Denver’s heavy music community extends far beyond the concert stage. From rehearsal spaces and independent record stores to restaurants built around heavy metal culture, there are plenty of places where musicians and fans connect outside of live shows.
In this episode of Denver Metal Things, we spend the day with members of Unscathed, visit one of Denver’s longtime independent music stores, and wrap up the adventure with dinner at one of the city’s most recognizable metal-themed restaurants.
If you’re looking to experience more of Denver’s metal culture, this itinerary offers several destinations worth checking out.
Behind the Scenes at Unscathed’s Practice Space
The episode begins with a visit to the rehearsal space used by members of Unscathed, offering a rare look at where the band prepares for live performances.
Instead of focusing only on music, the conversation explores the personalities behind the instruments. Topics range from battle jackets and favorite bands to rehearsing for shows and the dedication required to perform extreme metal.
The visit also includes an entertaining discussion about one of metal’s signature drumming techniques—blast beats.
Breaking Down Blast Beats
For musicians and newer metal fans, blast beats can seem intimidating, but the band provides an easy-to-understand explanation of several common styles used in extreme metal.
The discussion covers:
- Traditional blast beats
- Hammer blasts
- Bomb blasts
- Euro blasts
- Coordination between hands and feet
- The precision required to perform each style
It’s a fun introduction to one of the defining techniques found throughout death metal, black metal, and grindcore.
Battle Jackets and Metal Culture
Another topic explored during the rehearsal visit is the tradition of building a battle jacket.
Rather than simply buying merchandise, many metal fans customize denim jackets or vests over several years by collecting patches from concerts they’ve attended or bands they’ve performed with.
Each jacket becomes a personal history of concerts, favorite artists, and memories from the local metal scene, making no two battle jackets exactly alike.
Crate Digging at Angelo’s CDs & More
After leaving the practice space, the episode heads to Angelo’s CDs & More, one of Denver’s best-known destinations for music collectors.
The store offers an impressive selection that includes:
- New and used CDs
- Vinyl records
- DVDs and Blu-rays
- Music memorabilia
- Collectibles
- Hard-to-find releases
Browsing independent record stores remains one of the best ways to discover albums you may never encounter through streaming services, and Angelo’s continues to be a favorite stop for collectors across Colorado.
During the visit, we also chat with the staff about Record Store Day, discussing the excitement surrounding exclusive releases and the long lines that form each year for limited-edition pressings.
Discovering New Music
One of the pleasures of visiting a physical record store is stumbling across albums you weren’t planning to buy.
Throughout the visit, we browse the shelves, discuss favorite releases, and talk about the differences between collecting physical media and streaming music online. Whether you’re searching for classic metal, underground releases, or newer artists, Angelo’s offers something for virtually every music fan.
Dinner at Brutal Poodle
The day concludes with dinner at Brutal Poodle, one of Denver’s most unique restaurants for heavy music fans.
Everything about the restaurant embraces metal culture, from the décor to the music playing throughout the dining room.
The menu even includes creatively named food and drinks inspired by metal bands and songs, making it a destination that’s as entertaining as it is delicious.
For this visit, the group ordered several popular menu items, including:
- Brutal Burger
- Two-Step Chicken and Waffles
- Grilled Cheese with Tater Tots
- Smoked Brisket
The restaurant also features themed cocktails, creating an atmosphere where conversations about favorite bands are just as common as discussions about the food.
Why Denver’s Metal Community Stands Out
One theme that runs throughout the episode is how connected Denver’s metal scene continues to be.
Musicians rehearse together, support local record stores, gather at independent restaurants, and build lasting friendships through a shared passion for heavy music. It’s a reminder that the local scene isn’t just about concerts—it’s about the community that surrounds them.
Final Thoughts
Episode 4 of Denver Metal Things showcases several sides of Denver’s heavy music culture in a single day. From learning about blast beats with Unscathed to browsing the shelves at Angelo’s CDs & More and ending the night with dinner at Brutal Poodle, the episode highlights businesses and people that help make Colorado’s metal scene unique.
Whether you’re a musician, collector, or simply a fan looking for new places to explore, these stops deserve a place on your Denver itinerary.
Watch the full episode on YouTube for the complete tour, interviews, music discussions, and a closer look at some of the people and places that keep Denver’s metal community thriving.
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