Three metalcore bands from high schools in Tauranga – who all made it to 2023’s Smokefree Rockquest finals – are collaborating in a ‘first of its kind’ concert here in the city tonight.

Tauranga Metal Fusion is on Saturday night, October 21, at The Jam Factory – and will combine the talents of Requiem from Bethlehem College, Papamoa College’s Radiation, and Liminal from Tauranga Boys’ College.

Requiem’s lead guitarist Jakob Keam, says they were the only Tauranga metal bands to enter the Bay of Plenty regional competition.

“We’ve played at the same events like open mic nights and we all made it to the finals of the regional Rockquest with Radiation placing third. This is our very first self-organised event with multiple bands, though, and we’re pretty excited about it.”

The young musicians from around the Bay bonded over their shared love of metal.  

“It’s a genre that we all enjoy and the best way to express ourselves.

“Some kids do sport, but we love to perform on-stage. There are always nerves but that just goes as soon as we start playing. We really enjoy it.”

The teens have performed for large school assemblies with up to 1500 in the audience, but they’re keeping this gig small.

“The Jam Factory is a cool space for us to start out in. We wanted to start small with a venue that takes around 50 or 60 people and keep the entry cost down,” says Dave.

“We’ve been working hard to create an unforgettable live experience for our fans and the entire community.”

The bands perform a mix of covers and original material.

“We work on our own songs and love performing those but we also play a few covers. It’s a great way to develop as a musician and learn from bands that are already successful,” says Jakob.

“We have our own blend of powerful melodies, crushing riffs, and great lyrics, so we are ready to set the stage on fire at our upcoming concert.”

Tauranga Metal Fusion is happening Saturday, October 21, from 7pm-9.30pm at The Jam Factory, 159 17th Avenue, Tauranga South. Tickets are $5 each from https://www.flowcode.com/page/requiem