Review & Photography by Nathan vestal for MPM
On a cool night in Madison, Wisconsin, electronic rock veterans Julien-K delivered a powerful and immersive performance at The Annex/The Red Zone.
As the small group of loyal fans gathered in the intimate venue, the anticipation was contagious. From the moment the first band took the stage, it was clear that this would be a night to remember.
Bellhead
Bellhead took the stage first, delivering a high-energy set that left the crowd buzzing long after the final note. The Chicago-based duo, known for their dark, bass-driven sound and fierce chemistry, brought an electrifying presence to the intimate venue.
Right from the first song, Bellhead’s intensity was palpable. Karen and Ivan, the band’s only members, filled the space with layers of distorted bass and tight drum machine beats, proving that a two-piece can sound as full as a larger ensemble. Their signature sound—rooted in post-punk and industrial influences—resonated powerfully in the venue, with the driving rhythms and haunting melodies keeping the audience hooked.
Highlights of the night included crowd favorites like “I Would Die 4 U” with its darkly hypnotic groove, and the punchy “Unicorn Bones,” where Karen’s vocals alternated between ethereal and gritty, meshing perfectly with Ivan’s deep, resonant backing. The dynamic interplay between the two bass guitars created a rich, textured atmosphere that felt both raw and controlled.
The stage setup was minimal, with moody lighting that emphasized the band’s stark, industrial aesthetic. The duo’s interaction was a key element of the performance—whether trading vocal duties or locking in tight on their bass lines, Karen and Ivan maintained a compelling on-stage presence that kept the crowd’s focus squarely on them.
As the last song ended and the feedback faded, the crowd lingered, clearly hoping for more. Bellhead delivered a show that was both intense and engaging, proving they are a must-see live act in the underground post-punk and industrial scene. If you missed them at The Annex/The Red Zone, make sure to catch them next time they come through town. You won’t be disappointed.
LOCKJAW
Lockjaw’s recent gig at The Annex/The Red Zone in Madison, WI, was nothing short of a blistering assault on the senses, and in the best possible way. Riding the energy from their 30th anniversary show and releasing a new album “Songs of Death”, Lockjaw proved why they’re one of the most exciting names in the Midwest underground keeping the local Industrial/Goth scene alive and well.
The band wasted no time launching into their set with “Combat Ready,” setting the tone for an evening of brutal riffs, punishing drums, and growling vocals that cut through the air like a chainsaw. The sound mix was impressively balanced for such an aggressive act, allowing each element of their sound to shine through without drowning out the others.
Frontman Medavon DeRaj’e commanded the stage with an intensity that had the crowd in the palm of his hand from the first guttural scream. His interaction with the audience was genuine, pulling them into the chaos and making sure no one was standing still. Guitarist Scotty Damned delivered tight, crushing riffs with precision, their chemistry on full display during intricate breakdowns and blistering solos. The rhythm section was equally powerful, with bassist Jake Steffes and drummer KW Mart locking in to create a thunderous low end that rattled the venue.
One thing that stood out was Lockjaw’s ability to maintain a relentless pace without sacrificing precision. The musicianship was top-notch throughout the performance, with each member playing their part to perfection. They navigated tempo changes and complex rhythms with ease, adding layers of depth to their brutal onslaught.
In a scene that sometimes gets overlooked, Lockjaw is proof that Wisconsin’s Industrial/Goth scene is not only surviving, but thriving. Their show at The Annex/The Red Zone was an unforgettable experience—a cathartic release of energy and passion that left everyone buzzing long after the last chord was struck. If you’re a fan of raw, unfiltered metal, Lockjaw is a must-see live act. They deliver on every front and leave nothing behind on stage.
Haunter
Emerging from the shadows like specters, Wisconsin’s own goth-pop marvel, Haunter, took the stage. The band, known for their unique blend of shadowy goth aesthetics and upbeat pop hooks, wasted no time in setting the tone for the night.
Thomas Grim commanded the stage with an enigmatic presence, dressed in all black with flashes of metallic accessories that caught the dim light. His voice ranged from delicate whispers to powerful crescendos, each note drenched in emotion. There was an intimacy to his performance, as if he were reaching out to each individual in the room…because he did! To begin the show, Grim sang while wandering into the bar area to pull extra fans into the band’s carefully crafted world. Then, he and guitarist Anthony Rivera ended the set by playing from the center of the crowd with Grim belting out “Lascivious Stimulation“.
The lighting was sparse, adding to the otherworldly ambiance. Red and blue hues bathed the band in shadow, enhancing the eerie atmosphere of their set. At times, the fog machines blurred the figures on stage, transforming them into silhouettes, which only heightened the mystique.
The set’s pacing was unrelenting, with very little respite for the audience. Haunter’s fusion of black metal, post-metal, and pop and dance elements showcased their skill in creating complex, dynamic compositions without losing the raw energy that defines their genre. The few moments of calm—when the band would drift into more atmospheric, almost ambient soundscapes—only served to make the heavier parts hit that much harder.
In a world where it can sometimes feel like music is losing its mystery, Haunter brings back a sense of the theatrical and the shadowy—without losing sight of the infectious melodies that make their songs linger long after the final note fades. For anyone in Madison lucky enough to catch this show, it was a reminder of the power live music can wield, especially when a band like Haunter takes the stage.
Regin of Z
From the moment they took the stage, Reign of Z commanded the audience’s attention. Their sound—an eclectic blend of hard rock, metal, and alt-rock—filled the room with thick, driving riffs, haunting melodies, and an unrelenting energy that never let up. Vocalist Zosia West was the focal point of the performance, her dynamic range and fierce stage presence captivating everyone in the room. Her voice moved effortlessly between ethereal highs and guttural roars, conveying raw emotion with every note.
The set opened with a bang, as the band tore into their tracks. The crushing drums and shredding guitars were complemented by West’s vocals, which oscillated between haunting and aggressive. The crowd, though not massive, was fully engaged, headbanging along and feeding off the band’s intensity. The chemistry between the band members was palpable. Guitarists Grayson Prince laid down some killer riffs and added texture and backing vocals, while bassist Stephen Berg offered a heavy foundation, driving each song with relentless precision. Drummer Amanda Blackwell provided the backbone of the set, pounding out thunderous rhythms that rattled the venue’s walls.
One of the standout moments of the night came during their performance of “Nothing Gold can Stay,” where West’s vulnerability shone through. Her connection with the audience was electric, and you could feel the raw emotion pouring out in every line. The atmosphere in the venue shifted as the crowd swayed, completely absorbed by the performance.
As the set drew to a close Reign of Z left no stone unturned, giving everything they had and then some. The crowd roared in approval, demanding more, but the band had already left their mark.
While the turnout was light, those who were there witnessed something special. Reign of Z proved themselves to be a force to be reckoned with—both in their musicianship and their stage presence. Madison may have been just another stop on their tour, but for those lucky enough to be at The Annex/The Red Zone it was a show to remember.
Julien-K
Julien-K came out swinging the moment they touched the stage, punching you in the face by starting the set with “Harmonic Disruptor”. Julien-K’s sound, a seamless blend of dark electronic beats, industrial grit, and alternative rock, reverberated through The venue’s walls, instantly drawing the crowd into their world. Lead vocalist Ryan Shuck commanded the stage with a dynamic presence, his energy was contagious, radiating through the audience as fans fed off his intensity.
The pulsating basslines and haunting synths in tracks like “Stronger without You” and “Shutdown your Soul”transformed the room into an otherworldly experience. Guitarist Amir Derakh’s unique use of digital textures alongside his guitar work added layers to the sonic atmosphere, creating a sound that was both heavy and hypnotic.
Throughout the performance, the band’s connection with the crowd was undeniable. Shuck frequently engaged with fans, reaching out over the edge of the stage and sharing personal moments of the band’s journey. There was a sense of shared experience, the kind that can only be forged in a live setting, where both band and audience fuel each other’s adrenaline.
The Annex/The Red Zone, with its small yet vibrant space, was the perfect venue for Julien-K’s sound. The intimate setting allowed the band’s textured soundscapes to envelop the audience, while the tight quarters gave the show a raw, immersive feel. The lighting design added to the atmosphere, with strobe lights cutting through the darkness, accentuating the industrial, futuristic vibe of the performance.
By the time Julien-K closed out their set, the crowd was left buzzing. As the final notes faded and the band left the stage, there was an overwhelming sense that both the audience and the performers had been part of something special.
The only downside of the night? It ended far too soon. Their final song, where they absolutely crushed it with a cover of “Blue Monday”, a crowd-pleaser that paid tribute to the group’s roots with Orgy, sent everyone home with adrenaline still pumping.
