Self-explanatory.

The resources of myth and fairy tale have long been tapped by acolytes of metal. From progenitors like Ronnie James Dio (RIP), who crafted his lyrics around regal tales of misty mountains and witchy women upon founding his own eponymous band, to the contemporary shred of UK’s Dragonforce, fantasy and fretwork have become synonymous. Really, is there a more fitting home for the metaphoric tapestry of myth than the bombast of metal? As metal critic Adam Ganderson writes, “those who think that dragons are a myth should travel to the outskirts of most major cities in the world. There you will find factories and machines breathing smoke and laying waste to both land and water.” As we find ourselves in another epoch of sociopolitical conflagration, art simultaneously provides the sword and the sanctuary. Pennsylvanian thrashers Rumpelstiltskin Grinder (Relapse Records) are coming to Eau Claire to vanquish worries of an emptied bank account and an emasculated Congress, at least for the spell of an evening. Promoting a new full-length so vital and infectious your neck will be induced to whiplash (especially on Beware the Thrash Brigade), these fellows will be joined by the hammer of Minneapolis death grinders Nailed Shut and the anvil of local heroes Desolatevoid and Purge the Woods … and for the pittance of five shekels (OK, dollars). Much like the moral behind Rumpelstiltskin itself, this show could prove the importance of camaraderie over commodity.

Rumpelstiltskin Grinder + Desolatevoid + Nailed Shut + Purge the Woods • House of Rock, 422 Water St • 8pm • $5 • ages 21+ • www.house-of-rock.com