Aberdeen will be transformed from the Granite City into the metal city this weekend as a popular music festival returns for its second year.
Ram It Down Festival was launched last year to try and bring some of the world’s biggest heavy metal fans to the north-east.
The inaugural event, which was held at the Garage nightclub, attracted about 160 avid fans.
This year, organisers have expanded the festival with nearly double the amount of bands lined up to play.
The driving force behind the festival is to bring international artists and local acts together.
And this year’s line-up does just that, with bands coming from as far away as Sweden to play.
Mark Chalmers, the promoter behind the event, said: “Many people in the Aberdeen area are really passionate about their favourite style of music – heavy metal. We even have a number of private donors, who have donated large sums of money because they want to see this type of event in Aberdeen.
“One of the reasons I decided to organise Ram It Down Festival is because I personally got fed up of people talking down Aberdeen. I believed that people could do something about the things they are dissatisfied about, rather than simply complaining. I wanted more touring bands to come to Aberdeen, so this was my attempt to provide a solution.”
Among the bands who will feature are London-based De Profundis, who will be travelling to the north-east for the first time.
Paul Nazarkadeh, guitarist for the group, said: “De Profundis have played all over the UK in our decade long existence, but never have we come so far north as the Granite City.”
Another act making their first trip to the region for the festival, is Manchester band Winterfylleth.
The group has enjoyed international success and say they are looking forward to playing for some of their fans for the first time.
Also on the bill are the Amorettes and King Witch, as well as a whole host of others, covering a wide-range of styles within the heavy metal genre.
The event is being held in the Garage once more, with the first bands taking to the stage at 6pm on Friday.
It will return for a second night on Saturday, when there will be bands playing across two stages from 5pm.
Tickets can be purchased in advance or on the door.
For more information visit www.ramitdownfest.wix.com/ramitdown