Admittedly, there are many rock festivals held throughout the world during the summer months. However, the only one to focus solely on core-based music (metalcore, deathcore, slam, beatdown, etc.) will take place from August 26-28 – the Kentucky Irate Fest. Held at the MG Prime Entertainment Complex, with each day featuring 25+ bands, including national touring and local bands (with festival capacity being 4,000 people).

“The idea came about because I’ve always been a huge fan of the genre,” Joseph Borland told BraveWords, who is the creator of the festival (and owner of Three Diamond Marketing and Management). “I thought that these sub genres deserved an opportunity to play on the highest stage and create something that is different than all the others festivals that are happening in today’s music scene. These sub genres are not given the same opportunity as most modern alt rock bands. It seems that all the festivals somewhat have the same bands and styles and I wanted to create something unique that you won’t find at other festivals.”

(Photo - Norma Jean)

And there are many acts to catch during the three-day event – including Russia’s Slaughter To Prevail (first US show since 2019), Norma Jean, Madball, Oceano, Rivers of Nihil, Impending Doom, Traitors, The Browning, Rose Funeral (first show since 2014), Bury Your Dead (rare reunion show), Cane Hill, Palisades, Tallah, Evergreen Terrace, Jason Paige (singing his Pokémon songs he created) with local legends Belushi Speedball, The Last Ten Seconds of Life (special debut performance), Kaonashi, and Sea of Treachery (first show in 3 years), Costa Rica’s Savage Existence, and Australia’s Earth Caller featuring Misstiq (first US show).

And Borland has a few acts in particular that he is looking forward to catching himself. “I am really looking forward to Slaughter To Prevail. Their first show in America since 2019 is a huge opportunity for our fans to take advantage of. I’m also excited to see Oceano back on the stage, Norma Jean, and pretty much all the other bands on the bill. There is no real breaks from awesome music for the 11 hours each day.”

Fest doors will open at 11 AM, show will start at noon each day, and the show will go until 11:30 each evening. Additionally, there will be several merch vendors on site, and six food trucks which will serve tacos, pizza, sushi/hibachi, hot dogs, hamburgers, and lemonade/desserts. Vegetarian option truck will also be available. Borland: “We have created a festival that has amazing music, but also has unique food and vendors. This is a great opportunity for the community to experience new and fun things. I will be at the festival all three days, greeting guests and making sure everything runs smooth.”

(Photo - Slaughter To Prevail)

Ticketing options include Single Day-$60.00 per day, GA- $150.00 for full weekend pass, VIP-$250.00, weekend only available. Also, there is a 4 pack option available: 4 single day tickets for $180.00 or 4 weekend pass tickets for $450.00 (buy 3, get 1 free). On-site parking will be available for $10.00, and while there will be no camping, there are 28 hotels within a 10 minute drive of the festival grounds. Tickets can be ordered online and a complete list of the artists performing can be viewed via iratefest.com/tickets.

And while this is the inaugural Irate Festival, Borland hopes this is only the beginning. “We have already began planning for future Irate festivals in multiple cities. The plan has always been to have this be multiple years and multiple cities.”

Lastly, what is Borland’s take on the recent HBO documentary, Woodstock 99: Peace, Love, and Rage, and are steps being taken for Irate Festival to avoid any missteps? “I did watch the doc on Woodstock. Crazy thing is that happened 45 minutes from where I live in Central New York. I think that lost control because of their lack of care for the actual patrons. Water and bathrooms should be in abundance and easy to access, especially on hot days with no shade. We are taking all the steps necessary to make sure all those things don’t happen at Irate.”