Run to the foothills; the sounds of distorted guitars and double kicks will take over High River with lots of local talent on display.

The Decimate MetalFest is returning for its third official year on June 24 and 25. Stemming from the Calgary metal circuit, they kicked off their inaugural event in 2018 returning in 2019 and again as a COVID "mini-fest" in 2021. 

Event organizer Sloan Voxx says this years Decimate 3.0 is bringing over 20 artists and bands from all over Canada. Including Planet Eater from Regina, Storm The Empire from Kelowna, No More Moments hailing from the Siksika Nation as well as numerous from Edmonton and Calgary.

The all-ages event will span more than just metal.

"The festival is quite diverse. We don’t just have metal. We do have some rock in there, some punk and some solo artists. Youth bands, some dancers and even a music school. 

"We've tried to keep it very versatile so that anyone that does come does have something to enjoy."

She adds even a few locals will be taking the main stage. 

"The local talent that we have this year includes Craig Carswell, he is a solo artist and rock musician. Vicarious Vandalism is a solo artist named Dave, he's just about to turn 16 so really super excited to have him and see what he has to offer."

Also in the lineup are the youth bands Lethal Mentality and punk rockers Mixed Blame also from High River.

What's on Voxx's 'must see' list?

"Every time Quietus plays I love them. They are melodic, they’re metal. CJ, their singer is just absolutely unreal with both his growls and his clean vocals. I just cannot wait to see them. Also Snakepit, they are hardcore and heavy and awesome. We saw them last year and I've seen him a couple times locally. They just put on an epic show."

the poster for decimate 2022

The outdoor festival will run outside the High River Brewing Company kicking off Friday June 24 at 5 p.m. and running all day Saturday June 25. With the support of Voxx Entertainment, Prairie Fire Productions Ltd., The Western Canadian Metal Festival Alliance, and High River Brewing Company.

Tickets are available online and will run rain or shine.

"The beauty of open air. We are full speed ahead."