Metal Up Your Coffee!

This morning, I read about Testament holding a fun in-store event at Park Avenue CDs in Orlando, Florida. In addition to doing a “meet and greet” with fans and signing records, the guys are scheduled to judge a pumpkin carving contest– and launch a special coffee blend. The metal band partnered with Concept Cafes Coffee to create a special blend called “Brazen.” It comes in a limited tour tin.

They’ll have the coffee on hand for the in-store, but those who can’t make it can order the coffee online here. Don’t wait, though. The coffee is in conjunction with Testament’s North American Klash of the Titans Tour ’24 (with Kreator and Possessed). 

If you live near Park Avenue CDs in Orlando, here’s more information about the meet and greet and how to get on the list.

Reading about Testament’s new coffee got me thinking about other bands and musicians who have dipped their toes into the java pool. That sent me down a rabbit hole as I compiled a list of rockers (and a couple of rappers) with special coffees (a couple even have their own coffee companies).

Here’s what I found:

Kirk Hammett (Metallica) – Greeny Blues Blend, in partnership with Muddy Waters Coffee Company. Kirk’s “Greeny” Les Paul guitar graces the package and contains what’s described as a “rich and full-bodied” dark roast. Bonus:  A portion of each sale is donated to Crew Nation, a charity that helps music industry professionals affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Buy the coffee here. (Photo from Kirk Hammett Instagram)

David Ellefson (Megadeth) – David has his own coffee company, which features several blends: Roast in Peace (medium roast), Rock and Rose (light roast), King of Thrash (dark roast), Napalm in the Morning (dark roast). Check them out here. (Photo courtesy of David Ellefson)

Charlie Benante (Anthrax) – The Anthrax drummer’s offering to the coffee world is Benante’s Blend: The Devil You Know (medium roast). I love the description: 

“Recommended for premium enjoyment with your favorite pastry or sitting with Agent Cooper at the Double R for a piece of cherry pie, to the sounds of Iron Maiden, Judas Priest or Motorhead all providing the ideal driving movement to enhance your experience…”

Note: Charlie’s website shows three coffees, but only offers one for sale. Hopefully, this means he’s planning additional roasts. Check it out here.

Zakk Wylde (Black Label Society/Ozzy) – Valhalla Java Odinforce (dark roast) – in partnership with Death Wish Coffee. I’ve had this coffee and IT. ROCKS. It gets in your face like one of Zakk’s blistering guitar solos. If you’re dragging, it will wake you up. Try it here.

Rob Zombie – Hellbilly Brew (medium dark roast) – It’s currently sold out, so keep checking this website to see whether they restock it.

Joey Kramer (Aerosmith) – Joey has his own coffee business, “Rockin’ & Roastin’ Coffee.” So far, the company offers three choices: Organic Sumatra (dark roast), Organic Ethiopia (dark roast), and Organic Guatemala (medium roast). Each package is $17 but you can get a 3-pack for $51. Here’s the website.

Ministry – Laughing Monkey Machine Coffee: Laughing Monkey Blend (dark roast) – in partnership with Concept Cafe Coffees. Learn more here.

Cannibal Corpse – Beheading & Brewing Coffee: Organic Bali Blue Moon – in partnership with Concept Cafes Coffee. Here’s the website.

GWAR – You’d think one of their shows would be enough to keep you awake, but they also have a coffee called Espresso Destructo, created in partnership with Grindcore Coffee. Here’s the link. 

(FYI: Grindcore Coffee also carries blends from the following bands: Cryptopsy, Convalescence, Misery Index, Angerot, Arkaik Suernal, Gorgatron, and Rottenness, if you’re inclined to check them out)

Coheed & Cambria – This band also has its own roastery, Coheed Roasters, and currently offers four blends: Waking Mind Morning Blend (light roast), The Knowledge (light & dark roast mixture), The Beast (medium/dark roast), the Inferno (medium/dark roast). There are also k-cup options for some of the blends. Here’s the website.

Green Day – This band has its own roastery, Punk Bunny Coffee. Here’s what they have: Fancy Sauce (light roast), Dookie Roast (dark roast), Father of All… Dark Roasts, Soundcheck (dark roast), Last Ride In (medium/dark roast), Light Club (light roast), Rooted Soul (ultra dark roast). There are k-cup options, too. Check them all out here.

Dropkick Murphys – They no longer have a coffee blend but I want to mention them because they have a longstanding partnership with Death Wish Coffee, which benefits their nonprofit, Claddagh Fund. The organization raises money to help underfunded non-profit groups that support vulnerable populations. Learn more here.

So far, I’ve focused on rock and metal musicians, but I must slip in a coffee from one of my favorite rap groups.

Ghostface Killah (Wu-Tang Clan) – Ghostface has a roastery and offers these blends: Shaolin Cannoli (medium roast), Supreme Dark Roast, Vanilla Milkshake (medium roast), Marble Cake (medium roast), Chocolate Chip Mint (medium roast), and Marvelous Medium Roast. Check out all these choices here.

The following groups/musicians used to have coffees, but they’re either sold out or out of business: Disturbed, Dee Snider (Twisted Sister), KISS, Judas Priest, Cypress Hill, Iggy Pop, and Snoop Dogg. 

I love Zakk Wylde’s Valhalla Java Odinforce. I stumbled upon it while surfing Death Wish Coffee’s website. I prefer dark roast coffee, and this blend did not disappoint. I’m eager to try a few of the coffees mentioned above, especially Testament’s new blend. I saw them the last time they passed through Seattle, so I may be out of luck this time around. Hopefully, the coffee will be a big hit, and they’ll continue to sell it online.