MetalVice

For our main topic in this episode we talk about Corey Taylor’s first book, Seven Deadly Sins. While it's not necessarily about music it has a few elements that tie back. Mostly that it was written by the lead singer of Slipknot and Stone Sour. In addition to the main topic we go over the past week's headlines and a stacked concert calendar with new show announcements.

With the start of the new year we decided to change up the format of our main podcast. In this episode we try a few new segments; news/headlines, new music, new concert announcements, new merch announcements, and our concert report for Candlelight’s tribute to Metallica.

With the start of a new year we are going to be playing with the format of our main podcast. Join us as we talk about the upcoming changes we have been thinking about. These changes are not set in stone, just us trying some new things for the show.

In what felt like a blink of an eye, 2025 has come and gone. A year that will be one of our personal biggest years ever. From not only the shows we saw or the places we visited, but for the music and people we met along the way. Join us as we take a look back at 2025 and share our top items in 13 different categories.

In this very special Christmas episode we look back at our last show of 2025, Avatar’s In The Airwaves tour. Well, it’s not necessarily a special Christmas episode, but we do have a new Christmas intro/outro and Christmas tree behind us. We do, though, talk about this Avatar show, where Alien Weaponry and SpirtWorld were the openers. This was also our first time seeing Avatar at a venue in Chicago...

For a period of time in the mid 2010s, Brian found himself not listening to as much metal. Instead he was exploring indie and folk rock. One artist that he took a liking to was Griffin House. The song Better Than Love became an instant favorite between us and has a very special place in our hearts. So when we saw that he was coming to the Chicago burbs we knew we had to make a night of it.

We go to our second Trivium show in under a year. This time for The Struck Dead Tour, formally the Ascend Above The Ashes tour, at the Rave in Miliwakue. While the first time we got the Ascendancy album in full, this time we got a more traditional set. With one small difference, Brian finally got to hear Strife live! In support of this tour we got to see Heriot for the first time and Jinjer for th...

Over the years we have seen many new bands and our taste in music have evolved. In one of our very first episodes we saw a show where Omnium Gatherum was an opener. Now, they come to Chicago as a headliner. Before we recorded this episode Karen went back and listened to that episode, so you don't have to suffer through it. Join us as we talk about how our thoughts have changed between that first s...

We set sail yet again onboard another Headbangers Boat. What has become our annual tradition is starting to turn into a reunion. Meeting so many amazing people all with the same goal. Experience great live music with incredible people. This year, like the last two, was an amazing experience. Join us as we look back and share our experience on the third Headbangers Boat.

A sold out show can be a mixed bag. On one hand if you got tickets to the show you may be stoked you were one of the lucky ones going. On the other hand, if you didn't you might be pissed because now you are going to pay out the ass to the bottom feeders known as scalpers. Over the years we have fallen into both categories. For this episode, though, we will be mostly looking at venue capacity, and...

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...

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. W...

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...

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, R...

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 song...

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, fr...

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 speci...

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...

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 u...

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 st...

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...

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.