We first introduced you to the Hyperspace Metalfest on the occasion of its third airing back in 2022 (here). In a couple weeks time, “Canada’s premier melodic and power metal festival,” will offer up its seventh edition, once again returning to both Vancouver’s Cobalt and the Rickshaw Theatre. Featured performances include Sanctuary airing out their 1990 sophomore album, Into the Mirror Black, an exclusive showing from L.A.-based symphonic metallers Edge of Paradise, an appearance by transcontinental prog metal project Voidchaser, as well as the mighty Witchkiller, whose “Day of the Saxons” has been stuck in my head since 1984. Also included in the program are debut Great White North gigs for progressive leaning Californians, Artificial Language and fantasy bangers Owlbear, a band I know nothing about, but the internet leads me to believe they love hanging around the back rooms of game and comic shops playing Magic the Gathering, and supposedly have a drummer who goes by the hilariously marvellous stage name of Estee Slaughter.
Three days, 15 bands, two venues for what might be the final time as promoter/organiser Joey Hockin has already confirmed that after this year Hyperspace is going on an indefinite hiatus. Says Hockin: “This year will be the last Hyperspace for the foreseeable future. I’m getting to a point in my life where I need to think about my future and that’s become difficult to do with all the financial risks that go along with organising a festival. In the future, if the circumstances are right, the fest could make a return. If not, it’s been an amazing nine years and I couldn’t have done it without the support of our crew, volunteers, and the amazing crowd that shows up year after year!” Fans of melodic, power and progressive metal, visiting the home of hockey futility and hanging around the “interesting” neighbourhood that is downtown East Vancouver, can only hope that Hockin’s version of “indefinite hiatus” runs similar to the “indefinite hiatus” that scuttled Maryland Deathfest for a lone year in 2023.
Info, tickets and so on: here and here
Check out the fest’s Spotify playlist located here
And because “Day of the Saxons” doesn’t appear to be leaving my head anytime soon:
The post Lovers of Melody and Power Unite! Hyperspace Metalfest VII is Nigh! appeared first on Decibel Magazine.