From thrash to punk, hardcore to groove, the Ballito Metal Tsunami Festival lit up the Pumpkin Theatre at La Montagne on Saturday.

The festival’s popularity indicates a local resurgence of heavy metal.

The event marked the culmination of a carefully built series, with organisers Ballito Metal Tsunami hosting three free lead-up shows in the months preceding the festival. Organisers said the build-up events were designed to rebuild the local metal community and generate momentum ahead of the final showcase.

Seven bands took to the stage, keeping the crowd energised throughout the night. Performances by Thégøràth, Nine Refrain, Guerilla Tactics, Type 7, War Pigs, Homosapien and Sons of Hurricane showcased the diversity and intensity of the underground metal scene, drawing enthusiastic support from fans.

Organisers described Saturday’s festival as more than just a live music event, saying it reflected a renewed appetite for heavy music on the North Coast.

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