Weapons of Mass Distortion: SlamDank Productions Revives SA’s Metal Scene
Weapons of Mass Distortion hit Stellenbosch with SlamDank Productions.
Overthrust’s final local gig before Europe, and Eat The Elderly stealing the night.
The mosh pits were alive and the distortion was dialled to 11 at Weapons of Mass Distortion, a brutal special edition metal gig hosted by SlamDank Productions in Stellenbosch. With Botswana’s Overthrust making their last local appearance before heading to Europe, and Eat The Elderly igniting the crowd, this was one for the books.
THE WHO, WHAT & WHY
SlamDank Productions, in collaboration with IRMC and Daisy Jones Bar, pulled no punches on 6 June 2025 with Weapons of Mass Distortion. The event wasn’t just another gig — it was a milestone moment for South Africa’s underground metal scene.
As Overthrust prepared for their slot at the iconic Obscene Extreme Festival in Europe, Stellenbosch was the final stop on their home turf. SlamDank’s reputation for consistently delivering quality metal gigs has made them the go-to name for heavy music in South Africa, and this night proved exactly why.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS / PERFORMANCES
Here’s what made it heavy:
Swazi (ZA) kicked off the night with relentless energy and fierce riffage.
Overthrust (Botswana) delivered a crushing set, marking their last show before heading to Europe.
Eat The Elderly (ZA) tore the house down with a set so chaotic, the crowd demanded an encore.
Insane lighting and visuals at Daisy Jones Bar, with sound engineering by Jethro Harris from Paradigm Studio keeping the walls shaking.
All bands selling merch, with shirts, patches, and limited drops available to fans.
Overthrust encore triggered by the crowd’s thunderous “ONE MORE SONG” chant.
Killer pizzas, burgers, and a packed cash bar, keeping the moshers fuelled from 5pm to 11pm.
WHY IT MATTERS / WHAT IT MEANS FOR THE CULTURE
Events like Weapons of Mass Distortion are the lifeblood of the South African metal community. With a scene that thrives on energy, connection, and unapologetic noise, gigs like this don’t just entertain — they revive.
This night proved that local heavy music is alive, loud, and growing. Young university students packed the venue, new faces mixed with seasoned regulars, and the appetite for live, brutal music was undeniable. SlamDank isn’t just booking gigs — they’re cultivating a culture, giving bands platforms to grow and fans spaces to rage.
WHAT'S NEXT / UPCOMING EVENTS / STAY TUNED
If Weapons of Mass Distortion was anything to go by, you won’t want to miss what’s next. SlamDank is set to host SlamDank Festival from 1-3 August 2025 at Tweefontein Melkery — a multi-day celebration of South African metal.
Keep an ear out for upcoming releases and shows from Eat The Elderly, Megalodon, Swazi, Chaos Doctrine, Die Gemeente, and Ephraxis.
FOLLOW
Stay tuned with EIE Digital for the loudest launches, cultural moments, and digital stories that hit harder than a breakdown. Follow us on [Instagram] and catch the full Overthrust set video now live on the SlamDank YouTube channel.