By: Breanna Workman

​The third weekend of July, tens of thousands of rock fans descend upon the grounds
of the historic Ohio State Reformatory. For three days and three nights, the landmark
grounds come alive as Mansfield, Ohio welcomes one of its largest events of the year:
Inkcarceration Music and Tattoo Festival.

The three day rock festival featured more than 65 artists including some
recognizable names such as, Ice Nine Kills, Starset, Motionless in White, Papa Roach,
Ded, Hollywood Undead, Tech N9ne, and Lorna Shore alongside up and coming bands
like, Static Dress, Peeling Flesh, ENMY, and 156/Silence.

With three stages running throughout the weekend, there was no shortage of music
to discover. Each stage offered its own atmosphere to the audience from its earliest
sets of the day by If Not For Me, and Vicar Blood, to its nightly performances by
headliners like, Disturbed, Bad Omens, and Limp Bizkit.

Throughout the weekend, festival-goers kept their spirits high, embracing the music
and environment even as inclement weather swept through the festival grounds.
Although the conditions briefly prompted an evacuation, the weekend carried on with
performances by Poppy, Sleeping With Sirens, The Used, and Gojira, keeping the
energy alive as the crowd returned to celebrate the music they came for.

Inkcarceration 2027 is set to make its return to Mansfield, Ohio for its ninth year; July
16th, 17th, and 18th. Once more rock and metal fans from near and far will come
together to create new memories, reconnect with familiar faces, make new friends, and
celebrate the music that brings us all together.
​
Until then Mansfield, see you next year!

By: Ari Karnezis

Typically, there are two types of people in the Chicagoland area during Lollapalooza weekend: those who brave the Windy City to attend the biggest festival of the summer and those who stay home. This year, a third group opted to attend a metal/pop-punk show in the suburbs. And in spite of a big festival weekend, thousands of fans also braved the late July heat to see Avenged Sevenfold and Good Charlotte at the Credit Union 1 Amphitheater in Tinley Park, Illinois, for their third stop on their North American tour. This tour comes on the heels of Avenged Sevenfold's latest release, a surprise EP Statica, which sees the metal band venture into a more experimental style. As for Good Charlotte, the legacy pop punk act is supporting their eighth album, Motel Du Cap, released in August 2025.

Kicking off the show and warming up the crowd was DJ Jaden Hammer, who provided covers and originals armed with a guitar and a board mixer. She amped up the audience with remixes of System of a Down's “Chop Suey!” Linkin Park’s “One Step Closer,” and a cover of Nine Inch Nails’ “The Hand That Feeds.” Following her was Statica, where members of Avenged performed their new EP in full offstage. The setup had no one onstage, just screens of eccentric religious images and closeups of the faceless band members playing. Is it everyone's cup of tea? Not exactly, but the 27-year-old band have absolutely earned the right to do what they want at this point in their career.

As the sun began to set on the amphitheater, Good Charlotte exploded onto the stage–literally and figuratively, as the pit began to heat up from the band's awesome pyrotechnics. The band kicked off with some of their classics “The Anthem” and “Girls & Boys.” In 2025, the band had released their eighth album, Motel Du Cap, after 30 years as a band, but as vocalist Joel Madden admitted, they had not gone on a proper headlining tour or played in the Chicago area in about a decade. Madden compared the tour to “back in the day when you'd get together with your pop punk friends and your metal friends in the backyard and spend the whole night passing the aux,” acknowledging the unusual mix of co-headliners but also mentioning how eager Avenged Sevenfold was to put together a tour with them and how “they don't give a fuck” (see also my aforementioned comment of the band earning the right to do what they want). Other highlights from their setlist included “Wondering” and “Hold On” from 2002's The Young and the Hopeless and “The Motivation Proclamation” from their 2000 self-titled debut album, but perhaps the best part of their set was their performance of “The River,” during which Avenged Sevenfold vocalist M. Shadows made a surprise appearance to sing his part of the song (for those like me who had no idea, it was a pleasant surprise to find out those are M. Shadows’ vocals in that second verse). After a few more of their greatest hits, the band would then take a bow with their 2002 hit “Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous.”

Avenged Sevenfold would then come out swinging to a sea of flashlights raised in the air. M. Shadows barely stood still throughout the whole performance, frequently shifting from stage right to stage left and remaining as close to the pit as physically possible. Guitarists Synyster Gates and Zacky Vengeance stood back to back during their most iconic solos, memorably during “Nightmare” and “Afterlife,” reminiscent of their music videos that defined my generation of metalheads’ teen years, proving time may not stand still, but this band’s stage presence remains absolutely timeless. The band’s setlist would be an amalgamation of songs that spanned their entire discography, but on this specific night, they decided to shake it up and swap 2018’s “The Stage” with “M.I.A.,” a deep cut from 2005’s City of Evil. Not only had they not played it on the tour yet, M. Shadows admitted they had not even practiced it–and yet they nailed the 20-year-old song they have only sporadically played live in the last decade. Perhaps the only disappointment or criticism of this setlist was it was simply not long enough. However, the band packed so much energy and passionate dedication into their 12 songs, and a frequent motto in the entertainment industry is “always leave them wanting more.” Avenged Sevenfold included several other staples in their performance, such as “Buried Alive” from Nightmare, “Shepherd of Fire” and “Hail to the King” from the album of the latter’s same name, closing out with their breakout and most successful single “Bat Country,” their earlier single that put them on the map “Unholy Confessions,” followed by a solid drum solo from Brooks Wackermann, and finally one of their latest singles “Cosmic” from their eighth album Life Is But a Dream… Despite lacking the same grit and rasp as in past performances (likely because he is now singing properly and preserving his vocal cords), M. Shadow’s vocals remained a highlight of their show, demonstrating his strength and ability, of course elevated by the rest of the band that has proven that Avenged Sevenfold still remains a stronghold in the modern metal scene.  

By: Vincent Renn

Sunday night Three Wheel Horse came out guns blazing and fists swinging!! They were ready for The Vogue Theatre, and brought the receipts to prove it. Playing through a finger blistering set, the brothers Brown traded vocal and lead guitar duties.

Clearly Three Wheel Horse are not just masters of their craft but of their performance as well as they had a packed house eating from the palms of their hands. They played a forty to forty five minute set, that concluded with Stix killing the drums and their Bassist James Redlin locking in the bass line on their song Shade which was debuted at their show!

After a brief 30 minute turnover, Black Stone Cherry took the stage! Opening with Me and Mary Jane both Ben Wells and Steve Jewell flew back and forth across the stage with an infectious energy that yoinked people from three back of the venue and back to the rails!
​
Back Stone Cherry played all their hits over an extensive set including a killer cover of Tracy Chapman’s Gimme One Reason that shows just what Chris Robertson’s vocals are made of! You can hear their song’s on albums or streaming all you want but honestly until you have seen Black Stone Cherry live, you truly have no idea of just what they’re capable of!

By: Evan J. Thomas

There are concerts that entertain you for a couple of hours, and then there are concerts that linger long after the lights come up. At The Salt Shed in Chicago, Dawes and Kaleo delivered the latter, treating a packed house to an evening of musicianship, emotion, and songs that resonated from the first note to the final encore.

This was my first time at the indoor part of one of Chicago's premier concert venues providing the backdrop, the night wasn't built on elaborate production or over the top theatrics that I have been attending recently. Instead, it was about incredible songwriting, dynamic performances, and two bands that understand the power of connecting with an audience through authentic music.  I haven't seen either of the bands before but I was in for a treat. 

Few bands can warm up a crowd quite like Dawes.  From the moment they stepped on stage, the California rock outfit reminded everyone why they've become one of the most respected live bands of the past decade. Their blend of Americana, folk rock, and classic songwriting immediately captivated the audience, many of whom sang along as if they had come specifically to see them.  

Seeing Dawes for the first time and not knowing much about their music catalog it was awesome seeing those fans singing in unison and many with arms around each other taking in every note.

Taylor Goldsmith's effortless vocals and thoughtful storytelling anchored every song, while the band's chemistry felt completely natural. Nothing about the performance felt forced. Every note, harmony, and instrumental passage seemed to flow effortlessly, creating an intimate atmosphere at the Salt Shed.  Rather than simply filling time before the headliner, Dawes crafted a set that stood confidently on its own. By the time they walked off stage, they had undoubtedly earned a new wave of fans.

When the lights dimmed for Kaleo, anticipation filled every corner of The Salt Shed.

The Icelandic rock band has built a reputation for delivering performances that effortlessly move between haunting intimacy and explosive power, and this night was no exception.

Frontman Jökull Júlíusson (JJ Julius Son) commanded the stage with remarkable ease, delivering every lyric with raw conviction and emotional depth. His unmistakable voice remains one of the most captivating in modern rock, equally capable of whispering through delicate moments and soaring over thunderous arrangements.  It was something of complete majestic ambiance with how his vocal range changes throughout.  

What makes Kaleo so unique is their refusal to be confined to one genre. Blues, rock, folk, Americana, and soul all intertwine seamlessly, creating a sound that feels timeless rather than trendy.  I myself love more of the bluesy, rock of their catalog but it all meshes together quite nicely. 

The band's musicianship was flawless throughout the evening. Every member contributed to a rich sonic landscape that allowed the songs to breathe while never sacrificing their emotional weight. Whether leaning into blues driven grit or stripping everything back for quieter moments, Kaleo maintained complete control of the room.  Absolutely loved the harmonica in many of the songs. 

The audience responded in kind, hanging on every note before erupting into cheers after each song. It was one of those rare performances where thousands of people felt completely connectednot just to the band, but to each other.

The Salt Shed has quickly established itself as one of Chicago's premier concert destinations, and this show demonstrated exactly why.  It's outstanding acoustics allowed every instrument and vocal nuance to shine, while the venue's spacious yet intimate design created an environment where every seat felt close to the performance. It's the kind of venue that enhances great bands rather than overshadowing them

Some concerts rely on spectacle.  This one relied on substance. Dawes delivered a heartfelt, beautifully crafted opening set that showcased exceptional songwriting and musicianship. Kaleo followed with a mesmerizing headline performance filled with passion, precision, and unforgettable moments that reminded everyone why live music remains one of the most powerful forms of artistic expression.  There were no gimmicks. No distractions. Just two phenomenal bands doing what they do best.

For those fortunate enough to be inside The Salt Shed, it was an evening that celebrated the enduring power of authentic music and world class musicianship. Nights like this don't come around often, and when they do, they remind us exactly why we keep coming back to live shows.

By: Evan J. Thomas

Pure adrenaline. When DED rolled into The Forge in Joliet, Illinois, it was clear from the opening notes that this was going to be a night fueled by intensity, massive riffs, and nonstop movement and those in attendance were ready for it. 

With a stacked lineup featuring locals The Fiction We Create, VRSTY, Dropout Kings, and headliners DED, fans were treated to four distinctly different bands that all shared one thing in common... they came to leave everything on the stage and they sure fucking did. 

Local favorites The Fiction We Create had the responsibility of kicking off the evening, and they made sure the crowd was paying attention from the very beginning.

Their modern rock and metal sound filled The Forge with energy, delivering a polished performance that showcased why they've continued to build a loyal following in the Midwest. The band attacked every song with confidence, setting the tone for what would become a relentless night of heavy music.

By the time their set wrapped up, they'd done exactly what an opening act hopes to accomplish, win over new fans while firing up the room for what was to come.

Blending heavy grooves, melodic vocals, and R&B influences, VRSTY brought a refreshing dynamic to the lineup.

Their performance demonstrated exactly why they've become one of the more exciting bands in modern heavy music. Seamlessly moving between crushing riffs and soulful melodies, VRSTY offered something different without ever sacrificing intensity. The crowd responded enthusiastically, proving that heavy music doesn't have to fit neatly into one box to make an impact.

If there was one band determined to make sure nobody stood still, it was Dropout Kings.
Their explosive fusion of rap, metal, and crushing breakdowns transformed The Forge into organized chaos. Circle pits erupted, hands stayed in the air, and the band's infectious energy spread through the crowd with every song.  By the end of their set, the room had reached a fever pitch.

When DED finally took the stage, they wasted absolutely no time reminding everyone why they've earned such a passionate fanbase.  I've seen the guys since their inception in early 2017 and have now seen them live nearly a dozen times and they only get better.  

From the opening song until the final note, the band delivered an unrelenting performance packed with crushing riffs, thunderous rhythms, and relentless energy. There wasn't a moment where the momentum slowed.

Ripping off favorites "FMFY", "Rockstar," and finishing with "Anti-Everything" with a finale of "Killing In The Name" turned The Forge into a madhouse. 

What makes DED such a compelling live band isn't just the heaviness of the music, it's their commitment to every performance. Every member played with intensity, feeding off one another and the audience to create an atmosphere that felt electric from beginning to end.

The crowd returned that energy tenfold, singing along, throwing fists into the air, and creating the kind of connection between band and fans that only happens when everyone in the room is fully invested.

The Forge's intimate setting only amplified the experience. Instead of feeling like spectators, fans became part of the performance, feeding off the band's energy while giving it right back.

It was loud. It was aggressive. It was exactly what modern rock and metal should feel like.

The lineup at The Forge was a perfect example of how diverse today's heavy music scene has become.  For anyone lucky enough to be packed inside The Forge that night, this wasn't simply another stop on a tour, it was a reminder of why live heavy music continues to thrive. Great songs, passionate performances, and a crowd ready to give back every ounce of energy the bands put into the room.

 By: Evan J. Thomas

One final day of rock nostalgia proved these bands aren't living in the past, they're still defining what a great live show should be.
​
Unfortunately I had missed several of the opening acts that were Ashes Of Billy, The Verve Pipe, Big Wreck, Sleep Theory, Hoobastank and most of Candlebox but I was able to check out the last few songs of Candlebox's set. 

So after an unforgettable Saturday packed with chaos, heavy riffs, and nostalgia, the Summer of '99 Tour had one more card to play. Sunday's lineup featured a perfect blend of grunge icons, modern rock powerhouses, and one of the biggest bands of the late '90s closing the weekend with a performance that left fans exhausted, exhilarated, and reminded why these songs have stood the test of time.

If Saturday was about controlled chaos, Sunday was about unforgettable performances from beginning to end.

Kicking off the main stage festivities, Candlebox proved that great songwriting never goes out of style. Kevin Martin's voice still carries the emotional grit that made the band one of the defining acts of the post grunge era. From the opening notes, the crowd responded with enthusiastic singalongs, embracing every familiar chorus that helped shape an entire generation of rock fans.

The band's chemistry was undeniable, balancing powerful musicianship with genuine appreciation for the audience. Their performance wasn't about chasing nostalgia it was about reminding everyone why songs like these continue to resonate decades later. It was the perfect way to start the afternoon.

Following Candlebox, Mammoth took the stage with the confidence of a band that's no longer living in anyone's shadow.

Wolfgang Van Halen continues to prove he's far more than a famous last name. As a songwriter, guitarist, vocalist, and frontman, he's built a catalog that stands firmly on its own merits. The band sounded massive.

Every riff landed with precision, every chorus connected with the crowd, and the musicianship throughout the set was nothing short of outstanding. Mammoth seamlessly blended hard hitting rock with melodic hooks, delivering a performance that appealed equally to longtime rock fans and a younger generation discovering them for the first time. Their upward trajectory feels inevitable.

For many fans, including myself, Bush was one of the most anticipated performances of the weekend. After nearly 30 years since the last time seeing them live, the wait was more than worth it.  

From the moment Gavin Rossdale stepped onto the stage, it was clear why Bush has remained one of rock's most enduring live acts. Rossdale commanded every inch of the stage with boundless energy, moving effortlessly between the crowd, the catwalk, and every corner of the venue while never missing a vocal cue. LITERALLY EVERY CORNER of the venue as he spent about 12 minutes of one song making his way through the crowd and up to the cheap seats in the grass.  He sang, took photos with people and fought his way back to the stage to finish the set.  The crowd was in awe.   His charisma remains unmatched.

The band sounded absolutely phenomenal, tearing through a set packed with timeless anthems that had thousands of voices singing in unison. I absolutely loved the rendition of "Glycerine" that they did.  The guitars roared, the rhythm section hit with thunderous force, and every song carried the same urgency it had when these tracks first dominated rock radio.

Seeing Bush again after nearly three decades wasn't just nostalgic it was a reminder that some bands only get better with time.  It was one of the standout performances of the entire festival.


Then came the moment thousands had been waiting for.
As the lights dimmed, the name "CREED" appeared in white on a black background on the screen on stage.  Pulsating to get the crowd chanting "CREED", "CREED", "CREED" and the opening notes echoed across the venue, the anticipation reached a fever pitch.

Creed owned the next nearly 2 hours.   From the very first song, the atmosphere transformed into something unforgettable. Massive singalongs echoed throughout the amphitheater as fans of every age celebrated a catalog that has become one of the defining soundtracks of late '90s and early 2000s rock.

Scott Stapp delivered a commanding performance, his unmistakable voice soaring over every chorus while connecting with the audience in a way that felt both personal and larger than life.

Mark Tremonti once again reminded everyone why he's considered one of rock's elite guitarists. His tone was enormous, his solos flawless, and every riff landed with crushing precision. Brian Marshall and Scott Phillips locked together with the kind of chemistry only years of playing together can create, providing a rock solid foundation that elevated every song.

The production matched the scale of the music, with dramatic lighting, fire, smoke, towering visuals, and arena sized sound creating an experience that felt every bit as monumental as the band's catalog. Song after song became another emotional high point.

Fans sang. They cheered. They raised their fists. Creed's set wasn't just a headline performance, it was the perfect ending to an unforgettable weekend.

The Summer of '99 Tour proved across both days that the music from one of rock's greatest eras still carries incredible power. Candlebox reminded us why heartfelt songwriting never fades. Mammoth demonstrated that the future of rock is in capable hands. Bush delivered one of the most electrifying performances of the weekend, making a nearly 30 year wait feel completely worthwhile. And Creed closed the festival with a performance that was nothing short of epic, celebrating a catalog that continues to unite generations of rock fans.
This wasn't simply a nostalgia tour.

It was a celebration of timeless songs, incredible musicianship, and the enduring power of live music.

When the lights finally came up and the crowd slowly filed out, one thing was clear:
The Summer of '99 Tour wasn't about reliving the past, it proved that these bands still know exactly how to own the present.

By: Evan J. Thomas

There are nostalgia tours, and then there's the Summer of '99 Tour, a festival sized celebration that doesn't simply revisit one of rock's most explosive eras, it reminds you why these bands continue to sell out amphitheaters decades later. Saturday's lineup was stacked from top to bottom, delivering nearly ten hours of hard rock, metal, punk, hip hop, and enough energy to leave thousands of fans smiling, sweaty, and hoarse.
From the opening act to the final encore, every band brought something memorable to the stage.

I was at this same venue in Tinley Park, IL back in 1999 when I saw Limp Bizkit open up at 12:30pm in the afternoon as they were fresh faces in the industry and picking up steam.  27 years later Fred Durst, Wes Borland and the boys are selling out and headlining every tour and festival they are booked for.  

Unfortunately I missed the second stage opener the Slay Squad so my day began with The Pretty Wild, who wasted absolutely no time getting the crowd moving. Their blend of infectious melodies, heavy riffs, and undeniable stage chemistry made for the perfect opening statement. Rather than easing fans into the day, they came out swinging, proving they belonged on a bill loaded with veteran heavyweights.

Their confidence was contagious, and by the end of their set, plenty of concertgoers who may not have known the band beforehand had become instant fans.

If anyone still questions whether Magnolia Park belongs on major festival stages, Saturday should have put those doubts to rest.

Mixing pop punk, hard rock, and modern metal influences, the band delivered one of the day's biggest surprises. Their performance was packed with huge choruses, crushing breakdowns, and an effortless connection with the audience.

Every member attacked the stage with purpose, and their passion translated directly into the crowd. Magnolia Park didn't simply play songs, they created moments. It was another reminder that they're quickly becoming one of the most exciting young bands in rock.

When Puddle of Mudd took the stage, the crowd immediately shifted into full singalong mode.
Kicking off their set with "Control" and the bands other tracks that defined early 2000s rock had thousands of fans screaming every lyric, proving these songs have lost none of their staying power. The band delivered a straightforward, no frills rock performance that gave fans exactly what they came for familiar riffs, massive choruses, and a healthy dose of nostalgia.

There was absolutely nothing nostalgic about Kittie's performance. It was heavy. It was aggressive. It was downright punishing. The reunited metal pioneers reminded everyone why they became one of the defining heavy bands of their era. Their riffs hit like a freight train while the rhythm section never let up for a second.  Their stage presence was commanding, their chemistry was undeniable, and every song felt like an assault in the best possible way. Kittie didn't just perform they dominated.

If there was any doubt that Sevendust remains one of the tightest live bands in rock, Saturday erased it immediately. The legends delivered what many considered one of the strongest sets of the day.

Lajon Witherspoon remains one of the most charismatic frontmen in music, effortlessly commanding the audience while delivering powerhouse vocals that somehow continue to get better with age. Clint Lowery's guitar work was razor sharp, Morgan Rose attacked the drums with relentless intensity, and the entire band played with the precision they've become famous for.

We were hit with a moment mid set as Fred Durst surprised the band on stage with hugs (see photos) and then quickly scurried off the stage. 

Every Sevendust song hit harder than the last.  Every chorus became a stadium wide singalong. Every breakdown rattled the amphitheater.  Whether you've seen Sevendust twice or twenty times, they somehow continue to find ways to make every performance feel special.

Then came perhaps the most unforgettable performance of Saturday. Cypress Hill transformed the amphitheater into one giant celebration. Clouds of smoke drifted across the crowd while fans rapped every lyric word for word, creating an atmosphere unlike anything else on the bill.

B-Real and Sen Dog controlled the audience effortlessly, blending hip-hop swagger with rock festival energy. 

Then came the surprises. Their crushing cover of Rage Against the Machine's "Bombtrack" injected an explosive dose of rap metal fury into the set, proving just how naturally Cypress Hill can cross genres.

As if that wasn't enough, they launched into House of Pain's "Jump Around," sending thousands of fans into synchronized jumping chaos. The entire venue erupted into bouncing bodies, raised fists, and smiles stretching from the front rail to the lawn. It wasn't just a concert it felt like one massive party and you can smell it from anywhere inside the Credit Union One Ampitheater. 

When the countdown clock on the big screen hit 0.00 and the lights dimmed Limp Bizkit hit the stage, the anticipation reached another level.

From the opening notes of "Hot Dog" , the band unleashed a relentless, hit filled performance that reminded everyone why they became one of the biggest bands of the late '90s and early 2000s.

Fred Durst had the crowd in the palm of his hand from beginning to end, effortlessly balancing humor, swagger, and crowd interaction. Wes Borland once again proved why he's one of rock's most visually captivating and creative guitarists, delivering massive riffs while sporting one of his signature unforgettable stage looks.

"Break Stuff" hit like a ton of bricks as I looked back and saw the cheap seats in the lawn in a massive mosh pit.  John Otto  locked into groove after groove, while DJ Lethal added the textures that helped define Limp Bizkit's unmistakable sound.

Every song became another explosive singalong. Every breakdown triggered another sea of bouncing fans. Every chorus echoed throughout the venue. The band didn't simply close the show they fucking detonated it. By the time the final notes rang out, it was obvious everyone in attendance had witnessed something special.

Final ThoughtsThe Summer of '99 Tour isn't just about revisiting the soundtrack of another era. It's a celebration of bands that have stood the test of time while continuing to deliver unforgettable live performances.

From The Pretty Wild and Magnolia Park proving the future of rock is in good hands, to veterans like Puddle of Mudd, Kittie, and Sevendust reminding fans why they've endured, to Cypress Hill throwing one of the most entertaining "smoked out" sets of the summer, before Limp Bizkit brought the house down with a fittingly explosive finale, Saturday's show was everything a summer rock festival should be.

It was loud. It was chaotic. It was nostalgic. And above all else...

It was a reminder that live music still has the power to unite thousands of strangers into one unforgettable experience.  I'm looking forward to Sunday's lineup with Creed and Bush headlining.