CONCERT REVIEW: Ville Valo – Kælan Mikla Live at Saint Andrew’s Hall


HIM (aka His Infernal Majesty) is one of the biggest, most successful bands to come out of Finland. Love Metal is not only the name of their fourth full-length album, but it is a genre of music they invented. So, it is fair to say many were dismayed when these Finnish fellas broke up six years ago. Yet hope was rekindled when frontman Ville Valo (aka VV) announced his debut solo album in 2022. Neon Noir (Heartagram Records, read our review here) was released earlier this year and has received high praise. Now the man is on the road again sharing his new tunes and some HIM classics on his headlining world tour. Valo brought his romantic rock to Detroit and blessed Saint Andrew’s Hall with his presence. The Live Nation venue was a perfect pit stop for this tour since it is a premiere music site that caters well to hot and flashy rock bands. Our local baseball team, The Detroit Tigers, had their opening day the same evening as Valo’s big show so the streets of the city were bustling and full of hubbub. That energy spilled into the beloved hall and made the night a colorful experience.

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FESTIVAL REVIEW: ROADBURN 2022 – Part 2


Rejoicing still in the simple fact we can have a physical Roadburn again, the final two days definitely wore on our pandemic shocked psyche and physique. Stumbling more and wearing down in a way I’m not used to, I mentioned to some friends during the weekend the Pandemic has made us all old, and 5 days on our feet now feel a lot longer. Saturday started with the feeling it felt like a Sunday, traditionally called the afterburner, because by that time you are fairly burnt out.

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FESTIVAL REVIEW: ROADBURN 2022 – Part 1


After three years of waiting and longing, finally there will be an in person Roadburn Festival again. While the 2021 online edition Roadburn Redux, was in itself, innovative and the best digital festival I’ve seen set up during the dark days of the pandemic, nothing beats being physically shaken by bass heavy music and hugging friends from all over the world you only see once a year.

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FESTIVAL PREVIEW: Roadburn Festival 2022 — Welcome Back!


As we continue to live in one of the most challenging times in history, one this for certain: music lovers are relieved to have somewhat of a return to normalcy. The return of live music, especially heavy music, provides the cathartic relief we have all been looking for. After over a year of postponements, cancellations, and livestreams, it’s a relief to get to experience live music, and return to experiencing art in the best way possible – together!

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Artoffact Records Shares a Sampler ft. GGGOLDDD, Kælan Mikla, ValHall, Kanga, Cloud Rat and More


The awesome label Artoffact Records had a big 2021 and are looking forward to 2022. Check out this sampler from the label featuring tracks from GGGOLDDD (curating a program at Roadburn), Kælan Mikla featuring Alcest, ValHall, Kanga, Cloud Rat and more!

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Roadburn 2022 Adds Lingua Ignota, Emma Ruth Rundle, 40 Watt Sun, Mizmor and More!


Roadburn 2022 has announced a massive wave of essential artists added to the line-up! Lingua Ignota, Emma Ruth Rundle, 40 Watt Sun, Mizmor and many more now join the festival! These bands join the previously announced acts Ulver, Sólstafir, Alcest, Backxwash, Russian Circles, artist in residence – Full of Hell and many others. Roadburn Festival will take place between April 21-24 in Tilburg, The Netherlands. Tickets for Roadburn 2022 are on sale now. Friday and Saturday day tickets are sold out. Thursday and Sunday day tickets, 3-day and 4-day tickets remain in limited numbers.

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Psycho Las Vegas Loses Some Bands Due to Visa and Pandemic Issues


In a story we have been following, Psycho Las Vegas has announced that bands such as Mayhen and Satyricon have dropped off the upcoming metal festival later this month. This is due to ongoing travel/work visa and pandemic related issues. To their credit, the fest has been dealing complaints and addressing on social media, and in emaisl to ticket holders. Other bands still hoping to gain entry into the USA to perform include Efforts are continuing for Emperor, Watain, Crippled Black Phoenix, Cult of Fire, and Psychlona, and we’ll keep tracking this story. Continue reading


Kælan Mikla Announces New Album – “Undir Köldum Norðurljósum”


Icelandic Synth Punks Kælan Mikla has announced their new album – Undir Köldum Norðurljósum, due out September 29th via Artoffact Records. Pre-orders are live for a variety of formats now. The band is already streaming the first two singles, “Ósýnileg” and “Sólstöður” which you can hear below. The album also features a collaboration with French Black Metal/Shoegaze legends Alcest – “Hvítir Sandar.” One of our most anticipated albums for the rest of 2021, check out we are excited to

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Psycho Las Vegas Announces 2021 Fest with Danzig, Mercyful Fate, Katatonia, Ulver, Emperor, WITTR, and More


Psycho Las Vegas has announced their return in the summer of 2021. If you had tickets for this year, you are in luck! Most of the lineup will return next year, except Rebel Motorcycle Club, Ty Segall & The Freedom Band, and Crowbar. This still looks like one of the best festivals in the world next year, in a year overpacked with re-scheduled events and tours. See the full lineup below.Continue reading


Psycho Las Vegas 2020 Canceled, Festival Set to Return in 2021


Psycho Swim, Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, NV 8/15/19

Psycho Las Vegas has shared the bad news that they have canceled the 2020 festival that was set for August due to ot the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Psycho Las Vegas 2021 has been scheduled to August 19-22, 2021. “Nearly all the bands” have agreed to return for the 2021st dates. The full announcement is expected after they confirm those last bands. Continue reading