Blacken Festival To Take Over Central Oz This Easter Weekend

Annual Centralian metal event Blacken Festival is only days out from kicking off its fourth year of madness in the middle of the country, with revered heavyweights such as King Parrot, Disentomb and Colossvs atop its mighty 2016 roster.

The metal festival, to be held at Alice Springs' Gap View Hotel in the dead centre of Australia, has been extended to a two-day camping event to accommodate its largest incarnation yet. Alongside the big names, fans of all things dark and distorted will be treated to sets from NT locals The Horror, Miazma and Southeast Desert Metal, among others.

Held over the coming Easter weekend (26-27 March), the festival promises a smorgasbord of the country's best metal acts from around the country, as well as the regional Northern Territory scene. A massive outdoor stage has been erected outside the hotel, beneath the stunning MacDonnell Ranges.

King Parrot vocalist Matt Young couldn't be a bigger fan of the event, saying in a statement that the event is "one of the most unique metal festivals I've ever been to".

"The local community get right behind the event, and I can honestly say they are some of the most passionate supporters of metal in the world," he said.

The Racket host and longtime Blacken supporter Lochlan Watt will be joining his band Colossvs for the event once again.

"Having been to Blacken every year since its formation, I am very excited to see it take the next step," Watt said in a statement. "Turning it into a two-day camping event is something the dudes have been talking about ever since I had my mind blown by my first taste of metal in the Territory. I can't wait to be a part of heralding in this new era and everything else that is still to come."

The festival site will host multiple gourmet food vendors, a fully stocked bar, merchandise and market stalls, with the event itself being licensed/all ages. There is also a campground with showers and utilities, two swimming pools, a skate ramp, street art demos an open-mic session and much more.

Doors open at 3pm on Saturday, and tickets are available via Rock City Music, Stay True Tattoo and via the event's website. 

blacken festival 2016 line-up