MetalVice

Episode 157: Mac Sabbath - Riot Fest Late Night 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.

Episode 156: Mudvayne - L.D. 50 25th Anniversary

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.

Episode 155: System of a Down - Chicago Night 2

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.

Episode 154: The Black Keys - No Rain, No Flowers Tour

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.

Episode 153: Billy Idol

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.

Episode 152: Nine Inch Nails - Peel It Back

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.

Episode 151: Linkin Park - From Zero World Tour

Seeing Linkin Park with Chester was something we unfortunately never got to do, and never thought we would be able to see Linkin Park after his passing. Then it was announced they were back. With a new singer and new music. Like many people, this left us with competing thoughts and feelings. While we were excited to finally get the opportunity to see Linkin Park, we went in very hesitantly. Join us while we look back at this show and try our best to explain our feelings. One thing is for sure, Chester left a lasting positive mark on the world and his art is still very much alive.

Episode 150: Summer Slaughter 2025

Summer Slaughter has been around for some time now, and honestly it hasn't been on our radar at all. Maybe it popped up for a little in 2024, we can’t remember. But it definitely hit our radar in 2025, when it was announced Jamey Jasta was taking the reins. He has not let us down with Milwaukee Metal Fest, so we had high hopes for this. Just like MKE Metal fest, Summer Slaughter was going to be stopping in Milwaukee playing the Rave on two of their four stages. Making this a true traveling festival. At least for our show.

Encore: The Road Trip Yet To Be

We have had this idea of a music related road trip for some time. Evolving year over year. Well, in the summer of 2025 we were finally going to take the road trip. Stopping at a new city each night, seeing some sort of live music at each stop, ending the trip at a festival. However, due to other shows coming up we had to abandon this plan. For now. Join us as we talk over the plans we had for this trip and how the concept of our road trip has evolved.

Episode 149: Festival Camping

A number of music festivals offer camping. This is an experience we have never had, but have wanted to give it a try for some years. In 2025 we made it our mission to do just this. While the weather was not 100% perfect, the experience was one to remember. Join us as we talk about this unique music experience.