Today, January 30th, marks the first annual Florida Metal Fest. Organized by brothers John and Donald Tardy of death metal legends, Obituary, and set to take place at The Cuban Club, Ybor City in Tampa, year one of the brutal, two stage gala will see some of the Sunshine State's most iconic bands - including Obituary, Malevolent Creation, Atheist and Deicide - unite and return to their roots in the very heart of the death metal world. 

In a new story with  The Tampa Tribune, Tardy believes death metal can make a resurgence and be at the forefront of the metal scene in the US again.

“We meet fans who saw us on our first tour who now bring their kids to shows,” said Tardy. “People still love death metal.”

As for the future of the band, Tardy says, “We’ll keep going until it gets painful. I’d like another few albums and years of touring. By then hopefully the festival (Florida Metal Fest) takes off and that keeps me part of the scene because I’d miss it.”

Additionally, the Tardy brothers have invited some of their favourite bands from around the country to take part in this special event including Corrosion Of Conformity, Trouble, Madball, Broken Hope and Generichrist.
 
Two local Floridian bands, both winners of the Battle Of The Bands contest show, will be opening the fest. The first battle was held on November 27th at the BrassMug where the winning band was Untoten Krieg. The second battle took place on December 26th at the Crowbar in Ybor City, with Unsung Destroyer winning the proverbial belt.
 
Said John Tardy of fest: "My brother and I have been so fortunate and thankful to be part of some the best and biggest music festivals in the world. The amount of people, bands and energy these festivals can bring is just awesome. From the first time we played one, it has always been a dream of ours to put together a music festival that is not only fun for the fans, bands and crews, but one that also brings a closeness to all involved. After years and years of talking about it, we finally decided the time is now. We want to put together a first class festival. From the venue to the PA, from the lights to the lineup we are trying our best to make this as memorable event as possible. No festival, anywhere in the world, even with the best possible lineup, would work if the area does not support it. I think that Tampa, and its surrounding cities, is a great music area and one that is ready to make this event come to life."

Tickets are still available at this location.

Florida Metal Fest I Schedule - Doors: 3 PM
 
Criss Oliva Stage:
Atheist: 4:30 - 5:15 PM
Madball: 5:45 - 6:30 PM
Trouble: 7 - 8:00 PM
Deicide: 8:30 - 9:30 PM
Corrosion Of Conformity: 10 - 11 PM
Obituary: 11:30 - 12:30 AM
           
Chuck Schuldiner Stage:
Untoten Krieg: 4 - 4:30 PM
Unsung Destroyer: 5:15 - 5:45 PM
Generichrist: 6:15 - 7 PM
Broken Hope: 7:40 - 8:20 PM
Malevolent Creation: 9:30 - 10:30 PM
Aftershow Party with Painkiller: 12:30 AM
 
The Cuban Club, Ybor City in Tampa, Florida, home to the Florida Metal Fest, is surrounded by dozen of bars and restaurants, includes easy parking and is in walking distance or a short cab ride to dozens of hotels at a variety of prices for further info visit this location where you'll find ticket, travel and lodging info.