Obscene Extreme America 2015 : From Czech Republic with Love
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Article by Chris Aitkens
Obscene Extreme is a music festival that started in the Czech Republic in 1999 showcasing extreme metal and grindcore acts from all over the world. The festival has gained an international following and two years ago, the festival travelled the world, making stops in Mexico, Indonesia and Australia. This year, the festival will be stopping in Montreal from August 20 to 23. The main event will be going on Friday and Saturday all day at the TELUS theatre, with a pre-party of ten bands at TRH Bar on Thursday and an after-party of 5-10 bands at Katacombes on Sunday.
Festival founder Curby Extreme reportedly decided on Montreal after struggling to secure a venue in the US for almost a year. He heard good things about Canada through touring bands and chose Montreal for its reputable punk/metal scene. Although the bill is dominated by such Canadian acts like Fuck the Facts, Soothsayer, Hard Charger and Corrupt Leaders (to name a few), the festival will feature legendary American bands like Dropdead, Trap Them and Magrudergrind, and European bands like Inhumate (France), Jig-Ai (Czech Republic) and Schirenc Plays Pungent Stench (Austria). There are reports that Belgium’s Agathocles had troubles at the border, but organizers are doing everything within their power to fly them over.
Also making an appearance this year is Death By Digital Productions, who will be shooting footage of the festival for the upcoming grindcore documentary Slave to the Grind, slated to be released in December 2017. After a successful Kickstarter campaign, the Toronto film crew has been flying from festival to festival interviewing bands and filming live shows.
Festival goers are encouraged to don masks and other bizarre costumes, a staple in OEF. Stage-diving is allowed, though organizers have set certain rules so audience members don’t get hurt and performers don’t get distracted. There will also be vegan and vegetarian food available, including Velo Burrito, and beer by the micrbrewery Trou du Diable of Shawinigan.
Obscene Extreme America is from August 20-23. Click here for info about tickets and schedule. Obscene extreme has a three day pass for $114.98 and a two day pass for $91.98. Single day tickets are available. The main shows take place at Telus Theatre (1280 St. Denis)
