“Cosmic Carnage is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re gonna get!”

Photos by @vogonlaundromat

It’s with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to Cosmic Carnage gigs after 10 years of bringing the best underground heavy music to the people of Cardiff. The event series, which started in 2011, quickly gained a reputation for its diverse lineups, intimate venues, and welcoming community, making it a beloved fixture in the local music scene.

One of the standout features of Cosmic Carnage gigs is how broad the range of music is. While the main genre is metal and punk, there’s often a blend of styles from around the globe, with some acts being truly bizarre! Zolle, who played at a previous Cosmic Carnage, demonstrated this perfectly (see photo!)

But it wasn’t just just the music that made Cosmic Carnage gigs so special. It’s thanks to the event organisers and lifelong pals, Lindsay and Richard who through Cosmic Carnage, have created an inclusive and welcoming environment, where people come to connect fellow music-lovers.

In a statement announcing the decision to end Cosmic Carnage, they said “10 years of carnage is enough for anyone. I’ve had an unbelievable time and the night has brought me so much joy that it’s impossible to put into words how much it means to me. Seriously, it’s enriched and transformed my life in so many positive ways. I know CC is essentially only a handful of people hanging out in a small, dark room but to me, it’s a legacy which I’ll cherish forever.”

“I’m also proud of how lineups have grown over the years in terms of variety. It started off as a bit of a doom night but it’s morphed into something so much more with all sorts of wonderful noises and sights to behold. What a journey!”

The news of Cosmic Carnage gigs ending has been met with sadness by the local music community, who have expressed their appreciation for the impact the event series has had on the Welsh music scene. The final line up included Penny Lope, Warren Shoenbright, J. Lunz and a surprise set by legendary Portuguese psych rockers Solar Corona. One attendee of the final gig said “It was a perfect send off that summarises the last ten years of carnage”