This is TOTAL FEST VIII !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Total Fest is 3 nights, 50 bands, a record swap, a bbq, @Missoula, @the Badlander.

I could only attend Saturday, but it was more than enough. I don't think I have the kind of rock-conditioning necessary to survive all three days.

Thanks Josh, Nikki, and everyone else involved. It was amazing....

(pics: Japanther, Glassell Park #3)

Damage Done

Hardcore. Straight up

on the way back to Coeur d'Alene today we stopped in St. Regis Montana to pee (its about half way and i have a very sensitive bladder). As I was walking down the isle the singer for Damage Done walked toward me. I immediately flashed my new Total Fest VIII shirt, fist bumped him, and told him that they ruled.

Sandrider

Although Akimbo wasn't playing this Total Fest, I kept seeing dudes from Akimbo walking around and watching bands. Turns out, two dudes from Akimbo and some other cat are called Sandrider and they as battle as all hell. This was an unexpected gift from the Total Gods and it was goooooooooooood.

Goddammitboyhowdy

punk rock, straight up

Japanther

after they spent five minutes making a goddamn health drink in a blender on stage, Japanther pounced on the Badlander to end the evening in a joyous sweat-and-pabst soaked dance orgy.

El Zombi Gato

Millie trying her best to attract zombies

Git Some

These guys were incredible, they sound exactly as their name implies. The singer, however, was standing in front of me during Helms Alee and kept fist-pumping his hand in my face.

Helms Alee

For me, this was the band of the night. Not-so-subtle ambience combined with acutely reserved brutality.