Two of the genre’s biggest Australian acts, The Ascended and Hidden Intent, will share the bill.

Warrnambool punk band Diving Headbutt is also part of the line up. 

The Ascended, from Warrnambool and now based in Melbourne, are a shooting star on the heavy metal scene having recently signed with Truth Inc Records.

Last month, The Ascended released a new single, Strike of the Monarch, and has plans to go back into the studio to record their debut album. The band already has two EP’s to its name.

Hidden Intent are a thrash metal band that hails from Adelaide. A band known for its heavy touring schedule, Hidden Intent toured Europe in June as support for high-profile US metal band Lich King. 

Singer and bassist Chris McEwen said the European tour was a major highlight for the band.

“It was a great experience to play in front of so many people who haven’t heard us before,” McEwen said.

“We got really good feedback from the audiences, we did 12 shows, it was great fun.”

The Loft is a favourite venue for Hidden Intent with the band having last played there in April. This show is en route to the Amped Festival at the Cherry Bar in Melbourne where Hidden Intent will play on Saturday. 

Sharing the bill with Hidden Intent and The Ascended on Friday night at The Loft will be one of Diving Headbutt’s biggest gigs since forming seven months ago.

Diving Headbutt is made are up of Nick Gleeson (guitar), Elijah Kelly (bass), Danyo McPherson (guitar) and Caleb Clarke (drums).

Gleeson said the band has already hit the recording studio.

‘We recorded seven original songs with Tony Peel,” Gleeson said.

“We have another four we play live as well as some covers. We are keen to see how far we can go with our music.”

This weekend will be a double-header for Diving Headbutt as they will share the stage at The Loft on Saturday night with The Attention Seekers and Social Skills.