Our desert summer is finally winding down; and really, it wasn't so bad, now was it? It's probably in part to the awesome parade of metal shows that came through our fair state since the music industry's touring season was in full swing. Either way, at least the October nights will only be in the 90s when you're leaving those sweat- and blood-drenched mosh pits.

The Halloween season is filled to the brim with heavy metal shows around Metro Phoenix, thanks to concerts and gigs by locals and major international legends. As such, we're on the lookout for the best upcoming shows.

That's why we compile a monthly list of the best metal and hard rock concerts happening at venues around the Valley during the month of October. There's metal vets like Crowbar and Deicide; to festivals like the Carnival of Death and Southwest Terror Fest in Tucson; and two Halloween shows that will feed your metal cravings, whether you're looking for a creepy death metal holiday, or a costume party with some of the best metal bands AZ has to offer.