Powered by Imagen Records, the 2012 Ernie Ball Battle Of The Bands has 28 groups vying for the grand prize that includes a slot on next year’s Uproar.

Each band on that list competed on the Ernie Ball Stage with other local bands when Uproar rolled into their town. Those performances are now being evaluated by a panel of music industry players that include Sirius XM’s Jose Manguin, Avenged Sevenfold guitarist Zacky Vengeance, producer/mixer Jay Baumgardner and music biz legend Bill McGathy.

What does the most awesome of the awesome band battlers win? Aside from that coveted spot on next year’s Uproar tour? Enough to make the entire battle of the bands worthwhile, including an opportunity to record an EP with Baumgardner behind the controls, a professional photo shoot with rock photog Lisa Johnson, an editorial feature in Revolver Magazine and a music video directed by Strati Hovartos.

The winner will also receive a one-year supply of Ernie Ball strings and Rockstar Energy Drink, both of which should come in handy when the winning band embarks on next year’s Uproar tour.

“It’s been amazing to watch 2011 Battle Of the Bands winner Mindset Evolution grow and expand their fan base over the past year,” Uproar co-producer John Oakes said. “Uproar is proud to be a part of their success and looks forward to helping develop many more up-and-coming rock bands over the years. I’m excited to find out who our 2012 winner will be.”

Of course, Oakes, like the rest of us, will have to wait until the end of this month. For more information, including videos of the 28 bands competing for the big prize, click here for the Rockstar Energy Drink Uproar Festival website.