For a weekend a year for the past decade throngs of Punk-Rockers and Metalheads converge on the tiny town of Montebello, Quebec somewhere in the middle of Ottawa and Montreal for Amnesia Rockfest 10th anniversary edition. (Are we going to see more Sens fans than Habs Fans this year?) Here are my Top 5 Must see Bands for the weekend.
Taking the stage later this evening as part of the "Fuck Sponsors" Night, these vets from Manitoba are sure to get the crowd going and ready for the weekend. These guys have been at this game a long time. Signed to Fat Wreck Chords in 1992, they are not a band to shy away from polarizing lyrics. Well known for their staunch defence of numerous causes such as Human/Animal Rights and have outwardly spoken out through their music against Sexism, Homophobia and Capitalism. A band that has grown from Skate-Punk to a more Metal/Thrash style all the while maintaining the energy that makes them my top band to see this weekend.
2. Less Than JakeThis festival is going to be littered with seasoned vets of the Punk/Ska scene and this outfit from Gainesville Florida is no exception. Since their first release Pezcore, in 1995 Less Than Jake have been at the forefront of that scene. Great energy with lots of horns and Sing-along songs. Hitting the stage early on Saturday, these guys are sure to wake up the crowd.
3. DescendentsBringing Day 2 to a close is a reunion show by Decendents. From the first wave of California Skate punk, formed in 1977. A band that is as catchy as they are quick. Smart lyrics and deadly hooks. Not that they needed the headline set time to attract the attention of all festival goers, it was considerate of the organizers to give it to them for the sake of any other band that would be playing simultaneously.
4. RefusedAnother reunion set, this time right in the heart of Saturday's action at 7:30. Refused come to us all the way from Sweden and are no strangers to festivals having played at Coachella, Pukklepop and Roskilde. After the split of 1998 and the vow to never again play music together it is a treat for festival goers to get a rare glimpse of the magic that is a live set from Refused. Refused's energy, at a perfect time of the day, is certain to give everyone a boost for the evening.
5. Rancid- Performing ...And Out Come The WolvesIf you've ever even dabbled in Punk music you know at least one song from this album, if not more. One of the quintessential albums of the genre, being able to see it performed front to back will be a huge thrill for this crowd.
Stay tuned throughout the weekend for more from Amnesia Rockfest 2015...