Infused Productions held their annual “Merry Metal Xmas” Christmas show at Diesel Concert Lounge in Chesterfield, Michigan on December 20th. They sponsored the Toys for Tots fundraiser, where 75% of the proceeds went. They host 10-12 bands every year, and support small businesses and vendors. Amongst the metal bands were Eternity Awaits, Kougaran, Second Salem, and headliner YaYo, all presenting different sub-genres of metal music throughout the venue.
Eternity Awaits were definitely in the Christmas spirit, performing their snarling vocals in conjunction with clean backup vocals and powerful guitar riffs, all while sporting Christmas sweaters and even an elf costume. This band from Taylor Michigan was definitely a must see, as they brought both high energy metalcore and Christmas cheer to the Diesel Theatre stage.
Kougaran lit up the Diesel Lounge area stage, practically illustrating what “A New Generation of Detroit Rock with some Old Soul” sounds like, rendering intense guitar solos, clean vocals, and even a guitarist dressed as a pirate. And if you ever wanted to hear classic rock covers with a unique twist, this is the band to listen to.
Second Salem hit us with a gothic aura seen in their makeup and aesthetic, smoothly transitioning from clean vocals to screaming effortlessly. They featured a guitarist doing backup vocals, as well as another member of the band wearing a leather dog mask, giving BDSM vibes. If you like the post-hardcore goth metal sound and energy, listen to Second Salem from Detroit Michigan.
Cody Hardwick from Eternity Awaits featured his vocals on “Nemesis” by YaYo, coexisting with Jon White’s bellowing false chord screams. YaYo is a metalcore band from Detroit, Michigan, known for their crushing breakdowns, aggressive vocals, and a raw hardcore-influenced sound. YaYo fits alongside the newer generation of metalcore acts that prioritize energy and authenticity, channeling that into music that feels physical, hostile, and meant to be experienced live rather than passively listened to.
Merry Metal Xmas was definitely a fun yet chaotic event, portraying what a true merry and metal Christmas should be. Keep a lookout for these iconic local Michigan metal bands, and stay headbanging throughout the holidays.
Until next show- Angelica Nagy
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