THE 4TH ANNUAL CAROLINA HEADBANGERS BALL

Photos and Writing by Kenny Brown

The Charlotte area metal community came out in full force Saturday October 22 for the 4th Annual Carolina Headbangers Ball. The Ball moved to a new location this year, The Rooster in Gastonia NC. This also just happened to be opening weekend for the new venue, located on West Main Avenue in downtown Gastonia. The Rooster boasts a fantastic staff, an impressive sound system, a huge stage, state-of-the-art lighting, ample parking, and a large wide open viewing area that felt perfect for the packed crowd of metal family ready to bang heads to their favorite bands. The Ball extended into the parking lot behind the venue, where multiple merch booths and food vendors could be found.

The Ball, organized by Owner/Creator of the Carolina Headbangers AJ Conde and hosted by KB Killingthemsoftly, featured 11 of the areas heaviest hitting bands: Fear Illusion, A.Y.M.B, Systematic Devastation, Mafia, Valar Morghulis, Black Market Currency, Strike the Tower, October, Fear Until Fury, Detest the Throne, and Annabel Lee. The Ball also included a costume contest for the many fans who showed up in their elaborate, creepy, and sometimes hilarious Halloween costumes.

After almost ten straight hours of pounding music and great time spent with friends, I can confidently say this was the show of the year and I’m already looking forward to the 5th Annual Carolina Headbangers Ball!