New Yorks' Irving Plaza gets slammed by Sanguisugabogg, Defeated Sanity, Despised Icon, Skinless & Corpse Pile

Just like any brewing storm, it starts out small with subtle signs of impending danger. Then it intensifies, building and building relentlessly until the skies finally open and pure mayhem descends. That was exactly how Sunday night (11/28) unfolded. Headlining this thunderous storm were Ohio’s Sanguisugabogg, introduced with reverence by the legendary Frank Mullen of Suffocation. His build-up perfectly set the tone for what the band delivered. Opening with "Rotten Entanglement" from their latest album Hideous Aftermath, they jabbed and swayed through their set, demonstrating precisely what one of the hardest touring bands in death metal can accomplish! Adding to the madness Singer Devin Swank threw a football in the crowd and said whoever has it at the end of the song can get free Merch., You know what the crowd was like going after that ball.They are scheduled to hit the overseas scene early in 2026 before returning stateside in March.

https://sanguisugabogg.com

Canadian deathcore veterans Despised Icon took the stage next, igniting the crowd with "A Fractured Hand" and "Snake in the Grass." They showcased their signature dual vocal style, a distinctive element rarely seen in the genre. The band treated fans to tracks from their newest album Shadow Work, including powerful performances of "Death of an Artist" and "Over My Dead Body."

https://despisedicon.com

Adding a surprise dimension to the New York and Philadelphia shows were New York icons Skinless. To make sure the audience knew who the heavyweights truly were, frontman Sherwood brandished the championship belt high for all to see. Their setlist, packed with songs from their debut album Progression Towards Evil like "Confines of Human Flesh," "Scum Cookie," and "Crispy Kids," had the pit erupting into a frenzy.

https://www.facebook.com/Skinless/

Defeated Sanity commanded the crowd with a ferocious set primarily drawn from their latest release on Season of Mist Records, Chronicles of Lunacy. Tracks like "Heredity Violated" and "The Odor of Sanctity" ignited the Madness that raged throughout the night. Though death metal is often characterized by brutal breakdowns and relentless sonic assault, Defeated Sanity injected a touch of progressive groove into their breakdowns, adding a unique layer of complexity.

For more Info: https://www.season-of-mist.com/bands/defeated-sanity/

Opening this night of total mayhem and rhythm-driven destruction were Texans Corpse Pile. Throwing down with tracks like "Genesis of Suffering," "Vengeful Hymns," and "For Flesh and All" from their newest album In the Beginning, this band proved they are far more than just breakdown machines. Their lyrics confront the state of politics head-on while also clearly showing their solid support for the LGBTQ+ community, adding an important sociopolitical dimension to their heavy sound.

https://open.spotify.com/artist/3xUOrcghypEI9Ua6wR0tDU

Death To All bring the Symbolic Healing tour to NYC

When you like a band, you praise them at every opportunity, celebrating their music whenever you can. But when you truly love a band, that love goes beyond just words — you take it on the road, keeping the passion and the flame alive through every live show, and that is precisely what Death To All exemplifies. This time around, they are proudly bringing the 35th anniversary of Death’s Spiritual Healing and the 30th anniversary of Symbolic to the eager masses. With a packed Irving Plaza buzzing with anticipation, it’s clear that Death, the pioneers of Death Metal, still hold a deeply cherished spot in everyone’s heart.Performing iconic tracks like “Infernal Death,” “Zombie Ritual,” “Symbolic,” “Spirit Crusher,” and “Pull the Plug,” the band delivered an unforgettable experience that made the crowd truly feel the enduring legacy of Death.

https://reversedrecords.com/death-to-all/

Supporting them were Canadian Death Metal legends Gorguts. Founding member Luc Lemay took the audience on a captivating musical journey through the band’s storied history. Fan favorites such as “Disincarnated,” “Subtle Body,” and “Bodily Corrupted” resonated strongly with the crowd. Not content to rest on past laurels, Gorguts also treated fans to two brand new songs, which Luc revealed will appear on their upcoming album.

http://gorguts.com

Opening the night were Phobophilic, an emerging Death Metal force from North Dakota. With just one album (Enveloping Absurdity) and one EP (Undimensioned Identities), the band showcased a sound that pays homage to the rich history of Death Metal while injecting their own fresh power and intensity into the genre. Tracks like “Cathedrals of Blood” and “Diminished to Unbeing” left no doubt about their potential. Phobophilic is definitely a band not to be overlooked!

https://phobophilic.bandcamp.com

The Acacia Strain Crush NYC

Irving Plaza in NYC transformed into a vibrant melting pot of the deathcore and hardcore scene, showcasing a diverse array of bands from across the United States. This event proved beyond doubt that the genre is not only strong but steadily growing in influence and creativity.

The Acacia Strain ignited the stage for an already electrified crowd, cranking the energy up five notches all the way to Mayhem. Opening with their explosive track “Human Disaster,” the mosh pit erupted with bodies flying in every direction—huge props to Irving Plaza security for maintaining safety while allowing the crowd to fully enjoy the chaos of the dance. Their set skillfully spanned almost all twelve of their studio albums, including the eagerly anticipated yet-to-be-released “You Are Safe From God Here,” from Rise Records. Throughout the night, it was clear how well these bands get along on tour, with members frequently sharing the stage—a testament to the camaraderie fueling their relentless momentum.It was clear Acacia Strain won’t slowing down anytime soon.

Stay up to date with the band- https://youaresafefromgodhere.com

Florida’s Bodysnatcher came out with intense force, launching their set with “E.D.A.,” predominantly featuring songs from their latest albums Vile Conduct and Bleed – Abide. The energy surged even higher as No Cure’s bassist Jake made a guest appearance to collaborate on “King of Rats.”

More from the band at - https://bodysnatcherofficial.com

Representing Idaho, the hardcore punk band Ingrown offered a refreshing palate cleanse with their punk grooves and hardcore melodies, compelling the crowd to throw down with fierce enthusiasm. They paid a respectful tribute to Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath by incorporating a little of Cornucopia, while their latest album—a homage to their hometown, Idaho, released through Closed Casket Activities—is definitely a record to crank up loud.

To check out Idaho - https://closedcasketactivities.com/products/ingrown-idaho?srsltid=AfmBOopgitgpka_MNVUZjrnGkmHuWQfIx8hX_WG3DbVFmX3LYmczAquD

Before taking the stage, No Cure amped the audience with a blast of Ozzy’s “Mr. Crowley” over the PA, then seamlessly transitioned into their powerful anthem “Hang Me From the Bible Belt,” from the recent I Hope I Die Here album on Sharptone Records. Tight and energetic, No Cure’s performance was undeniably fun and commanding.

For more on the band - https://ihopeidiehere.com

Kicking off the evening with the challenging task of opening, the newly signed Nuclear Blast Records act Tribal Gaze made a strong impression. Despite the brevity of their set, they maximized impact by performing “Smiling From the Chariots” and their newest single “Beyond Recognition” from the forthcoming album Inveighing Brilliance, due out October 17. In a rare move for an opening band, Tribal Gaze showcased a remarkable drum solo by Caesar, laying down some seriously impressive grooves that set the tone for the unforgettable night ahead.

To see what’s next check out - https://www.nuclearblast.com/blogs/news/tribal-gaze-reveal-new-album-inveighing-brilliance-out-october-17th

Epica Brings Aspiral to New York City

Epica, the internationally renowned symphonic metal band, kicked off their highly anticipated tour supporting their newest album, “Aspiral,” in the vibrant city of New York at the historic Irving Plaza. With only three scheduled dates across the United States before venturing to Mexico and then onto other parts of the world, it was clear that the venue was filled to capacity with excited Epica fans from the entire northeastern region. The thrill and anticipation surrounding the first show of any tour always create a buzz, as both the band and the audience share a sense of uncertainty about how the evening will unfold. As the band took to the stage, the recognizable notes of "Design Your Universe" began to resonate through the venue, setting a captivating tone for what was destined to be a truly remarkable night. The setlist was an expertly curated blend of tracks from "Aspiral," along with classic fan favorites from their extensive catalog, featuring standout songs such as "Cross the Divide," "Fight to Survive," and "The Last Crusade," concluding the night with the powerful anthem "Consign to Oblivion." Epica delivered a flawless performance that showcased their exceptional musical talent, all while engaging playfully with the audience, creating an electric atmosphere. One can only hope that they will return to the United States soon to share their magnificent show with even more fans.

To Keep up with Epica - https://www.epica.nl

Opening the evening were the fan-favorite band Seven Spires, who captivated attendees with their dynamic presence. Having seen the band perform live last year, I was eagerly looking forward to experiencing their energy again. They split their set between their last two albums, “A Fortress Called Home” and “Gods of DeBauchery,” delivering hits such as "Almosttown," "Oceans of Time," and "Dare to Live." The band was not only energetic but also impressively tight, with vocalist Adrienne Cowan showcasing her powerful voice that was as strong and moving as ever.

To Keep up with Seven Spires - https://www.sevenspiresband.com

Chase Rice brings his Go Down Singing Tour to NYC

What’s that you say about Country Music in NYC? Oh HELL YEAH! Irving Plaza was packed to the brim with an enthusiastic crowd sporting boots, skirts, hats, and gleaming buckles, all mostly ready for a fantastic evening of entertainment. New York City fans had been waiting patiently since 2019 to finally see Chase perform in the city, and their anticipation was palpable. From the very first notes, the audience erupted into hoots and hollers as the band delivered an exhilarating performance, but the undeniable highlight of the night remained the incredible songs. Chase's heartfelt songwriting truly resonated with everyone present, allowing them to feel the depth of his emotions when he penned those lyrics. The set primarily consisted of tracks from his last two albums, “Go Down Singing” and “I Hate Cowboys and All Dogs Go to Hell.” He also treated the crowd to timeless covers, including “Simple Man,” “Mountain Music,” and “I Can Still Make Cheyenne,” before concluding the night with an exciting new song, "Cowboy Goodbye," from his soon-to-be-released album “Eldora.” Chase Rice undoubtedly provided everyone in attendance with a memorable night and a thrilling glimpse of what’s to come in the near future. This is a tour you definitely do not want to miss, and if you're in the Long Island area, you will have the chance to catch him again in August.

To Keep up with Chase Rice - https://www.chaserice.com

Opening the evening was Pony Bradshaw, accompanied by his talented band, the North Georgia Rounders. Having recently seen them last year alongside the Red Clay Strays, I had been eagerly looking forward to tonight’s performance, and based on the crowd's enthusiastic reaction, NYC shared my excitement. With his poignant Americana sound and captivating storytelling, the audience was delightfully transported to the heart of the South. His new album, “Thus Spoke the Fool,” is out now, and fans can also catch him performing alongside Will Overman and Whiskey Myers, promising even more incredible music to experience.

To follow Pony Bradshaw - https://www.ponybradshaw.net

Counterparts , Pain of Truth, Malevolence and Foreign Hands Tear up New York City

The “Heaven Let Them Die” tour had Irving Plaza packed early and ready to show everyone that the Hardcore scene was not only strong but also vibrantly alive. The Canadian hardcore band Counterparts headlined this amazing night of music and energetic two-stepping. They began their electrifying set with “A Martyr Left Alive” from the band's latest album released by Pure Noise Records. The performance was nothing short of stellar, with the band hitting on all cylinders while the audience responded with fervor, creating an exhilarating atmosphere where band and fans became one. This thrilling tour will last in the United States until March 22 before heading over to Europe for more passionate performances.

https://counterpartsband.com

With an almost genuine homecoming for the Long Island / New York hardcore band Pain of Truth, their dedicated fans showed up in impressive numbers, as evidenced by the band t-shirts dominating the club scene. Supporting their latest release, ‘Not Through Blood,’ the band energized the crowd, especially when vocalist Michael Smith made an unforgettable entrance by leaping over the security railing and into the throng of enthusiastic fans. He handed over the microphone to a few lucky individuals in the audience before ultimately surfing himself back to the stage, a move that perfectly kept the mosh pit rolling vigorously throughout their electrifying set. Pain of Truth was firing on all cylinders that night, leaving everyone in attendance eagerly waiting for them to return to their hometown once again.

https://painoftruthhc.com

What an absolutely amazing audience it was for Malevolence during their first-ever performance in the vibrant city of New York. The crowd showered the band with an outpouring of love and respect, truly acknowledging their significant role in keeping the Hardcore scene alive and thriving across Europe. Even with their relatively short set, the energy in the venue left everyone craving more of their powerful sound and captivating performance. Be sure to check out their newest album, Malicious Intent, for a taste of what they bring to the stage.

Usually, the opening spot of the night brings only drips and drabs of audience members slowly filtering in, but not tonight. Everyone in attendance knew to arrive early and check out the impressive performance by Foreign Hands! It’s always a significant responsibility for the opener to ensure that the audience is aware of what they should expect for the evening, and they certainly accomplished that task with great success. Furious beats and powerful vocals had everyone pumped up and ready to get loose for a long night filled with dancing and enjoyment. Supporting their newest release, “What’s Left Unsaid,” it won’t be long before this exceptionally talented band will be heading out on their own highly anticipated tour.

KMFDM Brings their Let Go Tour to Irving Plaza , NYC

On a Rain stormy March 9th, 2024. The faithful lined up down the street and around the block of Irving Plaza, Buzzing with energy to witness the industrial legends KMFDM live in concert.

The iconic venue pulsated with a mix of anticipation and nostalgia as the band took the stage, unleashing their signature blend of heavy guitar riffs, pounding beats, and politically charged lyrics. As the crowd immersed themselves in the relentless sonic assault, KMFDM delivered a performance that was nothing short of electrifying. With a setlist spanning their extensive discography, including classics and hits from their newest album Let Go.

The audience was taken on a journey through the band's evolution while reveling in the raw, unapologetic power of their music. The night at Irving Plaza was a testament to KMFDM's enduring influence and their ability to captivate audiences with their uncompromising sound.

For more tour dates and info:

https://kmfdm.net

Morlocks took the stage at Irving Plaza in New York City with Mean World Syndrome and announcing “Live from New York it’s Saturday night” ! Something J.Strauss said he always wanted to say. Captivating the audience with their unique blend of industrial vibes and enthusiasm.

It was their first time in NYC and the venue buzzed with their energy. As the band delivered a mesmerizing performance, drawing fans into their sound. Each song resonated through the crowd, creating an electric atmosphere that lingered long after the last note faded away.

Morlocks' music echoed off the walls of Irving Plaza, leaving a lasting impression on all who were fortunate enough to be in attendance that night.

For more info:

https://morlocks.bandcamp.com/community