By: Evan J. Thomas

I know i'm late to the party BUT I finally had the opportunity to see the legendary industrial rock band Nine Inch Nails.  Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross brought their immersive Peel It Back Tour to Fiserv Forum on Monday February 23, delivering a dark, cinematic performance that proved why NiN remain one of the most powerful live acts in modern music.
From the moment the lights dimmed, the night felt less like a typical arena concert and more like an industrial art installation unfolding in real time. Instead of charging out with explosive theatrics, Reznor opened the show alone on a secondary stage in the middle of the floor playing at the piano performing “Something I Can Never Have,” creating a haunting and intimate start that pulled the entire arena into silence. As the band gradually joined him for “Non-Entity” and “Piggy (Nothing Can Stop Me Now),” the tension began to build before exploding into the full power of the band once they hit the main stage and boy did they bring it!
When the opening riff of “Wish” kicked in, the show truly ignited. What followed was a relentless run of industrial rock staples including “March of the Pigs,” “Reptile,” “Heresy,” and “Copy of A.” The band sounded massive, with thunderous drums, razor-sharp guitars, and layers of electronic textures filling the arena.  
Visually, the show was just as striking as the music. The band performed sections of the set behind a large projection mesh that turned the stage into a cube of shifting imagery and strobing light. At times, the projections created multiple “versions” of Reznor across the screens, giving the performance an almost dystopian, sci-fi atmosphere that perfectly matched the band’s industrial sound.  It was an epic scene to see that.   I was watching how the video guy was maneuvering about the stage while capturing the incredible visuals. 
A mid-set electronic segment brought collaborator Boys Noize (also did an hour set before NiN) back to the stage for remixed versions of songs like “Closer” and “Parasite,” leaning heavily into the electronic side of Nine Inch Nails’ sound while giving fans a unique twist on familiar tracks.
By the final stretch of the night, the energy inside the arena had reached full chaos. Tracks like “The Perfect Drug” sparked crowdsurfing and massive crowd reactions, while the band powered through the final songs with relentless intensity.
Throughout the entire performance, Reznor remained a commanding presence—equal parts musician, conductor, and storyteller—guiding the audience through a show that balanced raw aggression with atmospheric beauty.

Nine Inch Nails didn’t just perform in Milwaukee, they transformed the arena into a dark, immersive sonic experience. With stunning visuals, a perfectly paced setlist spanning decades of music, and a performance that never lost its intensity, the February 23 show at Fiserv Forum was a reminder that Nine Inch Nails still operate on a level few bands can match.  So glad I finally popped my cherry seeing the legendary band.  

By: Evan J. Thomas

Chicago got a heavy dose of raw emotion and unfiltered rock energy when Badflower took over the stage at the House of Blues Chicago on Sunday February 22, delivering a performance that was equal parts cathartic, explosive, and deeply immersive.  

This was my first big show of 2026 after nearly 2 1/2 months and boy was I happy to pull out my camera for this show.  This was the 5th time i've had the chance to see Badflower and their show just keeps getting better and the crowds keep growing for each tour.  

From the moment the lights dimmed, the atmosphere shifted. A low hum of anticipation turned into a roar as the band walked onstage, immediately commanding attention without needing flashy theatrics. Badflower thrives on emotional authenticity, and that authenticity was front and center throughout the entire set.  The crowd was in full throat from the first song. 
Frontman Josh Katz delivered a gripping vocal performance, balancing vulnerability and aggression with ease. Whether leaning into quieter, introspective moments or unleashing full-throttle choruses, his stage presence felt genuine and magnetic. There was no barrier between the band and the audience — just a shared emotional release that pulsed through the venue.

The crowd engagement was one of the night’s standout elements. Fans sang along loudly, creating a choir-like atmosphere that filled the House of Blues. Between songs, Katz’s candid interactions and emotionally charged commentary reinforced why Badflower’s fanbase connects so strongly with their music — it feels personal.
Visually, the performance leaned into moody lighting with lots of red and a minimal staging, allowing the music and emotion to take center stage. Instead of relying on spectacle, the band focused on intensity, which worked perfectly in the intimate setting of the venue.
The supporting lineup, which included Point North and Olive Vox, helped set the tone for the evening and kept the energy building leading into the headlining set.  Olive Vox is definitely a band to watch and the crowd was very into them.
By the final songs, the room felt fully electric. The closing stretch was loud, emotional, and unforgettable, leaving the crowd buzzing long after the last note rang out.
Badflower’s Chicago stop wasn’t just another tour date — it was a reminder of how powerful live rock music can be when it’s delivered with honesty, passion, and zero pretense. In a venue known for hosting iconic performances, this show stood out as one of the most emotionally charged rock nights of the season.
For fans of modern rock, vulnerability, and high-impact live energy, Badflower was not just a concert — it was an experience.

Review By: Kat Gullage
Photos By: Holly Roy Photography

WHO THE HELL IS RAHWAY?!?
I stole that tag line from their website cuz it’s the perfect opener. The four man band, aka Slumlords of New Jersey, are made up of Nick Hade on vocals, David Cardenas on the axe, his brother Steve Cardenas on drums and Chigger (Tim Louie) on bass. The group’s moniker represents their hometown of Rahway, NJ, which is only five miles from Staten Island and fifteen miles from Manhattan. It’s also known as “Spanktown”, based on a legend that an early settler disciplined his wife by publicly spanking her. Sounds like a fun place.

On this brutally cold night, Rahway took the turnpike and rolled into a local rock club in Bristol, CT, to play to a lean but committed crowd. The walk-in song was freaking “What’s New Pussycat?”. Let the records show that our trusty photographer Holly Borden immediately knew it was Tom Jones. Respect where it’s due.

Rahway tore straight into an eight song set, six pulled from their self titled release. They fed us “Stone” and “Drowning” both of which honestly hit harder live than the studio version. Nick never stops moving the entire time and his mohawk suits his chaos. He welcomed the room: “It’s pronounced Raw Way. If it’s your first time out, welcome to the family. ” They had a count into “OnlyThe Strong”. I bounced on three and quickly found out the count was five. I really liked the tune, it had a PM5K thread laced into it. “Whoever digs us the most gets free shit. Y’all like free shit?!” You KNOW my ass won the free shirt for wildin. Nick threw it and it sailed over my head in the dark bar. I couldn’t find it! Some rando guy picked it up and kept it. Tragic. Nick announced the band would be posted at merch for meet and greets. They ripped into “Faith” and Nick busted out a slick Elly De La Cruz slide from the drum riser to the front of the stage. Afterward he casually mentioned he was blowing the mic out and we were hearing just his raw, unamplified voice. Honestly? Impressive. “This is for whoever feels trapped in their job. This is Cage, short for Cage The Animal. ” The song kicks from the start. David lives in that guitarist “zone” about 95% of the time, locked in. He has messy strings, all sticking out of the neck, like Tom Morello’s. Nick mentioned David “brought out the slide for this one” which led into “Yesterday” from Grand Design. Something went sideways with the drum kit and they had to stop cold. Took a minute to get it fixed.


Nick and crew picked it up right where they left off with precision. “This next one goes out to anyone talkin shit that needs a punch in the mouth” teeing up “Carry You” which opens with a great bass lick. Another free merch challenge followed, a chant contest. Yup, won that one too. Nick ruled I couldn’t win twice (fair!), but once he learned my original prize got poached, he made it right. The guitarist explained the meaning of the final song. Yawnsville (sorry David). Steve undercut him by saying he “thought it was about a massage parlor”. Not the first time in the set the drummer flexed his successful comedic timing. Rahway closed with “Rocketship”.


Rahway shows are fun! Nick was kind enough to give me band member names and the setlist. His influences are not surprising: Cornell, Bennington, Draiman. He was listening to the band If Not For Me that night. When I found out he was a Cincinnati Bengals fan I turned into that emoji with star eyes. There ain’t that many of us roaming the Northeast. Nick also has his own special elixir, a custom concoction he consumes during the performance. Wanna know what’s in it? Ask him yourself when you catch a Rahway show! Win free merch!