Metal Insider’s Top 5 is a column where we count down the top five of…well basically anything.

We realize that about 99% of you will be nowhere near Texas next week, but this week’s top five is for those of you that will be making an annual pilgrimage to Austin for the South by South West festival. It didn’t start out that way, but in the past several years, the fest has been extremely accommodating to metal. Not only does a lot of business get done on account of there being so many bands/musicians/managers/agents in one place, but there have been some great festivals, showcases and panels put together. Here are five of the shows we’re looking most forward to.

5. Pitchfork’s Show No Mercy SXSW Party:

Pitchfork and Brandon Stosuy are teaming up to invade SXSW with their own unofficial party at ND Studios on March 14. Featuring performances from Rwake, The Atlas Moth, Black Tusk, Deafheaven and many others, Pitchfork will indeed be showing no mercy for Austin, TX.

4. Metal Blade Records 30^th Anniversary Party:

Hard to believe that Metal Blade Records just turned 30 years old. And the metal label is celebrating by throwing an unofficial SXSW Anniversary party on March 15 at the MI Annex. Along with a little help from ‘stache media and Indie Merch, the party will feature performances from Job for a Cowboy, Cancer Bats, Battlecross, Early Graves, and many others.

3. The NEMHF Does Austin Free SXSW Day Party:

For the third straight year in a row, the New England Metal & Hardcore Festival heads West for a free showcase at SXSW. On March 16, NEMHF will invade the MI Annex with performances from iwrestledabearonce, Holy Grail, Lionheart, Cancer Bats, Volumes, and many others.

2. The CVLT Nation, Century Media & Stumptown Coffee Showcase:

Hosted by Eyehategod’s Mike IX Williams, CVLT Nation, Century Media Records and Stumptown Coffee are teaming up for a free showcase set to take place at The Longbranch Inn on March 16. This may actually be one of the most unique showcases this year, with bands like Nachtmystium and The Atlas Moth sharing the stage with Andrew W.K.

1. The Metal Sucks/Metal Injection/Metal Insider’s South By South Death:

Ok, so we may be a little bias here since we’re co-sponsoring this event. However, even if our name wasn’t attached, we’d make damn sure to be at Barbarella on March 14 for the South By South Death showcase. Seriously, just look at the lineup: High on Fire, Darkest Hour, Nachtmystium, Intronaut, Black Tusk, Holy Grail AND MonstrO! All on one night and stage! How can you beat that?