as an old head, I'll just say that my understanding of how MDF came to be was that Ryan and Evan basically got sick of everyone else who was running fest doing a shitty job. think back to pre-2003: you had the Koschick fests where they'd throw a curtain up on the stage to make two stages and made half the lineup pay-to-play, or shows being cancelled and moved last second (I think it was that failure at Ohio Deathfest that may have even been directly cited as why they thought they could do a better job). If they're gone, I'm sure some people will be happy, but man, it sucks to lose people who understand the logistics and challenges of running major shows of this sort. there's people in the hardcore scene like Joe Hardcore and the folks at Furnacefest who get it, but outside that, good luck.

people complaining about "trashy" Marlyand Deathfest have never heard of Obscene Extreme. OE blows any fest out of the water in terms of "trashiness", or rather obscenity :)))

As a Baltimore native I literally grew up with MDF. I started going as a teenager back in the Sonar days and I just turned 30 this year. Even went to Auditory Assault, the fall mini-fest they only did for one year if anyone remembers that. I was way more into death metal back then, and those were my first experiences connecting with other people who listened to extreme music. After my first one, MDF always marked the beginning of the summer for me, and I planned every year around it. Even as my tastes started to change as I got a little older, mostly because I started getting high and gravitated towards doom and stoner metal, Deathfest still held me down with unforgettable performances from bands like Electric Wizard, Pentagram, Sleep, Saint Vitus, Uncle Acid & The Deadbeats, and more. It basically became tradition for me to take psychedelics on Sunday because that was usually the day when there was a lot of doom lol. This year my high school self was super satisfied with the lineup. I really don't want this year's fest to be the last one, but if it was then I'm forever grateful for the times that I've had there.

From my understanding, it’s not the damage that was caused by COVID that ultimately led to the discontinuation of the festival, (though it was undeniably a contributing factor) rather the insurance rates increasing by ca. 10x for such festivals with the Astroworld tragedy being the primary excuse. This, combined with, amongst other things, the US government crackdown on bands entering the country without work visas, has made the festival unsustainable for the organizers. Hopefully they will find a way to overcome these obstacles and continue the festival.

It was my first year going to MDF and went with two of my good friends. It was amazing to say the least First time seeing Tom G Cavalera Exhorder Demilich Necrophobic Sacramentum Birdflesh Coroner Such an amazing fest. So glad I went! I met Mike Browning from Nocturnus randomly right before Sacramentum. I walked into a bar near Power plant and ended up having a drink with the guys from Blood Incantation I saw the guys from Immolation just hanging out I saw Igor Cavalera casually walking by the merch Just super surreal and especially seeing TOM G. Greatest weekend of my life

Incredible final hurray for Maryland’s event. Panzerfaust, Dark Fortress, The Ruins of Beverast, Immolation, Demilich, Antichrist Siege Machine, Human Effluence, Suffering Hour, definitely my favorites. Wish we had run into you man, love your content.

Cloud Rat, Cephalic Carnage, Blood Incantation and Demlich overrides suicide and box lunch.

I went to every MDF from '08 til '18 and every one of those weekends was one of the best weekends of my life. It's so surreal getting into an elevator to go to the lobby and having just the entire lineup of Hail of Bullets get in with you. Lots of debauchery does happen but that's simply a biproduct of having a large amount of people together. It's always a great time regardless. TBH I feel the worst for all the hotel staff once we all collectively head home at the end. I seen way too many people piss in way too many places that arnt bathrooms.

That’s a very cool ram skull you got at Maryland Deathfest. Also, its cool that you have Florence + the Machine’s newest album in the background.

I believe Phyllomedusa also was also there handing out copies of "the Munz Grove Incident"

that shirt lookin spicy

That exhumed blanket is sick tho

Dude, Hellhammer was fucking incredible. Made my day. That said, I think it's not just that it's Baltimore and that it's an extreme metal fest, it's that it's an open air show. The open air brings out the real scummy folk. I was bummed I could only go Sunday but I still had a blast. It was nice meeting you there!

Yo dude! Super stoked to see the Exhumed blanket show up in the video, haha! I sold that to you. Good meeting you, man!

Cool bumping into you at the Eddion Lots. Again, I enjoy your content.

Thanks for reminding me about "Ghost" playing "Deathfest", I can't believe there is footage, I am a fan of old "Ghost" for sure.

im sad ive only been to the one in 2016, and the one that just passed. but this latest one was pretty bananas. 2016 was amazing. as a thrash metal fan, I got to see alot of amazing bands I loved. (and yes, I got a picture in that "Mr. Pickles" seat xD) this year, I only went to this one for Vio-Lence. who were amazing. I was disappointed at the other bands I wanted to see dropping off, and was super envious of all the death metal bands playing the edison lot this year on the same day. but overall, had a pretty good time. I've only discovered your videos just recently with your "iceberg" videos. If anyone was there for Vio-lence and Obituary, I was the black guy with the mohawk in the pit \../

I remember wanting to make it out to California Deathfest in 2016, but I was in over my head and didn't financially (or mentally) prepare for the trip, not to mention my car started having troubles like right before the day of the festival. I had hoped I could've made it out to that one since it's geographically closer to me (I live in AZ), but I guess it wasn't meant to be (the final kick in the ass was that they made it a 2-day event the following year which probably would've been more feasible for me to attend). I probably would've been chewed up and spat out if I were to ever go to Maryland Deathfest. I've never been to the east coast, let alone fucking Baltimore of all places lol that'd be a hell of a first trip to the other side of the country. What I'm mad jealous of though, is the Netherlands Deathfest lineups. Those are always top notch.

It was a pleasure meeting you man been watching your channel for a while now so it was really cool to actually meet you in person. Stoked seeing our picture too. By the way me and my girlfriend were able to get in and see Profanatica haha. More than happy we made that decision. 🤘🏻

MDF WAS THE GREATEST so many awesome memories I’ve been to at least 8 of em, it’s always wild. I’ve been seeing shows since the late 80’s and mdf has been the best just for the fact that so many bands come to play and you see people form all over the place, I’ve met some of my favorite musicians over the years at mdf also made some amazing friends that’s what the metal community is all about! Thanks to the creators of the fest and all the people working to make it happen! 🤘🏻☠️🤘🏻

Been going since 2004. Was nice to see a fest run well as most of us know how disorganized Milwaukee Metalfest was. It was also nice to see underground grind and goregrind bands one would get to see at obscene extreme fest get to come to America.

Ryan and Evan are both good people, they were some of my best friends in school and we still talk from time to time, happy with the success they have been having, I remember when they were talking about the starting the fest when they were on break at a restaurant they both worked at

Brutal shirt Wyatt. Waco Jesus rules!!!

I always dreamed of going, the lineups are always bonkers. Hopefully if they ever do one again I can catch it.

Great rundown of something I never had any interest in attending but am also sad to see go down.

Great points. Like you said, it’s extreme metal. Not meant to be polite. Most people are totally cool and super kind there. Hope it continues. If it was the last one, it was a badass lineup.

Mob Deep would have been dope to see after all the metal

DUDE let’s goooo!! Where were you mainly? I was at Edison Lot all weekend

One of the best things I've ever seen was Chicken Man making a marriage proposal in the middle of Pig Destroyer's set at MDF '18.

Hey dude, it was really great meeting you in person! This was such a great time and I'm glad I made the travel effort to attend. I've been describing it to others as a death metal Disneyland. Its amazing how well put together it was. I hope its not the last one , as I'm a lifer now! Cheers \m/

It's so weird seeing a festival in the middle of the city. The main festivals in my country are all held in the countryside and you're expected to camp.

The 2022 fest was my first time attending and I'm so glad I did. Totally bummed about it not happening next year but hopefully we get a replacement extreme fest.

Seeing Graveyard Cancer Necrophopic and Dark Fortress was great for me. Stand outs were Cavalera UADA but ov course the great Frizzi 2 Fulci. Wish I could have chatted with you. You're right the event had only 2 lows for me. The girl in the autopsy pit, we were in the VIP so I didn't have to see that lucky lol, and the poor guy who died. I've got my calendar set for 2024 and my fingers crossed.

I can't help but find it ironic how MDF refuses to conform to trends (as was said in their mission statement) but decides to cancel the the most brutal up-and-coming black metal band from Colorado, Akhlys, due to neglectful, unconfirmed rumors of their association with NSBM, taken from wholly unreliable sources (not even from the band, themselves). Similar thing happened to Mgla in Europe. Hoping Psycho Las Vegas doesn't follow suit this year. Shocked to see that extreme metal these days is not immune to the toxicity of cancel culture.

You're officially a tastemaker now

This was my 13th year. Love the grimy realness and craziness of MDF!

OK that Exhumed blanket is awesome

Unfortunately up here in Canada besides Messe De Morts Festival we dont really have much. So I'm jeolous haha. Regardless thought glad to see you had a good time man.

I was debating throwing down the last of my money on one of those blankets, now I’m a little bummed I didn’t haha. P.S. great meeting you and Bryce at mdf, a good ending to a great (possibly)last dethfest!

I've been over 10 times...my first concert was Iron Maiden on the "Powerslave" tour so obviously I've been around the scene a long time.it's a blast.

Maryland resident here, used to go to Maryland deathfest every year for almost 10 years straight until covid, haven't went since.

Damn. Kind of sad to hear it might be over. I never got the chance to go, but had always thought maybe if I could get a job that pays enough to be able to afford to go out there. Always seemed like a lot of fun.

hey nice video

i saw a guy there with a waco jesus shirt and i thought "oh, based waco jesus" turns out it was you, im stupid

I was going to go to this show but my gf moved away a day before it happened so i had no one to go with, being able to see Deicide - Legion live would've been sick

that blanket is so cool

i think we collided in the pit a few times my dude. hope to see you again in London!

The Waco Jesus drip though 💧💧💧

How long does it take to glue on that facial hair?

I wanted to go to it this year, but didn't, I didn't want to go to it alone (i'd be driving from ohio), but it is what it is. Maybe next year if they hold it again. The lineup was amazing, with alot of more well known death metal bands. That exhumed blanket is awesome, btw.

Damn dude I didn't know you were there, wish I could've met you

This fest sounds cool!

WHAT THE FUCK?! I had no idea that Mobb Deep was at the MDF! Im a big East Coast Rap fan! Like that is an insane odd ball. Again Im Insanely Envious! Haha

I couldn't pass up that gore metal blanket either!

Are u going to do a video of the merch u bought..at mdf..???

I went this year and it really wasn't that chaotic except for the night that it rained.

hate to ask, did you heard about the incident that happen on 27th? my pals had been talking about the suicide incident., whats your thoughts on this subject matter?

The events of MDF this year were so sad. I'm sure most know what I'm talking about. Look out for your friends, guys.

Honestly I wish I could've gone there but being barely 20 and working sucks 😞

RIP to Axel James Markle

Looking at 2024 MDF.. how's this shit work? 4 venues.. do you have to miss sets to see another, pick and choose? I NEED to see Hatred for Mankind play-through.. can a venue fill capacity and you can be fucked if you didn't wait in line in advance?

To me is sad cause l lived in tbe USA for many years and l never had the chance to go at Maryland fest. I hope someday my dream come true.

Love the Waco Jesus shirt.

I really wanted to go this year but my brothers wedding got in the way. sucks they may not do it again. wanted to see tom g warrior so bad

HEY one of my favorite dsbm bands is life is pain and though they have literally one album w three songs, i dont know shit about them besides kim carlsson is in it. but like? what happened? why is it never talked about? man. i love that band.

I’m So sad that I completely missed it considering I live in Baltimore

MDF is like the roadburn for Black And Death metal

This sounds so cool but sadly I'll never get to go if they're ending it 😔. Would be such a blast

Ahhh! I hope this wasn’t their last year. I’ve never been but always wanted to go.

Check out Manbryne-Heilsweg. It is members of Blaze of Peridition.

What shirt is that your wearing?

Fuck, I wish I realized that was you in the Waco Jesus shirt!

Psycho Las Vegas lineup is nuts

We back baby. How old are you sir? (No hate coming)

I'm 51 years old. I went to my first MDF when Electric Wizard played. Only went that Sunday. Huge mistake. Been going every weekend, all weekend ever since, other than one year when my wife had a stroke in the hotel (she's fine now). My only complaint is that MDF has spoiled me for any other type of show. Just went to Iron Maiden in DC (overall probably my tenth time seeing them. First was World Slavery tour at Merriweather Post Pavilion). Sucked. Bunch of people half my age, sitting in their seats looking at their phones. Should have sprung for the floor I guess.

NICE Waco Jesus shirt dude! Sick ass shit!

Pizza party printing blankets!! Not a bad price either.

yes

Oh also, I saw a wild wyatt in the wild from a far. I was gonna say hi but wyatt was banging his head a lil bit so I didnt want to disturb. Edison was great. Old friends great sound, tight bands, good times..✌

Face sitting and cracked skulls

can we hang out when i come from the uk

The news articles about MDF obviously did not go. I went from 2005-2011. This year was my first year back. It was sick, maybe 5% of deathfest was shady. The suicide(rip), the pussy eating during autopsy ( I was standing right there), and the gate rush(which was very minor).the sonar years were UNFORGETTABLE!!! The new set up is still cool

Jesus thats a whacky tee

What band shirt are you wearing? Lol

Living in Baltimore since '96, i've yet to go to MDF. I need to fuckin go.

Wyatt, how do you feel about the current wave of deathcore that seems to be dominating extreme metal? Bands like Lorna Shore and Slaughter to Prevail, for example. I grew up on thrash and death metal, but nowadays I mainly listen to tech death and deathcore. I feel most death metal fans still hate deathcore and think of it as it was in the 2010's. So I'd be interested to hear your take on what's "popular" in extreme metal right now. I personally feel deathcore is splitting into two genres. One half is leaning towards the death metal approach while maintaining the deathcore sound while the other half is going in a more down tempo direction. Lorna Shore is a band that I think is bringing the "death metal" aspect to the forefront of deathcore.

i love that fucking shirt 💀🤘

Went to the first couple. General Surgery is ALWAYS a good time.

Sucks that shows like these only happen outside of my state. The FL scene is in shambles.

I don't expect anyone to be civil in Baltimore period

is that a waco jesus shirt????

Love me some Waco Jesus

That waco juses shirt lol

eventho I wanted to like this video, the likes are at 666. Keep it.

I was there

Hellfest!

Zero metal feats in the PNW - all middle America and east coast gets all the special treatment.

Tom G. Warrior 👎 Waco Jesus 👍

Needs more Kermit The Frog, butthurt Joe Davidson, Ben "lemme at him" Wilson and more Cold Violet shyeet posting.

Hardcore bands and doom bands should not be playing a “death fest”. It should be black/death and thrash only. This is why I much prefer fests like Messe Des Mortes and Steelfest. No boring doom crap or shitty crust punk/hardcore bands on those.