MetalVice

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.

Call them Nu Metal, Alternative Metal, or even Progressive Metal, there's no question that System of a Down was and is a cornerstone of Metal. Especially for those of us who started our music and Metal journey in the early 2000’s. They don’t play many live shows anymore. Which is why when they announced their 2025 North American tour with only three shows we knew it was going to be something special. These shows quickly sold out, before the general public sale even took place. Adding an extra show to each stop brought the total count to 6. Luck for us, one stop happened to be in our home town of Chicago. Not only would this be our second opportunity to see SOAD, but it would be our first time getting to see Avenged Sevenfold, as well as Polyphia and Wisp. Of course, the price tag left a lasting sour taste in our mouth that definitely impacted our mood going into the show. As did reading the experience the crowd had from night one with the venue security. Join us as we look back and share our feelings on the overall experience.

On an abnormally cool, technically summer, night we found ourselves at Northerly Island in Chicago for the Black Keys show. A venue with one of the best views of the city. Joining The Black Keys in support was Gary Clark Jr., complementing the bill with his blues/rock vibes. Since this was not a Metal show, Karen expected a certain type of crowd, while Brian expected something a little different.

We head up to outdoor amphitheater in downtown Milwaukee for Billy Idol. Located on the Summerfest grounds right up against lake Michigan feeding into the Kinnickinnic River, it was a perfect night for a concert, or a White Wedding. Joining Billy on stage in support we had amazing classic rockers Joan Jettt & The Blackhearts. While it's not metal, it was a fun night of live music.

We head to the United Center in Chicago for night 1 of Nine Inch Nails on their Peel It Back Tour. Brian has only seen NIN one other time and recalls it being one hell of a show. This would be Karen’s first time seeing them live. With their new album, the soundtrack for Tron: Ares, the house lighting definitely gave off Tron vibes. In support we had Boys Noize, who’s set ran directly into NIN set with no cutover time. From the unique way of going from opener to headliner, along with the practical effects, this show definitely showed what a live show can be.