Category Archives: Artist Showcase

Chicago Open Air Spotlight: Code Orange [Official Videos]

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*Every week from now until Chicago Open Air gets here we will be releasing an article about a band playing the festival to get you familiar with them.*

Today’s artist is Code Orange.

To close out the epic trio of hardcore acts on Saturday, May 18th, Code Orange brings their off the wall sound to the Chicago Open Air stage at SeatGeek Stadium. This group has been on my radar for quite a while. ‘I Am King’ dropped in 2014 and absolutely scared the hell out of me when it was released. The ferocity, fury, and anger that the record brought changed the way that I listened to extreme music. This was the last album that they released as Code Orange Kids before eventually dropping the “Kids” from their band name. I got to see the band once at this stage at Rock on the Range and was left thoroughly impressed. The ability that Jami Morgan had of controlling a crowd while killing it behind the kit was awing to watch. They have came a long way from then though in terms of live performances and with their music.

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State Of The Art: Kansas’ YOUNGBLOOD SUPERCULT [Album Stream]

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*This is part of our State Of The Art series, showcasing bands every Monday from the featured state. This month’s state is Kansas.*

Hailing from Topeka, Kansas, Youngblood Supercult brings the type of stoner rock that’s well-worthy of being more than just a local gem. Combining genuine seventies classic rock styles with more modern influences, their sound delivers the fuzz-laden doom of Black Sabbath along with the vocal soulfulness of Bad Company, wrapped up with the modern-day grit and grunge of Queens of the Stone Age. At times delving deeply psychedelic, the music never fails to immerse the listener into its ultra laidback, hazily smoke-filled atmosphere. The band’s newest album, ‘The Great American Death Rattle’ (2017) opens with the killer opening title track that features Led Zeppelin “No Quarter”-style bass effects and jaw-dropping guitar soloing. Check it out below. Continue reading →

Epicenter Festival Spotlight: FEVER 333 [Official Videos]

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Fever 333 is one of the most anticipated live bands of the summer. Vocalist Jason Aalon Butler formerly of Letlive is well known as a showman on stage. Having previously saw him perform with his previous band at the inaugural Chicago Open Air fans saw him not only sing with complete perfection but also climb to the top of the scaffolding on the stage approximately 400 feet up in the sky. Everyone eye in the crowd was watching Butler as he ascended to the top still screaming out vocals to the top of his longs. That is just one aspect of what you should expect when seeing him live and in the flesh. Of course he isn’t the only accomplished musician that makes up this stellar group. Following Butler’s Letlive break up, he teamed up with former The Chariot guitarist Stephen Harrison and Night Verses drummer Aric Improta to create Fever 333 in July 2017. The singer also announced in the last few days the formation of his new hardcore band Pressure Cracks. Fever 333 trio quickly signed to Road Runner Records and released their 7 track EP ‘Made An America’. The band has said their focus is on “community, charity, and change” and Butler adds: “The movement is much greater than the music. The art is only a contingent piece. We want to make sure we’re just as involved in the activism and actual activation. By no means do we expect other artists to take on this task. “Most of the people who made big improvements were either assassinated or just called crazy. We make it ostensibly clear that everything we do is in an active effort for change. It’s about bringing back that socio-political mindfulness. We’re trying to write the soundtrack to the revolution that we know is about to happen.”  Continue reading →

Chicago Open Air Spotlight: Vein [Official Videos]

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*Every week from now until Chicago Open Air gets here we will be releasing an article about a band playing the festival to get you familiar with them.*

Today’s artist is Vein.

On Saturday, May 18th, the fast rising hardcore band Vein makes their debut at Chicago Open Air. It’s going to be extremely interesting to see what the band is like performing in a large venue like SeatGeek Stadium as they usually play in much smaller venues so that people get the full experience of how intense they are live. Since forming in 2013, hardcore punk band Vein has made a strong case for themselves as one of the best up and coming metal bands out there right now. The quintet’s ability to put together crazy and unpredictable shows similar to The Dillinger Escape Plan has got their name out there to fans looking for a thrill in live performances. Touring with bands like Code Orange (also on Chicago Open Air) and Twitching Tongues gives you an idea of what you’ll be getting yourself into before going to see them.

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Sonic Temple Spotlight: BLACK PISTOL FIRE

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Photo Courtesy of Black Pistol Fire Official Website

“Sleep on these guys at your own risk, because what they did to BMI on Friday afternoon was unholy… leaving a trail of scorched earth and melted minds.”
– Consequence of Sound, Lollapalooza 2015

Black Pistol Fire is a high-octane rock duo based out of Austin, Texas by way of Toronto, Canada; composed of Kevin McKeown on guitar/lead vocals and Eric Owen on drums.  Drawing inspiration from blues, R&B and rock greats such as Led Zeppelin, Chuck Berry, Nirvana, Buddy Holly and Muddy Waters, BPF’s gritty and dynamic performances are fueled by undeniable musicianship.  Dubbed the “next big thing” by Huffington Post after SXSW 2013, BPF has developed a reputation for their untamed live performances. Continue reading →

Sonic Temple Spotlight: AVATAR

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Each week we’re bringing you several different spotlight segments from the Summer’s biggest rock festivals including Epicenter Festival, Chicago Open Air, and, of course, Sonic Temple!  This week, we’re showcasing Göthenburg, Sweden’s Avatar – a melodic metal act with demented circus theatrics, making for one hell of a show! Continue reading →

Chicago Open Air Spotlight: ALIEN WEAPONRY

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*Every Tuesday from now until Chicago Open Air gets here we will be releasing an article about a band playing the festival to get you familiar with them.*

Today’s artist is Alien Weaponry.

On Sunday, May 19th, the young New Zealand thrashtastic trio in Alien Weaponry brings their immense sound to SeatGeek Stadium for Chicago Open Air. Brothers Henry and Lewis de Jong formed the band back in 2010 before they were even teenagers. The third member is Ethan Trembath. The trio bases a lot of their lyrics off of their Māori ancestry, which all three of them have. Most of their songs are also performed in the native language, te reo Māori. The band really took off last year and saw international success with the release of their debut album, ‘Tū’ via Napalm Records.

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State Of The Art: New Mexico’s AURORA UNDER WATER [Album Stream]

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Photo courtesy of Papa Joe Photography

*This is part of our State Of The Art series, showcasing bands every Monday from the featured state. This month’s state is New Mexico.*

Aurora Under Water is a mixture of Metalcore, Ska, Punk, and Reggae that formed in Las Cruces, New Mexico in March of 2017. The band doesn’t look to have a solidified sound, but to just create what they like.  It is a potent mixture, with a fresh edge in a croweded market.  The talented musicians in the group are vocalist Mark Dragone, lead guitarist Andrew Adonis, rhythm guitarist/clean vocalist Chris Greeno, drummer James Puff and bassist Ryan Lauterbach.

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Sonic Temple Festival Spotlight: THE JACKS

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As the days start getting longer, the outside views gradually morph from gray to a more pleasant green and the world starts to liven up a little, most folks start to anticipate the arrival of Spring. To the rest of us, this time of year isn’t just about nice seasons – it also means FESTIVAL SEASON is right around the corner! As part of our festival spotlight series, we’re bringing you the scoop on the bands that maybe sometimes get overshadowed by the top-of-the-bill bands/artists and introducing you to them so when the show rolls around, there aren’t any strangers! This week we’re checking out The Jacks – SoCal’s British invasion-inspired rock ‘n’ rollers! Continue reading →

Epicenter Festival Spotlight: COUNTERFEIT. [Official Video]

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*This is part of the Epicenter Festival Spotlight segment where we help you get to know some of the non-headlining bands performing at the festival. This week we introduce you to Counterfeit!*

The next Epicenter Festival band you need to get familiar with is Counterfeit who is no stranger to North Carolina festival fans. The band played the final year of Carolina Rebellion last year, and if you missed their set you can forgive yourself by seeing them this coming May. Counterfeit are English punk rockers from London, England. They were formed by and still maintain their original lineup of lead vocalist and guitarist Jamie Campbell Bower, his brother guitarist Sam Bower, guitarist Tristan Marmont, bassist Roland Johnson and drummer James Craig. Continue reading →