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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Summer festivals are a key part of many people's concert schedule. We plan our years and summers around them. For a long time a Danny Wimmer festival has been at the top of our list, and this year we went to our first one, Inkcarceration. We have heard nothing but great things. Join us and see if the hype we have heard was worth it.

Metal is truly a world wide community. What started in Birmingham has spread to every corner of the globe. BABYMETAL proudly showed us just how far Metal has come with their 2025 North America tour. Three bands (BABYMETAL, Jinjer, and Bloodywood), from three different countries (Japan, Ukraine, and India), with three distinct sounds and takes on Metal music. Join us as we look back at this show and appreciate the diverse community that is Metal.

A few years back, Slayer said they were done. At the time we had only seen them at Riot Fest, and we left early to beat the crowd. We never thought we would be able to see a full set again. Then, like most every band, they came back. Not touring, but playing a few shows here and there (but mostly there than here). So when they announced they would be in London at Finsbury Park the day after Back to the Beginning we jumped on the tickets. We were already going to be there and this just gave us an additional live show in England. Opening was Amon Amarth, Anthrax, Mastodon, Hatebreed, and Neckbreakker (which we missed).

We were lucky enough to get tickets and travel to Birmingham England, the birth place of Heavy Metal, to see Black Sabbath and Ozzy’s final show, Back to the Beginning. The line up was stacked with amazing artists from start to finish. Each of the artists covering a Black Sabbath or Ozzy song, and insane super groups doing the same. This truly was the best Metal concert of all time. The energy of the crowd was dialed to 11 all day long. All to show our love and thanks to Black Sabbath and Ozzy for creating this community of Metal Heads, freaks, and weirdos.  Thank you Sabbath! Thank you Ozzy!

Brian has a deep love for movies, maybe even more than music. So it was only a matter of time before we found the perfect movie to review for our podcast. The only hard part was picking the movie. With so many to choose from we landed on Metal Lords. A coming-of-age tale following two best friends in high school as they set forth to take over the world (or at least their high school) with Metal. Grab some popcorn and your favorite snacks as we ramble on about the meteoric rise of Skull Flower!