A FULL-blown metal experience featuring local groups and bands with an international profile is set to take Lancaster by storm this week.

The headline acts include US band Apartment 26, known for their trademark techno sounds and metal riffs and the fact their front man is the son of Black Sabbath’s bassist.

The group, who last played in the UK at the 2001 Ozzfest, grew up listening to a curious mix from the Nine Inch Nails and Fear Factor to the Prodigy and their major label debut Hallucinating saw fans moshing and raving side by side.

The second band is Fony - whose new album Circles scored well with critics in Kerrang music magazine who awarded it 4/5 stars.

The group met in college and forged their diverse, experimental sound in that well-known home of rock - Surrey.

Their 2002 album Routine Irregular was critically acclaimed by the nation’s biggest music publications and helped launch the group to a much wider audience. Subsequently the band achieved a number seven slot in Kerrang’s Best New Band category for 2002.

The third band Scenes was formerly known as Vex Red. The group are a familiar name on the festival circuit and have developed a large following under their new name.

Meanwhile, local bands performing at the band extravaganza night include Kendal-based groups 5000 BC and Kyra.

The gig is on Thursday, November 20, at the Yorkshire House in Lancaster, near the Sugar House.

Other local bands interested in taking part in similar future events should email bands@hate-records.com For further info on the gig, visit www.hate-records.com.