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

A Clear Cold Beyond tour hits New York City

Sonata Arctica took the Gramercy Theatre stage to a thunderous roar, immediately captivating the audience as they launched into our musical journey with “First of Line” from their newest release, A Clear Cold Beyond. Fan favorites like “Full Moon” and “Wolf and Raven” kept the crowd energized and rocking throughout the night, while “The Last Amazing Grays” beautifully showcased the melodic brilliance of Henrik Klingenberg’s keyboard work. The band’s connection with the audience was unmistakably strong and heartfelt, making for a fantastic rollercoaster ride through their extensive career.

Opening the evening from Massachusetts was PowerGlove, a band celebrated for their dedication to video game theme songs and beloved characters. Their set included energetic renditions of classic tunes such as “Tetris,” “Sonic,” “Kirby,” and “Sailor Moon.” The band effortlessly ignited nostalgic memories, elevating the experience with their intense power metal style. While the theme might sound niche to non-gamers, the level of musicianship was undeniably impressive—particularly Gabriel Guardian’s remarkable performance as he simultaneously played keyboards and guitar. This tight-knit trio not only displayed exceptional skill but also brought a lively, fun energy to the stage that was a joy to watch.

Opening the evening from Massachusetts was PowerGlove, a band celebrated for their dedication to video game theme songs and beloved characters. Their set included energetic renditions of classic tunes such as “Tetris,” “Sonic,” “Kirby,” and “Sailor Moon.” The band effortlessly ignited nostalgic memories, elevating the experience with their intense power metal style. While the theme might sound niche to non-gamers, the level of musicianship was undeniably impressive—particularly Gabriel Guardian’s remarkable performance as he simultaneously played keyboards and guitar. This tight-knit trio not only displayed exceptional skill but also brought a lively, fun energy to the stage that was a joy to watch.

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

Orgy and Cold Invade NYC with Horizon Theory and I Ya Toyah

Orgy celebrated the 25th anniversary release of their iconic album Candy Ass! The band delivered all the beloved tracks from the album and went even further in their set. Special guest vocalists Joey Scream on Ghost and I Ya Toyah on Perfect Weapon brought an exciting new dimension to the already fantastic performance.

Stay up to date with the band;

http://orgymusic.com

Colds' dark and somber stage mood lightening matched perfectly with their set, predominantly featuring songs from the highly acclaimed album Year of the Spider. The standout moment for me was when Scooter Ward descended to the security barricade and sang directly to the audience, delivering a poignant rendition of the personal track "Wasted Years."

To stay up to date with the band:

https://coldarmy.com

Horizon Theory from Michigan captivated the crowd with an electrifying performance that solidified their status as a promising band on the brink of commanding larger stages. Known for their prowess on the road, the band radiated undeniable passion as they treated the audience to memorable renditions of favorites including "Nowhere to Go" and "Past Lives."

To see where they are heading next :

https://www.facebook.com/p/Horizon-Theory-100087913909620/

Opener - I Ya Toyah captivated everyone who arrived early to the event, drawing them in with her unique blend of industrial pop music that seemed to beckon everyone to dance the night away. As a solo act, she exuded the professionalism and skill of a seasoned performer, effortlessly commanding the stage and holding the audience's attention with her dazzling presence. Her performance, featuring tracks from her latest EP "I am Fire," left the crowd wanting more, eagerly anticipating what she would bring next.

For more info:

https://www.iyatoyah.com

Wind Rose and Xandria Party it up In New York City.

On April 14th, 2024 at Irving Plaza in NYC, the crowd eagerly gathered in large numbers even before the opening band, Xandria, hit the stage. The venue was filled to the brim with enthusiastic fans brandishing blow-up pick axes and engaging in lively chants that reverberated between the balcony and the floor. An interesting moment occurred when the sound crew stepped on stage for a quick line check, prompting the crowd to exuberantly chant, "SOUND GUY, SOUND GUY, CHECK CHECK CHECK!" The atmosphere was charged with anticipation for what promised to be a memorable concert experience.

Wind Rose brought their epic Dwarven metal sound to get the party started in NYC, and they absolutely nailed it. Lead singer Francesco Cavalieri just couldn't stop smiling throughout the whole performance, feeding off the high energy of the crowd who were chanting and body-surfing from start to finish. Their setlist showcased tracks from their latest album "Warfront" released by Napalm Records, along with some fan-favorite covers from Yogscast. With a full year of touring planned across New Zealand, Australia, and Europe in 2024, missing out on experiencing the ultimate Dwarven party with Wind Rose is simply not an option for any metal enthusiast.

For More info:

https://www.windroseofficial.com

Xandria made a grand entrance onto the stage, captivating the audience with their unique brand of symphonic metal. Their performance featured an array of tracks from their latest album, "The Wonders Still Awaiting," including the crowd-favorite new single, "Universal." Despite the absence of their bassist, Xandria's powerful sound and on-stage charisma mesmerized the spectators. With their tour in the States set to continue until May 4th, the band is gearing up for an exhilarating European journey filled with more shows and festival appearances. Don't miss the chance to experience Xandria's musical prowess live!

For More Info:

https://www.xandria.de

Stella Rose Brings Lainey Wilson " Country with a flare tour" to Irving Plaza, NYC

What better way to stay warm on a Frigid 9 degree night in NYC, then to settle in with a thousand new friends for a night of Country. What you say - COUNTRY in NYC? You bet your bell bottoms!!

Warming the Sold Out crowd up from the cold was Meg McRee. With just a guitar, her voice (and a little Tequilla ), She gave a brilliant performance. A talented Songwriter and Performer who has had many of her songs cut by Grace Potter, Elle King, Caylee Hammack, Paul Cauthen, Carter Faith and Ben Chapman who join her for her last song. She also Played with Ben Chapman during his set. Checkout her newest release “Tried and True” and more.

https://www.megmcree.com/home

Now that we were properly warmed up and getting ready to dance around (no room for line dancing tonight). Ben Chapmen and Co. continued the night with their Gritty, Honky Tonk Set. Man these guys were great. Their set had you sweating from all the grooves pouring off the stage. Check out “Georgia Dreaming” from soon to be released album “Amber Sound Vol. 1”

https://www.benchapmanmusic.com

With a really quick stage break down. It was time to get them Bell Bottoms movin. Lainey Wilson hit the stage and took over the crowd. The set gave us, the audience, everything we wanted to hear and more. This is a must see tour! Check out the tour dates and more .

https://laineywilson.com

Photo Credit : Al Feliciano - Aint Tellin Photography