MetalVice

Episode 167: Griffin House

For a period of time in the mid 2010s, Brian found himself not listening to as much metal. Instead he was exploring indie and folk rock. One artist that he took a liking to was Griffin House. The song Better Than Love became an instant favorite between us and has a very special place in our hearts. So when we saw that he was coming to the Chicago burbs we knew we had to make a night of it.

Episode 166: Trivium - Struck Dead Tour

We go to our second Trivium show in under a year. This time for The Struck Dead Tour, formally the Ascend Above The Ashes tour, at the Rave in Miliwakue. While the first time we got the Ascendancy album in full, this time we got a more traditional set. With one small difference, Brian finally got to hear Strife live! In support of this tour we got to see Heriot for the first time and Jinjer for the millionth time. Join us for a look back at our first four stage Rave show. 

Episode 165: Omnium Gatherum

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.

Episode 164: Headbangers Boat 2025

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.

Episode 163: Sold Out or Sold Out

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.

Episode 162: Lorna Shore - The Salt Shed

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.

Episode 161: Dream Theater

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.

Episode 160: Signs Of The Swarm

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.

Episode 159: REVOLUTION(S)

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).

Episode 158: Vimic - Open Your Omen Album Release

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.