WOE

MASSAKREN

LANDMINE MARATHON

MURS

SKI BEATZ

EXHUMED

Excreting their malignant essence onto an unsuspecting Metal scene in 1998 with their confrontational debut full-length, “Gore Metal”, Exhumed have since become synonymous with the genre they helped brand. Their signature sound, a savage blend of snarling, grinding down-tuned guitars, alternately abrasively screeched and grotesquely gurgled vocals, and pummeling, straightforward drumming, have become universally recognized as the hallmarks of the style now called Gore Metal. Taking these elements several steps beyond their previous works, including the barbarically stripped-down, in-your-face approach of their sophomore effort, “Slaughtercult”, Exhumed have returned with their third full-length album, “Anatomy is Destiny”.

HUGH CORNWELL (THE STRANGLERS) WITH CLEM BURKE (BLONDIE)

Hugh Cornwell is one of the UK’s finest song-writing talents and accomplished live performers. The original guitarist, singer and main songwriter in The Stranglers enjoyed massive UK and European success with ten hit albums and twenty-one top forty singles, etching himself into the UK’s musical psyche with Peaches, No More Heroes, Golden Brown, Always the Sun, Grip, Nice N Sleazy, Duchess, Walk on By, Strange Little Girl and Skin Deep.

Following rave reviews in the UK, Hugh Cornwell’s new studio album TOTEM AND TABOO is set to be released in the US on June 25th, via Red River Entertainment and through Red/SONY Distribution. Recorded at Electrical Audio Studios in Chicago, the album was engineered and mixed by the legendary Steve Albini.

In support of the album, Hugh will perform US dates in October and December 2013 and will feature the new songs, as well as classic Stranglers material.

THE HANDCUFFS

Led by drummer Brad Elvis (Screams, The Elvis Brothers, Big Hello, The Romantics) and vocalist/guitarist/saxophonist Chloe F. Orwell (Big Hello), Chicago’s The Handcuffs will be releasing their fourth studio album Burn The Rails. The 13-song album was tracked at Kingsize Sound Labs, Chicago with producer/engineer Mike Hagler (Wilco, Neko Case, Billy Bragg, Mavis Staples, My Morning Jacket, The Mekons). Burn The Rails is being released by Pravda Records in June on CD, download and via streaming platforms and later on 12″ vinyl.

For the the new album, The Handcuffs found inspiration from the heady, analog days of early 1970s rock & roll, weaving together elements of glam, indie, garage, art and blues rock. Inhabiting some of the same musical turf as T-Rex, Mott The Hoople, Roxy Music, The Raconteurs, P.J. Harvey, Led Zeppelin, and Patti Smith – all filtered through a modern lens – they deliver bold, sexy songs with memorable melodies and unexpected twists.

Guest keyboardist Morgan Fisher (Mott The Hoople) demonstrates his synthesizer and piano prowess on a couple of tracks on the new LP. The relationship with Fisher, a musical hero of the band, began after singer Orwell’s rave review of Mott The Hoople’s 2018 reunion tour went viral on social media, attracting the attention of Fisher, who got in contact. From there a creative collaboration was sparked, in-spite of an ocean separating the now real-life friends.

Finishing the record during the peak of the pandemic and lockdown, gave several of the songs an  inadvertent anthem-for-the-times feel – with themes of love and loss, heartache and hope, and even the great ideological divide that was as omnipresent as the virus.

Elvis and Orwell formed The Handcuffs from the ashes of Big Hello, their first band together, which released three indie label records and toured from coast to coast. Elvis’ career also includes a few major label go-arounds, arena tours, and a backstory that will be documented in a new autobiography in the near future. The duo’s eagerness to explore new sonic territory and evolve into an entity that aligned more with their ever-expanding influences and broad range of musical tastes prompted a change. The Handcuffs began as primarily a studio project, in which Elvis and Orwell wrote and recorded an abundance of material. During the process, they realized that they missed the live band experience, and so The Handcuffs as recording artists and a dynamic live band was born. Completing the line-up are bassist Emily Togni, lead guitarist Jeffrey Kmieciak, and keyboardist Alison Hinderliter, all of whom originate from different parts of the country, but have made Chicago their home.

THE DEAD SUPERHEROES ORCHESTRA

The Dead Superheroes Orchestra must be heard to be believed. A rock ensemble with dazzling string arrangements and a pitch-black wit, the DSO will take you on a journey from your hometown cemetery down to the depths of the Underworld, up to the cool, bare face of the moon, and back again. Dreamed up by brains steeped in Batman, Mozart, Dostoevsky and Dante, the Orchestra tells the tale of an angel and a boy who comes back from the dead. Their performances are part rock show, part chamber recital and part goth rock oratorio. A mad caucaphony of strings, guitars, drums, piano, and choir led by a melodramatic bass vocalist, the Dead Superheroes Orchestra is a band that entertains, perplexes and entrances audiences. The Dead Superheroes Orchestra were included in Mick Mercer’s book “Music to Die For”, published by Cherry Red Press. “I’ll spend my nights in the graveyard”, their first EP, is available for sale on iTunes.

BLOOD ON THE DANCE FLOOR

Starting out as an electronic band almost 9 years ago, the duo has now participated in Warped Tour twice, their CD Evolution topped the charts as #1 on the Billboard Top Electronic Charts, and #8 on the Top Independent Albums Chart. They were also able to attract the attention of Joel Madden from the well-loved band Good Charlotte, and the artist Deuce.

The dark Electronic duos sexual anthem caught the attention of many, but the emotional core is what has formed their fan base – The SGTC (slash gash terror crew). From the first CD, Lets Start A Riot, to their latest, CRUEL PORNOGHAPHY, their music has proven to have a deeper meaning than the sexual theme that first drew their fan base in. Due to this they were able to be part of an anti – bully campaign, give the various charities, and last year host an entire show in honor of a boy who was brutally beaten for his sexual preference. Sex sells – so they use it to get their message of acceptance, self help, and love out to the world.

BOTDFs main goal, as always, is to provide a safe haven for the outcasts, which was shown in their album Anthem of the Outcast. Their music, although sometimes just for fun, is a story of their lives and of the lives of those around them. As they take the world by storm they invite you, and anyone else who just doesn’t fit in, to join their family! Rise SGTC.

ANGELSPIT

Angelspit are an electro punk act hailing from Sydney, Australia, known for vicious distortion, biting lyrics and harsh drums. Angelspit have churned out eight releases over the past seven years and have shared the stage with acts such as KMFDM, Skinny Puppy, Frontline Assembly, Sisters of Mercy and Nitzer Ebb. The band’s music and performance have been recognized and critically acclaimed through numerous media outlets.

The Angelspit lineup consists of Zoog and Destroyx, Valerie Gentile on guitar, Matt James on drums and The Liar on videography.

Ministry, KMDFM and many other bands have requested Angelspit remixes. In viral form, they reduce bandwidth to ash with a massive amount of web content including instructional “blipvert” videos, blogs, tutorials, downloadable stencils, forums and constant online interaction with their fans.Angelspit have played many major European festivals (Mera Luna, Summer Darkness, Wave Gothic Treffin and more), toured North America, Europe and UK twice and Australia 3 times. They have shared the stage with KMFDM, Skinny Puppy, Frontline Assembly, Front 242, Sisters of Mercy,Nitzer Ebb, Lords Of Acid, Architect, Legendry Pink Dots, Mortiis and many others.

Angelspit’s nine releases have been praised and slandered – including Best Release of 2009 from ReGen magazine, best AND worse new band simultaneously from the same magazine (Italy’s Ritual Magazine 2007 Reader’s Poll), hailed as genius and critised as an annoying fashion statement.
They have declared war on all things that hold back creativity and freedom of expression. Based in New York City and Berlin Germany, Angelspit continue to corrupt audiences with their perfectly kerned mayhem.

Fuck the Revolution. This is WAR.
ANGELSPIT.NET

LATE IN THE PLAYOFFS

Late in the Playoffs is a pop rock band based out of Chicago, IL. All in college, this group of four has been together since 2009 and already has played popular Chicago venues such as The Metro, Double Door, Reggie’s, Beat Kitchen, and Subterranean. The band is steadied by lead singer and rhythm guitarist Aaron Goldschmidt and after a number of lineup changes, the group was finally solidified with bassist Dan Schein, drummer Christian Ray, and original member Conor Page to fill lead guitar duties. After a lot of hard work and long hours, the group just completed work on their highly anticipated EP, “Everything I Know,” recorded with veteran engineers Mark Michalik (The Swellers, Fireworks) and Jamie Woolford (Let Go, Punchline, The Stereo). The album is a five-track journey about love, loss, and finding yourself paced by Goldschmidt’s relatable lyrics and loads of outstanding melodic moments from the rest of the band. Late in the Playoffs is garnering an abundance of praise for their latest work including, “Everything I Know is flawless and it’s a clear indication there is something special about Late In The Playoffs (Sean Reid – Under The Gun)” and “If smooth, stunningly catchy pop melodies were all anyone needed to succeed in the music industry, Late In the Playoffs would already be the biggest band in the scene (LateNightSing-Alongs.com).”

VIC SPENCER

Question: What is the result when you mix the wit of Sean Price, the comedic delivery of DOOM, the unorthodox approach of the late ODB, the lungs of B-Real, and the life experience of a group home resident hailing from the gritty Chicago’s East Side? Answer: SAVEMONEY and Brainiac Society crew’s own Vic Spencer.

THE BLED

DECODER

BURN THE REMAINS

Chicago’s Burn The Remains draws listeners in by making music with thought, emotion, passion, and dedication. Combining brutality with melody, BTR provides a visceral and raw side to educated songwriting.

E.N YOUNG

E.N Young, born Ian Allan Young, is a roots musician born and raised on the USA/Mexico border in San Diego, California. E.N started playing piano at age 6, which was the beginning of his musical life. His parents bought him a white upright Samick Piano that he still records and plays on today. At age 12, he broke his left arm and the doctor recommended some physical activity to help recover. In response, his father bought him a drum set to help with his recovery. Not only did it help physically but E.N found a passion for percussion and drums. With his new drumming talent, he reinvented himself on the piano and his musical world was revealed.

Reggae music has always been a part of E.N Young’s life. Growing up with his brothers, Manuel and Mike’Chunky Roots’ Marquez, reggae was around and the influence was strong. Daily, E.N and his brothers would search for the next reggae tune that caught their ears and lose themselves within the reggae vibes. Now, E.N is more involved in the reggae scene than ever imagined. Not only has he established a name for himself as an individual artist but also as a writer and producer.

E.N started performing when he was 15 years old and in 2002 he became a member of the band Stranger. As a band they put out four studio albums and toured on the West coast, including Guam and Hawaii; which led them to win the San Diego Music Award in 2009. In 2005, E.N Young met Bonita/Chula Vista locals, Roots Covenant. They played the strongest and most authentic roots reggae sound on the West coast and backed 30+ Jamaican artists. In 2010 E.N began pushing his solo career by releasing his first debut album ‘Luck & Chance No More’ under his new label, Roots Musician Records; he became the first artist under RMR and began to tour as a solo artist. Along his musical path, he has played onstage with many influential reggae artists including Quino Big Mountain, Devastators, Johnny Clarke, Triston Palma, Sammy Dread, Heptones, Everton Blender, Jah Batta, Michael Palma, Sister Nancy, Edi Fitzroy, Anuhea, Tamarama, Stranger, Carlton Livingston, Don Carlos, Slightly Stoopid, the Abyssinians, Clear Conscience, Eek A Mouse, English Man, Gonzo, Tribal Seeds, Milton Henry and more.

In May 2011, E.N went into studio with Tribal Seeds to produce their new EP ‘SoundWaves.’ The EP was released in July and received world-wide attention. From Hawaii to New York, E.N Young completed a fall national tour as the opening artist for Tribal Seeds. A year after that E.N officially joined Tribal Seeds,playing keyboard, melodica and singing.

Construction of E.N’s studio, Imperial Sound Recording Studio took place in August of 2012 and was completed in January of 2013. Imperial Sound is the most southwest recording studio in the United States; bordering Mexico and the Pacific Ocean. It was a dream that has manifested into a professional recording studio. The doors to Imperial Sound were officially opened on January 2, 2013. As soon as the studio was ready bands began to come through the studio to record some great records. Some of those bands include: Tribal Seeds, High Tide, HIRIE, K Bong, Beyond I Sight, Gonzo, Inna Vision, Clear Conscience and Without Papers. Imperial Sound Recording Studio is located near the Imperial Beach in sunny San Diego, California.

E.N Young is continuing to make sweet reggae music in his studio producing tracks for several bands and Roots Musician Records second signed artist, HIRIE. His projects include the album ‘Rocksteady’ by Gonzo (singer for Beyond I Sight), ‘Just the Tip’ by Skanks Roots Project , Tribal Seeds’ newest studio album, his second solo album, and much more. In the meantime, E.N is touring as the newest member of Tribal Seeds. E.N’s main goal continues to be, to travel the world spreading good through music and inspiring others

DESIGNER DRUGS

DEAD END PATH

KYLE MARUSIAK

DANNY BROWN

DESPOT

VAGABOND OPERA

Bohemian Operatic Steampunk Cabaret from Portland, OR

VERONIQUE CHEVALIER

Veronique Chevalier is the eccentric Françican (Français-American) Chanteuse (Songstress) known as The “Weird VAL” of Dark Cabaret.
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She’s an unparalleled Parodist; a Steampunk-lish Chanteuse, and Spooky Polkanista, who has been described as a twisted incarnation of Edith Piaf from an alternate reality – the one in which her parents are Jim Morrison, and Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, and her godparents are Lucille Ball and Weird Al.
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As a self-proclaimed “Mad Sonictist,” she takes maniacal…

EYRIE TWYLIGHT

The Queen of Halloween with the shimmy that can only be described as an “experience” is coming to play at the Carnival Delirium! This girl titillates as she teases, putting a spooky, opulent twist on classic concepts and costumes. You shouldn’t dare to miss this one night only engagement, feast your eyes on miss Eyrie Twilights as she steams it up in the windy city! You’ll be glad you did.

CANDY TOWN

For more than a hundred years, bedtime stories have warned children of the wandering pack of gypsy clowns who travel from town to town, stealing away naughty youngsters and raising them as their own, schooling them in the arts of musical vaudeville and playing for ragamuffins and royalty the world over. However, unlike Krampus or the Bogeyman, the idea of these roving carnies seems to attract almost as many children as it frightens. Far from scaring such children into obedience, many have run away from home in hopes of finding and joining with this sinister crew from faraway, mythical CANDY TOWN.

“Part band, part neo-vaudeville thingamjig…a finely honed retro aesthetic…building (their) board-walking empire from the vintage shoes up.”  -Chicago Reader

 

WHITE CITY RIPPERS

From the case-books of the Chicago Police Department: Officers Amble and Bilge apprehended the White City Rippers, the devilish duo who have held the World’s Fair in the icy grip of terror with a chaotic combination of cacophonous musical performances, bizarre electronic devices, and a string of grisly murders. Mr. W, a thoroughly rum-soaked rogue, was quoted as saying, “A sharp blade is a safe blade,” before collapsing in a paroxysm of laughter. Mr. M, who has the unhinged, psychotic temperament of an Irishman, responded, “My razor goes ‘likkey-likkey-likkey’ then it goes ‘shhhhh’!” The two escaped custody, leaving pools of blood and slices of fingers and toes strewn about their holding cell. Amble and Bilge have gone missing and it is surmised that the Rippers flayed them and used the skins to disguise themselves. The Rippers are rumored to have two accomplices named Mr. Varbelli and Mr. Seeburg. These may be an accordion and a machine used to reproduce the sound of drums, but this has not been corroborated. If you have more information on their whereabouts, please report them here:http://www.facebook.com/pages/White-City-Rippers/134468189935120

SEXUALLY FRUSTRATED

Thirty Case Chase

THIRTY CASE CHASE

Thirty Case Chase

CTC

MELLO THA TRUTH

MARCUS BROWN

SLICK

WEDNESDAY 13

Wednesday 13 is a horror punk band, fronted by Wednesday 13 of Maniac Spider Trash, Murderdolls, Frankenstein Drag Queens From Planet 13, Bourbon Crow fame. The group formed in 2004 and continue to play. The genre of music is a mix of death rock and punk with lyrics heavily inspired by horror movies.

VAMPIRES EVERYWHERE

VAMPIRES EVERYWHERE has taken the alternative music scene over in the past year. From touring with the likes of Black Veil Brides, X-Japan, Alesana, Brokencyde and more to being featured in Alternative Press’ ‘100 Bands You Need to Know’, VAMPIRES EVERYWHERE have already made thousands of die hard fans and 2011 is set to be the year when they truly ignite the music world with their brand of rock that blends elements from electronic, metal, screamo and alternative rock.

The story of VAMPIRES EVERYWHERE! starts with fearless leader Michael, who formed the group influenced heavily by Joel Schumacher’s 1987 cult classic ‘The Lost Boys’. “Like the characters, I have also always considered myself lost and trapped within a world that only embraces its own. This movie embodies everything I stand for: anarchy, vampires, youth, love and revenge,” Michael reveals. This notion led Michael to search for those who he could relate to. This search brought forth the other lost souls who would form the brotherly coven Michael had hoped for: Aaron Graves, Philip Kross, Alex and David Hernandez. Together, sworn to a dark oath, they formed VAMPIRES EVERYWHERE! and created one of the most wildly exciting bands in recent memory.

Since forming, VAMPIRES EVERYWHERE! has spread their bloodline all across North America. Legions of fans showing their undying support for these twisted individuals have arisen across the country and made their presence known. Whether purchasing albums and merchandise, attending live ceremonies or forming their own hordes of supporters in their respective cities, this legion is quickly becoming larger and spreading the new gospel of VAMPIRES EVERYWHERE! far and wide. This was made evident by the incredible fan fare surrounding the release of their ‘Lost in the Shadows’ EP through Hot Topic last year.

Then, as the band began unveiling their live ceremonies, the fandom of VAMPIRES EVERYWHERE! truly exploded. Copies of their EP flew off the shelves, selling through more than 9,000 copies of this limited edition EP, available only through Hot Topic. VAMPIRES EVERYWHERE! then hit the road for their first full tour across the nation, in support of Black Veil Brides, giving covens their first chance to meet the gentlemen who have masterminded this movement. Since then, fan support grew more and more thanks to not only the band’s heavy touring schedule, but due to the genuine bond that has formed between VAMPIRES EVERYWHERE! and their fans – recognizing that you don’t have to conform to society and that being yourself will lead you to the people who will truly accept you.

PHIL G

DJ JEFF DA ILLEST

KAUSTIK

Kaustik is a heavy metal band from Southern California generating exceedingly heavy, hook filled music influenced by numerous genres including: classical music, classic rock, jazz, punk, almost every metal sub-genre old to new, and even rap. This amalgamation of diverse ideas gives them a fresh, unique sound to be enjoyed by music fans from all walks of life.

Kaustik has released a self-titled album in 2011, and an EP, entitled “Forged in the Bones of Our Freedom”, in 2014. October 2016 will see a tour with thrash legends D.R.I., accompanied by the release of their politically fueled compilation EP, “Fuck Politics” on Black Voodoo Records, which will include music from both previous releases as well as two songs from their upcoming full length slated to be out in the spring of 2017.

Kaustik has played countless shows touring the country, most notably the southwest, performed at major music festivals such as Mayhem and Knotfest, and has shared the stage with some of music’s most legendary artists such as: Judas Priest, Rob Zombie, Korn, Nile, Twisted Sister, Gwar, and many more. Kaustik is now a prominent band who metal fans are talking about, are excited to see, and are anxious to hear what’s next.

-Kaustik BYFH-

KRADAKIS

Kradakis is a metal band from the South side of Chicago.  Made up of Patrick Manthey, Ronnie DiCola, Fred Full, Mike Madrigal and Vanessa Victory, these guys bring a traditional sound of old school metal with a modern day style, sort of Maiden meets Mastodon. You ll enjoy for sure.

IAN J

IanJ is an 18-year-old Hip-POP artist from Louisville, KY. Ian first made noise in the music industry in April of 2011 with the release of his first mix-tape, Summer Lights. Since than he has released two mix-tapes, Pop Culture and Happy Birthday as well has toured all over the US. He looks forwards to releasing his first album in early 2012.

Cro-Mags

CRO-MAGS

The history of the Cro-Mags is integral to the history of Hardcore, its evolution from punk and the development of alternative music genres such as hardcore, cross-over, thrash metal, post punk and grunge to name a few. Numerous iconic bands from Metallica to Green Day, and individuals such as Dave Grohl have credited Cro-Mags with having had a primal influence on their development.

Born out of the violence and depravity of the Lower East Side of New York in the late 70s and early 80s, the Cro-Mags was the brainchild of a very young Harley Flanagan (at the time 14 years old) when still playing with the Stimulators. By 1982/83 he wrote and recorded the very first Cro-Mags demos consisting of 4 songs that would become the blueprint for the seminal 1986 “Age of Quarrel.” He wrote all of the music, played each instrument and sang. Before long he connected with Parris Mayhew and the two started writing music and auditioning band members.

After several line-ups, 5 studio albums (beyond the original demos) and 30 + years of tours around the world, Cro-Mags remains one of the most iconic hardcore bands with arguably the greatest reach beyond the genre.

Cro-Mags

“In the Beginning”

Why now? In Flanagan’s words: “Lemmy came to me in a dream and said, ‘Take it back mate, it’s yours, you started it.’ The fact is, I never legally lost the name Cro-Mags, others were using it without my permission, while I was raising my kids. An agreement was struck with the previous members and I regained full control over the name worldwide.Now with an amazing line up and 2 record deals I am moving forward. I have a great team of people behind me; I have never felt stronger, better or more creative.”

In 2019 Cro-Mags signed with Victory Records and Arising Empire and released the “From the Grave” single, consisting of the tracks: “Don’t Give In,” “Drag You Under,” and “No One’s Victim.”

Flanagan: “These lyrics are meant to inspire and kick you in the ass when you need it. Some might not take them that way, but that’s my intention. Sometimes you need someone to tell you to man-the-fuck-up, or woman-up, cause life ain’t easy and you will get crushed if you don’t. I wrote them more for myself than anyone else, cause sometimes I need to hear these things, as I think we all do.”

“Some of them were inspired by loss, the loss of friends, by suicide, cancer, struggling with depression, mortality and ultimately the beauty of life. You have to be able to recognize it, even when you’re suffering and struggling. Although we all fight our own personal battles, and they vary, none of us are alone in the fact that we have to fight our battles, and many of them we must fight alone. In that way, we all have something in common, besides needing basic things like food water and shelter. We also must learn how to cope with struggle and mortality. Some rise to the top while others crash and burn.”

“I feel like I crashed and burned enough times that I somehow managed to rise back to the top. I feel stronger, happier mentally, spiritually and physically than I have in years; and it did not come without a struggle or cost. But that is life; you have to fight for what you want, and you also have to know how temporary it all is.”

The Album: “In the Beginning”: The full length has 13 tracks including the 3 from the first single. The songs draw on the past and break new ground musically; the lyrics as always, are based on personal experiences, mixed with advice and reality-based themes and topics ranging from personal struggles, striving to succeed against the odds and issues that we are all challenged with in one way, shape or form.

The singles and album feature, along with Harley Flanagan, Gabby Abularach (Gil Evans Orchestra, amongst many other projects) who played on Cro-Mags’ “Alpha Omega” (1992) and “Near Death Experience” (1993); Rocky George (formerly of Suicidal Tendencies and Fishbone) who played on Cro-Mags’ “Revenge” (2000); and ” Gary “GMan” Sullivan (who has played with everyone from the B-52’s, Berny Worrel of Parliament Funkadelic, TM Stevens etc.), who joined Cro-Mags in the 90s.

“In the Beginning” will be released June 19th worldwide on LP, CD and all digital platforms. The band was set to support the album through release shows and festivals in both Europe and North America, but due to the Corona virus, all shows were postponed or cancelled. Harley was one of the first to put together a live stream event which aired online March 19th and has been viewed over 100,000 times and received coverage from CNN and all major press outlets. A free download of the track, “The Final Test,” was then given to fans shortly thereafter.

DISCOGRAPHY:

  • The Age of Quarrel (1986)
  • Best Wishes (1989)
  • Alpha Omega (1992)
  • Near Death Experience (1993)
  • Revenge (2000)
  • Don’t Give In (EP) (2019)
  • From the Grave (EP) (2019)
  • In The Beginning (2020)

HANOI ROCKS – MICHAEL MONROE