On August 5th, the all ages underground scene will be revived as the Manawatu region's top youth rock & metal acts hit the stage for the all ages event of the year. Continuing their momentum from a very successful Smokefree Rockquest, 3 youth bands will bring the heaviness to Palmerston North once again with full length sets that will breathe fresh air into the local scene. Lucid, Epidemic and Ruul 34 have between them enough talent to prolong the local scene for years to come and promise to impress crowds young and old. The night will finish with a special guest set from local heavy music veterans The Rising Tide who are excited to be playing alongside the future of Manawatu’s heavy music scene.

Lucid are a slamming upcoming 5-piece band from the north island. Mixing deathcore, post hardcore and metalcore into their tracks, they pack a punch. Influenced by Alpha Wolf, No Life, Polaris and Dealer - Lucid doesn't mess around.

Ruul 34 are a 3-piece band blending sounds from grunge, punk and metal. Each member excels at a different genre which blends well to make their unique sound!

Epidemic are a 4-piece death/thrash metal band from the heart of the Manawatu who are influenced heavily by bands such as Slayer, Havok, Entombed and Exodus. Epidemic stand out for their distinct lack of maturity and goofs but promise to provide a night to remember.

The Rising Tide are a 5-piece modern deathcore band based out of Manawatu, New Zealand. Originally formed in 2012 and disbanding in 2016, the band returned in 2021 with a new line up and improved heavy sound. The Rising Tide have just finished touring New Zealand multiple times with their latest tour promoting the successful release of their The Hope We Die For EP in which the title track has accumulated over 50,000 streams. The Rising Tide’s sound consists of stupidly low tuned guitars, crushing sub drops, emotional orchestral elements and over the top harsh vocals.