1441 E. Fletcher Ave., Tampa, 813-972-8152, myspace.com/brassmug
Sure, it's a smoky little dive, but the Brass Mug is also one of the last bastions of Tampa's most infamous musical export: death metal. The bar plays host to a smorgasbord of mostly local acts; some of these go on to wider acclaim, while others just keep coming back. Crowds vary depending on who's playing, but unlike larger venues, the almost claustrophobic stage area lets you get up close and personal with the band of your choice. Pool, darts and other standard dive-bar diversions provide a way to pass the time between sets. At the Mug, one thing's for certain: Another night, another metal show.
Memories Despite a smallish crowd of mostly teenagers mixed with a handful of veteran metalheads, Cape Coral natives From the Throne did a blistering set that blew away everyone else on the bill. As always, they appeared to have the time of their lives doing it; a boldly unorthodox approach that's engendered some controversy within a subculture that tends to prefer its artists a bit more menacing and grim.
Capacity: 100
Grub: Bar food
Booze: Full liquor
Next big show: Catalepsy, Dec. 1
