Brisbane is coming of age as far as it goes to attracting some big name metal acts and holding regular gigs for up and coming bands of all genres. It was only a short time ago that the only live music you could find would be the two-piece band playing covers at your local club. The venues I’ve selected today, specialise in metal bands, are usually a cheap entry cover to get in and have a great sound and atmosphere.
 
1.  The Crowbar – 243 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley
 
The Crowbar, situated in what could be called the ‘entertainment suburb of Brisbane’ Fortitude Valley, is my favourite venue for seeing great new metal and punk bands. An informal setting downstairs (which is prone to flooding in the crazy Brisbane weather), the sound is great and you can get up close and personal to the stage. It is the venue for the Reign Havok “Battle of the Bands” competition which showcases some of South East Queensland’s best metal and rock bands. You can follow them on Facebook to keep up to date with upcoming gigs.
2.  New Globe Theatre – 220 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley
 
The New Globe Theatre, also in Fortitude Valley and just across the road from The Crowbar is an intimate venue featuring many genres of music including metal. Only recently re-opening it’s doors in November 2014, it has become a cultural centre for both music and the arts. With 3 stages and room for potentially 700 guests, the New Globe Theatre can quite comfortably accommodate a crowd and offers a variety of musical and artistic acts.  “Therapy Thursdays” is on every Thursday night when you can catch some great new live music. You can keep up to date with upcoming shows with their online calendar or follow them on Facebook for up to the minute info.
3.  Max Watt’s – 125 Boundary Street, West End
 
Max Watt’s (formerly Hi Fi Brisbane) is probably one of the premier spots in Brisbane to see some great local and international metal acts. The venue attracts some of the biggest names in metal around the world. It has world class lighting and sound facilities. The main room, complete with stage, dance-floor, lighting and sound system has a capacity of up to 800. You can find out upcoming gigs on their website or follow them on Facebook for more information.
 
4.  The Tivoli Theatre – 52 Costin Street, Fortitude Valley
 
The grand old Tivoli Theatre, built in 1917 is one of Brisbane’s premiere spots for the hottest local and international metal acts. A small and intimate venue with a great sound, it was where we got to see Joe Satriani in November 2014. Attracting big names recently like Trivium, and Godsmack and Papa Roach are due to play as a prelude to the Soundwave Festival, you won’t be disappointed with The Tivoli. Covering all genres of music, you can get up close and personal to some of the biggest names in the business. Check out their website or follow them on Facebook for more info.
5.  Prince of Wales Hotel – 1154 Sandgate Road, Nundah
 
An iconic landmark on the northside of Brisbane, having been there for as long as I can remember. If it’s punk metal you’re after, the Prince of Wales is your place. Home of “Punkfest“, you can get to see and hear some fantastic local and international punk metal bands at the PoW. The legendary CJ Ramone (The Ramones) is playing tonight and there are plenty more local and international acts on the way for 2015. Check out their website for upcoming gigs and follow them on Facebook for up to the minute details.
If you’re in Brisbane and feel like heading out to check out some live metal, be sure to check these five venues because you’ll be sure to find at least one of them featuring some great metal sounds.