Strong lineups, buzzing crowds, and anticipation for its return made this inaugural outing an all-around beast of an event.
Text, Photographs by Katie Lewellyn (@katielewellyn.photo) at
The Observatory in Santa Ana and House of Blues in Anaheim on
September 16 & 17, 2023:
A new year is here and with it comes a wealth of new tour announcements, one-off anniversary shows, and a variety of other special live performances that will be talked about for years to come. Though we're months past this article's event of focus, we'd be remiss not to mention the greatness that was the inaugural Metal Injection Festival in Southern California as we begin another busy few months ahead.
Metal Injection took over The Observatory in Santa Ana and House of Blues in Anaheim for back to back nights of new blood, trailblazing standouts, and established greats, including the likes of Heaviest of Art favorites Upon Stone, Dead Heat, Spirit Adrift, Machine Head, Fear Factory, Testament, and a remarkable Morbid Devastations Sepultura set. In short, the madness was there from beginning to end for all to enjoy, regardless of where you stand on the metal spectrum. With a reception this grand, the festival's 2024 return is likely.
Until then, dive through photo galleries from the festival, which are available below for your viewing.
Upon Stone
Spirit Adrift
Incite
Dead Heat
Exhumed
Fear Factory
Machine Head
Cavalera
Testament
