EP REVIEW: GEL – Persona


As the world comes to an end, one can only hope punk and metal bands will get angry regarding our collective demise to provide a decent soundtrack. Thanks to record labels who want products that can be easily marketed a more pop element has been diluting genres that should be holding the middle finger up to the imminent mushroom clouds to come. A few brave bands are shunning this kinder and gentler direction. New Jersey’s GEL is one of them. Their new album Persona (Blue Grape Music)  finds the band ready to give the middle finger, as they get right up in your face with their pumped-up take on punk. 2023’s “Only Constant”  had not only momentum but did not compromise when it came to the songwriting. This time around the energy leans more into the hard-core side, throwing more weight behind its punches. Continue reading


NEW MUSIC FRIDAY – Rock and Metal Releases for 8-16-24


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Riot Fest Announces its Return to Chicago’s Douglass Park After an Initial Move


After deliberations with the Mayor of Chicago’s office, the Chicago Park District’s leadership, and Alderwoman Monique L. Scott, Riot Fest has decided to relocate the festival from the SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview back to its original home at Chicago’s Douglass Park. This is effective immediately for the 2024 festival! Continue reading


GIVEAWAY: Last Chance to Win Passes to Riot Fest to See The Return of Slayer, with Rob Zombie, Lamb of God, Mastodon, Suicidal Tendencies, Offspring, NOFX and More


For the second time this summer, we are giving fans a chance to attend Riot Fest 2024, the iconic annual punk rock and alternative music festival! Well known as a festival home to Punk, Hardcore, legendary Alternative Rock is going particularly Metal this year! Home to the exclusive and very first reunion show from Slayer, the fest will also host Rob Zombie, Lamb of God, Mastodon, Suicidal Tendencies, Clutch, GWAR, Drug Church, HEALTH, Brutus, Sunami, GEL, Lord of The Lost, Poison The Well, Pixel Grip, and more!  In addition to the recent announcement of the daily lineups, the fest has announced shuttle service, a community band contest in the Lawndale & Little Village neighborhoods and more! This year’s festival will take place at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois, from September 20-22nd, featuring 90+ bands over 3-days, and will feature RiotLand, an immersive “Choose Your Own Adventure” world that promises to elevate the festival experience to new heights. Riot Fest, while reluctant to leave its longtime home in Chicago, made the difficult decision to relocate due to issues with the Park District, which paved the way for RiotLand, a 3-day version of which will be explorable on the Riot Fest website starting tomorrow. Fans can double tap their way through the various locations in this punk rock town. The giveaway ends in a few days, so enter to win now!Continue reading


PODCAST: Episode 541 – The Power Hour – July Albums Recap / August Forecast with Keefy


Dog tired in the fast lane in the dog days of summer! The Power Hour episode for August features a recap of albums released in July 2024, and a forecast of new music out this month. Chief Editor Keefy hosts and flies solo, and pays tribute to outgoing Senior Editor Steve Tovey, who has retired from editorial. Continue reading


PREVIEW: New Music Friday – Rock and Metal Releases for 8-16-24


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Deftones Books Fifth Annual Dia De Los Deftones Fest ft. Idles, Sunny Day Real Estate, Health, Paris Texas, Duster, Gel, and Qendresa


Deftones have shared the details for their fifth annual Dia De Los Deftones festival, set for Saturday, Nov. 2 at Petco Park in San Diego, CA. Headlined, hosted, and curated by Deftones, the all-ages festival lineup also features IDLES, Sunny Day Real Estate (performing Diary in its entirety), Health, Paris Texas, Duster, Gel and Qendresa. Tickets go on sale Friday, July 26 at 10 a.m. PT at Ticketmaster. Deftones’ Artist Presale will run Wednesday, July 24 at 10 a.m. PT to Thursday, July 25 at 10 p.m. PT.Continue reading


GIVEAWAY: Riot Fest Announces Single Day Band Lineup, Shuttle Service to RiotLand and the Community Band Contest


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UPDATED: Win another pair of tickets to Riot Fest from Ghost Cult below!

Riot Fest, the iconic annual punk rock and alternative music festival, is excited to announce its 2024 daily lineup, shuttle service, a community band contest in the Lawndale & Little Village neighborhoods and more! This year’s festival will take place at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois, from September 20-22nd, featuring 90+ bands over 3-days, and will feature RiotLand, an immersive “Choose Your Own Adventure” world that promises to elevate the festival experience to new heights. Riot Fest, while reluctant to leave its longtime home in Chicago, made the difficult decision to relocate due to issues with the Park District, which paved the way for RiotLand, a 3-day version of which will be explorable on the Riot Fest website starting tomorrow. Fans can double tap their way through the various locations in this punk rock town.Continue reading


Download Festival Celebrates a Sold Out 21st Edition – Early Bird Tickets for 2025 On Sale Tomorrow at Noon



This weekend’s Liquid Death Presents Download Festival XXI welcomed over 75,000 attendees to the hallowed grounds of Donington Park. DLXXI celebrated its 21st anniversary with incredible sets from first-time headliners Queens Of The Stone Age and Fall Out Boy, as well as Download favourites Avenged Sevenfold closing out the weekend with a bang. Continue reading


Riot Fest 2024 Books Fall Out Boy, Beck, Slayer, Pavement, St. Vincent, NOFX, Rob Zombie, Bright Eyes, Sublime, The Offspring, GWAR, Dr. Dog, Mastodon, Suicidal Tendencies, Laura Jane Grace, and More


Riot Fest, the iconic annual punk rock and alternative music festival, is excited to announce its 2024 lineup, along with the introduction of an innovative new world, and a venue change, now with parking! This year’s festival will take place at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois, from September 20-22nd, featuring 90+ bands over 3-days, and will feature RiotLand, an immersive “Choose Your Own Adventure” world that promises to elevate the festival experience to new heights.Continue reading