Formed in August 2017 by Brett Lee (guitar/vocals/percussion) and Charlie Burleson (percussion), Ape Vermin is a sludge metal trio hailing from Valdese, North Carolina that delivers progressive, primal and percussive grooves to the masses. Birthed from the same vein of doomy prog acts such as Conan, Sumac, and Slabdragger, they are a treat for anyone who wishes to indulge in thick, tasteful riffs and a heavy, distorted overall sound. After enlisting the talents of  Charlie Burleson and Jeb Laird (bassist/backup vocals), the band began writing and the debut album “Sonic Monolith” was released in June of 2018 with a great response. Sonic Monolith is the story of higher beings with a malevolent plan to release a dangerous subspecies of an ape with the ultimate goal of re-propagating the galaxy. Still a fledgling band, Ape Vermin continues to push their limits as musicians, and test different styles, genres and influence to further develop their sound. Focusing on sludge and doom, Ape Vermin likes to keep things spicy with nods to black metal and prog. With future plans to tour, and release more albums as well a comic book, Ape Vermin is looking forward to the future.

Daytripper is a Phoenix, AZ–based doom metal band known for theatrical live performances and a steadily growing regional draw. Their debut album, Book I: The Trip and follow-up EP The Alchemist, received critical acclaim, including a #27 ranking (March 2024) and #21 (October 2025), on the Doom Charts, and established the band as a rising presence in the doom metal underground. In a short span, Daytripper has shared the stage with respected acts such as Conan, REZN, and Castle Rat, and continues to build momentum through consistent touring. The band has appeared at Maryland Doom Fest and Darren Death Fest, and received coverage from Stoned Hive, Outlaws of the Sun, and Rich & Turbo’s Heavy Half Hour. In 2026, Daytripper will support their latest release, The Alchemist, with a focused West Coast tour, targeting key markets including Phoenix, Tucson, Los Angeles, San Diego, the Bay Area, Portland, and Seattle.

Mean Green, who consist of Jake Helms (vocals, guitar), Alex Weirback (bass), and James Matthews (drums). They embrace the core of Metal music and creates a strong, passionate, and unapologetic sound. A sense of gloom and misery permeates their music, which is frequently distinguished by sluggish, crushing riffs, thudding drumming, and eerie voices.