Straight-up punk and metal venues are slowly being phased out in the City of Roses. The town known nationwide for its hipster tint and indie rock has more clubs that cater to those types than anything else. When Satyricon and Food Hole closed up, it left a crater in the city’s punk and metal scenes. But fear not: Tiny places around our city still dish up all the thrashy stuff you can handle.
Straight-up punk and metal venues are slowly being phased out in the City of Roses. The town known nationwide for its hipster tint and indie rock has more clubs that cater to those types than anything else. When Satyricon and Food Hole closed up, it left a crater in the city’s punk and metal scenes. But fear not: Tiny places around our city still dish up all the thrashy stuff you can handle.
The Know
2026 NE Alberta St.
Some patrons might say this is the end-all be-all of punk venues in Portland. While it certainly isn’t the final word, it is something of an institution. It’s been on Alberta since before being on Alberta was cool, and it’s about as big as a shoebox.
Thrash-punk legends like Tragedy and the united From Ashes Rise play here regularly, and the shows are famous for getting out of hand, but never dangerously so. All of the bands that feature members of those two bands play here, too. And because those bands feature members of legendary band His Hero is Gone, their shows are almost more like paying tribute.
Unfortunately, the venue is exclusively 21 and older.
Next notable show: Friday, March 23: Lebenden Toten, Nu-kle-ar Blast Suntan, FrenZy, DJ Skell. Lebenden Toten is one of Portland’s best thrash bands, and they rarely perform. Be sure to get there early for this one; it will sell out.
East End
203 SE Grand St.
Easily fitting the “tiny cramped venue” punk aesthetic, East End’s basement is the venue section of this punk bar. Featuring its own separate bar and several support pillars, many nutty shows have transpired in this basement. One memorable show East End hosted was Monotonix a couple years back, in which they tore out the sprinkler system from the roof and lit a drum kit on fire.
Next notable show: Monday, March 19: Antikythera, Towers, DJ Nate C. This installment of the month-long Portland Metal Winter Olympics pits two metal bands against each other. Who will win the gold? Who might just up and eat the gold? Nate Carson, a Portland metal journeyman, will provide the intermission soundtrack.
Plan B
1305 SE 8th Ave.
Nestled within the cubic wilderness of Portland’s lower industrial district, this large, open space hosts some of the best metal shows the city has to offer. More often than not, Portland metal bands cut their teeth at Plan B before going on tour. Bands like Danava and Yob went through the motions at Plan B, and now they go on tour regularly. Although its output has recently slowed down a smidge, the shows performed are as potent as ever.
Next notable show: Wednesday, March 28: Lps, Vises, Marmits. Lps is okay, Marmits is extremely okay but Vises are so full of energy they’ll tear your face off and kick it around on the ground. The band plays blistering garage rock that will leave you tingling in all the right places.
Backspace
115 NW 5th Ave.
Yes, we’re well aware that it’s an Internet café, and yes, they host all kinds of music. But Backspace also earns its stripes as a part-time punk and metal venue. They’ve hosted Thou and AIDS Wolf, two frighteningly good metal and punk bands, respectively, and they’re known to crack off the odd metal and punk show occasionally. One thing is for sure: When Backspace does it, they do it extremely well. And because the venue is all ages, you have no excuse not to go.
Next notable show: Saturday, March 17: Wizard Rifle, Youthbitch. Along with Agalloch, Billion and Billions and Purple Rhinestone Eagle, Wizard Rifle is among the very best metal bands in our fair city. Tonight, they’re playing their CD release show, and they’ve been kind enough to let people of all ages in (something of a rarity in Portland). Do not miss this one.
Slabtown
1033 NW 16th Ave.
Another well-respected Portland punk and metal venue, Slabtown boasts an expansive pinball selection in a game room tucked into the back of the bar. Their show history is as decorated as any other venue on the list, but they’ve been here longer than most.
Here, you’ll find loud music, heavy pours and no BS—except for whatever horsing around you’ll find in the game room. Like Plan B, their show output has diminished slightly, but the shows they book are wonderful.
Next notable show: Sunday, March 25: Danava, Witch Mountain, Burning Leather, Shut Your Animal Mouth, The Chemicals, Cecelia und de Sauerkrauts. Wow! This bill reads almost like a who’s who of Portland metal and punk bands. Danava and Witch Mountain are Portland mainstays, but the bands you should be looking out for is Burning Leather. (Picture Motörhead with a little more punk influence and you’ve got Burning Leather.) They’re great live, too. The mention of Danava will likely sell this show out, so arrive early and drink to your heart’s content.
