Milwaukee Metal Fest will return to The Rave/Eagles Ballroom from May 16-18, 2025, with a pre-party on May 15. As anticipation builds for another year of festivities, Metal Insider looks back at last year’s successful event with a list of the top ten performances.
Honorable Mention: Belushi Speed Ball
Belushi Speed Ball played a show so wild and chaotic that no photos remain. With NERF darts flying wildly and moshers packing the bar, this show was certainly an experience to behold.
10) Doro
For fans looking to experience classic heavy metal energy and be transported back to the 80s, Doro is the perfect set. Doro Pesch has electric energy and great engagement with the crowd, but never overshadows the intensity of the rest of the band.
Photo Credit: Mar Morannon
09) Mr. Bungle
Mr. Bungle brings a different, more avant garde, energy than most of the bands playing Milwaukee Metal Fest, but the bizarre approach is part of what makes the band so universally loved. Fans had a great time listening to the eclectic music and enjoying the various surprises from the band.
Photo Credit: Mar Morannon
08) Internal Bleeding
It can be difficult to capture the intimate energy of a hardcore show in a bigger venue, but that didn’t slow Internal Bleeding down at all. Vocalist Steve Worley hopped into the photo pit and stayed there for most of the show, bringing the show up close and personal to the crowd gathered in the ballroom.
Photo Credit: Mar Morannon
07) Cloak
Cloak packed the bar for their dark and occultic show of melodic black metal. The darkness of the room only amplified the mysterious and theatrical vibes of their set, drawing fans deep into the thrall of their quick tempoed soundscapes.
Photo Credit: Mar Morannon
06) Casket Robbery
Wisconsin locals Casket Robbery always put on a killer show, and the high turnout reflected the draw of these hometown celebrities. Their high-energy show ket the crowd moving with heavy riffs, groovy bass lines, and deeply brutal growls.
Photo Credit: Mar Morannon
05) In Flames
In Flames is a classic name in metal at this point, and their place among the elites is well-deserved. From precisely played intricate guitar lines to crushing vocals, these melodeath legends keep the heads banging and the pit rocking.
Photo Credit: Mar Morannon
04) Lacuna Coil
Lacuna Coil has incredible stage presence that creates a very engaging show. From fast-paced lights to intense choreography, they don’t miss a single opportunity to up the wow factor in their set!
Photo Credit: Mar Morannon
03) Paleface Swiss
For fans looking to get into the mosh pit, Paleface Swiss was a must-see set. The band’s aggressive and impactful set kept the mosh pit moving, and they even orchestrated what might be the biggest wall of death I’ve ever seen in Milwaukee!
Photo Credit: Mar Morannon
02) Avatar
Despite cutting their set a bit short to accommodate scheduling delays, Avatar presented a tight and engaging show full of jokes, breakdowns, and innuendo. It’s nearly impossible to leave an Avatar show without a smile on your face, and this one was no exception!
Photo Credit: Mar Morannon
01) Municipal Waste
True to their name, Municipal Waste laid waste to the ballroom. The band shredded brutally on stage as the crowd threw trashcans across the pit, crowd surfed and moshed without abandon. This set was hands down the most fun experience of the weekend!
Photo Credit: Mar Morannon
Overall, Milwaukee Metal Fest 2024 had such a great lineup that it was hard to choose just ten favorites. With bands like Black Label Society, Enslaved, and Frozen Soul on the lineup, Milwaukee Metal Fest 2025 is set to offer an equally intense and memorable weekend!
