The Smashing Pumpkins are truly one of the most prolific bands of the last almost forty years. There is no denying the impact, influence and creativity that this band has had on so many.
Back in 1998, The Smashing Pumpkins released their album, Adore. While at the time, it divided the fan base, over time, Adore has become one of the bands most personal and intimate albums. While it may be a departure for some, Adore, actually harks back to the origins of the band, when they were more post-punk based. Funny enough too, the electronic elements on the album, was a precursor for what was to come in rock music.
The live performances during this time were something interesting and special. Drummer Jimmy Chamberlain was such a tour de force on drums that, the band recruited powerhouse Kenny Aronoff to play drums along with a couple other percussionists to make the sound come alive.
Let’s flashback to the summer of 1998, two weeks before the release of Adore. On June 1, 1998, The Smashing Pumpkins took the stage at the Pinkpop Festival in the Netherlands. The Pumpkins were selected to step in for Pearl Jam. This live performance was one of those shows that has gone on to live in infamy. The Smashing Pumpkins set blended their new darker electronic sound and incorporated some quite fun new orchestral style elements into the songs.
Enjoy this very memorable Smashing Pumpkins live show!
For the first time in over a decade, Anthrax, have released their first new song, “It’s For The Kids.” This new song is the first single from their upcoming album, Cursum Perficio, which will arrive September 18 via Megaforce Records. Cursum Perficio will be the band’s twelfth studio album.
This new album was produced by the band and Jay Ruston. “It’s For The Kids” is a heavy, driving song with a big hook chorus-a combination of classic Anthrax and a bit of a modern twist.
After forty five years of being a band, this new album and song, sees the group firing on all cylinders to make sure their legacy remains!
After seven years away, The Black Queen made their triumphant return to the stage. The wait for this bands return was well worth it. It’s crazy to think too, that it’s been ten years since their debut album, Fever Daydream, was released. This tour is a celebration of the release of their debut as well as the unveiling of a new live lineup that is truly special.
Los Angeles is a haven for live music and home to some of the most fun venues in the country. The first time I saw The Black Queen ten years ago, was at Catch One. And now for their return they played there again and it felt just right.
As the clock struck midnight, the lights went down and the start of the intro music began to intoxicate the audience. Then Greg, Steve and Danny took the stage to a rousing applause and roar from the crown and instantly began with the great “Ice To Never.” From there it was just an incredible onslaught of banger after banger featuring “Secret Scream,” “The End Where We Start” and “That Death Cannot Touch.” The trifecta of those songs is enough to make one’s head explode with excitement. The crowd singing along too was astounding. “Maybe We Should/Non- Consent” and “Strange Quark” delivered a great sensual performance that fit the vibe on such a special way. “Distanced” was a treat too as that song has a really cool ambience that is moody in the best way. The songs from the bands second album, Infinite Games, sounded bigger than before, especially “Thrown Into The Dark.” Closing out their great set was the fantastic “Apocalypse Morning.” This song is one of my all time favorite end of album songs. The live version of this song is absolutely epic. You have to see it live to know!
The Black Queen’s return to the stage is one of those very welcoming moments. The time away has given their albums, especially Fever Daydream, to reach new heights and acclaim. The addition of Danny Lohner to the live lineup was such a great idea. He adds so much extra to the songs with the instrumentation, arrangements, as well as stage presence. Watching Greg Puciato sing his heart out next to Danny Lohner and guitarist Steve Alexander is a sight to see. The energy of all three on stage emits to the audience and makes for a complete show. Greg sounded great. The way his vocals hit is otherworldly.
Looking around the crowd throughout the show, you could tell there was an excitement in the room. Having The Black Queen back on stage is/was very much needed. I genuinely hope this live lineup stays together. There’s something special about this. And the addition of drummer Chris Pennie will absolutely put it over!
When The Black Queen comes through your town, I urge you to go. You’ll definitely thank me after!
Review/Photos By: Brian Lacy
The Black Queen Photos (I was experimenting with lighting, sorry for the quality. I was also enjoying the show too much):
One of the albums I’ve been anticipating most of 2026 has arrived! Grey, the debut album from Held., is more than just a debut album, it’s one of the most personal and compelling albums of the year.
Grey is the album you didn’t know you needed. While many bands say they wear their heart on their sleeves, Held. is literally pouring themselves out on these songs. The melodic yet heaviness of these songs permeates through the entire album.
The way the album begins with “Defending The Earth” and the very urgent lyrics comes out of the gate with pure intensity. From there the next three songs explode in your speakers. I’m still amazed at “Constant Tension” and the heart strings it pulls on. “Waves Of Fire” is another gem of a song in the way its speed propels the second half of the album. The title track “Grey” is as emotionally charged as it is anthemic. That’s a recurring theme found throughout. It’s not so much about empowerment but, more about self awareness and realization. “I and I Against You All” is one of those songs that hits on the previous theme only this one is more empowering. “Through The Cracks” feels like a very classic post-hardcore song along the lines of Jawbox. “Broken Spacesuit/Decay And Sand” is epic. This Failure-esque song is spacey all the while introspective. Closing the record is “Emptiness: A Side Effect” a song that is an instant classic. This is one of those songs that will make you want to listen again and again. What a song. I’d go into more detail about it but that would just take away from your own listening experience.
The lyrics of singer/guitarist Douglas Robinson are beyond personal and memorable. The way he writes speaks to the listener in a way that it gets under your skin in the best way. Some of my favorite lyrics of the year are on this album. In particular the closing song has my favorite line “Side effect of every side effect you ignore.” What a line! I can hear the audience singing along to this! The rhythm section of Sal Mignano and Josh Eppard is a revelation of thunder. The way they play off each other and create a great tension that plays off the guitar. One of the other aspects of the album that stands out is the production. The way the band feels alive throughout is stellar. You can feel the energy and breath of the performances. Which is something that is missing in modern music.
Grey is hands down one of the best albums of 2026. Having a debut album hit the strides this one does is astounding. Held. have arrived and I genuinely hope are here to stay. The grasp they have on the listener via this album is one that I don’t want to let go of. This is one of the best debut albums I’ve heard in a long time. You wouldn’t even think this is a debut based on the quality of the songs and how great this band sounds.
When this tour was announced it was an absolute no brainer that this was a must go. I mean, Poison The Well, Converge, The Armed and The Barbarians Of California all on one tour! Yes please!
On a quite perfect Wednesday spring night, Poison The Well, Converge and more rolled into the Belasco Theater in Los Angeles, CA, and made sure to let everyone in the downtown area know they were in town.
As the clock hit 7:00 pm, the lights went down and The Barbarians Of California took the stage and immediately went into their blend of hardcore and punk. Their infectious energy radiated through the audience for the next thirty minutes. There is an absolute fun aspect to this band that really helps to ignite the crowd and spirit of the night.
Next up was The Armed. If you haven’t had the opportunity to check out this band live, you are truly missing out. The Armed, like the Barbarians, are a fun band that demands your attention. For the next thirty minutes, The Armed blazed through their set with reckless precision that left you wanting more. I’ve had the pleasure of seen them a few times now and this might have been the most exciting show I’ve seen of theirs.
Converge! What else can be said about this band that hasn’t been said before. This band is legendary for a reason. For the next hour, Converge, delivered a set that was as brutal and beautiful as it was pummeling and destructive. Riding high off their new album, Love Is Not Enough and their upcoming other new album, Hum Of Hurt, there was no stopping Jacob, Kurt, Nate and Ben on stage. Ripping through new songs like the title track, “Bad Faith,” “To Feel Something” as well as “Hum Of Heart” and “Death In Bloom,” these new songs have fast become live fan favorites as well as future set staples. The classic songs like “Dark Horse,” “Eagles Become Vultures,” “Concubine” and “Conduit” sounded even more ferocious with age. This set and tour shows why Converge are the blueprint for so many hardcore/metal bands today.
When it was time for Poison The Well, the energy in the Belasco shifted from a very intense energy into a very welcome burst of explosive fire as “Botchla” opened their set. From that point it was game on. The band is on tour now promoting their fantastic comeback album, Peace In Place. The new songs like “Thoroughbreds,” “Everything Hurts,” and “Wax Mask” sounded gargantuan and very urgent, especially “Everything Hurts.” The choice classics played like “Ghostchant,” “Slice Paper Wrists,” “For A Bandaged Iris,” “Crystal Lake” sounded violent and crisp. The band themselves had a sense of joy while playing. Watching Chris, Ryan, Jeffery, Vadim and Noah on stage was inspiring to see as they, like Converge, created a blueprint within hardcore.
This tour was one of those that if you didn’t go to, you missed out. This was one of those lineups that showcased the old school and new school in the best way possible. Each band delivered the goods the best way they can. Having this show in the middle of the week was also a welcome break to all of life’s craziness. We need more events like this to help us all!
What a night!
Review/Photos By: Brian Lacy
The Armed Setlist:
All Futures
Everything’s Glitter
Grace Obscure
I Steal What I Want
Night City Aliens
Fortune’s Daughter
Liar
Big Shell
Converge Setlist:
Love Is Not Enough
Bad Faith
Eagles Become Vultures
Dark Horses
Under Duress
Conduit
Hum Of Hurt
Amon Amok
Distract And Divide
To Feel Something
Doom In Bloom
The Broken Vow
We Were Never The Same
I Can Tell You About Pain
Concubine
Poison The Well Setlist:
Botchla
Zombies Are Good For Your Health
Slice Paper Wrists
Thoroughbreds
A Wish For Things That Work
For A Bandaged Iris
Everything Hurts
12/23/93
Letter Thing
Ghostchant
Parks And What You Meant To Me
Crystal Lake
Artist’s Rendering Of Me
Loved Ones (Excerpts From Speeches Of How Great You Were, And Will Never Be Again)
In 1989, Metallica was just about to become a household name. And Justice For All, the bands fourth album, was truly was a monumental album for heavy music. There is no denying the impact this album has had over the years. The songs are beyond classics and the influence has only grown.
We all know what happened at the Grammy Awards in that year with Jethro Tull beating out Metallica for the first Heavy Metal Grammy. While they didn’t win that, they did however perform that night and won the audience over that was in attendance as well as watching at home.
Metallica have been on top of the world since this point and with no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Take a moment to enjoy this classic and memorable TV performance of “One” by Metallica.
Music in the late 1980’s has a very interesting history, particularly rock music. While the mainstream was celebrating excess and decadence, the underground was about to turn the world on its head. Sure the party was glamorous and full of fun to the enth degree, there was just something more about the grittier side of the street.
The underground scene was full of great bands and artists that made huge impacts and inspired so many. So much so that two iconic forces of nature from this era would have a chance encounter and make a few songs that, one not only become a blueprint for other projects of this kind. And two, the collaboration between two different artists from different genres, making a record that has gone on to become an unsung masterpiece.
Let’s travel back to 1987 in London, England where Ministry’s Al Jourgensen was currently living. While there he met Ian MacKaye of Minor Threat and Embrace. This was just before Ian formed Fugazi. Al was working on new ideas and was moving away from the new wave sound of Ministry’s previous albums, With Sympathy and Twitch. The two would form a bond both musically and politically and would form a project that combined industrial music and hardcore punk. The end result was Pailhead.
What Pailhead was able to do by combining these two genres is still explored today. The way the cerebral vocals and lyrics of Ian MacKaye permeate against the backdrop of the industrial soundscapes. This record is as heavy as it is deep and dark. One of the most intriguing aspects of Pailhead is the poetic commentary on societal issues and landscapes. As much as it meant something back in 1987, the themes discussed here still are represented today.
Pailhead was a blueprint for so many other collaborative projects of this ilk like Nailbomb, Pigface and Lard. The song “I Will Refuse” has gone on to become a bit of a song placement gem. You’ve heard it over the years on skate videos and TV. The combination of Ian and Al is something that should be celebrated.
We all have made lists of bands we’d love to see tour together. The endless possibilities that are out there make for some pretty amazing ideas. There’s one idea I’ve had for quite a while now that I’ve finally put together. I’ve long had this idea in my mind for years, that a Mastodon tour with Failure would be absolutely mind blowing. What a compelling one / two punch. To completely put this tour over the top would be to add Cave In as the opening act.
Each band is phenomenal on their own. Then you combine all three under one venue and you’ve got a recipe for a sonic experience your mind will never forget. Each bands set is full of songs you love and choice deep cuts that you’d not expect.
Back in 1993, while riding high off their album, Angel Dust, made a late night TV appearance on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. “Midlife Crisis” was the single at the time and the audience in the studio had no idea what hit them. The band was also on tour with Metallica and Guns N Roses at this time making them a very hot commodity. It’s worth noting that Faith No More also performed their cover of The Commodores “Easy.” Enjoy “Midlife Crisis” below!
Faith No More- Midlife Crisis (Live On The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, 1993):
Led Zeppelin is one of the best bands of all time. I’d even go out on a limb and say they are better than The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Led Zeppelin had it all from the songs, live show, musicianship, mystique and then some. You’d be hard pressed to find a catalog of a band with the amount of greatness, that Led Zeppelin put out. Below is the definitive album rank of all nine Led Zeppelin studio albums.
