Some of the biggest names in metal music from around the world have been known to attend New Zealand's Smash Fest Open Air. Leading bands including Shepherds Reign, Bulletbelt, Pull Down The Sun, Temtris, Enoch, Graves, Into Orbit, Forsaken Age, Silcrow, and Dark Divinity have all given memorable performances at the festival.
The Auckland-based metal band Shepherds Reign, which consists of four members, gave a spectacular performance with their distinctive fusion of Polynesian and metal music. They have been referred to as playing "warrior metal," and their live performance was nothing short of magnificent. Bulletbelt, a Wellington-based band that has been making waves in the metal scene with their fierce and raw sound, was another noteworthy performance.
Additionally, some of the top emerging bands from Australia and New Zealand performed at the festival, bringing a new and vibrant energy to the stage. The festival was an ode to everything metal, from Pull Down The Sun's crushing guitars to Temtris' soaring vocals.
Overall, Smash Fest Open Air is still one of New Zealand's finest metal festivals, drawing great musicians from all around the world. The upcoming iteration of this legendary festival should not be missed by fans of heavy music.