Metal Massacre Vo. II at High Voltage - San Jose, CA

San Jose’s freshest punk destination, High Voltage, turned up the heat on Saturday, July 5th, with its second installment of Metal Massacre—a no-holds-barred showcase of local metal talent from across the Bay Area. The shop, quickly building a name as a hub for heavy music and the DIY community, served up a night of original music that delivered pure sonic carnage and communal catharsis.

Among the evening’s standout acts was Reptilian Arms, a San Jose-based four-piece featuring Alex Santana (vocals), Marcus Przyborowski (guitar), Chris Cassisi (bass), and Josh Joesten (drums). The band made a triumphant return to High Voltage after a memorable performance earlier this year—and judging by the crowd’s reaction, their return was more than justified.

“Honestly, what brought us back was just—we didn’t think the crowd was gonna go bananas,” drummer Joesten shared. “We thought—we're older, our music's a little more progressive. It might get lost on the younger kids, but they went bananas for us. So we’re like, let’s just play here again. I was expecting golf claps.”

If Reptilian Arms had any doubts about their reception, the audience quickly erased them. Their set was a feral display of modern metal grit—dripping with eerie vocal effects that transformed Santana’s screams into full-blown demonic howls. High-speed drumming anchored the band’s crushing breakdowns, pushing the crowd into a relentless mosh pit. The flawless blend between guitar and bass elevated the band’s sound, delivering a high-energy performance that left a lasting mark.

Another unforgettable act of the night came from Salinas-based Placate, who brought one of the most visceral and immersive performances of the evening. Mid-set, members Sam Vasquez (vocals/guitar), DC (lead guitar), and Mauricio Perez (bass) broke the barrier between band and audience—literally—by stepping off the stage and into the crowd.

In a striking moment of raw showmanship, the trio formed a tight, back-to-back formation in the middle of the floor, shredding through their solos as the crowd erupted into a frenzied circle pit around them. Meanwhile, drummer Zaniel held it all together from the stage, propelling the band’s sound into overdrive with thunderous precision.

Tucked into a modest corner of San Jose at 1824 W San Carlos St, High Voltage is more than just a punk shop—it’s a heartbeat of the local metal and punk scene. Owned by Brittany and co-run with her brother Alex, the shop has quickly become a grassroots venue where loud music, edgy fashion, and genuine community collide.

“This is our third year going, and actually, we’re stronger than ever,” says Brittany. “We do at least two shows a month, sometimes three, depending on how the month goes.” Alex handles booking duties, bringing in a steady stream of local and regional bands who transform the shop’s intimate space into a full-blown sonic experience. Small in size but mighty in energy, High Voltage lives up to its name.

The shop’s origin story is rooted in Brittany’s deep connection to punk—not just as a genre, but as a lifeline. “It was an outlet when I had no friends anywhere else. Punks took me in,” she shares. “Fashion-wise, it was always something I was into because nobody else dressed like that. Nobody else was bold enough to shave their heads into mohawks.”

By day, High Voltage doubles as a vintage punk clothing store, offering everything from studded belts and graphic tees to ripped denim and custom accessories. Whether you're rebuilding your wardrobe or starting a mosh pit, the shop has something for anyone drawn to the darker, louder corners of style.

What started as a space for friends has grown into a true community hub—powered not by profit, but by the humility, kindness, and raw energy of the people who walk through its doors. In a world that often feels disconnected, High Voltage gives San Jose’s punks, metalheads, and outcasts a place to belong. A place to find their kin.

Photo by @kingellieway