Born To Burn Fest: Igniting Gulf Coast with Stoner Sludge and Doom Metal Fury on 4/20
Are you ready to elevate your 420 experience to epic proportions? Brace yourselves for an explosive celebration of all things stoner, doom, sludge, and metal at Born To Burn Fest, happening live and loud at The Handlebar. Get ready to immerse yourself in a sonic haze of heavy riffs, intoxicating melodies, and pure metal bliss.
Born To Burn Fest isn't just any ordinary gig—it's a full-blown celebration tailor-made for the discerning fans of stoner rock and doom metal. Picture this: a lineup stacked with powerhouse bands ready to set the stage on fire with their electrifying performances. And yes, it's all happening right here, in Pensacola. On top of all of that, it also kicks off a rare week full of palindromes from 42024, 4202024, 42124, 42224, 42324, 42524, 42624, 42724, 42824, and 42924. Talk about a rare occurrence and just the music fest to jumpstart it all.
What's in store for Born To Burn Fest?
Itsa Cookie
Satisfy your sweet cravings with Itsa Cookie, where Katie, your favorite cookie scientist, conjures up delectable treats inspired by local bands and music festivals. Prepare your taste buds for a flavor explosion as Katie works her magic to craft cookies that perfectly complement the fest's theme.
Here's a sneak peek at the mouthwatering lineup:
- Born to Burn: A brand-new creation exclusively crafted for Born To Burn Fest at The Handlebar on 4/20. This mango cashew cookie packs a punch, featuring Blue Mango Habanero Hot Sauce from The Sealey Sauce Company.
- Chocolate Peanut Butter: Dive into a chocolate-based cookie loaded with everyone's favorite peanut butter treats.
- Cookie Mundi: Inspired by the music of Cavae Mundi, this honey lavender cookie has quickly become a fan favorite.
- High Hopes: Feel the tropical vibes with a mango pineapple jalapeño cookie inspired by GLSNR's latest release.
- Milk & Cereal: A brand-new flavor this month featuring a classic millennial rainbow cereal.
- Triple Chocolate: Indulge in a classic cookie bursting with milk, semi-sweet, and dark chocolate chips.
Lou's Lunchbox
Attention all food enthusiasts! Embark on a culinary journey with Lou's Lunchbox, a Pensacola-based chef specializing in vegan and plant-based cuisine. Using organic, fair-trade ingredients, they create pastries and breads that cater to a variety of dietary preferences, including vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-conscious options.
And guess what? Just for Born To Burn Fest, they have curated a special menu featuring delectable treats, including a Chasses Molasses Gingerbread Cookie inspired by the band Chasses. If you've ever wandered by Sisi's Store Sucks, chances are you've encountered Lou's Lunchbox, tantalizing passersby with an array of mouthwatering delights. I can personally attest to the quality of their creations—whether it's muffins or gooey bars, every bite is simply phenomenal.
Sunburn Cannabis
Last but not least, a huge shoutout to Sunburn Cannabis, your local Florida-based cannabis company with deep roots in the Panhandle dating all the way back to the 1970s. They embrace the southern outlaws that blazed their own trail, embodying a rebellious spirit that lives on in Sunburn Cannabis today. Honoring their legacy, Sunburn cultivates a brand that celebrates America's free spirit, inspired by the trailblazing 1970s era of marijuana smuggling that shaped Florida. This is more than just cannabis—it's a tribute to a bygone era and the rebellious attitude that defines the Sunshine State!
Now, lets dive into the bands.
ASG
ASG, originally known as All Systems Go!, is an American stoner metal band hailing from Wilmington, North Carolina. The band was formed in 2001. Over the years, they have gained recognition for their distinctive blend of stoner rock, psychedelic elements, and heavy metal.
ASG's sound is characterized by fuzzy guitar riffs, groovy rhythms, and melodic vocals, often accompanied by intricate song structures and dynamic shifts. Their music draws influences from various genres, including classic rock, punk, and sludge metal, resulting in a unique and eclectic style.
The band released their debut album, The Amplification of Self-Gratification, in 2003, followed by a self-titled release and Feeling Good Is Good Enough in 2005. These early releases helped establish ASG's reputation within the stoner metal scene. However, it was their album, Win Us Over, released in 2008, that garnered widespread acclaim and expanded their fan base.
ASG's subsequent albums, including Blood Drive (2013) and Survive Sunrise (2018), continued to showcase their evolution as musicians, incorporating more diverse influences while staying true to their signature sound. Tracks like Avalanche, Right Death Before, and Execution Thirst demonstrate their ability to craft catchy hooks and memorable riffs while exploring themes of introspection, escapism, and existentialism.
Throughout their career, ASG has toured extensively, sharing the stage with prominent acts such as Mastodon, Clutch, and Baroness. Their energetic live performances and loyal fan base have solidified their status as one of the leading bands in the stoner metal genre.
Despite occasional lineup changes, ASG remains active in the music scene, continually evolving their sound and pushing the boundaries of their creativity. With a dedicated following and a discography filled with standout tracks, ASG continues to be a vital force in the realm of stoner metal.
Red Beard Wall
Red Beard Wall is a Texas-based stoner metal band known for their heavy, sludgy sound and introspective lyrics. The band was formed in 2017 by vocalist and guitarist Aaron Wall, who previously played in the band Hornbuckle. Red Beard Wall's music is characterized by thick, down tuned guitar riffs, powerful drumming, and gritty vocals, drawing influence from classic stoner rock and doom metal.
The band released their debut self-titled album, in 2017, which received positive reviews for its raw energy and emotional depth. Tracks like Bottom of a Well showcase the band's ability to blend crushing heaviness with moments of melody and introspection. Lyrically, the album explores themes of struggle, perseverance, and the human condition.
In 2019, Red Beard Wall followed up with their album, The Fight Needs Us All, which further refined their sound and songwriting. With tracks like The Fight Needs Us and The Warming, the band delves deeper into dark, atmospheric territories while maintaining their signature heaviness and intensity.
Red Beard Wall has gained a dedicated following through their captivating live performances and relentless touring schedule, sharing stages with notable acts in the stoner and doom metal scene. Their music resonates with fans of heavy, riff-driven music, offering a cathartic experience that balances aggression with introspection.
Year of the Vulture
Year of the Vulture is a Mississippi-based stoner sludge band known for their ferocious energy, blistering riffs, and intense live performances. The band was formed in 2015 and consists of members who have been deeply involved in the local music scene for years, bringing a wealth of experience and passion to their craft.
Year of the Vulture's music is heavily influenced by classic stoner rock and doom metal, characterized by thick, fuzz-laden thunderous basslines, and pounding rhythms. Their sound often evokes a sense of dark atmosphere and primal aggression, drawing listeners into a visceral sonic experience.
The band released their self-titled debut EP in 2016, which showcased their ability to craft heavy, riff-driven songs with infectious energy. With tracks like Lovelessness demonstrated their knack for their crushing heaviness signature tone.
Giger
Hailing from the depths of Columbus, Georgia, Giger emerges as a formidable force in the realms of doom, sludge, and death metal. Formed in 2015, this powerhouse quartet channels the darkest depths of human emotion and existential dread into a sonic onslaught that leaves listeners enraptured and utterly mesmerized.
Giger's journey began with the release of their debut EP, 2016 Demo, a raw and unrelenting sonic manifesto that showcased their raw talent and uncompromising vision. Featuring three tracks— Sun Funeral, Hasheeshian, and The Green—this debut offering served as a harrowing introduction to the band's signature sound: a cacophony of crushing riffs, thunderous rhythms, and guttural vocals that reverberate with primal intensity.
Building on the momentum of their debut, Giger unleashed their sophomore EP, Submit To Reality, further solidifying their status as one of the most promising acts in the underground metal scene. This release featured two tracks from their demo alongside new offerings Rasputin and Misotheist, showcasing the band's evolution and growth as songwriters and musicians.
In 2024, Giger returned with their most recent release, a blistering single titled Bronson. With this latest offering, the band continues to push the boundaries of their sound, delivering a relentless barrage of sonic aggression and unbridled fury that leaves a lasting impact on all who dare to listen.
Armed with a ferocious live presence and a catalog of unapologetically heavy tunes, Giger stands poised to conquer new heights and cement their status as one of the most exciting acts to emerge from the underground metal scene. With each crushing riff and guttural roar, they invite listeners to delve into the darkest recesses of the human psyche and emerge transformed by the sheer power of their music.
Local Support
Joining the fray are the doom-laden sounds of Pensacola-based bands—Gnarled, Heavae Mundi (an exclusive heavy-heavy set from Cavae Mundi), Slugger, and Chasses. Together, they'll ensure that the party never stops and the vibes keep flowing all night long.
Born To Burn Fest isn't just a gig—it's an experience, a journey, a celebration of everything that makes stoner, sludge, and doom music so damn special. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual listener, this is your chance to immerse yourself in a world of heavy riffs, head-banging beats, and unadulterated rock 'n' roll ecstasy.
So don't just sit there—grab your crew, snag your tickets, and get ready to ignite your 420 celebration at Born To Burn Fest. It's gonna be one hell of a ride, and trust us, you won't wanna miss it for the world.
Event Details:
- Date: 4/20/24
- Time: Doors open at 4:20 PM
- Venue: The Handlebar
- Tickets: Pre-sale $25 / At the door $30
Get your tickets now and let's make some noise at Born To Burn Fest!