By: Evan J. Thomas

Puscifer staged a full blown, mind bending moody AF spectacle at Landmark Credit Union Live in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Tuesday night. Equal parts performance art, desert ritual, and sonic hypnosis, the night unfolded like a fever dream you didn’t want to wake up from.
From the moment the lights dropped, the atmosphere shifted. A short animated video came on the screen at the back of the stage telling the crowd that its time do disconnect, put your phones down and be in the moment.  Animated Maynard told the masses to repeat after him... "Yes, we understand," three times the crowd responded to the request. 

The stage wasn’t just a platform for Maynard James Keenan, it was his world. Stark visuals, cryptic imagery, and that signature Puscifer moody style pulled the crowd into a strange, immersive narrative trance that felt both theatrical and deeply personal. This is where Maynard thrives, not as a traditional frontman, but as a curator of visual and sonic experience.
Vocally, Maynard was in top form, controlled, haunting, and effortlessly weaving between vulnerability and intensity. Carina Round was nothing short of mesmerizing, her presence adding both emotional weight and a sharp, ethereal contrast. Together, they created a push/pull dynamic that elevated every track into something alive and unpredictable.
The setlist moved like a carefully constructed journey. Tracks hit with cinematic precision layered, textured, and pulsing with that unmistakable Puscifer groove. The band locked into a hypnotic rhythm section that felt almost trance inducing, while the electronic elements wrapped everything in a dark, atmospheric haze. Songs didn’t just start and stop, they evolved, expanded, and pulled the audience deeper in.
Visually, the production was next level. Screens flickered with surreal imagery, lighting shifted like a living organism, and every transition felt intentional like chapters in a story being revealed piece by piece. It was weird. It was brilliant. It was completely Maynard and Puscifer.
And then there’s the crowd Milwaukee showed up ready. Fans weren’t just watching; they were part of it. Hanging on every note, and getting lost in the hypnotic flow. There’s a unique bond at a Puscifer show one that feels more like a shared secret than a concert.
By the end of the night, one thing was clear: Puscifer doesn’t follow the rules of live music they rewrite them. This wasn’t about big rock moments or predictable highs. It was about immersion, mood, and connection.  A connection everyone felt after they disconnected from their phones and submersed themselves in the performance.

By: Vincent Renn

If you haven’t been to The Melody Inn yet in Indianapolis, then you’re sleeping on possibly one of the greatest punk rock dives in town. Located on 38th and Illinois, they just had Three Wheel Horse take over their stage! 
They kicked off their set with What Life Does, and Stoned Alone and continued blistering through their hour and fifteen minute set that included other hits such as Dead Weight, Heartfelt and even their newest single released just last year Never Never Never!
Founded by Brothers Jason and Jeff Brown, the band reformed back in 2022 and have been gathering steam as they went! The band is rounded out by Mikey “Stix” Stocksick on drums and James Redlin on bass. They play pretty consistently at either Melody Inn or Black Circle but in July they’ll be bringing the thunder to The Vogue theater opening up for Black Stone Cherry! Get your tickets now because these guys are NOT a one trick pony!

By: Evan J. Thomas

Some shows hit hard. Others leave a mark. And then there are nights like this where everything collides into something unforgettable. That’s exactly what went down in Manchester Music Hall when Sevendust rolled through Lexington with a stacked lineup featuring Atreyu, Fire From The Gods, and American Adrenaline.  This lineup didn't disappoint as Manchester Music Hall was jam packed with rabid fans who were elbow to elbow.  

I enjoyed American Adrenaline as the crowd was ready to get rowdy.  AA kicked it off with high-octane riffs and a punchy, no-nonsense delivery that grabbed the masses attention instantly. Their set felt like a mission statement: loud, confident and a perfect start to a great night.

Fire From The Gods brought a different kind of intensity, one rooted in groove, message, and raw emotion. The band’s fusion of metal, rap, and melody hit like a wave, pulling the crowd deeper into the night.  My only gripe was the lack of light for us photographers, not sure why bands like to stand in complete darkness for the fans not to take in the performance fully.

Then came Atreyu, and the energy jumped another level. Their set was pure adrenaline, tight, explosive, and packed with moments that had the crowd moving nonstop. Circle pits, hands in the air, bodies surfing, voices screaming back every word... it was chaos, but the kind you never want to end. Atreyu knows exactly how to work a room, and Lexington, KY was all in.  Over 25 years on the scene, nine albums under their belt with a new album due out on April 24 called "The End Is Not The End" the guys are at the top of their game. 

Speak of a band on top of their game... the headliners Sevendust strolled out on stage at 9:30pm local time.  By the time the guys took the stage, the atmosphere was electric, and they didn’t waste a second of their evening. Opening with crushing precision, they immediately reminded everyone why they’ve remained one of the most respected bands in heavy music since their formation in 1994. 

With their 15 album, "One" just days away the mix of old and new songs brought in the various generations at the show.  Kicking off with classics "Home" and "Denial" then mixing in "The Real You," "Unbreakable," "Threshold" and the close out being "Face To Face" had the throngs losing their voices.  

Lajon Witherspoon’s vocals were nothing short of phenomenal, effortless power, soaring melodies, and that unmistakable soul that cuts through even the heaviest moments.   Clint Lowery and John Connolly delivered riff after riff with razor-sharp execution, while the rhythm section locked in like a machine.

What makes Sevendust special isn’t just their sound it’s their connection. Every song felt lived-in, every note carried weight, and every moment was shared with the crowd. From explosive anthems to emotional slow burns, the set was a masterclass in dynamics and longevity.  LJ loves to interact with the crowd and you can see the love given back to him and the band.  Various body surfers who made it over the railing 

This wasn’t just another stop on a tour, it felt like a celebration of heavy music in all its forms. Four bands, each bringing something unique, building on each other until Sevendust closed it out in dominant fashion.

Lexington showed up. The bands delivered. And Manchester Music Hall proved once again why it’s one of the best spots in the region to experience live music at full volume.  If this tour is coming anywhere near you, don’t think twice. This is what live music is supposed to feel like. Loud, real, and absolutely unforgettable and to see a legacy band at the top of their game you won't leave disappointed.  

By: Vincent Renn

Hailing from Santa Cruz, California American Adrenaline stormed the stage to kick off the first date of The One tour hosted by Sevendust! Promoting their debut album Burn The Ships they railed in to a 25 minute set making sure the audience knew their asses were getting whooped. People waiting for merch in the lobby lost out in an education on how to open a show!

Following them came Fire From The Gods from Austin, Texas! Opening with Incinerate they launched into Soul Revolution, and The Voiceless to kick off their thirty-minute set. With the audience begging for more, they left the stage.

They weren’t left wanting for long as Brandon Saller crept on stage prowling back and forth. They opened with Dead, and as the crowd started flying in to the air surfing, they rolled right in to Becoming The Bull! The highlight was of course their acoustic cover of Like A Stone by Audioslave! The lights on phones came out, and lit the house up like a Christmas tree.
​
Finally, the magic hour was here.... Sevendust had a video opening bringing up all the memories of past shows and albums releasing all the skeletons of their musical closet. As Lajon walked on to stage, he quickly greeted the crowd and then growled quickly in to Home. Taking a moment to gather themselves, Lajon pounced back on to stage with Denial before breaking in to Is This The Real You off the upcoming album One! Sevendust spent the next 90 minutes not only celebrating the 29th anniversary of their debut album by rocking tracks Terminator and Black but also gave us a glimpse of their future which hopefully will be writing, recording and touring for the long term! Sevendust has always had an amazing connection with their fans, but this tour and upcoming cycle seems to be their deepest and most personal ONE yet!

By: Evan J. Thomas

Jon Q Public tore into The Cubby Bear with the kind of raw, unfiltered energy that reminds you exactly why punk still hits so hard. From the first chord, the room was alive, fast, loud, and just the right amount of chaotic.

Their set was tight but never over-polished, keeping that gritty edge intact while still showing off solid musicianship. The crowd fed off every shout-along moment, turning the whole place into a bouncing, sweat-soaked mess in the best way possible.
​
It wasn’t just a performance, it felt like a release. Jon Q Public didn’t just play a show, they took over the room and left it ringing long after the last note.

By: Jen Skaggs

I began my research of Ex-Faces at the Machine Shop in Flint, Michigan, April 16th and 17th both days sold out, with the intention of observing the stage dynamics of the former Mushroomhead lineup, as this event marked their initial reunion after several years. I was also scheduled to provide photography services for them that weekend. The members in attendance were,
Waylon Reavis (Vocals), 
Jason "J Mann" Popson (Vocals), 
Dave "Gravy" Felton (Guitar), 
Daniel "Lil' Dan" Fox (Drums), 
Rick "St1tch" Thomas (Samples/Keyboards),
​Joe "Mr. Murdernickel" Kilcoyne (Bass), 
 Jack "Pig Benis" Kilcoyne (Bass).

I am quite content that I was not tasked with photography responsibilities during those two days, as I found it rather difficult to remain still. The energy displayed by the performers was truly exceptional, and it instilled a renewed sense of youthful vitality within me. I am unable to comment on individual performances, as the collective synergy was outstanding, with each member contributing significantly every night. Their energy levels seemed to intensify with each passing evening. 

When we got to the King of Clubs in Columbus, Ohio on April 18th and 19th, which were also both sold out days, I was so nervous because they move around so much and there was always something going on that I wanted to capture. The crowd was heavily involved, singing and jumping. It felt like a family gathering, and everyone was so happy to see these guys back together. The band is scheduled for a 6-week U.S. tour starting July 2, 2026, in Virginia Beach, VA, and they will also be at Michigan Metal Fest!

Should you choose not to attend, you will forego an exceptional experience, including the opportunity to witness their collective vocal performance of songs such as,
EndingSolitaire/Unraveling, Sun Doesn't Rise, Bwomp, and 12 Hundred! Such a nostalgic show! Honestly one of the best shows I have ever attended!

By: Evan J. Thomas

I've been excited for this show since the announcement of the tour.  Not only is Des Rocs one of my favorite performers.  Late in 2025 I had the opportunity to interview the growing legend of Des for the cover of Sound Fury Magazine Vol. 4 Winter 2025.  Before the show I also had the opportunity to meet Des and give him a copy of the magazine and he was very grateful as was I for the chance to meet him.  

Now for the show... Chicago didn’t just get a concert, it got a full-blown rock revival when Des Rocs hit the stage at Bottom Lounge, the energy in the room shifted instantly. From the first note to the final crash of distortion, it was clear this wasn’t going to be just another stop on a tour, this was a statement a headline of  "ROCK IS NOT DEAD."

The crowd was packed tight, buzzing with anticipation, and Des Rocs delivered with a performance that felt raw, dangerous, and completely alive. There’s something about his stage presence that doesn’t just command attention it demands it. Every movement, every scream, every riff felt intentional and explosive.  His facial expressions, his interaction with the crowd and what took over for me was the masses chanting "Des, Des, Des" between songs, it was an intense atmosphere. 

And then came the viral moment.  Mid-set, Des Rocs stopped to give an announcement.  Saying he was going to be unleashing the song he has been teasing “Fall Together” as he it played live for the very first time. The room locked in immediately. The track hit with a gritty, emotional punch, blending his signature swagger with a darker, more cinematic edge. You could feel it in real time, the crowd knew they were witnessing something new, something important.  (See video)

As if that wasn’t enough, the night delivered another massive reveal before debuting the track, Des Rocs officially announced his upcoming album, “To Hell and Back”, set for release on June 12.  Those in attendance erupted in cheers, the title alone feels like a mission statement, and if “Fall Together” is any indication along with "This Land" and others, this record is shaping up to be his most intense and defining work yet.

Throughout the set, Des Rocs balanced chaos and control perfectly. The band was tight, loud, and relentless, pushing each song to its limits while still keeping the audience completely locked in. Sweat, distortion, and pure adrenaline filled the room where it felt less like a performance and more like a shared experience between artist and crowd.
By the time the final note rang out, one thing was undeniable: Des Rocs isn’t just playing shows, he’s building something bigger.

With a new single that hits hard and an album on the horizon, this Bottom Lounge performance felt like the beginning of a new chapter—one that’s louder, bolder, and impossible to ignore. 

 Review By: Kat Gullage
​Photos By: Holly Roy Photography

Pop Evil brought their 2026 Tour to Six String Grill & Stage with Sierra Pilot and Kamenar as support. 

Didn’t know much about Sierra Pilot from Ontario Canada going in, but they grabbed my attention early and didn’t let go. I peeked their site and YouTube, seems like the line up may have changed since their inception. On this night it was a tight five-piece that featured founder Taylor Leith on lead vocals, Wes Bartram on drums, Brenden James on lead guitar, Gabe Guerra on rhythm and David “King” Goodman, a wildman on the bass. I don’t have the official setlist but they’re currently pushing “Breathe” off their new EP, available at their live gigs. As the frontman, Taylor hit the crowd with, “We’re super stoked to be here!” and they wasted no time proving it. Their sound lands somewhere in modern alternative rock and I’d encourage you to check out tracks like “Diamonds”, “Horizons” or “Turpentine”, some of their “heavier” stuff. “Fuck yeah Massachusetts! Whaddaya say we get back to the heavy shit, sumthin with teeth. I say we give it to em!” And they did. Seeing them live hits way different than listening to their studio stuff, it totally elevated their sound. The drummer never stops smiling or having fun, the lead and backing vocals were complementary and in sync, and the bass player was just everything, everywhere, all at once. Did I mention I was at the rail at this point to get a better look? “This is the third time with Pop Evil giving us an audience in this country” Taylor announced. “We’re singing these songs only at these shows. Here’s a song, you’re gunna hear it very soon. OK to bring up a special guest?” I’m not sure I heard his name right (I do a lot of loud things) but Baker Mayfield might play him in a movie. Mr. Special Guest provided additional vocals to the closing song and Taylor capped it off with nifty mic flip. I see real potential here and they have US dates through May so check em out. I learned they’re working with “producing duo A Window In (Blake Allison and Joseph Walser) and it all made sense. Read on to find out why. I met with the band post gig and bought their EP which they were kind enough to sign. I asked for the setlist but they held out on me stating the songs were unreleased, and I have to honor that. Since the gig we caught was only night two of the tour, I asked how opening night was. Welp, they missed that date because there was a delay getting them into the United States. I apologized on behalf of my country for the hold up, but they flashed their Canadian candor by shrugging it off with “It’s fine, they’re just doing their job.” Sierra Pilot wasn’t just another opener, they’re a band on the rise. Catch em now, while you can still get up to the rail.

Always a good time at a Pop Evil gig, and this one hit on all cylinders. Formed in 2001, they released their first of nine studio albums in 2004, spawning a pile of #1 singles along the way. The band didn’t waste any time as they opened with their first #1 single “Trenches” (Onyx). The players took their respective spots: original member and rhythm guitarist Dave Grahs, lead guitarist Nick Fuelling and the Devour The Day duo: Joey “Chicago” Walser on bass and Blake Allison on drums. Frontman, founder and lead singer Leigh Kakaty casually strolled on stage while the band was already hard into the song. He looked like the beginning of the “Footsteps” video. The fans, which had filled the space, were fully engaged. Leigh asked “Massachusetts how we doin tonight?” before he made us aware of a sound issue. “I want you guys to sit in silence while we get some frequency stuff worked out,” he joked. “You guys deserve the best”. After a coupla minutes they continued with their robust seventeen song set with “Deathwalk” the first of four off the tour’s namesake What Remains. The music was heavy but Leigh’s voice was up to the task. They took too long getting to the title track, “What Remains”, and someone yelled “One more song!” Pop Evil kept rolling with a tight performance and got the crowd thumpin with “Deal With The Devil” (Onyx). “I can’t hear you Foxborough! Where my metalheads at? C’mon Foxborough!” When they received a satisfactory response they served up “Let The Chaos Reign” (Versatile) and “Criminal” (What Remains) before dipping into Skeletons with “Paranoid (Crash & Burn)” where they flexed some synchronized head banging. “How we feelin Six String?!?” Leigh droned on about Boston sports legacies repeatedly. I get it, they made it to the Super Bowl and the venue is basically in the parking lot of Gillette Stadium. Props where they’re due but when I saw the sports facility I said out loud
“Joe Burrow once stood here.” Leigh confessed “I’m a Detroit sports fan. Who happens to like metal and rock. A brown man like me. From another country called Michigan.” He continued “As we get older we appreciate things more. Since covid 19 we appreciate things more.” He went off track with “How awesome is this spot?!” before he declared “We all bleed the same color. From east to west, front to back, we all have “Skeletons”.” Each member had a time to shine; Joey worked the entire stage, Nick was key to rounding out the sound, Dave is an OG and could hit solos in his sleep, Leigh’s voice was fresh and on point and multi talented singer, producer, songwriter and all-around weapon Blake Allison nailed the percussion. They kept stacking hits with “Monster You Made Me” (War Of Angels) and “Torn To Pieces” (Onyx) before revisiting Skeletons with “Eye Of
The Storm” and Versatile with “Work”. “Can we go old school Pop Evil on you?” The fans roared with approval. “This is from the fourth LP I think? I lost count.” (it’s actually from their 6th studio album) “Get those hands up!” The album is Pop Evil and the song was “Waking Lions”. The loyals sang it word for word and there was a shit ton of phones up. “Should we keep this party rollin?” Leigh teased as they wrapped the set with “Breathe Again” (Versatile) and a kick ass rendition of “Footsteps (Go Higher)” (Up). Hard to follow that up but they did reemerge for an encore. The song choice was “100 in a 55” (Lipstick On The Mirror) and the fans ate up the classic hit. Imagine if they had done “Last Man Standing”, bet that woulda hit hard. I’ve seen Pop Evil a bunch of times and this might’ve been the best they’ve sounded. I don’t know if it was that the venue was new to me or the current line-up is on point or the fact that we caught the second night in their fifty-eight date run. Regardless, you should check out the tour, it’s stacked with talent and dripping hits.