Dunedin's biggest punk and hardcore music event, Onslaught, celebrates its 10th incarnation tonight at the Dunedin Musicians' Club.
Organised by Mark Tyler, the do-it-yourself non-profit event began in 2008 with six bands at the now defunct Arc Cafe.
From humble beginnings, Onslaught has morphed into a highly anticipated annual live event on the underground calendar.
''The first one was conceived just so the band I play in could get a gig!,'' Tyler said.
''I have gradually put good systems in place and am rapt with the response that Onslaught now receives. Some people have suggested expanding it to a weekend event, but I've always liked the idea of one relentless onslaught of cacophonic chaos. Put in your earplugs and stand in the corridor if it all becomes a little overbearing. I can guarantee you'll still have a good time out there.''
This year's line-up features 10 diverse and brutal bands from across the country, with Bonecruncher and Rogernomix making the trip from Wellington, SDB from Invercargill and Mince on Toast from Queenstown, alongside local bands Conniption, Bazooka, Infinite Justice, God Awful, Fuschia Gash and Slitzkrieg.
Tyler says the punk, hardcore, and underground scene in Dunedin is a strong and supportive one, with the event happy to carry on ''a deep-rooted legacy of this type of music and attitude in Dunedin''.
''The punk/hardcore scene is very healthy in Dunedin with a good mix of ages and styles and venues, and there always seems to be new bands emerging.
''Everyone is very supportive and I've never noticed any antagonism or infighting. There are a lot of people who are not necessarily involved in playing or organising gigs, but always go along to have a laugh and yell and jump around ... that's what it's all about.''
The evening starts at 6pm with bands playing constantly until 1am.
The event concludes with a communal supper of vegan samosas, vegetarian frittatas, vegan fudge, muttonbirds, and fruit kebabs, washed down with nips of homemade moonshine and Canterbury Cream.
It's going to be a ''banquet of brutality'', according to Tyler.
• Dunedin electro-pop outfit Manthyng celebrates the release of its third album, Beyond the Valley of the Ugly Boys, at Re:Fuel tonight.
The album continues the self-described ''fun and slightly crazy'' sounds of singer Stanley Manthyng and producer DJ Stevolicious.
Sitting somewhere in the style of '80s disco luminaries such as Eurhythmics and newer acts such as La Roux, Manthyng is party music plain and simple.
Packed with handclaps, sleek synth repetitions and sing-along lyrics, it's all intended to make you dance.
The duo's first show in six months will feature new songs from the album, alongside old favourites.
Onslaught10, Dunedin's biggest punk and hardcore music event, tonight, Dunedin Musicians' Club (12 Manse St). Tickets $10 on the door, 10 bands play from 6pm-1am, followed by supper.
Manthyng Dunedin Beyond the Valley of the Ugly Boys album release party with special guests, tonight, Re:Fuel, Dunedin. Door sales only from 8pm, with guests receiving a free copy of the album upon entry. Get it online at manthyng1.bandcamp.com/
