Dern Rutlidge have long been regarded as one of the pioneers of Australian stoner rock. Formed in the late 1990’s from the ashes of Christbait, and joined by Blood Duster bassist Jason PC, the band hit the ground running with the recording of their High as the Sun EP in 1998.

However, It was 2000’s full length LP Johnny No Stars that caused a slew of interest Australia wide which gained the band high rotation on Triple J for their anthemic Lines on the Table single. This resulted in appearances on the Sydney and Melbourne Big Day Out Festivals in 2002, and a hectic touring schedule within Australia and overseas before parting ways in 2003.

Since then, there has been sporadic and brief reunion shows, but this current line up featuring Canberra’s own doom legend Josh Nixon is in fine form after headlining the River Rocks Festival in Geelong. This will be Dern Rutlidge’s first ever performance in the nation’s capital, so you don’t want to miss it.

Joining them will be Canberra’s own Witchskull who have been carving their own unique niche in Australia’s Doom Metal scene for a decade. Releasing 4 full length LP’S, with the last 3 through the UK’s revered Rise Above Records, the band are still riding high on the success of their current opus The Serpent Tide. Previously described as the glue sniffing bastard son of Black Sabbath and Motorhead, Witchskull are as feral in appearance as they noise they make. Previously voted best live act in the ACT, this power trio is fast becoming one of the nation’s capitals finest live entities.

Old school thrash newcomers Blood Trails, featuring some of Sydney’s longest serving stalwarts in the Oz metal scene will be making their Canberra debut, and Canberra’s Voodoo Acid Space Kings (VASK) kick things off with their unique blend of psych stoner rock…