Bands 2010

OMEN (US)
Kenny Powell and his legendary OMEN is considered one of the godfathers of US Metal. With thousands of gigs, but none in Norway, we’re looking forward to that moment when we’re all singing “Death Rider”.
MySpace

TANK (UK)
Really, there’s no need to say much about TANK, being one of the real legends of NWOBHM, and we’re extremely happy to welcome the heavy metal war machine to the Oslo winter nights. Since the start back in 1980, TANK has presented classic stuff for fans of all ages, and delivering magnificent albums throughout the 80’s alongside heavy touring, the revitalized filth hounds of Hades are ready for the payback attack on the vikings!
MySpace

SLOUGH FEG (US)
Back at the end of the 80’s, heavy metal seemed like a sinking ship, more or less finished with the party, and ready to pass on the alternative rock throne to grunge and its likes. But fortunately not everyone saw that as a great idea. Releasing three demos in the first half of the 90’s, Slough Feg soon became an instant cult classic in the frontline of the campaign of true metal. Now, for the first time, we’re going to see this awesome act on these shores, and alongside other great bands, they’re welcoming you all to the METAL MERCHANTS FESTIVAL 2010!
Official website
MySpace

THE LAMP OF THOTH (UK)
Probably our youngest starter in 2010, nonetheless with the quality and sound of ages melted together. Imagine Cathedral doing theatre with the help of Lamented Souls. This is what you get. Weird, funny and GREAT doom metal.

MySpace

NECRONOMICON (GER)
The german book of death is once again opened, and its most thrashy parts you’ll read in Oslo! This is a treat.
Official website
MySpace

DARK QUARTERER (ITA)
So, You thought we couldn’t go further back or more underground? Think again! This band is older than all of the promoters of Metal Merchants Festival, and is truly one of the hidden treasures and godfathers of epic heavy metal. From Italy, we present the one and only DARK QUARTERER! The fact that no album was released until the godlike debut “Dark Quarterer” in 1987, with the insane follow up of classic “The Etruscan Prophecy”, cannot diminish DARK QUARTERER’S earlier existence, of which you all can find on i.e Youtube. For the first time we present keyboards at Metal Merchants Festival, and for the first time we can really titulate ourselves an epic festival! Not all way leads to Rome, but the Etruscan way leads to Oslo in January!

http://www.myspace.com/darkquarterer

ANIHILATED (UK)
This is a personal moment of joy for us at Metal Merchants Festival. Long before thrash metal had gotten a grip on the British metal scene, ANIHILATED laid ground for vicious crossover and thrash metal, and even punk in the early days, for a whole scene. There will be innocent victims and slaughter at Metal Merchants Festival when ANIHILATED kicks off.
MySpace

TORCH (SWE)
We are truly proud to present one of the original Scandinavian heavy metal bands at Metal Merchants Festival 2010. Founded in 1979, and releasing classics such as “Torch” and “Electrikiss” throughout the 80’s, Dan Dark and company made sure that Swedish heavy metal wasn’t soon to be forgotten. After touring with the likes of Motörhead and Warlock, TORCH was put on hold, until Dan Dark once again lit the flame a few years back. In January they will be raising fire at John Dee, and YOU better be there!
MySpace

SOLITAIRE (FI)
We started a speed metal ball this year with Beehler and Enforcer, and we loved it. Therefore we decided to look to the speed metal desert of Finland, and invite the awesome SOLITAIRE. This is gonna be kickass on stage! Be there!
Official website

LAMENTED SOULS (NOR)
Norwegian doom isn’t really the first blend people think of when it comes to metal. But if we had more bands like LAMENTED SOULS, it could easily be. In good doom tradition, things have never gone fast with LAMENTED SOULS, but since the start in 1991, they have at least managed to gather their do(om)ings on the highly recommended “The Origins of Misery”. Much of the lack of productivity could be set in relation to the many other bands the guys are working with, so it’s extra nice that they put in an effort to visit us in January. We’re really looking forward to seeing LAMENTED SOULS back on stage, taking their time with us Metal Merchants in an otherwise busy time schedule.
MySpace