ZYMURDERFEST 4: Northern Wisconsin's Biggest Metal Fest Returns in August
Menomonie metalheads unite as Zymurderfest 4 draws night at Zymurgy Brewing Co.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The lineup for the festival has changed slightly since the July 27 issue went to press. The updated lineup is below.
Billed as the biggest metal fest in Northern Wisconsin, Zymurderfest 4 will ensue when 10 bands from nine different states descend upon the stage at Zymurgy Brewing Co. (624 Main St. E, Menomonie) on Aug. 12 all afternoon and evening.
“This fest is for extreme metalheads who like feeling the bass in their chest and guitar riffs in their ears,” says Zymurgy’s promoter, Dustyn Dubuque. Zymurderfest 4 will be headlined by death metal band Narcotic Wasteland from North Carolina.
Zymurderfest 4 Lineup:
- Narcotic Wasteland (North Carolina)
- Embryonic Autopsy (Illinois)
- Gorgatron (North Dakota)
- Nest (Missouri)
- Maniacal Force
- Ancient Entities
- Sexual Atrocities (Wisconsin)
- Pantheon (Arkansas)
- Forced to Rot (Ohio)
- Celestial Serpent (Illinois)
- Dead Soul Symphony (Wisconsin)
- And introducing: Iced Wrist (Nebraska)
The first Zymurderfest was held back in 2019 for Zymurgy Brewing owner and Head Brewer Jon Christiansen’s birthday. That first show was meant to be a one-off music-laden party but the turnout was large and all the bands loved the vibe, with the smaller venue offering intimate opportunities for band/fan interactions and an up-close concert experience. Given the success of that first fest, post-COVID, Zymurgy has held dozens of metal shows including annual iterations of Zymurderfest, its hosting of French tech-death metal band Gorod, and its most recent show presenting Metal at the Mabel at the historic Mabel Tainter Theater in downtown Menomonie.
“We really want Zymurderfest to be a premiere metal destination,” Dubuque says. Past and present events draw audiences from the Twin Cities and other surrounding areas. This year’s event will have Souls of Fire providing between-band entertainment such as fire dancing and fire breathing. Vendors, including Big Ash Pizza and its delicious wood-fired pizzas, will be on-site.
“WE REALLY WANT ZYMURDERFEST TO BE A PREMIERE METAL DESTINATION.”
dustyn dubuque
Zymurgy brewing co. promoter
Christiansen said they will also be brewing up a special small batch of beer for this year’s Zymurderfest called Wizard Robe. At 4.2% ABV, Wizard Robe is a very easy-drinking, light-bodied, black ale that will be offered at the event inside the brewery and outside in Zymurgy’s expanded parking lot area.
“Outside of the great music and amazing beer (plus beer specials), we are encouraging attendees to have a great time with a fun atmosphere,” Dubuque says.
“These metal events at Zymurgy have become a staple for northern Wisconsin metalheads. …We love the fans and the bands alike!” Christiansen adds.
Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.
Zymurderfest 4 will be held on Aug. 12 at Zymurgy Brewing Company,625 Main St. E, Menomonie, with doors opening at 3pm. Learn more about Zymurgy Brewing on its website and Facebook. Zymurderfest has always sold out in the past, so it is strongly suggested to get tickets ahead of time for this year’s show. To grab tickets and even snag limited VIP passes, visit Volume One Tickets.
