Hall of the Mountain King is the fourth studio album by the American heavy metal band Savatage, released in 1987 under the direction of producer Paul O’Neill. It is their first album produced by O’Neill, who was assigned to the band after the tour in support of Fight for the Rock. O’Neill’s influence pushed Savatage to adopt a conceptual style beginning with this album.
A glowingly dark movement of new wave and EBM music.
The Starships are an independent music collective created by producer Lord Haiti consisting of local artists in the Chicagoland area dedicated to heal the world through music including: Del Marie, Cheri Soul,Danny Barz, Nashoba, SharmonJarmon!
ENAMA is a Chicago bred artist, poet, actor, director, and curator with over 12 years of performing experience. The work that they do focuses on telling stories that surround Black/Afro Indigenous and Queer identities. With love, freedom, community & keeping artistry alive
Singer/Songwriter/Multi hyphenate
Sila Nzioka Tulani (known professionally as Chai Tulani) is a Kenyan American Singer, Songwriter, Actor and Activist. Named one of Chicago’s most prolific performers by the Chicago Tribune, Tulani won a Chicago Music Award for “Best African/ Afrobeat Entertainer” in 2024, and has been nominated twice for the same category.
American Alternative Soul Singer/Songwriter SharmonJarmon! stands as a beacon of boldness and fearlessness in her artistic endeavors. Unbound by labels, this multidisciplined artist weaves her talents across the realms of art, filmmaking, dance, and music, driven by a singular desire to create. Her unique sound is a captivating blend of Chicago soul, house, and rock music. Since the tender age of 12, Sharmon has battled anxiety, and she has faced the shadows of depression since she was 15. With a heart full of purpose, she harnesses her platform to advocate for mental health awareness, shining a light on the importance of well-being.
A bi-weekly songwriting podcast from Bug Hunter and The Narcissist Cookbook
Singer/Songwriter/Artist
Baba Fats is a 7-piece band based out of the Chequamegon Bay in northern Wisconsin. Previously described as “the furthest thing from classic rock in the North Woods”, their music blends styles from Afro-beat to contemporary jazz. The sound could best be described as instrumental, groove music with some room to stretch out. It’s the band’s goal to consistently put on a fun, great sounding live show that is engaging to audiences and artistically honest.
Baba Fats began to take form somewhere around the year 2019. Several members had worked together in other groups prior – notably Paul’s Bunyan, The Rags and the Northland College Big Band. From time to time they will appear as a slimmed down iteration of the band dubbed “Baba Lite”.
There aren’t many guitarists who possess the versatility as Rene Benton. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, his musical influences ranges from progressive rockers Kansas to the sophisticated funk of the Cameo.
From coast to coast, from calm to chaos, the diverse and dynamic career of Manuel Urgiles shines brightly through MANUEL, one of Maine’s most promising contemporary instrumentalists. Born and raised in Los Angeles, CA with Peruvian roots, Manuel’s journey is as rich and varied as his heritage. As a father of two, he carries a mantle of pride, duty, and joy—responsibilities that have both challenged and championed him as a man and musician.
MANUEL’s music is a powerful blend of percussive passion, groove, and blistering shred, encapsulating the essence of Progressive Latin Metal. He proves that ‘soul’ doesn’t necessarily mean ‘singer,’ with his lyrical guitar lines and lightning-fast fingers conveying deep meaning and melodrama, leaving nothing unsaid in his instrumental storytelling.
His 2023 EP, Underneath, mixed and mastered by the esteemed Stacy Parrish (known for his work with Robert Plant, Brandy Carlile, and Elvis Costello), marks a significant milestone early in what promises to be a long and vibrant career. Stacy Parrish, a renowned recording engineer, music producer, musician, and songwriter with six Grammy awards, described Manuel’s EP as a true musical revelation. “Manuel’s EP is a true musical revelation, defying conventions and pushing boundaries with its genre-defying fusion of heavy metal, Latin rhythms, and surf elements. His guitar prowess is nothing short of awe-inspiring, delivering a sonic experience that leaves a lasting impression.”
Following the release of Underneath, Manuel has continued to impress with two powerful singles, “Pandemonium Sunset” and “Fuerza,” both ferocious tracks that take listeners on an epic journey.
Matt Miller started his project with one goal in mind.
Incorporating elements of death metal, classical music, black metal, and progressive metal creates an amalgamation that excites the imagination while crushing and elevating the listener. Engaging as it is menacing this alloy is dynamic and captivating.
Chicago post-punk
Born from the swamps and overpasses of the American South, Yes Ma’am merges Depression Era blues, jazz and bluegrass with instrumental virtuosity and the raw, emotional storytelling of early punk rock. Matt’s soulful voice and authentic stage presence have made him a muse for the traveling community and solidified his legendary status as street-corner royalty. His sound has shaped a generation of musicians, whether he’s performing solo or with a rotating ensemble of folk punk’s finest.
illinoise
Mean Green, who consist of Jake Helms (vocals, guitar), Alex Weirback (bass), and James Matthews (drums). They embrace the core of Metal music and creates a strong, passionate, and unapologetic sound. A sense of gloom and misery permeates their music, which is frequently distinguished by sluggish, crushing riffs, thudding drumming, and eerie voices.
Progressive sludge metal. For fans of, High on fire, Crowbar, Mastodon, Sepultura & Conan
Regan is a Chicago based comedian and a co-producer of South Loop standup. Every Monday night at Reggies!
Samir Abdul is a Chicago-based stand-up comedian and producer originally from Darfur, Sudan.
A survivor of the Darfur genocide, he turns lived experience into sharp, fearless comedy blending personal storytelling, political insight, and cultural contradictions to find humor in truths! He has performed at The Second City, Zanies, Laugh Factory, Don’t Tell Comedy, and The Den Theatre, sharing stages with talents such as AGT’s Learnmore Jonasi and WGN’s Pat Tomasulo.
He’s also the creator and producer of Up’N Coming at The Second City, a fast-growing showcase that has drawn over 1,000 audience members and helped spotlight rising talent in Chicago. Beyond the stage, Samir serves as an Artist-in-Residence at Northwestern University, where he explores how comedy can shape public dialogue.
artist from nyc
Gran Moreno emerges as one of the most captivating voices in the new wave of psychedelic rock. With a sound rooted in analog warmth and expansive textures, the Austin-based band crafts songs that feel like sonic mirages—equal parts groove, grit, and atmosphere. Their music lives at the intersection of distortion and introspection, where hypnotic riffs, heavy rhythms, and emotionally charged melodies build immersive landscapes that demand to be felt as much as heard.
At the core of Gran Moreno is a deep commitment to storytelling through sound. Their upcoming album is a conceptual two-part release: Side A: El Sol and Side B: La Luna. Each side represents a different emotional plane—El Sol radiates urgency, energy, and clarity, while La Luna leans into shadow, mystery, and reflection. The first release, El Sol, captures the band at full intensity, delivering a vivid, unfiltered introduction to their evolving identity.
On stage, Gran Moreno transforms their sound into a full-body experience. Their live shows blend sonic power with visual depth, pulling audiences into a shared trance that feels both personal and communal. As they continue to shape their universe with bold creativity and a fierce independent spirit, Gran Moreno isn’t just making music— they’re building a world of their own.
Stone Nomads is an American Metal power trio based in Houston TX. The band, formed by Jon Cosky (Guitar/Vocals) and Jude Sisk (Bass/Vocals) in 2021, incorporates the sounds of early Doom Metal, modern Sludge Metal and all things heavy. Conceptually, the music explores the journey of life and death through the heavier and darker side of things, delivered via sludged-out, powerful riff-based sonics.
Hailing from the Midwest via Richmond IN comes the “Stoner Metal Riff Worshipers” Wolftooth consisting of a pack of well seasoned musicians (all 20+ yr metal scene veterans) determined to raise the bar of the almighty riff.
Brazilian psychedelic rock band Boogarins mark the 10th anniversary of their
acclaimed second album, “Manual, ou Guia Livre de Dissolução dos Sonhos”, with a commemorative live show featuring the record performed in its entirety. Nominated for a Latin Grammy Award and regarded as a defining release of their generation, the album helped establish the band as one of Brazil’s most important contemporary rock acts. Recorded in Gijón, Spain, during a break in their first international tour, the album captured the energy of a band whose songs were forged on the road and shaped by live experimentation. For this anniversary performance, Boogarins revisit the album through the lens of their evolved live sound, bringing back classic arrangements and improvisations that became central to their concerts.
More than a nostalgic celebration, the show aims to create new memories by reconnecting audiences—both longtime followers and new listeners—with the music, stories, and spirit of “Manual.” The Miami Beach Bandshell show will feature special guest Adrian Quesada of Black Pumas, who is also collaborating with Boogarins on a new single set for release early this year.
Violent Testimony is a four-piece grind/death/thrash band from the barren wastelands of Cheyenne, Wyoming.
The band first formed in early 2014 by Nathan Yanchek (guitar), Dylan Newbury (drums), and Tylor Wade (vocals/guitar). The band initially played thrash metal with some grind flavor. After playing handfuls of shows in Wyoming and Colorado, the band went on hiatus in mid-2015 while its members pursued other projects such as Casket Huffer and Dystopioid. The band later restarted in 2022 with the same members and a more vicious grind sound. With the addition of Than Wilson (Casket Huffer, ex-Truth, ex-Deadspeak) on bass, Violent Testimony has since has brought a devastating combination of grind/death/thrash metal to the Rocky Mountain region. The band has been aggressively writing, recording, and playing one rowdy show after the other, looking to push its sound and following to the next level. The band released its first EP “Devastate” in March 2024. Violent Testimony now follows up with its first full-length album “Aggravate” ripping through 21 crushing tracks in less than 26 minutes and delivering the aggressive rowdy energy Violent Testimony has become known for in their scene. “Aggravate” is now out via Horror Pain Gore Death Productions.
Violent Testimony has had the honor of sharing the stage with epic bands such as DRI, Eyehategod, No/Mas, BRAT, Bonginator, 908, Trigger, Spectral Voice, Groin, Genestealer, and many more.
Formed in 2014 in Phoenix, Arizona, Atoll has spent over a decade crafting their signature blend of death metal. Combining elements of slam, grind, groove, and hints of hardcore, Atoll masterfully balances tasty riffs and brutal intensity.
rock n roll from Milwaukee
Pop / Rock from the western suburbs of Chicago.
Second Shot Chicago Pop Punk
Your new favorite midwestern wall of sound
we love cats and having a good time
Friendly Faces is a alt folk band outta Chicago, Illinois. All music is written and preformed by Cameron Goulder and Griffin Mang and now with Jakob Morris on bass.
wings out now <3
Eclectic weirdo rock played with a missing-bones guitar style, funky bass, thundering drums, sax, & synth!
Bread on Fork is a 7-piece pop-funk band from Chicago, IL. Inspired by jazz, neo-soul, psych rock, and folk, they write about the experiences of youth in the contemporary age, while looking for whimsy in the unfortunate.
breadonfork@gmail.com for bookings.
Mary James – Vocals Bea Fuadin – Vocals Stephen Ryan – Guitar Samara Waters – Guitar Khalif Alston – Keys Matt McGrath – Bass Will Penne – Drums
Chicago based artist ✨Rani✨ Thank you for listening and supporting🫶🏽
The Homicidols – Chicago Skate Punk
Chicago shoegaze
noisey chicago slowcore ☭
Chicago’s Wide Orbit is a Midwest cough drop for the sore soul. With their debut album entitled “Introducing… Wide Orbit” releasing in 2025 on US label, 22TWENTY, their introduction to the scene is a convincing lure that shines from every angle. Recorded in a room too small to even fit the entire band, this homegrown group of college-town friends has utilized practical limits to create magic. Etching out their own sound that’s subtle in its prowess and easy to connect to, the 6 piece band, led by Ryan Tuohy, proves to be as unpretentious as it is youthful. He hones melodies with a unique honesty, but before it all gets too innocent, there’s still a hue of irreverence that shines through. It’s the sound of misfits looking for a musical home, an orbit of their own. Group harmonies, instrumentals, a mid-song hiatus, 1/2 time grooves and piano solos all contribute to their idiosyncratic sound. The core of the album was tracked live, imbuing it with a certain canter and looseness. After years of playing the stylistic chameleon, Tuohy has touched down on a path that feels true to himself. The devoted songwriter has written and produced a DIY American daydream; an album that was written to be played live, to be interacted with, to hit the road.
Creepy Little Things is the dark alternative music project of Scotty Damned. Blending gothic atmosphere, alternative rock energy, and emotionally driven songwriting, the project explores themes of shadow, transformation, and catharsis through immersive sound and evocative lyrics.
After the release of the albums Fallen Angel (2022) and Slow Burn (2025) Scotty and Creepy Little Things were signed to legendary Cleopatra Records —long known for championing influential gothic, industrial, and alternative artists— and proceeded to release the singles Running Up That Hill, Unleashed and Toxic Bloom.
Dark Machine Nation is intense vocal Power Noise/Industrial Hardcore from Dayton, OH; the brainchild of Therion Major.
Inspired by the noise of manufacturing and the sounds of Gabber/Hardcore Techno and Electro-Industrial, Dark Machine Nation aims to become the truest, hardest sound in industrial.
Häxa is a dark electronic project with influences from pagan folk, witch house, goth/industrial, and synthwave. Music for space witches, Häxa is a bridge between the technological, mystical and temporal realms.
Mel began playing ska and soul in 1995 and has been with Mad Butcher records since 1999. His music has been played around the world in countless countries (even before streaming). It appears in film and television. He has done shows in Prague, Budapest, Vienna, London … you get the point.
With the Soul-Ska Farmers their stew combines ska, soul, hillbilly and sometimes it boils over onto the stove top.
We are a ska band from Springfield, Ohio ready to spread our creative angst across the world for all to know and love
American Ska Band from New Brunswick, New Jersey established in 1992
Blending the soul of folk, the grit of country, and the fire of classic and southern rock….with a dash of 90’s pop-punk and grunge…..
D.M. Wesley and the Mighty Handful brings high energy performances to every stage they play!
Raised in Southern California by parents who brought them to DIY punk shows and spun classic punk records in the house, Hollywood, CA-based punk up-and-comers, The Mainliners, are the real thing. And they embrace their roots, taking inspiration from such legendary SoCal bands as TSOL, Descendants, and DI, and drawing comparisons to others in the vanguard, from The Circle Jerks to The Adolescents.
Formed in the crucible of pent-up creative energy that was a quarantine-era art/punk house in Los Angeles, the band hit the ground running – writing songs, playing shows, and switching instruments for a year and a half before the official four man lineup of Cash Mathieu on vocals, Colin Martin on guitar, Adrian Morris on bass, and Jackson Fox on drums was cemented.
Since then, the band has been hard at work developing their musical and visual language across several singles, an EP, an album, and a live album, all released since 2023. They’ve been tearing up stages across the country and getting their name out there playing with bands such as Enjoy, Gvllow, Civic, and Bad Nerves. They also played to a huge crowd as the only punk band on the 2024 edition of Tyler, The Creator’s Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival in their hometown of Los Angeles, proving that The Mainliners’ sound, look, and message connects, not just with punks, but with fans of good music.
Witch Club Satan is an occult, feminist Black Metal band forged in raw energy and defiance. Composed of Nikoline Spjelkavik (guitar), Victoria Røising (bass), and Johanna Holt Kleive (drums), the trio of witches, channeling their voices alongside the echoes of their ancestors and the persecuted women burned at the stake. Their music is an incantation of spells, transforming each performance into a ritualistic, all-encompassing experience- an assault on the senses through extreme visuals and immersive elements. Musically, they draw from the early, punk roots of Norwegian black metal, yet carve out a sound entirely their own. Together with their audience, Witch Club Satan conjures a relentless, primal force, a sonic mayhem, a feral scream of resistance.
Formed by frontman Luc Richards and guitarist Davis Haley, Nashville crossover thrash quintet Waxed is now a full cadre with Will Alley on bass, Noel Richards on guitar, and Ian Sundstrom on drums. Known for the ferocity of their live shows, Waxed concocts a sludgy brew of heavy riffs, cutting leads, and quick turnarounds that make for a truly unique brand of rock n’ roll. Having recently opened up for Jack White and Converge, their newest single “Big Blind” follows the group’s 2022 debut album Give Up and 2023’s Idlewild, a split EP with local heavy hitters Soot.
“‘Big Blind’ is a song about dominating personal shortcomings by whatever means necessary and failing even still,” says Richards. “Wherever you go, there you are. We feel like the song stays true to our sound but also represents our ever evolving approach to songwriting. We write the music that we want to hear and strive to never lock ourselves in a box creatively.”
Glotaku is a party series featuring cosplay, live DJs, games, vendors, and more!
HAVE LOVE, HAVE MERCY
independent pop/indie/alternative artist from the Bay Area, known for hyperpop-influenced tracks like “hero” and “la fleur”.
The Banshees are a high-energy traditional Irish ballad group from Chicago. Founded by Tony Duggins, Aaron Duggins, and Pete Muschong (from legendary Chicago Irish band The Tossers).
With their debut album now streaming, The Banshees are delivering electrifying live shows that resonate with both traditionalists and modern music fans alike. The voices and spirits of ancient Ireland and old America resound in every word, every note and every room they play.
Bella Moss is an up-and-coming artist from Dubuque, Iowa, with a pure, mellow voice that has the power to captivate an audience. Her heartfelt folk style is clear and transcends genres. She began learning guitar off YouTube and has evolved to play the banjo, mandolin, bass guitar, violin, and harp.