Following last year’s sponsorship-driven, traveling free-for-all, Ozzfest 2008 will be a one-day destination festival at Pizza Hut Park in Dallas, Saturday, August 9. The show is headlined by Ozzy Osbourne and Metallica, but the rest of the lineup is a bit underwhelming, featuring solo projects like Serj Tankian (System of a Down) and Jonathan Davis (Korn), along with the reunion of Sepultura’s Max and Igor Cavalera as the Cavalera Conspiracy.
What makes Ozzfest particularly noteworthy, though, is the addition of a third stage dedicated to Texas metal. Austin’s the Sword have already nabbed top billing, but there appear to be a few more slots available. Who would you recommend to Sharon Osbourne? Here’s OTR’s top picks.
The Jonbenet: Houston’s finest have been thrashing Red 7 regularly for a few years now. Catch them at the club’s second annual Jared is a Grumpy Fuck Fest, Saturday, June 14.
The Roller: The local quartet just released its debut, full of low frequency rumbling and deathly growls. Check them out at the Compound (1300 E. 4th), Friday, June 13.
Mammoth Grinder: The name doesn’t do these guys justice. A punishing combination of more abstract metal, a la Neurosis, and hardcore beatdowns. Also appearing at Grumpy Fuck.
Prey for Sleep: As evidenced by their debut, A Bitter Beginning, this Austin quintet delivers brutal thrashcore that sounds custom built for an Ozzfest crowd.
This article appears in June 6 • 2008.