DOWNSET, AIGHT BET, & H1Z1. MAY. 29TH 7:45PM ALL AGES SHOW
May 29
ON THE MAIN STAGE
MIDWEEK METAL MAYHEM!
DOWNSET
Founded in Los Angeles in the late 80’s
as part of the thriving hardcore scene
Downset has evolved into an icon of sorts. As the original blenders of rap, funk, hardcore, punk, metal, and socially aware lyrics, they drew influences from Black Flag to Black Sabbath, Public Enemy to Bob Marley. Becoming a huge draw, the industry took notice and they caught the attention of Mercury/PolyGram Records and released their self titled debut in 1994.
From California, they perfected their unique, in your face assault of rap/rock fusion pounding street anthems, along with artists like Rage Against The Machine and KoRn, who helped to pave the way for the hip-hop/metal explosion of the late 90’s.
In 1992, Social Justice (1987-92) changed their name to downset and released their self-titled debut album on Abstract Records (1994). The album was praised by critics, exploring various social issues in their songs, including the death of Oropeza’s father by the LAPD in the song Anger.
Later in 1994, downset. signed a deal with Mercury Records (Polygram), and released Downset their self-titled effort in the same year. In 1996, the band released their most commercially successful album, Do We Speak a Dead Language?, through Mercury.
Making their departure from Mercury Records, downset were scooped up by Epitaph Records and released their 3rd album, Check Your People in 2000. That same year, rumours circulated that Oropeza was to resume Rage Against the Machine’s Zach de la Rocha vocalist position after Zach left. Other replacement contenders were Chris Cornell, Chuck D, and B-Real of Cypress Hill. Cornell was ultimately chosen, and Rage Against the Machine transfigured into Audioslave.
After many line-up changes (most notably, the loss of long-time downset. guitar player, Rogelio Lozano and the addition of original drummer, Chris Lee), in 2004 downset. released their latest album, Universal, on independent record label Hawino Records.
Without mainstream recognition, downset are regarded as a noteworthy influence within the nu-metal & rap-metal subgenres. In addition to headlining the second stage at Ozzfest 1997, they’ve toured with Linkin Park, Slayer, Metallica and Anthrax, among many other eminent metal names.
The band’s original moniker was Social Justice. They released their debut album, Unity is Strength, in 1989 and the EP I Refuse to Lose under this name.
AIGHT BET
The band name Aight Bet carries a lot of weight for many reasons. Aight Bet is an esoteric saying commonly used to deny someone’s actions which would perfectly describe the lyrical content. The low vibrational guitar/bass tones in Drop A & G and the “In your face” drum style compliment the general idea. Aight Bet orchestrates a bold performance by engaging with the crowd using an emcee style call and response method. Aight Bet doesn’t participate in 3rd party scene politics. Business is handled on the spot. ASCAP members.–
Band Members-
MOECYRUS, HAAS, URIDEL, ROBZ, LES, DONNY
H1Z1
H1Z1 is a Milwaukee-based nu-metal band with a wide range of influences, incorporating early 2000’s nu-metal, thrash, groove, and rap to create an exciting, high energy sound that is a creation all their own. H1Z1 is: Marq Pointer on lead vocals, Patrick Gunderson playing guitar, Jake Fromkin on drums, and Leaf Wruk on bass.
H1Z1 formed in 2010 and has seen a handful of lineup changes since their formation. The band was formed by Patrick Gunderson and former drummer, Juan, and evolved into a proper band writing original music, borrowing from their mutual influences, and soon beginning to forge their own sound as Marq, Leaf, and Jake joined the band.
H1Z1 has stayed busy and made a reputation for themselves built on the energy of their live performances, gracing the stage at well known venues in Wisconsin such as Madison’s High Noon Saloon, The Rave, The Miramar Theater, & X-Ray Arcade in their hometown of Milwaukee. H1Z1 has also performed on the Rebel Music Stage at Summerfest.
H1Z1 has shared the stage with a number of high profile metal acts since their formation, including: Jinjer, Soulfly, Rivers of Nihil, Born of Osiris, Psychostick, Saliva, D.R.I., The Convalescence, Sumo Cyco, The Browning, and Bad Omens.
To date, H1Z1 has released several projects. In 2015, the band entered the studio for the first time, and came out with a two song EP. In 2017, they returned to the studio to record their debut full length project, “Unbounded”, which included the two songs previously featured on the EP, and 9 new songs. Then beginning in April 2023, H1Z1 releases a series of refreshing, heavy hitting singles starting with “haRd”, continuing releases into 2024.
In addition to his role in H1Z1, Patrick performs as Gunderslam, performing live renditions of video game theme songs. Previously, Patrick was singer and guitarist for MKE-area based thrash metal band Slug Shell. H1Z1 bass player, Leaf, previously played bass in Filthy Sweet and Audiophilia. Prior to drumming in H1Z1, Jake Fromkin played drums for Chicago underground thrash band, Wrath, and has previously drummed for Midnite Mayhem, HaVoc, Apocrypha, If Looks Could Kill, and Roma Lazarus as well.
Tickets are Standing Room General Admission.
ALL AGES SHOW
ONLY $15 per GA ticket including fees.
VIP TABLES AVAILABLE – INCLUDES ADMISSION & SEATING FOR 4 PEOPLE
*ADA Seats are available at every show, please see the ticket takers at the ticket podium day of show.