Outsiders can assume the bands in Kansas City's hard-rock scene, like certain beleaguered countries, are at odds until there's an explicit cease-fire. For example, every Wednesday this July, four metal acts "battle" at America's Pub. For what are they fighting? "If only I knew," Boomstick singer Galactic Celt says with a laugh. Well, ultimately there's $2,000 and an opening slot at the Freaker's Ball at stake. And though the musicians, like patriotic yet less-than-politically savvy foot soldiers, might have only a dim understanding of the conflict and the means by which victory will be measured, they're well aware that attendance spikes for competitive concerts. To quote the music-military strategists in Slayer, who thrashed expendable young opponents on their way to reigning in blood, The sport is war/Total war!
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