Around Town

Showcasing local events from smaller nightclub & concert shows to large, non-music related events like the Tattoo Arts Convention & Philadelphia Auto Show.

Handcuffs and Hard Times: X-Cops Dispatch a ‘Cavity Search’ Beatdown at Underground Arts

January 23rd, 2025 – The night began with a bang—and a barrage of toilet paper. Underground Arts was already filling up for tonight’s X-Cops show, but Belushi Speed Ball turned that anticipation into outright madness. Picture this— a thrash metal band so off-the-wall they’ve turned audience participation into an art form. Hundreds of rolls of […]

Read More

From Tattooed Moms to Union Transfer, a weekend of Metal Mayhem and Pre-Tour Shenanigans with Gaerea

November 23rd, 2024 – It was one of those nights that felt timeless; Gaerea, Portugal’s faceless harbingers of despair and grandeur, were gearing up for their U.S. tour with Zeal & Ardor, and I had scored a pre-show hang with them at the immortal dive bar Tattooed Moms. Meeting a black metal band there felt […]

Read More

Chat Pile deliver Hellish Homily at Iconic First Unitarian Church in Philly

November 15th, 2024 – The First Unitarian Church in Philadelphia isn’t just a venue—it’s a crypt. A sweaty, echoing mausoleum of noise, incense, and existential dread. Last night, it served as the perfect altar for Chat Pile, the Oklahoma City harbingers of sonic annihilation, to deliver their sermon of despair. Photos by Bob Shelley ( […]

Read More

The Dungeons are Calling! Mortiis Performs ‘Født Til Å Herske’ Live at Kung Fu Necktie in Philadelphia

Saturday, September 7th, 2024 – As if descending into the very catacombs of some forgotten realm, the atmosphere inside Kung Fu Necktie for Mortiis’ performance was one of anticipation for the dungeon master. A sold out crowd, robed in black, seemed like wanderers summoned to an unholy ritual. The night promised an immersive journey through […]

Read More

Death To All Tribute Show at TLA Revives the Spirit of Chuck Schuldiner

May 22nd, 2024 – As an avid listener of old-school Bay Area thrash metal, I’ve been to more shows than I can count. But let me tell you, the Death To All tribute show at the TLA in Philly last night took me right back to those glory days of the fantastic four. Photos + […]

Read More
%d bloggers like this: