In the 1980s, heavy metal had a cult-like following in Baltimore. Suburban metalheads could always be counted on to fill several local venues, including the now-demolished Capital Centre and Hammerjacks at its original location near I-395. Back then, Boot Camp, The Ravynns and Crack the Sky were the big hard rock draws in town, along with Kix—one of Baltimore's more famous metal exports. (Baltimore's laid claim to worse, right? Murders. STDs. Sisqo.)
Today, a full-fledged metal revival is emerging on the North American underground scene, and Baltimore provides several venues—
The Ottobar,
The Sidebar,
Talking Head,
Sonar,
Fletcher's and
Recher Theatre—that cater to those with hard rock tendencies. Would-be metal heroes are plugging in down-tuned guitars as a new generation of headbangers fill the city's venues. Here's a selection of
Baltimore's metal musicians.
