The festival includes an assortment of headliner-status and personally-chosen unsigned artists, including three bands that will be making their U.S. debuts. Bands already confirmed are: Dew Scented, Kittie, Divine Heresy, Mustasch, Daylight Dies, Bleed The Sky, Into Eternity, Ekotren, Skeletonwitch, The Destro, Gigan (ex-Hate Eternal), Psyopus, Level-C, Obszon Geschopf, Black Chapel, Demiricous, Gates of Slumber, Threat Signal, and The Absence. In all, the festival will host 60 bands over the two days.

With an extensive background in the music business and live show promotion, promoter Rob Mason has modeled the Indianapolis Metal Fest to encompass all sub-genres of metal for a well-rounded and diverse lineup of bands.

"In addition to a great American lineup, we're bringing in bands from Sweden, Germany, France, South America, and Canada," Mason said. "Mustasch, for example, are huge in Europe. They recently won the Swedish equivalent of a Grammy award, and they're making their U.S. debut at Indianapolis Metal Fest."

Mason also remains committed to his original vision of shining the spotlight on the Indianapolis metal scene and the bands who grind it out in local venues every day.

"Even though the fest has increased in size, I'm very dedicated to the idea that IMF will be a catalyst to present opportunities to local and regional talent," he said. "A band we put on the stage at IMF last year was signed as a direct result of their performance. They weren't a local band, but the opportunity was there."

The show will take place at Madame Walker Theater, located at 617 Indiana Avenue in Indianapolis. Tickets go on sale Saturday, July 12 and cost $30 in advance/$40 at the door for a two-day admission. Tickets will be available through www.indianapolismetalfest.com and at select retails locations.