New Metal Bar REAPER: A Phoenix from the Inferno

By Heather Millet, October 17, 2024

The Shanghai 'heavy music' scene has long had a small but dedicated community, which a string of metal bars have been at the heart of – most notably Inferno.

Over its 10 year lifespan, Inferno had three iterations in Shanghai, originating with founder Martin Aamodt, followed by partnerships and ownership by other metal heads – such as the final Inferno boss, Cassandra.

The closing of the third Inferno in November 2022 came as a harsh blow, scattering Satan's children to unknown corners of their musical universe, wandering like desert pilgrims.

At last, their dark prayers have been answered, and a new metal mecca is calling...

We are thrilled to announce that Aamodt is launching his latest rock/metal bar project REAPER in Jing'an, next door to Yugo Grill (in the space they were running for a while), opposite Shankang Li, and just around the corner from The Shed.

There's an added bonus for Inferno loyalists; we are pleased to note that Cassandra is still involved in this metal venture.

As you step into the bar, the space is broad and the décor is – of course – dark, lined with red lights and red pleather couches that encircle charcoal mat tables – all under a black ceiling. It feels like a shady haven, which is likely how most metal heads will treat it.

The music will be exploring everything from the occasional classic rock to the depths of the sludgiest doom metal. So, for those who aren’t looking for skull-crushing black metal every second of their visit, there will be moments of gentler music.

Requests are also usually honored, meaning guests can have a say in the tunes; maybe just don’t ask for Taylor Swift, but there are plenty of Disney metal-remakes – so Mulan or Pocahantas may just be acceptable!

With regular drinks starting from RMB35, Aamodt describes the bar as “an environment where anyone is welcome to enjoy heavy riffs and affordable drinks.”

Friday will mark the official opening of REAPER, calling back all the lost souls who went down with the good ship Inferno, and all are welcome to ring in this joyous occasion (black leather optional... but highly recommended considering the autumnal weather).

Saturday will continue the weekend’s revelry – yes, metal heads are in fact usually very happy folks – with DJ B.O. at the helm for the Bring Your Own Vinyl night.

In essence, anyone that wants to spin can bring a record and hop on the decks; B.O. will be there to assist if needed.

DJ BO will host BYOV (Bring Your Own Vinyl) Night

For future events, you can count on metal sub-genre music nights, dress-up and theme parties, as well as cocktail specials and deals.

REAPER will also offer a ‘Power Hour,’ which sees Asahi Extra Dry Draft, House Mixed Drinks and House Shots for just RMB20 from 7-9pm daily.

The bar is in an ideal spot for to drop through out of curiosity, or to fuel up on highballs and shots before your next destination.

There’s more to metal than meets the eye – or should we say ear. For those non-metal curioso, just coming in to check out the vibes can be an adventure in itself. In other words, don't fear the REAPER.

Be sure to head along and join the madness of their opening weekend...