Metal in the Mountains 2019: Family Fun, with Horns.

by Whitley Albury.

The third annual Metal in the Mountains festival is May 31-June 1 in Pipestem, West Virginia. Tucked away, you’ll find 35 metal bands on two stages, 3 tattoo and piercing studios (Wolfman Tattoo, Tattoo Therapy, and Sub Rosa Studios, in case you want to pick your artist before you head up the mountain), and camping with your metal family.

You’ll see headliners All That Remains, regional bands like Arm the Witness and Lydia Can’t Breathe, and touring acts such as State of Mine (MI). There’s even Tinderbox Circus Sideshow, if you wanna enjoy some fire-breathing, sword-swallowing, and contortion. The bands don’t just retreat to the buses or vans after their sets, so it’s entirely possible that you’ll be watching a set right next to one of your favorite bands. Plus, there are fans and bands coming from all around the globe!

I gotta say, this is the first time I’ve seen a metal festival sponsored by two country radio stations, but that somehow makes it even more metal? And of course, can’t have a metal show without bikes (Cole Harley-Davidson), smokes (Vapin’ Aces), and hempy goodness (Hillbilly Hemp). Dan White and Rock Rage Radio are both gonna be there as major sponsors as well!

Passes are on sale now, and will definitely sell out, so go ahead and load up the car, take a road trip, and get your mosh on. Plus, if you’re worn out and sore after the festival (which if you’re doing it right, you will be), feel free to stick around and get a massage by festival runners Anna and Anthony Ferraraccio. They’re both licensed massage therapists! Saturday looks to be the most stacked day, but don’t miss out on some of the great bands playing Friday! Both nights end around 12:30, so you won’t be as exhausted afterwards as you would be after a fest that goes all night.

What: Metal in the Mountains

When: May 31-June 1

Where: Pipestem, West Virginia

How Much: $40-$125, depending on if you want VIP access to sweet, sweet air-conditioned bathrooms.