By: Jen Skaggs

Primer55 slayed the subsequent "Nu-Metal Sucks" tour, which ran from April 24, 2026, to June 6, 2026, unequivocally demonstrated this resurgence. The band's dynamic stage presence is genuinely invigorating, consistently engaging their audience for extended durations. Each member—Bobby Burns on guitars and vocals  - Joshua Toomey on bass - Donny "DRP" Polinske on vocals - Saxton Dover on drums contributes a unique and compelling performance, ensuring a consistently captivating experience. Their audience engagement is exceptional; for instance, during a performance at The Annex in Madison, Wisconsin, they invited audience participation by having them sing into the microphone during their song "Loose." Notably, Donny's energetic stage presence, characterized by vigorous jumping throughout the latter half of the "Nu-Metal Sucks" tour, was remarkable. I highly recommend attending one of their performances should they be in your vicinity. This is an exceptional opportunity not to be missed.

By: Evan J. Thomas

Summer officially arrived in Tinley Park as thousands of rock fans packed Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre for a night headlined by two generations of hard rock royalty. With Dorothy opening the evening before Stone Temple Pilots and Godsmack took command of the stage, the show proved why rock and roll remains alive, loud, and impossible to ignore.


Dorothy kicked off the night with her signature blend of blues infused hard rock and powerhouse vocals. Frontwoman Dorothy Martin brought undeniable charisma and energy to the stage, delivering songs with confidence and grit while warming up the crowd for what would become an unforgettable evening. The band's set was tight, spirited, and showcased why they continue to be one of modern rock's most exciting acts.


But once Stone Temple Pilots emerged, the atmosphere shifted into something special.  This band is the one that got me into loving the harder rock music than what I used to listen to in high school.  Being able to photograph STP back in 2010 when Scott Weiland was the frontman was a highlight in my career. 


From the opening notes, STP reminded everyone why they remain one of the defining bands of the '90s and why their music continues to resonate decades later. Jeff Gutt has firmly carved out his own place in the band's legacy, honoring the spirit of Weiland while bringing his own energy and personality to the performance. His stage presence was magnetic throughout the set.


Robert DeLeo and Dean DeLeo sounded absolutely phenomenal, proving once again that their musicianship remains among the best in rock. Eric Kretz anchored the band with precision and power as classics such as "Vasoline," "Wicked Garden," "Big Empty," and "Interstate Love Song" and my favorite "Plush" had fans singing every word.


What stood out most was how alive these songs still feel. I was singing along to every song.  There was no nostalgia act vibe Stone Temple Pilots played with passion, swagger, and a renewed sense of purpose. The chemistry between the members was undeniable, and their set felt less like a trip down memory lane and more like a celebration of one of rock's most enduring catalogs.


As impressive as STP was, Godsmack closed the evening with the kind of arena-rock spectacle that has made them one of the genre's biggest names for more than 30 years.


Sully Erna commanded the stage from the moment the lights went down, delivering a performance packed with intensity, emotion, and undeniable star power. Godsmack's sound was massive, and the band's chemistry was evident throughout the night. The crowd exploded as anthem after anthem rolled out, with favorites like "Awake," "Straight Out of Line," "When Legends Rise," "Bulletproof," and "Whatever" turning the amphitheater into one giant singalong.


Newly added Drummer Mike Mangini was a force behind the kit, while bassist Robbie Merrill and guitarist Sam Koltun delivered the crushing grooves and heavy riffs fans have come to expect. The band's production elevated the experience, combining powerful visuals and lighting with flawless execution.


Perhaps most impressive was how effortlessly Godsmack balanced sheer heaviness with moments of reflection and audience interaction. Sully Erna's connection with the crowd was genuine, and every song felt like an event.


By the time the final notes rang out, one thing was abundantly clear: Godsmack remains one of the premier live bands in rock, and Stone Temple Pilots continue to prove that great songs and great bands never fade

By: CrisMarie Williams

Vampire. Disco. Rock.  Three words I had not heard used together.  After checking out the Lonely Ones, a Columbus, Ohio based band, I really want more of it.  It had me bouncing up and down stomping my foot and dancing along. Their song “Dark Side of the Disco Ball” was released in February of 2026. It got my attention and that got me curious about Vampire Disco Rock.  It is actually a blend of several different genres including hard rock and disco, a strange combo to be sure, but it works!  Add to that, the mysterious feel of the music, and you have it. This is definitely not an “all lights up” type of show. 
 
I went on a music cruise with a few bands last summer and was introduced to The Lonely Ones. I also had been introduced to Bobaflex, which a couple of these guys are also in, within just the last few years so I knew I had been missing out on some good stuff! I really enjoyed their high energy performance and was excited to see them. 
 
When I heard they were coming to Fort Wayne, Indiana on June 20, 2026, I couldn’t wait to check them out again.  They were in Stan’s Room, the smaller stage at the Century Music Hall Complex, so there were no bad spots in the house. The crowd was really getting into it and they even had some superfans that were right up front dancing and jamming along. It only takes a moment of listening before getting pulled in and dancing to the beat or swaying to the feel depending on the song.  
 
The hooks grab you from the second you hear them and pull you in to listen to more. The energy this band has... wow! Reno Houston, the drummer, keeps everything moving forward with his hard driving beats.  Jymmy Tolland’s guitar riffs are hard to ignore pulling you through the song and his guitar solos are almost haunting on some of the songs. It gives me the “vampire, dark” feel. Tru Roberts on bass is what keeps your head bobbing and Marty McCoy’s vocals are top notch, but he rocks a bass and guitar as well. 
 
To top it off, they are the nicest guys, and some took time after the show to come out and chat with everyone.  I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more. 
 
Take a listen to their newest music video, “Darkside of the Disco Ball” and also check out "Dreadful People". That's the one currently stuck on repeat in my head. 
 
****** Pssssst! I hear you can go on a cruise with them in October for Halloween. Oct 28-Nov1 Visit www.rockMSC.com ​

By: Evan J. Thomas

After a chaotic and unforgettable Saturday, Sunday at Warped Tour 2026 delivered everything fans could have hoped for... nostalgia, heavy riffs, emotional singalongs, and enough circle pits to leave everyone limping toward the parking lot. The final day proved once again why Warped Tour remains one of the most beloved festivals in alternative music.

From metalcore legends to pop punk favorites and modern rock innovators, Sunday felt like a celebration of every era of Warped Tour.

All That Remains came out swinging. Their set was packed with crushing riffs, precision musicianship, and relentless energy. The crowd responded instantly, creating one of the largest pits of the day while singing every word back to the band. Heavy, aggressive, and incredibly tight.

Boston Manor delivered one of the most emotionally charged performances of the afternoon. Their blend of alternative rock, post hardcore, and atmospheric textures created a set that felt both intimate and explosive. The band's chemistry and passion shined throughout every song.

Grandson brought pure chaos in the best possible way. Combining rock, hip-hop, electronic elements, and social commentary, he turned the stage into a full-blown movement. The audience never stopped moving as Grandson commanded every inch of the stage with undeniable charisma.  The imagery of world leaders on all fours with a dominatrix had the crowd in a frenzy.  

Hoobastank One of Sunday's biggest surprises came from Hoobastank. Their set was packed with hits and reminded everyone just how many songs from the early 2000s remain embedded in fans' memories. "The Reason" became one of the largest singalongs of the weekend while the band proved they still sound fantastic live.

Joyce Manor delivered exactly what fans wanted... short, fast, emotional punk songs performed with maximum intensity. Their set felt like classic Warped Tour energy, bringing together longtime fans and younger listeners in one giant celebration of punk rock.

Killswitch Engage closed the festival with authority. Their headlining performance showcased why they remain one of metalcore's most important bands. Massive breakdowns, soaring choruses, and an incredible connection with the audience made for a perfect festival finale. The crowd surfing never stopped, the pits were enormous, and the energy was unmatched. A true headlining performance.

Machine Head brought pure heaviness to Warped Tour. Their crushing sound shook the grounds while Robb Flynn commanded the crowd with veteran confidence. Every riff hit like a sledgehammer, and their performance reminded everyone why they remain one of metal's most respected live acts.  The circle pits and wall of death provided some great imagery. 

Of Mice & Men balanced brutality and melody perfectly. Their set was emotionally powerful while still delivering enough breakdowns to keep the crowd moving. The band's evolution over the years was on full display, and they sounded stronger than ever.

Plain White T's offered a welcome change of pace from the heavier acts. Their upbeat, feel good performance generated huge crowd participation, and "Hey There Delilah" transformed the festival grounds into a massive singalong. Pure nostalgia and fun.

Story Of The Year proved once again why they remain one of the best live bands in post hardcore. Their energy was off the charts, featuring non-stop movement, crowd interaction, and the kind of passion that made them Warped Tour staples. One of Sunday's standout performances.

The Devil Wears Prada delivered one of the heaviest sets of the day. Their blend of crushing breakdowns, atmospheric moments, and emotional intensity created a performance that felt both violent and beautiful. Fans packed the stage area and left exhausted in the best possible way.

Warped Tour 2026 Sunday felt like a love letter to alternative music. Whether you came for the metalcore legends, punk rock veterans, alternative favorites, or modern innovators, there was something for everyone.

From Grandson's explosive performance to Hoobastank's nostalgia filled singalong, from Machine Head's crushing heaviness to Killswitch Engage's triumphant headlining set, Sunday provided the perfect ending to an incredible weekend.

Warped Tour is back, and after a weekend like this, it feels like it never left.

By: Evan J. Thomas

The sun beat down, the crowds stretched from stage to stage, and fans of every genre imaginable packed the grounds to celebrate the return of one of music's most beloved festivals. From metalcore breakdowns to pop punk singalongs and everything in between, Saturday's lineup delivered a reminder of why Warped Tour DC has remained such an important part of alternative music culture.

The Home Team delivered one of the most fun sets of the afternoon. Their infectious energy and genre bending sound translated perfectly in a festival environment. The crowd responded immediately, dancing, singing, and feeding off the band's charisma. Few acts looked like they were having more fun on stage.

 Suicidal Tendencies  Few bands command a stage quite like Suicidal Tendencies. Their performance felt like a masterclass in crossover thrash. Mike Muir's energy remains unmatched, and the crowd responded with nonstop movement from beginning to end. The set was chaotic, fun, and completely authentic.

Hawthorne Heights The emotional heart of the festival belonged to Hawthorne Heights. As soon as familiar opening notes rang out, fans instantly transported themselves back to the glory days of emo. Their set felt less like a concert and more like a shared experience between the band and the thousands singing every word.  

Thrice delivered one of the most musically sophisticated sets of the festival. Their ability to balance heavy riffs, atmospheric textures, and thoughtful songwriting remains remarkable. Every note felt intentional, and the audience rewarded them with one of the most attentive crowds of the day.

GWAR What can really be said about GWAR that hasn't already been said? They remain one of the greatest spectacles in live music. Blood flew, monsters appeared, politicians met gruesome ends, and the crowd happily embraced every ridiculous second of it. Beyond the theatrics, the band delivered a crushing metal set that reminded everyone why GWAR continues to thrive decades into their career.

The Front Bottoms offered a welcome change of pace with their signature blend of indie rock, folk punk, and emotional storytelling. Their fans turned every song into a giant singalong, creating one of the most communal moments of the entire day.

Upon A Burning Body brought pure aggression. Their set was relentless from start to finish, delivering groove-heavy riffs and nonstop crowd movement. Circle pits erupted, bodies flew, and the band's Texas metal swagger was impossible to ignore.

Jinjer absolutely dominated their stage. Tatiana Shmayluk once again proved she is one of the most dynamic vocalists in modern metal, effortlessly moving between haunting melodies and devastating growls. Backed by a world class band, Jinjer's performance was precise, powerful, and impossible to look away from.

Vana One of my highlights of the day came from Vana. Their dark, theatrical performance immediately grabbed the attention of festival goers still making their way to the Eagle Stage. Vana brought a unique blend of heavy music and modern alternative influences that made them stand out among the younger acts on the bill. Their confidence and stage presence proved they belong on bigger stages in the future.

Third Eye Blind provided a perfect sunset soundtrack. Their timeless catalog transformed the festival grounds into one giant singalong. Whether fans discovered them in the '90s or through newer generations, the crowd knew every word and celebrated every hit.

Crown The Empire reminded everyone why they've remained a staple of the scene for over a decade. Their set was packed with massive choruses, crushing breakdowns, and polished musicianship. The band balanced old favorites with newer material, creating a performance that satisfied longtime fans while continuing to push forward creatively.

Rise Against brought passion, urgency, and purpose. Their catalog remains filled with anthems that resonate just as strongly today as when they were first released. Massive singalongs erupted throughout their set as the band delivered one of the most powerful performances of the festival.  Such an incredible live band!

Dance Gavin Dance showcased exactly why they remain one of the most unique bands in alternative music. Their technical musicianship was flawless while their unpredictable song structures kept the audience engaged throughout the set. Equal parts progressive, post hardcore, and experimental, they delivered one of the day's most impressive performances.

Overall... Warped Tour DC 2026 Saturday succeeded because it captured the spirit that made the festival special in the first place. It wasn't about one genre. It wasn't about one generation. It was about community.

From the chaos of GWAR and Upon A Burning Body to the emotion of Hawthorne Heights, the precision of Jinjer, the passion of Rise Against, and the nostalgia of Third Eye Blind, Saturday offered something for everyone.

Most importantly, it reminded thousands of fans why Warped Tour has always been more than a festival. It's a home for alternative music culture and on this Saturday, it felt alive once again.

By: Andrew Storey

Walking up to the Fillmore Detroit on The night of Wednesday 6/17/2026, the anticipation for
Dance Gavin Dance was already high with lines around the block. The 2026 iteration of DGD
has a renewed, heavier focus, and the people of Detroit were ready for it. Once inside, the
venue's low light haze and slightly limited capacity set the perfect scene for what was about to
unfold.

The Support: Novelists, Wolf & Bear, and Horse the Band
The night began with relentless momentum. Novelists opened and made a huge fan out of me.
Camille Contreras is an amazing human being and knockout vocalist who spent hours after the
set selling merch and greeting every fan with a smile. I could not have been more impressed by
this band that I knew very little of coming into the night. Wolf & Bear is a force within the genre. Double vocals and catchy hooks really primes the audience for what is to come.

Nintendocore is a term new to me used to describe the legendary Horse the Band. Mixing heavy
guitar with 8 bit sound is something that is very near and dear to my heart. These guys are
absolute post hardcore legends fully deserving of the throne brought on stage to support lead
vocalist Nathan Winneke whose Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis has not slowed the energy of his
performance one bit.

\When Dance Gavin Dance heroically entered the stage, it was a master class in charisma. The
current lineup anchored by Will Swan’s signature leads and Matthew Mingus’s driving rhythms
is incredibly fluid making this incredibly complex music feel effortless. Andrew Wells has fully
stepped into the clean vocal role, bringing a commanding presence that perfectly balances the
intensity of Jon Mess. This is a pair of the most talented vocalists in modern music that could
hold their own as individuals, hearing them in tandem is nothing short of mind blowing. Martin
and Sergio are perfect additions to the touring lineup who bring an energy all their own. It is
abundantly clear that this band is a well oiled machine fueled by passion and solidified by the
love and admiration that the members obviously have for each other.

True to popular fashion the audience didn’t show up empty handed with one fan handing a
Giant bag of candy to Andrew mid set, and another presenting the band with a collection of
handmade dolls with the likeness of all 6 members of the touring lineup.
​
Dance Gavin Dance in 2026 is a band that refuses to stagnate. Tonight in Detroit, they proved
that despite lineup shifts and a constantly evolving sound, their ability to command a room and
deliver a relentlessly tight, high energy performance remains untouched. The Swancore Kings
prove that sometimes you can have it all; brutal breakdowns and the pure class that it takes to
make sure that everyone in the room is welcomed and loved.

PHOTOS BY: Holly Roy Photography
REVIEW BY: Joe Perusse 

Walking into The Dome at the Toyota Oakdale Theater, I was a little concerned the bands might be playing to ahalf-empty room. As the night went on, though, those worries disappeared. The crowd steadily grew throughout the evening, and by the time Jinjer hit the stage, the venue was packed with excited metal fans ready to let loose.

Entheos got things started, with guitarists Michael Stancel and Scott Carstairs immediately
setting the tone, headbanging relentlessly during "All for Nothing" "Empty on the Inside"
followed, and vocalist Chaney Crabb introduced the band to the crowd while giving Connecticut
a shoutout.

After "Hell Is a Part of Me," Crabb asked, "Who has heard of us?" and was rewarded with a
surprisingly strong response from the audience. "I Am the Void" kept things rolling before cell
phone lights began swaying back and forth during "Life in Slow Motion"

Crabb called for a circle pit during "A Thousand Days" and the crowd answered with a small but
enthusiastic pit while Carstairs ripped through a guitar solo. "Golden Crown" from the band's
upcoming album due out in October, kept the energy high. Entheos wrapped up their set with
"An End to Everything" and "The Sinking Sun," while Navene Koperweis provided the driving
force behind the kit throughout the performance.

Next up was Japan's Crystal Lake, featuring touring vocalist Myke Terry of Fire From The Gods.
The horns went up immediately as the band launched into "Everblack." Terry checked in with
the crowd early, asking if everyone was having a good time, and judging by the constant
movement during "Bludgod," the answer was a definite yes.

The energy continued with "Neversleep" before Terry encouraged everyone in the pit to have a
"fucking good time" during "Hail to the Fire." "Crossing Nails" followed, while bassist Mitsuru
stood out with strong backing vocals during "AEON." "Dystopia" kept the momentum going, and
Yudai "YD" Miyamoto shined on backing vocals during "The Weight of Sound."
​
Crystal Lake closed their set with "Apollo," leaving the crowd fully warmed up for the night's
headliner. Gaku Taura (Drums) and Hisatsugu "TJ" Taji (Rhythm Guitar) rounded out a band that
delivered one of the night's most energetic performances.

By the time Jinjer took the stage, phones were already in the air recording the opening
moments of "Duel." Bassist Eugene Abdukhanov quickly reminded everyone why he's one of
the most respected players in modern metal, delivering a standout bass solo during "Green
Serpent."

Lead vocalist Tatiana "Tati" Shmayluk greeted the crowd and asked how all her friends were
doing before the band launched into "Fast Draw." "Vortex," "Disclosure!" and "Tantrum" followed in rapid succession.

One thing that stood out all night was Jinjer's outstanding video production. The visuals
perfectly complemented each song, adding another layer to an already impressive performance.
Abdukhanov opened "Teacher, Teacher!" with another bass-driven intro while the crowd clapped
along. Tati demanded movement during "Kafka," and the audience happily complied.

"Judgement (& Punishment)" followed before the first crowd surfer of the night appeared during
"Hedonist." Drummer Vladislav "Vladi" Ulasevich led the way into "I Speak Astronomy," with fans swaying their arms throughout the song. The first truly sizable mosh pit of the evening erupted during "Perennial," while Tati got all the women in attendance screaming during "Someone's Daughter."

Afterward, she thanked all the men in the room for looking out for the women throughout the
night, drawing cheers from the audience. "Rogue" kept the momentum rolling before guitarist Roman Ibramkhalilov delivered a ripping intro to "Pisces," one of the songs many fans had been waiting to hear all night. Before leaving the stage, Tati thanked the crowd and gave a shoutout to both opening bands.

Jinjer returned for a one-song encore, closing the night with "Sit Stay Roll Over." It was a
powerful finish to an evening filled with outstanding musicianship, impressive production, and
nonstop energy. Judging by the smiles on the faces heading into the Connecticut night, there
were a lot of happy metalheads leaving The Dome.