I dunno about you, but I'm going to MDF. No way in hell I'm missing that lineup. I've got my ticket, but when I was purchasing my flight it dawned on me that there's no way I'm spending that much money without dicking around on the east coast for a little while afterwards. If I'm going to go all the way out there, I might as well stay for longer than three days!

I was wondering if anyone had suggestions to add to a young metalhead's itinerary. Perhaps you might?

Also.. If you're going to MDF, what band are YOU most excited to see? I wish I could have seen Hooded Menace play last year, but bands like Nasum, Demigod, Disma, and Ulcerate make up quite well for that.

There's definitely one thing you shouldn't do, and that's walking in the area outside of the venue. It's a bad part of town that's essentially a ghetto infested with ganged youths. I was talking to some people who played at the 2010 Maryland Deathfest and one thing they'd do was to explore the suburb surrounding the venue, which was where their hotel was. Wherever they went they'd find gangs giving them dirty looks as if to rob them, crimes that had taken place nearly everywhere they went and generally said that it was a bad part of town. Lucky for them they never got robbed, stabbed, shot, etc which is great for them, but others might not have such luck.

As for places to go, I'm not sure. Last time I was in Baltimore was when I was 6 or 7 so I can't say much. All I can say is to visit the good parts of the city.

Yeah Baltimore is pretty much a shit hole. I got family near there in Richmond, I guess you could visit them haha. Washington DC is close though, there are tons of museums and couple record stores that are neat.


Actually on second thought they probably wouldn't like a stranger showing up at the door.

Yeah, that's what I suspected. A lot of people have said that it's not a place you want to walk around alone at night. I'm down to hop around, I was considering NY as well.

In Homeric order: I'm stoked to see almost half the bands on the lineup. I've never seen Morbid Angel before so, disgraced or not, I'm really stoked to see them live. I'm also stoked for Electric Wizard, Saint Vitus, Brujeria, Confessor, Winter, Artillery, Negura Bunget, Dodheimsgard, Ghoul, Sargeist, Bethlehem, Morbid Saint, Ulcerate, and Cough. And those are just the bands I haven't seen live before...

As far as other things to do, I heartily recommend that you leave Baltimore after the fest. Baltimore sucks. You may want to visit Poe's grave and his house to pay your respects but, other than that, you should plan to GTFO as quickly as possible after the fest. You will want to leave after a few days in Baltimore, even just going between your hotel and the Sonar. I recommend going to NYC since Washington D.C. also sucks (although comparatively less than Baltimore, which admittedly isn't saying much).

Gee guys, I went crawling around downtown Baltimore last year in the dead of night for hours every night and never got bothered by roving crip death squads. Chill out. It's downtown. City hall's right there. Plus there's a bunch of other metalheads all wandering around as well.

Look, even aside from Baltimore being crime-riddled, there's nothing to do there, the ambiance is pretty dirty and sketchy (it's the only place I've ever been where beggars will actually come into stores to harass you), and the waterfront, which is undoubtedly the nicest area, is either dead or full of yuppies since it's basically a glorified mall. Baltimore sucks even without the risk of being mugged which, by the way, is a real one, however unlikely. I'm not being alarmist but, yes, there's a good chance that you will see evidence of crime in Baltimore even if you're not a victim.

Hell, the first time I went to MDF I saw a bunch of locals try to steal pizza from a pizza delivery guy directly in front of the hotel where I (and many other metalheads) were staying. The hotel staff had to help the dude get into his car. The point is, the crime is so bad in Baltimore it's surreal. (And this is coming from a guy who has spent a considerable amount of time on Chicago's south side.)

You should try to go to the Vienna Music Exchange in Vienna, VA if you have the chance. It's this awesome little metal shop that has an amazing selection of records and CDs.

Pretty much this... I didn't hear of any crime relating to anyone at the fest outside of the Sonar at all last year.

Anyway, I'm looking forward and making an effort to see every band that isn't Anvil. Bands I'm really excited to see are Bethlehem, Morgoth, Winter, Electric Wizard, Morbid Angel, Brujeria, Dragged Into Sunlight, and Haemmorhage. This year is definitely going to top last year, and that's saying a lot!

As a Baltimoron, I can verify that Baltimore is a pretty crappy place. You generally want to stay near the water-front or suburbs if possible. Much of the city is quite crime ridden, and witnessing, if not being a victim of, crime is a very real possibility. To many, a long haired white dude means easy pickings, so if you do venture into the city, don't carry to much money (that is to say, if they don't just want to send you to the hospital). There generally isn't much to do here unless you live here (even then, not much), so it'd be best to leave as soon as the Festival is over.

Seconding this. One of the best record stores for metal I've ever been to. Lost Apparitions in Luray, VA is also awesome but definitely a longer drive.

Sound Garden is within walking distance of MDF (cdjoint.com). This place was rated the #2 independent record store in the US by some magazine, so that should impress you obviously. It's located in Fell's Point too, which is a fine area to walk around in. Lots of cool bars surrounding Sound Garden.

The coolest thing to see in Baltimore would be the National Aquarium in Baltimore (formerly called the Baltimore Aquarium, I think?). I've been there probably a dozen times, but not recently. I think it's a really cool (and pretty big) place though. I need to get over there again soon, considering I love marine life, especially sharks.

You could also go see an Orioles game, since you can buy tickets at the stadium and it won't be crowded (that's a guarantee, unless the Yankees are playing).

DC is also highly recommended. I've been to most of the museums there multiple times, and they are all worth your time. Especially the Holocaust Museum and the History Museums.

Exactly! I've wandered around the Sonar area and the rest of the city at night drunk off my ass a good many times; never been bothered. As long as you're not walking down North Avenue at 2 am counting cash you shouldn't have much trouble.

It doesn't hurt to be a bit careful, but acting like a scared white suburbanite won't do you any good.



Anyway now that my rant is over, I'd second going to DC and seeing some museums. Baltimore's aquarium is also pretty neat. You may also want to look into going to Philly or some other nearby city, if you buy tickets early enough from Megabus you can travel for dirt cheap.

Thirding this. Lots of discoveries for me, awesome for finding 80ies metal lps you'd only get on ebay or even distribution for newer underground metal labels like NWN or Hellsheadbangers.

Have any of you guys ever been to MDF? Baltimore's definitely got its crime, but the inner harbor area where the venue is located isn't as bad, been going for years now and never had a single problem with anyone there. Just don't do anything to attract attention to yourself. On top of that the area is literally covered in metal heads and crust punks that the people around there, we become a sort of majority. Not to mention police are ALWAYS patrolling the area because a lot of the bars/clubs are a couple blocks away and i'm sure they sort of keep an eye out with the festival going on to make sure there aren't any incidents.

Yeah, every time I've been to MDF I generally felt safe within the area around the Sonar. I mean, it's definitely not a NICE area by any means, but when you're around a ton of other metalheads you feel alright. I don't think I've ever heard anyone complain about their experiences there, in fact I think more violence happens inside the venue than outside (I'm looking at you, Watain - I know you caused some trouble). But yeah, the aquarium is cool and the inner harbor in general is nice.

everyone says "just keep to yourself and you'll be safe" well bro...that generally doesn't mean it's a safe place. Believe me, I live in the heart of Cleveland and I tell people this a lot, but just saying, if the safety of your city comes with a caveat, it's not safe.

Btw, there is a correction center about half a mile from Sonar, along with some kind of police/security precinct literally 300 yards from Sonar, up Gay St. So, I don't think walking around Sonar is too bad. Just don't go counting wads of cash as someone above me said, or act generally obnoxious and the chances are very good that nothing will happen to you.

The one thing that does happen to me a lot is beggars with their elaborate stories as to why they need a dollar from me, but I'm sure at least a few of them aren't completely lying. That doesn't bother me too much though.

I pretty much echo the sentiments already made about the surrounding area not being so bad. I mean, yeah, there is a lot of crime in Baltimore, probably even in that area, and the area is very sketchy, but I've never been bothered by anyone there and I've wandered around that area drunk as hell late at night in each of my 3 trips. To be honest, I think thug types are weary of messing with metal heads, people that "look crazy", etc. Criminals want to prey on people who look innocent and vulnerable and I honestly think the metal look is a kind of deter ant for those types. Especially when there's so many metal heads walking around. Just my theory.

The difference is though the general areas. A city's crime rate isn't always broken down. A lot of the cities that have had history in crime, or still have a higher crime rate than average will still have their areas which are better than others. When you break it down a lot of times crime may be specific in certain neighborhoods or residential areas, not always right in the tourist/business districts.

Also as said already, there's a precinct nearby, there's cops around nearby all the time. and speaking for multiple years of traveling to baltimore this time of year, even sometimes walking alone back to the hotel at night, i have never encountered a problem. You see a lot of homeless people, or random persons asking for change, but you don't draw your attention to them and they won't persist. Likewise, if you don't do anything to make yourself a target you don't become one. Its all common sense stuff that can prevent you from being a victim.

^Exactly. On the other hand, don't go take a walk alone in the mall at night. It's creepy even during the day. But the touristic area? There wouldn't be tourists if it was dangerous, and no MDF either.

A thread for scared white people? Most the metal and punk shows I go to are in b,ad neighborhoods. If youre terribly afraid if being shot then dont leave the venue area and use the buddy system

I was thinking about attending this year, since my step family has relatives that live in the Maryland/Virginia area, but considering the massive amounts of time it takes to get there, the money, and the massive amount of crime in the area, I think I'll pass for now. Does anyone know of any other Death Metal festivals going on soon? Preferably on the west coast?

Most excited to see: Tsjuder, Horna, Black Witchery (yeah they're mediocre but over-the-topness is fun), Agolloch, Suffocation, Dragged into Sunlight.

I'm considering going, but school is putting big financial strains on me. As far as post-show shenanigans goes, I'd like to party it up in Boston. I want to visit the bar where Cheers was filmed (as lame as that sounds). Boston seems like a great city to have a few and go out on the town.

We walked around a fair bit last year; parts near the venue are pretty ghetto but we didn't notice any gang activity or people out to fuck with us or anything.

Boston is definitely a fun east coast city, though NYC is even cooler to go to if you haven't been and want to do stuff on the east coast, seeing boston and not new york would be too strange.

for what people are saying about the area being super ghetto and shit... well the area directly surrounding the venue is not at all, but if you wander too far... yeah it TOTALLY IS. i felt very... in danger haha. there were police standing at like... 3/4ths of the street corners with night clubs just like... staring everyone down and looking menacing and stuff haha. and just tons of nasty lookn people lookn at me and my ex-gf like we were some kind of evil that they needed to destroy to protect thier curb basketball games... or something haha

EDIT: well it seems everyone has already sort of said what i came to post...
and uh... yeah the large amount of hagglers and drunks wandering around is annoying... and if your from the south (like i am) they treat you like your an idiot... granted i do have a VERY strong southern accent, but damn...

while in Baltimore check out the following neighborhoods if you want to drink and go record shopping-Fells Point and Hampden

if you want to laugh at drunk yuppies and college grads to to Canton and Federal Hill

for expensive and overrated meals check out Little Italy and Harbor East

if you want to laugh at flaming homosexuals and transvestites go to Mt. Vernon.

If you have wheels definitely take a drive over to Ft. Armistead park, Park in the lot, and take a short walk through the woods to the abandoned fort. Not sure what war it is from, 1812 or something. But it is a historical site that is completely unkept, you can walk into the tunnels and once you get 10 feet in you could hold your hand up in front of your face and not see a thing. definitely don't go a lone, gay dudes troll around there looking to hook up.

Fort Mchenry is also pretty cool, neat fort, cool views of the seaports and its a place where tons of people died.

you could also walk to the top of Federal Hill park and pretend to fire cannons at the tourists in the inner harbor.

The Walters Art Gallery is within walking distance of MDF, and most downtown hotels and the hostel. Its FREE and has lots of medieval weaponry from all different cultures

Baltimore Museum of art is huge and also FREE, not sure if any special exhibits in May, right now they have a bunch of Durer prints with gnarly battle scenes.

all in all, lots of safe, fun stuff to do in Baltimore . I live in Hampden and always run in to metalheads during MDF weekend, say hello, just look out for hipsters.

Skipped to bottom of the thread so sorry if this has been mentioned. The last time I was in Baltimore we went to the crab house right on the water, they covered the tables in brown paper and gave you little hammers and literally dumped a shit ton of blue crabs on your table. They are fucking delicious. Wish I could remember the name of the place, but im sure a local would be better informed on the location.

Coolest thing in Baltimore is this buff black dude who sells water by the convention center. His song gets stuck in my head all the time. "I GOT THAT ICE COLD WATER! AND IT'S ONLY ONE DOLLAR!" Anyone? Anyone?

There is a book exchange in Baltimore called "The Book Thing". I got some rad books for completely for free and so can you. They have thousands of books. Definitely check it out if you want free books.

This thread should be titled " A Guide on How to Not Be Scared of Black People."

This whole thing is pretty silly. Maybe I'm jaded because I am definitely the opposite of a target for shenanigans, but seriously people? Do you need to be taught how to behave in a foreign social environment?

If you are REALLY worried about something happening, the best piece of advise is this: Find the largest cab company in Baltimore, and save their number in your phone. When you are leaving the venue, call them and have them pick you up. Yes, it will cost some $$, but would you rather be down $10 or have to constantly be looking over your shoulder in fear(Which, will totally make you a target by the way)?

And Hobos? Come on. Grow a backbone and tell them no if you don't want to/don't have money to give them. Yes, it is annoying, and sure, there are over-zealous ones who will harass you, but main goal of a beggar is...to make money. It does them no good to harass someone who won't give them anything, and they will move on. Now, if you happen to be counting your money in public and the hobo sees you doing this, then that is your fault.

Just a brief observation: observing that Baltimore is not the safest place is a fact, not an indication of being a 'scared white person.' I'm not sure that that's what people are saying but, considering that I haven't noticed posters expressing fears of black people in such terms, I'm guessing that there's an equivocation at play in a few of these posts.

The whole point in observing that Baltimore is unsafe is so that people are aware of their surroundings and behave accordingly (and no more). I've been to MDF twice and am going again this year so I certainly don't mean to imply that people will not enjoy the fest.

That being said, I still think that there isn't much to do in Baltimore.

my kids love imitating him, I am sure we will be seeing him this weekend at the St. Pattys parade.

410-685-1212

You act like it's fucking Liberia. It ain't so bad. I walked around the black area and got some food. Nothing to worry about, just don't act like an idiot. To me, the only frightening aspect was the saturating police presence. Never saw anything like it. And those cops were aggressive, too.

If anyone would like to crash up in Philly after MDF, let me know. I also provide guided tours of the cool parts of the city for free