Triumphant hardcore returns to the Meteor

 Local bands are returning to Hamilton’s Meteor Theatre this weekend for the annual Hamtown Smakdown hardcore music festival.

This return comes days before the one-year anniversary of the closure of underground concert venue Void, where last year’s Hamtown Smakdown was held.

Chief organiser Sam Chumz, said in previous years the Meteor was too expensive as a venue.

However, the Meteor has now changed hands and is more affordable so, with no alternative venue, the festival is making a return to its original space.

This year is the biggest the event has ever been, with nine bands each night.

But Chumz says the number of bands is not the only reason why this year’s festival will be a success.

“Because it’s Hamtown Smakdown people will come anyway, regardless of the bands that are playing, and because of the hype that has been building since Void closed down.”

Vocalist for the band Downside and promoter of the event, Rob Thompson, agrees.

“I think people will be stoked that it is back at the Meteor after being at Void last year. Nobody thought it would be back there again.”

The hardcore culture in Hamilton has been in decline since the closure of Void, Thompson said.

“When Void was open [the hardcore scene] was alive, and more people were interested in going to shows. Now, there is more drinking than watching.”

Downside guitarist and fellow promoter, Michael Clapham, says the reason people were going to Void changed.

“Chumz started it as drug and alcohol-free. There is Wrongskate, but it doesn’t have the same values as Void did.”

But they both agree that Hamtown Smakdown brings a sense of community to the hardcore scene, with friends from Auckland and Wellington travelling to Hamilton for the event.

“It’s a congregation of people who like the same music.”

Bands this year include Wizz Kids, Downside, Hammer Time, Electric Mayhem, the Penny Dreadfuls and more.

Demonstrate, one of the bands returning for Hamtown Smakdown 2014. Photo copyright Dallas Houghton.

Hamtown Smakdown is on this Friday 21 and Saturday 22, with doors opening at 6pm and the first band up 7pm.

Tickets are $15 for Friday, $10 for Saturday or $20 for a festival pass, and can be purchased at the door.

Hamtown Smakdown is an all-ages, no drugs, alcohol or violence event.