Fullerton’s very own metal venue the Riff Haus and “Keep Metal Alive Productions” held another very metal, all ages show on March 2, with bands such as Infinite Death, Powerthrowne, Dawn of Ruin, Skeptor and headliner Madrost, and many other great bands for $8. Each band is highly known in the underground metal community, leading to the attendance of over a hundred people who came to support the scene, buy the merchandise on display and eat the food that the venue provided.
Many of these bands have played at the Riff Haus before, and plan to perform in Fullerton again. Infinite Death of Whittier vocalist Hex Ramirez explains that this is their second time performing at the Riff Haus and felt that it is always a great place to play. “Because our fan base lies more within LA County, we like to branch out into the OC and gain more fans along the way,” said Ramirez. “Playing here gives us a chance to leave an impression, and bring the thunder.”
The venue was neatly set up for both fans and bands to have easy access to the stage as well as the outside merchandise displays, making the show more comfortable than many other small local shows. And although these kinds of shows bring crowds that are familiar with each other, new fans are always welcomed and encouraged by promoters and band members to continue attending shows to support the music. Chris Baredes came to the Riff Haus for the first time to see Dawn of Ruin. “Going to shows is my favorite thing to do since high school,” said Baredes. “It’s nice to have these kinds of shows around here, and we need more like this.”
Along with the excitement from the crowd that comes to these shows, is the excitement that band members express during their performances. Tanner Poppitt, front man of headlining band Madrost, is always excited to play in Fullerton and appreciates the energy from the crowd. “I have lost count of how many times that my band and I have performed here,” said Poppitt. “We have a new line up, new merchandise, so tonight is a special night and so far we are pretty much having a good time.”
