Rock Monsters

When: Saturday 2 December, 2:30pm onwards
Where: Butlers Reef, 1133 South Road, Oakura, New Plymouth

Purchase Tickets


Join us as Waxstar Touring & Panhead Custom Ales proudly bring you an unforgettable experience – ROCK MONSTERS 2023!

For all the devoted fans of Metalcore, Progressive Rock & Metal, it’s time to celebrate because the ultimate heavy prog festival is about to descend upon Butlers Reef, Oakura on Saturday, December 02. Brace yourself, because this festival is not for the faint-hearted.

Prepare to witness seven phenomenal bands that have been tearing up stages across New Zealand, Australia, and beyond. This December, these musical powerhouses will come together under the colossal marquee of ROCK MONSTERS, creating an unrivaled spectacle that defies all technological limitations. Get ready to immerse yourself in a day and night filled with uncompromising metal chaos in the heart of Aotearoa!

Prepare for an electrifying experience as the phenomenal metal band NORTHLANE takes center stage as the headliner of ROCK MONSTERS 2023.

With their unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries and unparalleled creativity, NORTHLANE has become a pioneering force in the heavy music scene worldwide.

Their sixth studio album, Obsidian (2022), received rave reviews from critics and made an explosive entrance at the top spot of the ARIA Album Chart, marking their second #1 album and fourth album to reach the Top 3. The band’s remarkable achievements don’t stop there; they have also been honored with three consecutive ARIA Awards for Best Hard Rock or Heavy Metal Album, along with an AIR Award for Best Independent Heavy Album.

WRITTEN BY WOLVES, the sensational rock group, have gained a well-deserved reputation for their electrifying and energetic live performances. They have had the privilege of sharing the stage with renowned international heavyweights, including Machine Gun Kelly, Limp Bizkit, Pendulum, Sublime With Rome, Suicidal Tendencies, Hed PE, Falling In Reverse, Escape The Fate, We The Kings, Four Year Strong, Stevie Stone, Kehlani, and have embarked on consecutive tours with two of New Zealand’s most prominent rock bands, Devilskin and Blindspott.

Their impressive list of collaborations showcases the band’s versatility and their ability to captivate audiences alongside established industry giants.

CROOKED ROYALS possess a unique talent for extracting harmony from the unexpected. Blending the raw power of metalcore with mind-bending moments of progressive experimentation, alternative melodies, and even elements of nocturnal trap R&B, the band effortlessly transitions between genres.

With a deft and dynamic approach, CROOKED ROYALS fearlessly navigate beyond conventional boundaries. Having amassed millions of independent streams and shared stages with notable genre leaders, they have honed their artistic vision to perfection. Now, they unveil their full-length debut album, Quarter Life Daydream, released through the esteemed label 3DOT Recordings, solidifying their status as a rising force in the music industry.

When you combine the fiery and dynamic vocals of Dity with the hard-hitting, groove-infused talents of the Raven brothers, you get the unstoppable force known as CORIDIAN.

Hailing from Auckland, this four-piece group is rapidly making a name for themselves as one of the most exciting new acts in Kiwi rock.

CORIDIAN has embarked on extensive tours across Aotearoa, headlining their own shows and sharing the stage with renowned New Zealand acts such as Devilskin, City of Souls, I AM GIANT, Ekko Park, Dead Favors, Skinny Hobos, and Written by Wolves.

Not limited to their home turf, CORIDIAN has also provided support for international acts including Skillet (USA), P.O.D (USA), Fuel (USA), Fozzy (USA), Sumo Cyco (CAN), and Red Sea (AUS). With their electrifying performances and impressive lineup of collaborations, CORIDIAN is proving to be a force to be reckoned with on both local and international stages.

Having extensively toured throughout their magnificent homeland, PULL DOWN THE SUN are intimately familiar with the New Zealand music scene. With their exceptional caliber of modern metal, they have been personally selected to support numerous local and international acts.

PULL DOWN THE SUN effortlessly crafts a captivating sonic landscape that seamlessly transitions from heavy and unpredictable to brooding and atmospheric, and even to ethereal and uplifting, all with remarkable ease. Their musical journey has led them to the release of their highly acclaimed debut album, ‘Of Valleys and Mountains’, which has garnered critical praise and accolades up to the year 2020.

CLAEMUS‘ music can be best described as a fusion of captivating odd-meter rhythms, infectious melodies, and powerful guitar riffs. While being a three-piece metal band, they defy expectations by incorporating a diverse range of sounds into their music. From mesmerizing synthesizers to lush orchestral arrangements and harmonious vocal layers, CLAEMUS explores a wide sonic palette.

With this expansive array of sounds, CLAEMUS crafts dynamic and exhilarating compositions that guarantee each piece of music possesses a distinct and original character. Despite the variety in their sound, every song remains uniquely identifiable as a creation of CLAEMUS.

ELIDI delves into the realm of heavy, propulsive, and progressive rock, interlaced with moments of introspective contemplation. With a keen awareness of their surroundings and a visionary mindset, they explore diverse musical and lyrical themes rooted in groove and rhythm.

In 2018, ELIDI made their mark with the release of their debut EP titled “Sin,” which received critical acclaim. The EP was expertly recorded and produced by the talented trio of Sam K Sproull, Jon Grace, and music legend Tom Larkin at Homesurgery Recordings in Melbourne, Australia.

Currently, ELIDI is in the midst of crafting their first full-length album, driven by a mission to push their sound to new horizons. They strive to create music that not only reflects their perspective on the world but also serves as a mirror for the listeners. With this upcoming album, ELIDI aims to continue their artistic evolution and deliver a powerful sonic experience.