When the “Tattoo the Earth” tour rolls through Des Moines Friday, the great state of Iowa won’t know what hit it. With the hardest pounding rock music the industry has to offer combined with the most highly recognized rock tattoo artists across the county, this tour is unlike any other to date.

Probably the most similar tour to “Tattoo the Earth” would be the annual “Ozzfest,” as it too displays the best in hardcore music. But the addition of the tattoo artists is what makes “Tattoo the Earth” unique.

Another similarity between the two tours is the presence of Des Moines band Slipknot, which began making waves with its appearance in “Ozzfest” last summer. Slipknot is now headlining this wacky touring festival.

“We’re really into this theme. It’s another form of artistic expression,” Slipknot’s #6 told Alternative Press. “There’s live music, and then there’s art beyond the music. I don’t even think you need to be a tattoo lover to really appreciate it.”

(hed) p.e. guitarist Westyle, who was also on the “Ozzfest” bill last year, recently finished recording a new album with the band. It will be released Aug. 22.

He said his band is just excited to be out touring again.

“When we used to go out on the road, typically, we didn’t know anybody. Here we are finishing up our next album cycle, which is a lot of time in a studio and in a room, sitting around waiting,” Westyle told Sonicnet music news. “It’s just exciting to go out again with friends like Slipknot and Sevendust and all the bands that are our buddies.”

Westyle also sees the similarities between “Ozzfest” but said both tours have their upsides.

“‘Ozzfest’ is a bigger production, but I think it’s cool because this tour has a dope lineup, with some bands that have done ‘Ozzfest’ before. I think ‘Ozzfest’ rules. I think ‘Tattoo the Earth’ rules,” Westyle said. “If you’re a kid, you don’t want just one show to come to your town, you want to see cool shows all summer.”

Westyle is happy to be playing in Slipknot’s hometown, and he is glad the two groups have become friends.

“We played back to back with Slipknot on ‘Ozzfest’ last year every day, and we’ve toured with them a few times since then. They’re just fun guys we love to tour with,” Westyle said. “Once in awhile, you go out with bands where you’re not as tight with it, but certainly, when you’re out with your friends, that’s a tough life,” he said sarcastically.

“It’s fun as fuck. It’s hard to maintain a constant snuggle partner, but we’re blessed,” he said.

With two stages and nearly 20 bands taking the stage, making sure things run smoothly during the 18-date tour will, at times, be a grueling task for the bands. But festival creator Scott Alderman said the response to the tour has been phenomenal.

“The bands are as excited about the tour as the kids,” Alderman said in a press release. “Paul Booth [tattoo artist] is already getting flooded with requests from band members wanting ink.”

Along with headliner Slipknot, the mainstage lineup also consists of Slayer, Sevendust, Coal Chamber, Sepultura, Downset, (hed) p.e. and Puya. Nashville Pussy will headline the second stage, which includes Mudvayne, Hatebreed, Full Devil Jacket, Workhorse Movement and Famous, among others.

“Tattoo the Earth” will leave its mark at the Waterworks Park in Des Moines, located at Valley Dive and Fleur Drive, Friday starting at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $35.

The show begins at 1:30 p.m. and is $35 to get in. For more information, check out

www.tattootheearth.com.