Heavy Dates

It doesn't get much better, or more twisted, than the line-up this Friday at the Lucky Dog. It's Social Miscreant Night. Expect an over-the-top set from Upsidedown Cross, whose name pretty much sums them up. Last time they played (back in the Harlow Street Worcester Artist Group days) live earthworms and statues of Mary (yep, that Mary) were featured in conjunction with the music. Makes for quite a visual, no? Word has it they've been combing the thrift-store circuit for more religious artifacts to defile, so come down early to collect your express pass to Hell. Headlining are Villain, a flock of chuckleheads whose goal is to, in their words, "become the most-hated band in the city." No kidding. Jujitsu also play a set. Speaking of Hell, it'll be a hell of a sight down on Main Street with three days of impending mayhem. The First Annual New England Metal and Hardcore Festival kicks-off at the Palladium. Morbid Angel headline Friday. Napalm Death, Converge, and Hatebreed also highlight the bill. At Commercial Street it's a CD release for those sexy muthas of Downchild. Their sophmore disc, The Mr. Romo Sessions, is a step-up lesson in hipsterism. If being a Huggy Bear-style pimp is your idea of suave, you're set. If you're a fan of the Loomers, you'll definitely dig the vibe of the Amazing Mudshark. Three-part harmony, breezy grooves, and sorry-for-me lyrics equal a swell soundtrack for beer drinking and flirting. They play the Firehouse Cafe. On Saturday the nod goes to art-rock faves Woodgrain Theory. Worcester's answer to Six Finger Satellite and Thee Hydrogen Terrors, Gaffney and Co. lead the pack at the Lucky Dog. Boy's Attic, Ill Moon, and the Ladd Foundation also play. And a little bird told us that there will definitely be some important record-type folk in the crowd, so come on down and show a little support. You can also take action on who's being assessed by the Powers of Music. Elsewhere, say howdy to longtime faves Plainfolk, who play Cafe Fantastique, and the Metalfest shifts into high gear with a set from GWAR. Personally, we're also fond of Shango's metal mafia schtick. They actually have two "wise guys" as backing singers. As usual, look for Seven Hill Psychos to answer the call with a big set, and keep an eye on locals Warhorse and God Stands Still. What could be better on Sunday than a blistering set from Scissorfight? Anything up-to-and-including a kick in the ass, singer Ironlung would be more than happy to administer personally. Named for one of pornography's more "artistic" feats, they highlight day number three of the metal/hardcore meltdown. Manowar close out the festivities, with locals Bane and Fortydaysrain turning in earlier sets.

-- John O'Neill