile High Power Fest hosts a pre-party that puts Denver’s local talent in the spotlight. But this isn’t your average showdown—it’s a platform for rising Denver local metal bands to showcase their passion and skill, with the chance to earn a coveted spot on next year’s MHPF lineup. Industry pros from across the country join the fun, offering feedback, mentorship, and networking opportunities that can launch careers. It’s a night of powerful performances, community connections, and metal excellence that sets MHPF apart from every other festival out there.

  Mile High Power Fest 2025 Lineup:​
  Powerglove
  Glyph
  Owlbear
  Empress
  Greyhawk
  Celestial Wizard
  Oak, Ash, & Thorn
  Viperwitch
  Signs of Tranquility

  More info:​
  Website: https://www.bitesizeevents.com/mile-high-power-fest​

  FAQ - https://www.bitesizeevents.com/mhpf-2025-press-release​
  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556641145956​
  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milehighpowerfest

  Read more

• SIEGE PERILOUS Launches Kickstarter For Concept Album "Becoming the Dragon" ft. Guests Fabio Lione and Kristin Starkey

  Mar 17, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Unveiling their monumental musical odyssey and EP “Creation’s Call” in August 2024, Denver's fantasy power metal warriors Siege Perilous unveil plans for their first full-length album.

  Entitled "Becoming the Dragon," the album is the band's biggest and most ambitious work yet—a cinematic, narrative journey set in a world of warriors, dragons, and destiny. To help Siege Perilous unleash this epic power metal story, the band enlisted two of the most epic voices in the genre: Fabio Lione (Angra, ex-Rhapsody of Fire), a legendary power metal voice, and Kristin Starkey (Twilight Force, Temperance), the powerful contralto who brings her operatic touch to the tale.

  A single narrative power metal opera from start to finish, "Becoming the Dragon" is centered around the Child of Prophecy, the hero who slays the dragon, played by Fabio Lione, but then comes to question whether he is truly a hero or simply a pawn of an ancient prophecy. After a journey of self-discovery that takes him across a vast fantasy world he, aided by the mystic Sorceress (Kristin Starkey), takes on the forces of destiny itself to forge a new future.

  To bring this concept record to life, Siege Perilous is using Kickstarter and, once again, enlisting the help of power metal fans.

  Vocalist Shaughnessy McDaniel comments:

  "After the incredible reception we received for 'Creation's Call', we couldn't wait to bring people what they had been asking for, a full-length album. We are so excited and blown away that we get to work with the legendary Fabio Lione and the absurdly talented Kristin Starkey to bring this fun yet meaningful fantasy story to life, and Kickstarter is such a great way to help an up-and-coming band like Siege Perilous maximize this opportunity. The dream for this album is big! And while we are self-funding about half of it, we need some help to bring this full epic vision to life and to reach its full potential. Heroes of power! Warriors of metal! Keepers of the flame! Join us on an epic quest!"

  Check out the exclusive rewards you can receive with your Kickstarter pledges, from Vinyl to classic rewards like CDs, t-shirts, and stickers to a few fun experiences by Siege Perilous.

  "If you’ve ever wanted a power metal anthem written about your DnD Campaign, a favorite fantasy story, or a historical epic, now is your opportunity to bring those stories to life with a custom hand-crafted power metal track. This and many other cool rewards can be yours and 100% of the profits from this campaign will go into the production and promotion of “Becoming the Dragon.” We have many stretch goals including enhancing our vinyl, filming great music videos, and more! Thank you for contributing and helping us summon this fantasy into being. Share the campaign, spread the word and together we will continue to keep the dream of heavy metal burning bright!" adds McDaniel.

  Siege Perilous Kickstarter "Becoming the Dragon" link at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/siegeperilous/siege-perilous-becoming-the-dragon-lp-feat-fabio-lione​

  "Becoming the Dragon" Kickstarter Video

  ​

  More info: Siegemetal.com | Facebook.com/siegeband | Instagram.com/siegeperilousmetal | Tiktok.com/@siegemetal​

  Read more

• MILE HIGH POWER FEST (Denver, CO) Announces 2025 Line Up w/ POWERGLOVE, GLYPH, OWLBEAR, EMPRESS, LYCANTHRO, CELESTIAL WIZARD and more!

  Feb 17, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Mile High Power Fest 2025 Spotify Playlist - https://spoti.fi/432isz9​

  In August 2024, Mile High Power Fest kicked off a new chapter for the Denver, Colorado power metal scene, and for local promoter BiteSize Productions. With an attendance of nearly 400 for its inaugural year, Mile High Power Metal Fest is proud to return on August 16th, once again at the Oriental Theater for its 2nd edition with its 2025 lineup featuring POWERGLOVE, GLYPH, OWLBEAR, EMPRESS, LYCANTHRO, CELESTIAL WIZARD and more! (details listed below).

  The Mile High Power Festival is a celebration of strength, unity, and the unyielding spirit of metal. Deeply rooted in Denver’s vibrant culture, it champions local talent and businesses while providing a stage for rising power metal bands to unleash their sound and seize the spotlight. Like the thunderous clash of steel against the Rocky Mountains, this festival delivers an unforgettable experience, forging connections and showcasing the future of power metal.

  "After an incredible debut in 2024, we’ve taken everything we learned from last year to make 2025 even more exciting. Expect a weekend filled with electrifying performances, an unbeatable atmosphere, and the energy that only power metal can deliver. Whether you’re a devoted fan or new to the scene, this festival is your chance to be part of something truly special. Don’t miss out on the energy, the excitement, and the chance to be part of Denver's next great tradition. Get your tickets now and experience the power for yourself at The Mile High Power Festival 2025—where metal and steel collide with the cold, untamed spirit of the Rocky Mountains!" adds festival co-founder Lucyfer - BiteSize Productions.

  Featuring headliner Boston's PowerGlove, the very beloved instrumental power metal cover band will present a night of nostalgic tributes to retro video game and television themes. The band released their latest EP "The Super Smash Bros" in August 2024.

  ​

  They are joined by the Pacific Northwest's Glyph, which is not just a heavy metal band, they are a crew of intergalactic mercenaries escaping a dying planet in their spaceship, the VSS Dragonlord. Clearly, Glyph isn’t just writing songs, they’re building worlds and they bring it forth in their latest album "Honor, Power, Glory" released in March 2024. 

  ​

  Formed in 2020 during a time in which plague stalked the land and time lost all meaning, the core of Owlbear is comprised of North American scene veterans Katheryn Scary (vocals), Jeff Taft (guitars), and Leona Hayward (bass), all of whom hail from different corners of the continent. The band made their live debut at the sold-out Legions of Metal festival in Chicago in 2024 in support of their debut album "Chaos to the Realm" (2023) (Alone Records). Musically, Owlbear draws influence from classic heavy and speed metal and roots their lyrics in the media its members love, from the famous roleplaying game that inspired the band’s namesake to the Final Fantasy franchise. Dynamic vocals, frenetic riffing, and bass that are equal parts pummeling and acrobatic drive the band’s relentless approach, and with the imminent release of their sophomore album "Feather & Claw" on February 28th, 2025 via Alone Records, Owlbear aims to continue to carve out its niche within the heavy metal community with a savage swipe of a plumed talon.

  ​

  Hailing from Philadelphia, Empress is a symphonic power metal quintet that loves weaving grand tales over catchy and triumphant symphonic soundscapes. Their critically acclaimed debut album, titled “Fateweaver” released in August 2022, which renowned mixing and mastering engineer Dan Swanö has characterized as one of his best works in melodic metal, carefully entwines musical universes and invites you to follow your imagination and fantasy. Among Empress’ remarked past live performances, it is worth mentioning their album release show at Mad With Power Fest in Madison, WI, on the release day of “Fateweaver”, as well as having shared the stage with bands such as Oceans of Slumber, Seven Spires, and Grim Reaper on their journey to conquering the symphonic metal stronghold with sophistication.

  ​

  Trekking from the Canadian North, Ottawa's Lycanthro encapsulates a heavy, yet melodic sound, that is drawn from influences of both European/American classic power and thrash metal along with high howling vocals, piercing guitars, a booming rhythm section as well as uses of instruments such as piano and classical guitar to forge a powerful sound. Fans be prepared for an energetic and epic stage presence as they take you on their lyrical journey of classic horror and mythology. They recently released their new single "Iris", which will be featured on their upcoming 2025 album "Remnants of Rapture". The single was mixed/mastered by Damien Rainaud (Dragonforce / Once Human) and features a keyboard solo from Arttu Vauhkonen (Arion).

  ​

  Local hometown heroes, Denver's Celestial Wizard brings a mix of fantasy and heavy metal to the table, giving you a front-row seat to a sci-fi experience unlike any other! The band has been blazing new trails with their aggressive, powerful sound. Pulling from both power metal and death metal, they achieve a melodic, high-intensity mix that hits just right. Their sophomore album ‘Winds of the Cosmos’ showcases just that, as they deliver hard-driving riffs paired with aggressive, death metal-styled vocals. ‘Winds of the Cosmos’ is a metal monster in a league all its own!

  ​

  Also supporting the lineup will be Denver's blackened pagan power metal Oak, Ash & Thorn who released their latest album "Our Grief Is Thus" in April 2024 on Lost Future Records. The album is a powerful, unique sound that is fully their own, as melodic and memorable as it is heavy and crushing. Now, Oak, Ash & Thorn are taking the next step in their journey by signing with Season of Mist. As they continue to tour in support of their latest album, the band will begin writing what’s bound to be a highly-anticipated follow-up.

  ​

  To open the festival's night, winners of the 2024 Battle of the Bands for the festival will be Denver locals Viperwitch and Signs of Tranquility. Make sure to come early to the fest to cheer on the local winners!

  In addition to the primary festival night, Mile High Power Fest hosts a pre-party that puts Denver’s local talent in the spotlight. But this isn’t your average showdown—it’s a platform for rising Denver local metal bands to showcase their passion and skill, with the chance to earn a coveted spot on next year’s MHPF lineup. Industry pros from across the country join the fun, offering feedback, mentorship, and networking opportunities that can launch careers. It’s a night of powerful performances, community connections, and metal excellence that sets MHPF apart from every other festival out there.

  Mile High Power Fest 2025 Lineup:​
  Powerglove
  Glyph
  Owlbear
  Empress
  Lycanthro
  Celestial Wizard
  Oak, Ash, & Thorn
  Viperwitch
  Signs of Tranquility

  Ticket info:​
  GA tickets: $45
  Reserved Table (Limit 10, includes 4 GA tickets): $200
  ​Ticket link: https://tickets.holdmyticket.com/tickets/427460​

  Venue: Oriental Theater - 4335 W 44th Ave, Denver, CO 80212

  More info:​
  Website: https://www.bitesizeevents.com/mile-high-power-fest​

  FAQ - https://www.bitesizeevents.com/mhpf-2025-press-release​
  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556641145956​
  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milehighpowerfest​

  About:

  The Mile High Power Festival, Denver’s only power metal festival was derived from the creative mind of Soren Bray. The idea was born after a night of celebration with his band, Celestial Wizard while attending the HyperSpace Festival in Vancouver, Canada. It was then that Soren realized the U.S. had only a handful of power metal festivals—and none near his home in Denver. Partnering with Lucy, owner of Bitesize Productions LLC, Soren teamed up to turn this dream into a reality. The duo pitched Soren’s dream fest idea to the Oriental Theater (Denver, CO, USA) who was thrilled to join the project! Thus it began.

  MHPF's inaugural 2024 lineup featured Seven Spires, Aether Realm, Traveler, Lords of the Trident, AfterTime, Judicator, Graveshadow, Celestial Wizard, Seizure, Starwraith, and Siege Perilous.

  Mile High Power Festival is the ultimate gathering for power metal enthusiasts. Nestled in the heart of Denver, Colorado, this annual event is a showcase of the finest power metal bands locally and from around the globe. It's a testament to the unyielding spirit and intensity of power metal music, uniting devoted fans and talented artists in a euphoric celebration. Immerse yourself in a weekend of high-voltage performances, camaraderie, and the unapologetic essence of power metal.

  The night before the festival, they host an exciting Battle of the Bands event where local artists compete for a chance to perform at the following year's fest. This event not only uplifts the Denver local music community but also provides valuable feedback to the artists from industry professionals. Join us for a night of great music and support Denver's local talent!

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