If you’ve ever been in New York City during a CMJ Music Marathon, you know that they can go by in a blur.  There are a lot of events to sift through, lots of music and radio industry meet-ups, and not a whole lot of time to sleep.  And if you’re visiting from out of town, it can be an even more overwhelming experience.

That’s why we combed through CMJ’s official schedule, mixed it up with some of the unofficial shows we know about, trimmed the fat to make it as metal as possible with just a touch of hardcore, and threw it all together here.  While it’s almost impossible to list everything metal that’s happening because some secret guests and unofficial parties will happen on-the-fly, these shows are all looking like a great time.  If you know of something that should be included, tell us in the comments section below.

Tuesday, Oct 18

-The mighty Warbringer will arrive to decimate Gramercy Theatre with Lazarus A.D., Landmine Marathon and Diamond Plate.  6:30pm / free with CMJ badge.

-Villains headline the first of several CMJ showcases at Saint Vitus Bar in Brooklyn this week.  8pm / free with CMJ badge.

Wednesday, Oct 19

-The first of two Tee Pee Records showcases will go down at Saint Vitus Bar, with Hopewell on deck to headline a show that looks to represent the label’s trademark stoner-and-sludge recipe. 7pm / free with CMJ badge.

-Ministry‘s gritty new documentary FIX: The Ministry Movie is playing at Clearview Chelsea.  If you’re a longtime fan of the band, it’s a can’t-miss proposition.  9:30pm / free with CMJ badge.

Thursday, Oct 20

-While Thursday easily has the least metal of any day this year, we’ll take a second to mention that Skateboard Marketing‘s having an invite-only party at The Studio at Webster Hall for industry and radio types. 6:30pm / closed invite.

Friday, Oct 21

-Oh man, here we go.  Metal Insider’s official party will be kicking off at Idle Hands Bar in the East Village.  Free swag, hangouts with us AND the new Megadeth and Steel Panther albums?  Yes please.  5pm / free with RSVP.

-Kvelertak will swing down from Norway to headline the MetalSucks/Metal Injection/1000 Knives showcase at Europa.  This bill is going to be a scorcher, with Skeletonwitch and a packed lineup leading into the first of two Kvelertak shows this weekend.  Also, did we mention the flyer kicks complete ass?  6pm / free with CMJ badge.

-Dragonforce will blast open Gramercy Theatre with new vocalist Marc Hudson out in front.  This one’s going to be packed, as it’s their only East Coast show this year. 7pm / free with CMJ badge.

-Tee Pee’s second showcase, at Union Pool, will likely be even heavier than Wednesday’s.  Naam is headlining, but Hull‘s epic sludge stands to level the venue in their only CMJ appearance.  7pm / free with CMJ badge.

Saturday, Oct 22

-The Converse-presented True Till Def showcase at Santos Party House is a lengthy, evening-clearing blowout, with hardcore legends Youth of Today and sludge-rock masters Kylesa headlining.  5pm / free with RSVP.

-If you missed Kvelertak and Skeletonwitch last night, catch them with Tombs (in their only CMJ appearance) and Psychic Limb on their Brooklyn Vegan-sponsored Rocks Off! Concert Cruise.  This is technically a badge-enabled event, but if you don’t have a ticket, get there early.  6pm / free with CMJ badge.

-If you’re trying to spend more of your night in Brooklyn on Saturday, Dysrythmia and East of the Wall will also bring some serious intensity to Union Pool for the official 1000 Knives showcase.  7pm / free with CMJ badge.