These were the openers. The ones who I went to the show not knowing well, and left loving. The ones that had short little sets that made big impressions. These are the 10 bands to go see in 2010.
Click on the band’s name for my review of their show
10. Nihilist

Part of the neo-thrash movement, I was particularly fond of the guitarist and drummer for this band.
9. Ufomammut

Italian psychedelic metal….amazing musicians and also great poster artists.
8. Chthonic

Taiwanese black metal with a super hot bassist and a fantastic aesthetic.

Neo-thrash meets black metal, this band already has a strong cult following but I expect they’ll get bigger next year.
6. The Amenta

Australian black metal with a very wicked frontman…..this was one of the best surprise sets of the year for me.
5. Iron Age

Also part of the neo-thrash movement, but with a southern spin as they are from Austin.
4. Warbringer

Excellent neo-thrash band with great live energy that have been on tour non stop.

German black metal band that put on a graceful performance and have great songs.

Amazing live band who, like Toxic Holocaust, skirt both thrash and black metal.

Also a thrash/death metal band…their performance will blow your mind and they are FEMALE FRONTED!