Des Moines noiseniks, VENDED have revealed another new single, ‘Nihilism‘, set for release on May 7th. Listen/save here.
VENDED tell us:
“This song represents the momentum for what’s to come, continuing with the energy from our last single. It brings that same energy and pushes the limit even more. The whole meaning of the track is to not fear what doesn’t really matter, so do what YOU want and not what you think will hold you back.”
‘Nihilism’ follows the release of previous singles,‘The Far Side’and ‘Am I The Only One’. the video for which has now racked up over half a million views on YouTube.
The hotly tipped 5-piece’s debut EP, ‘What Is It / Kill It’, arrived at DSPs in late 2021, garnering international critical acclaim. As they roll out singles in 2024, their momentum is only building. This week the band were announced as opening guests on one of the Fall’s biggest US tours, SLIPKNOT‘s ‘Here Comes The Pain’ 25th Anniversary tour, which culminates with the massive KNOTFEST IOWA event at Waterworks Park in VENDED‘s home town of Des Moines on 21st September.
Check out the ‘Nihilism’ video below:
VENDED‘s fresh and furious sound heralds a new era of heavy music and the arrival of the next generation of brutality. Formed in February 2018 by Cole Espeland (lead guitar), Griffin Taylor (vocals), Simon Crahan (drums), Jeremiah Pugh (bass) and Connor Grodzicki (rhythm guitar), VENDED showcase a barbarous sound built on foundations laid by the power and precision of the rhythm section, layered with vicious guitars, soul crushing solos and guttural-yet-melodic vocals portraying the hardships and harsh realities of life.
Stay tuned for more coming from VENDED very soon. In the meantime, catch them live at any of the dates below. Tickets available at OfficialVended.com.
VENDED – TOURING 2024 Tue 7th May – WARSAW – Proxima (PL) Wed 8th May – BERLIN – LIDO (DE) Thu 9th May – DRESDEN – Tante JU (DE) Fri 10th May – PRAGUE – Futurum (CZ) Sat 11th May – VIENNA – Szene Wien (AT) Mon 13th May – ZURICH Dynamo (CH) Tue 14th May – MILAN – Legend Club Milano (IT) Wed 15th May – ROMANS SUR IZERE – La Cordo (FR) Fri 17th May – BARCELONA – Razzmatazz 2 (ES) Sat 18th May – MADRID – Shoko (ES) Sun 19th May – TOULOUSE – Rex (FR) Mon 20th May – PARIS – Petit Bain (FR) Tue 21st May – ANTWERP – Zappa (BE) Wed 22nd May – EINDHOVEN – Dynamo (NL) Fri 24th May – BIRMINGHAM – Asylum (GB) Sat 25th May – LIVERPOOL – O2 Academy 2 (GB) Sun 26th May – DUBLIN – Whelans (IE) Mon 27th May – BELFAST – Limelight 2 (NI) Wed 29th May – GLASGOW – Cathouse (GB) Thu 30th May – NOTTINGHAM – Rescue Rooms (GB) Fri 31st May – BRIGHTON – Arch 187 (GB) Sat 1st Jun – SWANSEA – Sin City (GB) Sun 2nd Jun – READING – Sub 89 (GB)
Sat 7th Sep – AUBURN, WA – White River Amphitheater * Sun 8th Sep – RIDGEFIELD, WA – RV Inn Styles Resort Amphitheater * Wed 11th Sep – NAMPA, ID – Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater * Fri 13th Sep – INGLEWOOD, CA – Intuit Dome * Sat 14th Sep – INGLEWOOD, CA – Intuit Dome * Sun 15th Sep – PHOENIX, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheater * Tue 17th Sep – AUSTIN, TX – Moody Center * Wed 18th Sep – DALLAS, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion * Sat 21st Sep – DES MOINES, IA – Knotfest Iowa @ Water Works Park *
Montclair, NJ came alive on an otherwise sleeppy Wednesday night as metalheads gathered for the “Awaken the World Tour.” The night promised a triple-threat attack of symphonic and power metal, and it did not disappoint.
Ad Infinitum, fronted by the powerhouse vocalist Melissa Bonny (who also handles lead vocals for Kamelot on this tour), kicked things off with a potent dose of melodic metal. Drawing from all three albums and their brand-new single “Outer Space,” the band nevertheless engaged the modest crowd. Bonny mesmerized with her versatility, effortlessly switching between melodic clean vocals and throaty roars. This Swiss/German act, embarking on its first-ever North American tour, proved every bit the rising star.
Ad Infinitum live at The Wellmont Theater 05-01-24
Then came the undisputed kings of Swedish power metal, Hammerfall. Joacim Cans’ powerful voice rang out through the venue, urging the audience to raise their fists and bang their heads to anthems like “Heeding the Call” and “Let the Hammer Fall.” Hammerfall’s brand of power metal is pure, unadulterated fun, characterized by soaring guitar riffs, galloping drumbeats, and ridiculously catchy choruses. Guitarists Oscar Dronjak and Pontus Norgren shredded with precision, while bassist Fredrik Larsson and drummer David Wallin laid down a rock-solid foundation. The energy in the room was electric by the time they finished their epic closer, “Hearts on Fire,” leaving the crowd breathless and primed for the main event.
Hammerfall live at The Wellmont Theater 05-01-24
Kamelot took the stage to a thunderous ovation, launching straight into “The Great Divide,” the opening track from their latest album The Awakening. The band, boasting a rich history spanning over three decades and 13 studio albums, wasted no time showcasing their signature blend of symphonic and power metal.
Kamelot delved deep into their extensive back catalog, much to the delight of the longtime fans in the audience. Myself included. Prior to picking up concert photography, Kamelot was probably the band I’d seen most often throughout the early through late 2000’s. The only thing that’s changed is the song catalog, because the performance remains ridiculously strong and massively entertaining. Classics like “March of Mephisto,” “When The Lights are Down” and the ever-popular “Forever” elicited enthusiastic singalongs, while the inclusion of “Opus of the Night” and “New Babylon” showcased the band’s ability to weave intricate melodies with powerful storytelling.
Remaining tour dates are listed below the show photos. Even if you’re just a casual metal fan, this tour is worth checking out. Solid lineup, killer performances all around. You won’t be disappointed.
Photos of Kamelot live at The Wellmont Theater:
Photos of Hammerfall live at The Wellmont Theater:
Photos of Ad Infinitium live at The Wellmont Theater:
Remaining Tour Dates:
5.7.24 – San Antonio, TX – Vibes Event Center 5.9.24 – Albuquerque, NM – El Rey Theater 5.10.24 – Tucson, AZ – Encore 5.11.24 – Anaheim, CA – City National Grove 5.12.24 – Las Vegas, NV – House of Blues 5.14.24 – Denver, CO – The Summit 5.16.24 – St. Paul, MN – Myth 5.17.24 – Milwaukee, WI – Eagles Ballroom/Milwaukee Metal Fest (no AD INFINITUM) 5.18.24 – Cleveland, OH – House of Blues 5.20.24 – Pittsburgh, PA – Roxian 5.21.24 – Richmond, VA – The National 5.23.24 – Cincinnati, OH – Bogarts 5.24.24 – Atlanta, GA – Heaven – Masquerade 5.25.24 – Tampa, FL – Jannus Landing
Thrash had many great guitarists through the years. This video looks at several of them and asks: Who Was The Best Thrash Guitarist?
Who Was The Best Thrash Guitarist?
Thanks to Factor75 for sponsoring today’s video. Use my link to get 50% off your first Factor box and 20% off your next month of orders! https://strms.net/factor75_rockednet
James Alan Hetfield is an American musician. He is the lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, co-founder, and a primary songwriter of heavy metal band Metallica.
Kirk Lee Hammett is an American musician who has been the lead guitarist of heavy metal band Metallica since 1983.
Kerry Ray King is an American musician, best known for being the co-lead guitarist and songwriter of thrash metal band Slayer.
Jeffrey John Hanneman was an American musician, best known as a founding member and guitarist of the thrash metal band Slayer.
Gary Wayne Holt is an American musician from the San Francisco Bay Area.
Scott Ian is an American musician, best known as the rhythm guitarist, lyricist and co-founder of the metal band Anthrax, of which he is the sole continuous member.
Miland “Mille” Petrozza is a German musician. He is best known as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of thrash metal band Kreator, which he started playing in as Tyrant in 1982 and renamed into Tormentor in 1984.
Alex Skolnick is an American musician. He is best known as the lead guitarist and one of the songwriters of the metal band Testament.
David Scott Mustaine is an American musician. He is the co-founder, front man, primary songwriter and sole consistent member of the thrash metal band Megadeth.
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“Thrash metal is known for its aggressive guitar work, with some of the genre’s most iconic guitarists including Kirk Hammett, James Hetfield, Kerry King, and Dave Mustaine. Kirk Hammett, the lead guitarist of Metallica, is renowned for his technical prowess and melodic solos that helped define the thrash metal sound in the 1980s. James Hetfield, Metallica’s rhythm guitarist and vocalist, is also considered one of the greatest thrash metal guitarists, known for his heavy riffs and rhythmic playing. Kerry King, the co-founder and lead guitarist of Slayer, is celebrated for his lightning-fast playing and aggressive, dissonant solos that epitomize thrash metal. Dave Mustaine, the founder and lead guitarist of Megadeth, is widely regarded as one of the most influential thrash metal guitarists, with his complex, intricate riffs and shredding solos. These four guitarists have left an indelible mark on the thrash metal genre and continue to inspire generations of metal musicians.” (Perplexity)
Shinedown Announces New Line of Hot Sauces With Torchbearer SaucesSymptom Chipotle Garlic Sauce Named For Current Crossover Hit
“A Symptom Of Being Human” Available Now!PRESS HERE To Order
Multi-platinum, record-setting band Shinedown just got hotter! The chart-topping superstars have announced a new line of Shinedown Hot Sauce in collaboration with specialty sauce artisan Torchbearer Sauces, with support by Warner Music Experience.The first flavor Symptom Chipotle Garlic Sauce, available now, is named after Shinedown’s current crossover hit “A Symptom Of Being Human,” which continues its rise at pop radio as it inches closer to breaking into the Top 20 on the Top 40 chart (currently #23). SymptomChipotle Garlic Sauce, the first in a series of Shinedown sauces to come this year, boasts a delectable fusion of chipotle peppers with a smokey flavor and gourmet garlic aioli – creating a sauce with the perfect level of heat to elevate any meal. PRESS HERE to order ($9.99 for a 5 oz bottle) and PRESS HERE to read an exclusive interview and review with UPROXX about Shinedown hot sauce.
“We have been provided a wonderful opportunity to create this ‘Symptom’ sauce with our friends at Torchbearer Sauces,” shares Shinedown drummer Barry Kerch. “Cultivating this sauce has been a passion project and has been an absolute joy to accomplish together. This is just the beginning of what we want to present to the fans of Shinedown. This debut ‘Symptom’ sauce is to be enjoyed by the masses because this one is just right. This hot sauce is for all of us.”
“We are beyond excited to be making sauces with such a huge, influential group of accomplished musicians,” adds David Lynch from Torchbearer Sauces. “Shinedown’s obvious passion for their craft along with the love for (and from) their fans falls right in line with our own feelings towards what we do. In working with them over the past few months, it’s very apparent that this project is going to be huge and we look forward to pushing ourselves to create the best partnership we can. We’ve been around the block a few times and the professionalism and excitement the band has shown us let’s us know that this relationship will be a great one. This is surely the biggest project we’ve worked on and by far the most enjoyable as they have been nothing but helpful and accessible. It’s an honor for Torchbearer to make hot sauces with Shinedown!”
(Photo Credit: Sanjay Parikh)
In addition to its success at pop radio, “A Symptom Of Being Human” is the fourth #1 Active Rock single from Shinedown’s acclaimed seventh studio album Planet Zero (Atlantic Records), extending the band’s record for most No. 1 songs on the Mediabase Active Rock Chart (21) and their record for the mostNo. 1’s in the history of Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart (19), with its multi-format triumph also reaching Top 10 at Alternative and Top 15 at Hot AC. Notable support includes Z100 and SiriusXM Hits 1, where frontman Brent Smith and guitarist Zach Myers recently stopped by both stations for exclusive interviews and performances for Z100’sElvis Duran and The Morning Showand Hits 1’s Artist Confidential (available on demand for subscribers). The incredible radio success for “A Symptom Of Being Human” marks a return for Shinedown to non-active rock stations for the first time in 15 years following the band’s previous crossover hit “Second Chance.”
It’s rare for a rock band to break into pop music, but Shinedown has always believed that music is universal and doesn’t have to be put in a genre box. “A Symptom Of Being Human” is resonating with all listeners, including internationally where it’s also impacting at radio, because of its uplifting and important message about how we are all a work in progress. Collectively, “A Symptom Of Being Human” has amassed tens of millions of streams across all versions including a live version, pop remix, acoustic version, and piano version. PRESS HERE to watch the official music video for “A Symptom Of Being Human.”
Shinedown, who recently appeared at this year’s iHeartRadioMusic Awards where they were nominated for multiple awards including Rock Artist of the Year and presented/introduced their good friend Jelly Roll on the live broadcast, will be performing at select tour dates this spring and summer. The mix of headlining shows and festival appearances includes Boston’s KISS Concert alongside Doja Cat and Jason Derulo, the new South Star Festival with Gwen Stefani, headlining sets at Inkcarceration Festival and Tailgates N’ Tallboys, and more. Visit www.shinedown.com for all upcoming tour dates.
ABOUT TORCHBEARER SAUCES
Torchbearer Sauces is a family-owned business that began in 2005. Owner Vid Lynch, his parents Tom and Tricia, and his buddy Ben Smith created the company from a shared love of spicy, yet flavorful food. Fast forward 19 years and they have over 35 sauces ranging from mild BBQs, marinades, and mustards to melt-your-face-off hot sauces featuring ghost, scorpion, and reaper peppers. The company has grown to employ 10 amazing people striving to make Torchbearer Sauces known and loved world-wide. They’ve had 7 sauces on the hit YouTube celebrity interview show “Hot Ones,” won over 100 national awards for their sauces heat and flavor, and are now really excited to be collaborating with the band Shinedown for a number of sauces. They pride themselves in making the tastiest and most unique sauces with killer artwork that are always Accidentally Healthy, Intentionally Delicious. For more info, visit www.torchbearersauces.com.
A magic dwells in every beginning, full of anticipation for what lies ahead, making time briefly stand still. This moment seems almost infinite, filled with limitless possibilities for the future and the start of a new era. And now, this moment has dawned for NIGHTWISH…
Today, NIGHTWISH finally breaks the quietude to announce Yesterwynde. The Symphonic metal legend’s new album will see the light of the day on September 20th, 2024. It marks the band’s tenth studio album, following on from the release of Human. :II: Nature. in 2020.
Tuomas Holopainen stated about the new album: “Yesterwynde is a fantastical voyage through time, memory, and the better angels of human nature. Three years in the making, we`re thrilled beyond words to soon share our tenth album with the world!”
Furthermore, NIGHTWISH announce the release of the album’s first single today. ‘Perfume Of The Timeless’ will mark the beginning of the band’s new era and will be released on May 21st. Presave the single now.
YesterwyndeTracklisting: 1. Yesterwynde 2. An Ocean Of Strange Islands 3. The Antikythera Mechanism 4. The Day Of… 5. Perfume Of The Timeless 6. Sway 7. The Children Of ‘Ata 8. Something Whispered Follow Me 9. Spider Silk 10. Hiraeth 11. The Weave 12. Lanternlight
Visionary cinematic rock collective STARSET thrilled fans today with the official music video for the new single “BRAVE NEW WORLD.”
“BRAVE NEW WORLD” packs all the sonic power and punch that STARSET fans have to come to know, expect, and love from the band, complete with a dystopian lyrical bend. Riffs that crackle like electricity, pummeling percussion, and verses that sound like they crawled headlong out of hell living amongst unforgettable melodic refrains, “BRAVE NEW WORLD” is the anthem you’ve been waiting for.
Known for their groundbreaking immersive live shows known as “DEMONSTRATIONS,” STARSET are currently on tour through May 16.
Lauded by Forbes as having “one of the most firmly established brands of any modern rock band,” Columbus, Ohio’s STARSET are creating a true multimedia empire with music at its core. Their hits include RIAA Platinum-selling hit “My Demons” (2012) and RIAA Gold-selling single “It Has Begun” (2014), with others soon to follow. With a staggering 5 billion streams and a rapidly growing rabid global fanbase, 2024 sees STARSET poised to rise as one of rock’s next superstar acts.
All remaining tour dates are below.
STARSET 2024 TOUR DATES: 5/11 — ATLANTA, GA 5/13 — HARRISBURG, PA 5/14 — BOSTON, MA 5/16 — CHICAGO, IL
The Podcast That Rocked for 4/30/24. Discussion on Slipknot’s 25th Anniversary Tour, Sick New World 2024 recap, Nu Metal Big 4, and more.
The Podcast That Rocked on YouTube
The Podcast That Rocked on Spotify
Discussion Topics: -25 Years Of Slipknot “Here Comes The Pain” North America Tour -Sick New World 2024 recap and if I’d go again –Loudwire’s Nu Metal Big 4 -New Serj Tankian solo EP
“Slipknot, the iconic heavy metal band from Iowa, is gearing up to celebrate their 25th anniversary in 2024 with a highly anticipated summer arena tour. The band has already announced a series of shows across Europe and the UK, including stops in Amsterdam, Dortmund, Paris, and London. Fans can expect an electrifying and nostalgic experience as Slipknot takes the stage to perform their biggest hits and fan favorites, including “The Blister Exists,” “Psychosocial,” and “Duality.” The tour will also feature support from the Glaswegian heavy metal band Bleed Within, adding to the intensity of the live performances. With the recent release of their seventh studio album, “The End, So Far,” Slipknot is poised to deliver an unforgettable celebration of their illustrious 25-year career, leaving their devoted fanbase in awe. Tickets for this highly anticipated tour are expected to sell out quickly, so fans are advised to secure their seats early to witness this historic event.” (Perplexity)
Slipknot Announce Here Comes The Pain North American Summer Tour Celebrating 25 Anniversary of ‘Slipknot’ with special guests Knocked Loose, Orbit Culture, and Vended
Knotfest Artist Presale Tickets Available Today at 12PM ET Here General Public On Sale Friday, May 3 at 10 AM Local Here
Heavy titans and cultural phenomenon SLIPKNOT are pleased to announce the North American portion of their Here Comes The Pain Tour. This year the nine are celebrating the 25th anniversary of their seminal debut album, Slipknot, which catapulted the band back in 1999.
In addition to recently announced dates across the globe, the Here Comes The Pain Tour, produced by Live Nation, includes arena plays nationwide this Summer. Highlights include New York City’s Madison Square Garden, Los Angeles’ Intuit Dome, Austin’s Moody Center and more with direct support from Kentucky’s young and vibrant hardcore/metal forerunners, Knocked Loose. Orbit Culture and Vended are confirmed as support on select dates.
There actually was a time when Slipknot and the maggots (the loving name for their fans) did not completely rule the world. 25 years ago, the Des Moines band were just some guys trying to get their new LP noticed– a record that would start their metamorphosis into the most crucial band of the 21st century. That record would change rock as we know it, measuring success with a yardstick bigger than music, one for the influence on youth culture writ large. But these faceless demons from middle America would not only capture the hearts of the youth, they would help guide their tastes, and challenge them and their kin towards a new future.
Released on June 29th, 1999, Slipknot’s self-titled debut was a smash hit with critics and an instant classic with fans. It was, and is, a molotov cocktail signaling a revolution– embracing a creative direction that eschewed metal traditions in favor of fresh ideas. While the jaw-clenching riffs coupled with Ross Robinson’s venomous production were crucial to the album’s success, it was the care and attention to detail in the songcraft that moved the needle from “great” to “benchmark.” Not too shabby for a bunch of guys that only hoped to be heard.
“We loved what we did with the first record but we didn’t even know if there was gonna be anything after that,” recalls guitarist Jim Root. “We just wanted people to hear it. Selling out of records and shows, having successful tours– those are goals for any band. But the dream scenario in some ways, came true for us.”
In the years following, Slipknot’s popularity nipped at the heels of elder statesmen and even the band’s heroes, eventually navigating this brave new world with unending drive, fresh ideas and a bloodlust for odometer clicks. Tens of billions of streams and tens of millions of subscribers and followers later, the accolades tell the story: 64 award nominations and 27 wins including a Grammy for “Before I Forget“ from Vol. 3. A seemingly endless number of tour dates. Headlining slots at some of the biggest festivals in the world such as Download, Rock In Rio, Hellfest, Wacken and many more. Not to mention RIAA certifications by the truckload– 14 platinum certifications and 40 gold across more than 30 million in record and video sales.
In addition, Slipknot positioned themselves for success with the creation of their own festival Knotfest in 2012, a traveling, multi-stage and experiential event that has appeared 28 times across several countries and locations. The festival has since spun off into a successful entertainment media hub –Knotfest.com, which became a juggernaut of its own making, giving a platform to young freethinkers and like-minded artists.
All of Slipknot’s achievements have helped them claim their rightful seat as pioneers and thought leaders, establishing them as a generational talent– loved by parents AND their children alike. And of course with all those incredible live performances, all that influence, and all that history of playing all those incredible SONGS, Slipknot has only attracted the most dedicated of fans, reaching all the way back to that fateful self-titled effort.
Slipknot is approaching this 25th anniversary by making the conscious decision to connect to fans as closely as possible, in a similar way to how they encountered Slipknot all those years ago. “Every time I’ve walked on stage, it’s never been about how many people have been there because my culture, the maggots, always show up,” says founding member Shawn “clown” Crahan with a smile.
“But as we’ve grown as a band, we have had fewer and fewer of those intimate, personal moments, trading them for massive ones. So we’re gonna make it more personal on the anniversary, but how remains to be seen. Just get ready to have your face kicked in. Because we just do what we do, spread that maggot culture – that disease. And you’ve been infected.”
SLIPKNOT LIVE DATES 2024: May 12: Daytona Beach, FL – Welcome To Rockville May 19: Columbus, OH – Sonic Temple Festival Aug 06: Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center * Aug 07: Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake * Aug 09: Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena * Aug 10: Camden, NJ – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion * Aug 12: New York, NY – Madison Square Garden * Aug 14: Gilford, NH – BankNH Pavilion * Aug 15: Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center * Aug 17: Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena * Sep 01: Pryor, OK – ROCKLAHOMA Sep 07: Auburn, WA – White River Amphitheatre # Sep 08: Ridgefield, WA – RV Inn Styles Resorts Amphitheater # Sep 09: Louisville, KY – Louder Than Life Sep 11: Nampa, ID – Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater # Sep 13: Inglewood, CA – Intuit Dome # Sep 15: Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre # Sep 17: Austin, TX – Moody Center # Sep 18: Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion # Sep 21: Des Moines, IA – Knotfest Iowa at Waterworks Park # Oct 11: Sacramento, CA – Aftershock Festival Oct 19: São Paulo, BR – Knotfest Brasil Nov 08: Guadalajara, MX – Calle 2 Nov 09: Mexico City, MX – Parque Bicentenario Dec 05: Amsterdam, NL – Ziggo Dome Dec 06: Dortmund, DE – Westfalehallen Dec 08: Stuttgart, DE – Schleyerhalle Dec 09: Leipzig, DE – Quarterback Immobilien Arena Dec 11: Zürich, CH – Hallenstadion Dec 12: Paris, FR – Accor Arena Dec 14: Leeds, UK – First Direct Arena Dec 15: Glasgow, UK – Ovo Hydro Dec 17: Manchester, UK – Co-op Live Dec 18: Birmingham, UK – Utilita Arena Dec 20: London, UK – The O2 Dec 21: London, UK – The O2 * w/ Special Guests Knocked Loose and Orbit Culture # w/ Special Guests Knocked Loose and Vended
Slipknot, the iconic heavy metal band from Iowa, is gearing up to celebrate their 25th anniversary in 2024 with a highly anticipated summer arena tour. The band has already announced a series of shows across Europe and the UK, including stops in Amsterdam, Dortmund, Paris, and London. Fans can expect an electrifying and nostalgic experience as Slipknot takes the stage to perform their biggest hits and fan favorites, including “The Blister Exists,” “Psychosocial,” and “Duality.” The tour will also feature support from the Glaswegian heavy metal band Bleed Within, adding to the intensity of the live performances. With the recent release of their seventh studio album, “The End, So Far,” Slipknot is poised to deliver an unforgettable celebration of their illustrious 25-year career, leaving their devoted fanbase in awe. Tickets for this highly anticipated tour are expected to sell out quickly, so fans are advised to secure their seats early to witness this historic event.
Is it really a festival without sunburn and a sea of fishnets and black t-shirts? A sold out Las Vegas Festival Grounds doesn’t think so and proved it at the second Sick New World festival.
Photo: Valeria Avalos
This was my first time to Las Vegas in 15 years. Expansions and improvements to Las Vegas were noticeable, but what also stood out was the presentation at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds. From the arch entrance led by demons on stilts to the setup of five stages (three of which rotated to offer back to back performances from bands), Sick New World became a one-day festival dream that seemed far-fetched on paper, but impressive at the festival close.
Below is a live stream discussing everything noticed at Sick New World from a photographer’s view as well as seeing all stages at one point, along with thoughts from a live chat of what happened in Las Vegas. Underneath the YouTube live stream replay is a short showing footage of performances and the festival grounds.
Scroll farther to see photos of more than a dozen bands along with a brief write-up on each, followed by overall thoughts.
What Went Down At Sick New World 2024 | Live Stream
System Of A Down closed the Gold Stage at the end of the Las Vegas night. Amidst the fog and strobes was the band from California by way of Armenia. The second year of the band’s Sick New World festival featured more than 20 songs live. This was my first time getting to shoot SOAD and it was a big check off the bucket list. Seeing a joyful and expressive Serj Tankian made the songs feel special. This was System’s first performance since Sick New World 2023 and I do hope we will see them more often in the future, along with Tankian’s upcoming solo material.
Slipknot had a return to the past after a pop-up show in Southern California in the jumpsuits of the early 2000’s. These suits reappeared along with a new drummer and a wild crowd ending with “Surfacing” to ensure Las Vegas had enough noise complaints in the surrounding area (I mean that in the best way possible as the set sounded great). Corey Taylor’s dynamic presence commanded the crowd and Slipknot reminded everyone why the group will always be a band worthy of a headlining spot.
Slipknot – Disasterpiece (Live at Sick New World 2024)
Bring Me The Horizon was notable for several reasons. One of which being the animated visuals before the set insulting the crowd in order to get them riled up, and the consequent pause for five minutes due to the massive crowd being crushed and needing everyone to step back from the stage. From massive pits to a surprise appearance from BABYMETAL performing “Kingslayer” to a gargantuan amount of confetti, BMTH made sure their presence in Vegas was felt.
Bring Me The Horizon / BABYMETAL live at Sick New World 2024
It was Danny Elfman that stole the show at the festival this year. Featuring a small orchestra, a dozen background singers, two drummers, percussionist, guitarists and bassist, and all of which were considerably in the back due to 70-year-old Elfman’s presence. Performing hits from Oingo Boingo to a acid-rock version of the Simpsons Theme to music from Edward Scissorhands, Danny Elfman left a massive impact on many people who were not expecting to be given such a spectacle on an already stacked day.
Danny Elfman – Beetlejuice Theme (Sick New World 2024)
A Perfect Circle get the gold star for making the best of a bad situation. On the road for Maynard James Keenan’s Sessanta Tour, APC’s truck with instruments and stage equipment could not make the festival in time coming from bad weather in Colorado. After a last minute scramble borrowing gear from Primus (also on the Sessanta Tour), the band proved “The Show Must Go On” and peformed many of APC’s hits over the years, along with reuniting with Josh Freese to help fill out the lineup.
A Perfect Circle – Judith (Live at Sick New World, Las Vegas, NV 4/27/2024)
On one of the three rotating stages was Motionless In White blegh-ing their hearts out. Whether it was desperate fans screaming at the barricade or a group of influencers at soundboard, MIW’s set was a popular place to be Saturday afternoon. A wide range of songs spanning over 10 years and ladies swooning for Chris Motionless, this was possibly the biggest audience MIW had performed for since opening Wrestlemania 40 in Philadelphia.
Better Lovers have become one of my new favorite bands since 2023, and seeing them go ballistic on the Diablo Stage reinforced my feelings. Greg launching into the crowd and throwing speakers while other members jumped back and forth for 30 minutes was a highlight for the rowdiest stage of the day, and that’s saying something considering how many hardcore and punk bands performed on the rotating stage under the awning. New Better Lovers music cannot come soon enough.
If Ice Nine Kills knows how to do one thing perfectly, it’s shock a crowd. Opening their set with a partially devoured corpse on stage and singer Spencer Charnas brandishing a shovel, the band’s love of horror was demonstrated to everyone at the Gold Stage on Saturday afternoon. Splatters, weapons, death, it’s all a part of the show and INK brought that to a crowd who knew exactly what they wanted in the overly violent group.
After successful side shows opening for Bring Me The Horizon, Spiritbox built up more anticipation for their year ahead with a great performance on the Gold Stage. I was already looking forward to the potential full album coming later this year, but hearing Courtney and company perform so strongly in Vegas reminded me why this group has amassed such a following in only a few years. Spiritbox is a group that knows how to make a statement and I’m excited to see what happens next for the Canadians.
As Kittie was gone for so long, I never thought it was in the cards to see the fierce ladies of metal live. I was happy to say I was wrong and since Kittie has returned, their renewed appreciation has been heartwarming to see. Kittie performed on the Red Stage and made sure the crowd was alive and awake early Saturday afternoon. Hearing the big songs from Kittie roughly 20 years ago threw me back into a time machine. Kittie deserves more respect and attention from the metal world as a whole. This set was great.
This was my first time seeing Skindred since 2016. Early in the set at the Spiral Stage, Benji Webbe addressed the crowd talking about how long ago people at rock shows would headbang. Somehow we forgot over the years. This encouraged a lot of neck trauma through the set but it appeared to be worth it for everyone that afternoon. Skindred is still around giving heavy music with a twist and it’s good to see that twist still translate live.
Nonpoint opened the festival on the Gold Stage and it was the perfect pace setter for the long day. Hearing “Breaking Skin” blast from the Gold Stage while thousands filed in through the gates was an impressive experience. The matching red was also a nice theme to set the band as a united rock act. More bands need to take tips from Nonpoint as a live act because the group has kept it’s following for many years almost mainly as a dominant live force.
My first experience seeing 3TEETH live was memorable on the Siren Stage, which got a bit more intense for this set in the afternoon and I think that was for the better.. Hearing music from the band’s latest album EndEx and seeing the flag for the United States of Corporations gave a fantastic image for the group. It was also great to finally talk with the band as I’ve been listening for years. Hearing them talk about elephants was also a pleasant surprise (video below).
Dad Joke with 3TEETH
Sick New World also helped me to see Gel live for the first time. I enjoyed Gel’s album from 2023 featuring incredibly short songs that all packed a punch, and that punch was felt on the Diablo Stage. I’m glad there was such a good turnout for hardcore bands like this as the community and audience is a big factor in the success for these groups. Gel seemed to have support with fans waiting for them mid-day and it was great to see everyone get into it.
Overall Thoughts:
Sick New World definitely set a good tone for the start of a festival season. The Astroturf and shade sections were a huge benefit and proof that shade doesn’t have to be a paid luxury at festivals. The Las Vegas Festival Grounds didn’t have issues with sound bleedover from stage to stage which was great considering the proximity of stages. The rotating stages all worked beautifully to keep the music going at Siren, Sprial, and Diablo Stages. Most of staff were friendly and there were medic tents in various areas which also was good to see.
Most stages didn’t have any technical issues and the few issues that arose seemed to be dealt with quickly. Some of the lines were long but nothing out of the ordinary for festivals…except for the band merch line. Average wait line going past two hours. That is brutal for fans to have to wait two hours baking in the heat just to get merch, also while missing dozens of bands. There has to be a better setup for band merch.
Security was spotty at points. Some of this was not the staff or security’s fault as they couldn’t be everywhere, but a few security members were being beyond cruel to fans and other staff to the point of harassment. It’s a long day and security’s job isn’t easy, but there is no excuse for it getting aggressive.
Most of the band’s performances were amazing. Seeing surprise appearances like Poppy with Bad Omens and Knocked Loose or BABYMETAL with Bring Me The Horizon made something special for everyone. The main stage performances all proved they belonged in front of the big crowd from Nonpoint all the way to System Of A Down. The side stages all had great talent and ending the night with Sleep Token set a stunning exclamation point for Sick New World.
The pros outweigh the cons for Sick New World and despite some sunburn, Sick New World made some great memories. If the festival can improve from year one to year two, then year three should be legendary.
Overall, I would go to Vegas again because Sick New World was disgusting(ly good).
KNOTFEST Iowa is upon us. Today the globally renowned event has revealed its 2024 lineup including the hometown return of Slipknot, the festival’s headliner and founders. With a unique set drawing heavily from their 1999 debut, Slipknot will celebrate 25 years of the self-titled album along with their fans, in the band’s birthplace of Iowa.
Slipknot are bigger than ever. Those who witnessed those early days could justifiably have thought the band would never last this long – most artists that debut with such a burning intensity and a complete disregard for the existing paradigm, cannot last. But Slipknot’s unapologetic ferocity spoke to an entire generation, and quicker than anyone outside the band expected, they were also speaking FOR that generation. Now generations in, Slipknot’s message, songs and art resonate even more powerfully. This is where it all began.
This singular moment in Slipknot history will be amplified with the event’s stacked lineup – Till Lindemann from Rammstein, Kentucky’s vibrant hardcore/metal forerunners Knocked Loose, metalcore influencers Hatebreed and Poison The Well, heavy metal icons GWAR, Des Moines natives Vended, in addition to Dying Wish, Zulu, Twin Temple, Holy Wars, Swollen Teeth and Spine & Dose.
Knotfest Iowa 2024 takes over Des Moines, Iowa on Saturday, September 21. This year’s event will be held at Waterworks Park, which is adjacent to downtown Des Moines and where Slipknot played in 2000 on the legendary Tattoo the Earth tour.
Knotfest Iowa is thrilled to announce it will debut a revamped Knotfest Museum celebrating Slipknot’s 25 year career. A staple at Knotfests all over the world, the ante is upped this year – the Museum Experience will feature a jaw-dropping collection of artifacts from the band’s history, making this a can’t miss opportunity for fans. Tickets are strictly limited.
Tomorrow, April 30, Knotfest.com premium presale tickets will be available from 10 AM – 12 PM CT, followed by Knotfest.com general subscriber presale tickets starting at 12PM CT here. Tickets are on sale this Friday, May 3 10 AM CT to the general public here.
Knotfest Iowa isn’t just a music festival; it’s a pilgrimage to the heart of where Slipknot’s legacy began. Since launching in 2012, the festival has surged into a fully immersive multi-stage event that offers unparalleled experiences across the globe including Mexico, Japan, United Kingdom, France, Finland, Australia and across South America. Additionally, Knotfest has since spun off into a successful entertainment media hub – Knotfest.com, which became a juggernaut of its own making, giving a platform to young freethinkers and like-minded artists. All of these achievements have helped Slipknot claim their rightful seat as pioneers and thought leaders, establishing them as a generational talent.
For more Knotfest information and updates, go here: knotfest.com/Iowa
