Snooze
Snooze: happy heavy mathy band from Chicago Spotify | Instagram | Facebook
Crazy & the Brains
Crazy & the Brains is an American punk band. The band was originally Chrisoph Jesus’ solo project at The Sidewalk Cafe in New York, New York in 2013 (though most of the members are originally from Bayonne, New Jersey). They have toured with Gogol Bordello,The Bouncing Souls, The Bridge City Sinners, Days N Daze, Negative Approach, & The Slackers. Vice has compared them to Rancid and The Ramones. Earlier press also made mention of their use of xylophone in songs, referring to them as “xylo-punks” and noting ” There aren’t a whole lot of punk bands that feature the xylophone”
Ungoliant
Ungoliant – Ungoliant is a 4-piece black metal band from Omaha, NE. Formed in 2018, they have been bringing an old-school black metal approach to venues across the Midwest, opening for bands such as Warbringer, Uada, Panzerfaust, Jungle Rot, Hulder, and more. https://ungoliantamerica.bandcamp.com/VolsungaSaga – Pagan/Viking/Folk Metal from St Paul, MNhttps://volsungasaga.bandcamp.com/Rahvn – Blackened death metal from St Cloud, MNhttps://rahvn.bandcamp.com/Manson Lamps – Bog sludge doom stoner rock from Omaha feat. former members of Orpheus, Scabby Ghouls & Super Moon!https://www.facebook.com/people/Manson-Lamps/61571125720677/
VentanA
Rivers of Nihil
Sixteen years and five albums after the Pennsylvania band’s formation, progressive death metal progenitors Rivers of Nihil are upping the ante with their 2025 self-titled album Rivers of Nihil. Traditionally, a self-titled record can signal a return to basics and/or a fresh beginning, and in 10 powerful songs, it’s clear that both those factors are in play. Founding bassist Adam Biggs became the band’s new lead vocalist/bassist in 2023; the same year marked the appearance of additional guitarist Andy Thomas (ex-Black Crown Initiate), whose vocals also play prominently on Rivers of Nihil. Producers Carson Slovak and Grant McFarland at Atrium Audio captured the new dynamics across more than 50 minutes of music. On June 15, 2023, the band released a new single, “The Sub-Orbital Blues,” the first track with Biggs handling lead vocals (following the 2022 departure of singer Jake Dieffenbach, and also their first featuring Thomas). A second single, “Hellbirds,” dropped on October 19 of that year. On April 29, 2024, the band released the cut “Criminals” and an accompanying music video. Both “Criminals” and “The Sub-Orbital Blues” appear on Rivers of Nihil. The new album’s first single of 2025, “House of Light,” is a track the band believes “encapsulates the nature of what it is that we do perfectly while offering a different perspective on the sound with the new lineup,” explains founding member/guitarist Brody Uttley, who also plays piano and does the programming in the band. “Everything that our fans have come to love about our sound is demonstrated in this song with the new addition of Andy singing and Biggs on main vocals. It has the riffs, it has the big chorus, it has the prog, it has the solos, it has the sax. Just a real classic example of what we will do as a band in 2025.” Rivers of Nihil also showcases additional musicians, including Patrick Corona on alto saxophone; Stephan Lopez on banjo; McFarland on cello; and a slate of other guest vocalists. Further singles include “American Death,” a true-to-form beater that’s sure to slay live, and “Water & Time,” which Uttley says is Rivers’ “stab at writing a big chorus style synth-laden song. The main melody on synth came out so cool the band filled out the song with “metal band stuff” for the potent final version heard on Rivers of Nihil. Despite the fresh approach on Rivers of Nihil, the album fits neatly into the band’s discography. With Where Owls Know My Name (2018), Rivers of Nihil transcended all labels applied to them, and with its 2021 follow-up, The Work, they forged further into new territory. Metal Injection calling the latter album “by far the group’s most cohesive, ambitious, meditative, and varied effort, with greater uses of philosophical significance and transcendental respites.” The quartet’s musicianship has been honed to a fine point thanks to an unrelenting touring schedule over the past few years, including headline tours of the U.S. and EU/UK, as well as support slots on the Chaos and Carnage Tour (Cattle Decapitation, Carnifex, etc.), Lorna Shore, Between the Buried and Me, and shows with Killswitch Engage.
Castrator
Three years after their crushing debut Defiled in Oblivion, CASTRATOR returns with Coronation of the Grotesque, an album that not only exceeds all expectations but leaves them shattered in its wake, firmly cementing the band among the North American death metal elite. Touring with the likes of Immolation, Exhumed, and Cattle Decapitation has cemented CASTRATOR’s reputation as a commanding live force, and concert announcements in support of Coronation of the Grotesque are imminent.
All We Got is Us Fest
Day 1 with performances from: Dose, Setback, Failure Drill, Before I Depart, By All Means, In My Way, Sacred, Xablazex, Volition Day 2 with performances from: Identity crisis, Lead spirit, Position of Power, Primitive Rage, Exogen, Totaled, Nullify, Bootcamp, Yliv
Graveripper
Graverippper – blackened thrash from Indianapolis, IN “Known for speed, aggression and catchy, moshable riffs, Graveripper blend elements of black metal and thrash.” https://graveripper.bandcamp.com/ Sadistic Force – Balls out blackened speed metal assault from Austin, TX https://sadisticforce.bandcamp.com/
SPACED
SPACED is hardcore from Buffalo, NY. THE SISSY BOYS are from Muskegon, MI. Swing Youth is a Straight Edge Hardcore band. Established in 2024 by Des Moines teens.
THE BAND FEEL
THE BAND FEEL is a Rock band from St. Louis known for their dynamic sound that pays homage to the Classic Rock era while adding a modern twist. With influences ranging from 70’s rock to Laurel Canyon to mid-century jazz, FEEL has garnered attention for their high-energy performances and captivating songwriting. The band has quickly gained recognition within the industry, sharing stages with renowned acts such as Cheap Trick, Blackberry Smoke, 38 Special, Rival Sons, and more.
