Over the years we have seen many new bands and our taste in music have evolved. In one of our very first episodes we saw a show where Omnium Gatherum was an opener. Now, they come to Chicago as a headliner. Before we recorded this episode Karen went back and listened to that episode, so you don't have to suffer through it. Join us as we talk about how our thoughts have changed between that first show and this one.

We set sail yet again onboard another Headbangers Boat. What has become our annual tradition is starting to turn into a reunion. Meeting so many amazing people all with the same goal. Experience great live music with incredible people. This year, like the last two, was an amazing experience. Join us as we look back and share our experience on the third Headbangers Boat.

A sold out show can be a mixed bag. On one hand if you got tickets to the show you may be stoked you were one of the lucky ones going. On the other hand, if you didn't you might be pissed because now you are going to pay out the ass to the bottom feeders known as scalpers. Over the years we have fallen into both categories. For this episode, though, we will be mostly looking at venue capacity, and how a sold out show at one venue can feel much different than a sold out show at a different venue. Some venues just seem to oversell more than others.

We return to the ever changing venue that is The Salt Shed. This time, for a metal show and Karen’s first Fair Grounds show. With it being late October in Chicago though, we knew it was going to get moved inside, and it did. That didn't matter all that much because we also knew Lorna Shore was going to put on a killer show regardless if it was inside or outside. Joining in support we got The Black Dahlia Murder, Shadow Of Intent, and Peelingflesh. While this isn’t Brian’s go to sub genre of metal he was excited to see how the Salt Shed has changed since his last visit. Join us as we discuss the show and the venue.

Earlier in the year we had tickets to the 40th anniversary of Dream Theater. On the same day, however, Disturbed was in town for their 25th anniversary show. With Disturbed being one of the cornerstones in Karen’s musical journey, and the fact that this was a home town show for them (possibly their largest), she ditched Brian. Luckily he had a friend he could take so he did not have to go alone. We did a whole episode on this (Episode 129: Two Shows One Night) if you want to check it out. Ever since then though, Karen has wanted to see Dream Theater based solely on the stories Brian and his friend told. Both Karen and Brian assumed they would get that opportunity at some point, Just not a handful of months later, but they did when Dream Theater played The Venue in one of Chicago’s south east burbs, Hammond, Indiana.

We have seen Signs Of The Swarm a few times now, but never as a headlining band. Until their To Rid Myself Of Truth tour. Making a stop at Reggies with a very heavy lineup it was going to be a long brutal night. Opening we got the chance to catch sets from Mental Cruelty, ten56., Carcosa, and Face Yourself. For Brian, it was a night of good, albeit in his option, similar sounding death metal. For Karen, it was one of the most anticipated shows of the year.

Welcome to MetalVice, a podcast where we talk about all things music. While- the things we care about. For us that means we talk mostly about metal and live concerts we have been too. But there are other types of music, live and otherwise. One such type is the musical. A form we personally do enjoy, but rarely experience. However, we picked up tickets right away when we heard about the new play, REVOLUTION(S) written by Zayd Ayers Dohrn, opening at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago. The main selling point for us was that it promised to be a one of a kind performance melding punk, hip-hop, and our favorite genre metal. To write this music and lyrics the legend Tom Morello was tapped. Join us as we share our thoughts on REVOLUTION(S).

After many years gathering dust on a shelf somewhere, Vimic’s Open Your Omen is finally released. To celebrate a very special release show was held at the Teragram Ballroom in LA. Not only was this to celebrate the release of the long awaited album, it was a celebration of the life and legacy of Joey Jordison. Opening the celebrations we saw Wednesday 13 not only play his solo music, but also songs from Murderdolls; sharing stories between the songs. We were not expecting to make it to this show. However, using airline miles and hotel points, we were able to make the quick trip to see this very special show.

Many festivals, including Riot Fest, have late night or after party shows. While this Mac Sabbath show was technically before the start of the fest, it was our first time attending one of these late night shows. Hosted at Reggies it was a night of many different musical styles. Starting with Mikey Classic, from The Goddamn Gallows, playing some folksy punk. Followed by Descartes A Kant, or DAK, from Mexico with their blend of Alternative/Indie Rock. Then finishing with the aforementioned Mac Sabbath, and their groundbreaking style of Drive Thru Metal.

For people, like us, who grew up in the early 2000, there are a lot of key albums with major anniversaries coming up. One such album is L.D. 50 from Mudvayne, which turns 25 in 2025. Like most bands celebrating key albums Mudvayne took to the road, bringing Static-X and Vended along for the party. Join us as we look back at this album and party in its honor.