Kirup’s Jim McDonald Oval set for head-banging action as line-up announced for Dark Down South metal festival

A community oval in a small South West town will be transformed into a hub for lovers of metal music as the line-up for an inaugural festival is announced. Melbourne rockers King Parrot will headline the Dark Down South Open Air Festival, which is set to be held over three days at Kirup’s Jim McDonald Oval between November 22 and 24. The ARIA award-nominated band, described by organisers as “Australian metal royalty”, will play at the event after wrapping up their national tour. Joining them in WA is Adelaide outfit Hidden Intent, who recently played at the Wacken Open Air festival in Germany. The line-up also includes 12 acts from across the southern part of the State, including the Donnybrook/Perth-based Dripped and the Bridgetown/Perth-based Psychonaut. Other South West bands performing include Innasanatorium and The Subject Zero from Bunbury and Harvey’s Decapitated Chooks. A spokesperson for event organisers Jamart Sound Lounge said the bands performing have incredible talent and unique sounds, and they have worked so hard. “They deserve this platform to develop their audience and followers,” the spokesperson said. “Our youngest act have absolutely killed it at our Mosh In a Sanatorium all ages monthly metal gigs — Bloodhunt (from Perth) are still in their teens, but they’ll blow you away. They’re the most popular band we’ve ever had in four years of our all ages.” The spokesperson said the WA metalhead community can expect a raw and real festival over the three days. “The location is an unused oval in Kirup in WA’s South West, which is great for those who like it darker,” the spokesperson said. “We picked it for a few reasons, but one was because it reminded us of a thriller movie — perfect for an open air metal festival.” November’s festival is designed to be an all-ages event, with free camping on site. Attendees will be able to bring their own alcohol but glass will be banned, as will fires. Tickets are $159 and can be purchased through Oztix.