After a stint in the stoner-rock and Melvins-worship realm, Coral Springs metal trio Iron Buddha loosened up even more, and got heavier and darker, too.

The proof is all over a 2023 EP, Raze//Repose, a majestic five-track outing that sprawls across 30 minutes, giving Iron Buddha lots of room to mix clean vocals with growls and sludgy, technical arrangements for fans of Conan, Gojira and Mastodon.

A black metal quartet from South Florida (Burned At The Stake) also visits Ybor Heights Deviant Libation brewery and distillery for what happens to be just one of two ridiculous Tampa metal bills going down on the Fourth of July.

Tickets to see Iron Buddha play Deviant Libation in Tampa on Saturday, July 4 are still available for $15.

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This article appears in June 25 – July 01, 2026.