Review & Photography by Nathan Vestal for MPM
It’s a Wednesday night in Chicago and you don’t know where your parents are, and the Concord Music Hall has transformed into a battleground, the air thick with anticipation and the unmistakable buzz of metalheads ready for war.
The opening salvo comes courtesy of Summoning the Lich, the kind of band that doesn’t just play death metal – they drag you into the underworld by the throat and make you fight your way out. They’re not here for niceties. They’re here to slay.
Summoning the Lich-The Lich Rises: Blood and Echoes
As the lights dim, a dissonant, haunting melody fills the space, and the crowd, already crammed in tight, knows what’s coming. When the first guttural growl rips through the air, it’s like the gates of hell themselves have opened. Frontman David Bruno snarls into the mic, his voice a gravelly roar that could strip paint off a wall. His bandmates, no less menacing, drop into a ferocious, blast-beat-driven assault, the guitar riffs jagged and unrelenting.
The band’s set, a whirlwind of blasting drums and chaotic riffs, never lets up. Tracks like “Descend” and “My Horrors Unending” are delivered with an almost feral intensity, each one more punishing than the last. Bruno’s growls sink into your chest like a cold, iron fist, while guitarists Nick “Muck” Muckerman and Ryan Felps create a wall of distortion that feels like it’s physically pressing in on you. The tempo switches from pulverizing fast to doom-laden slow, the kind of groove that hits like a wrecking ball.
But it’s the drums that truly carry the violence of Summoning the Lich’s set. TJ Chilton behind the kit, is a force of nature –his blast beats are so fast they become a blur, a relentless barrage that mimics the feeling of being trapped in a storm, unable to escape. The crowd, hands up and headbanging in unison, becomes part of the chaos, as if the music is coursing through them like an electric current.
As their set comes to a close, the air feels heavier, drenched in sweat and the last remnants of their savage sound. They might not have had the longest set, but Summoning the Lich proved they don’t need one. In their few short songs, the St. Louis-based band delivered a brutal, unrelenting message: they belong here, with the giants of death metal.
The crowd, still reeling from the opening battering, begins to murmur in eager anticipation.
BRAT – Chaos with Teeth and Lipstick
BRAT followed like a Molotov cocktail thrown into a chemistry lab. The New Orleans quartet swaggered onstage with nothing to prove and everything to say. Bringing their trademark brand of barbiegrind/bimboviolence deathcore, but this time, the show came with an unexpected twist. The crowd was fired up, eager for the electric energy the band is known for, but the evening’s performance was somewhat tempered by the fact that the lead vocalist Liz Selfish was battling an illness. Early in the set, she addressed the audience, explaining that she wasn’t feeling well and, as a result, would be holding back on her usual vocal intensity.
While it was clear that the singer was doing her best to push through, the reduced vocal performance did have an impact on the overall dynamic of the show. BRAT’s frontwoman is known for her distinctive voice and commanding stage presence, and her performance at less than 100% meant the high, screeching notes and passionate choruses that fans expected were dialed back considerably. At times, the audience could feel the void where her usual vocal power would have filled the space.
However, BRAT wasn’t going to let this setback stop them. The band’s instrumental section was on fire. Brenner Moate’s guitar riffs were razor-sharp and infectious, Ian Hennessey’s bass was heavy and pulsating, and Dustin Eagan’s drums were a driving force that kept the momentum going. Even without the full force of their frontwoman’s voice, the band’s technical skill and chemistry as a unit shone through. Guitar solos soared, and the rhythm section worked tirelessly to maintain that signature raw energy that BRAT is known for.
The crowd, clearly understanding the situation, was incredibly supportive. Fans cheered louder than ever during the instrumental breaks, and you could tell they were just excited to be in the room with a band that’s been a staple of the metal scene for years. There were even a few moments when the crowd tried to fill in for the singer, singing along to their favorite tracks, making it feel like a communal experience.
But despite the challenges, BRAT showed what they’re truly made of. The resilience of the band was evident as they powered through the set, refusing to let anything dampen the night. They may not have delivered the full vocal spectacle fans were hoping for, but what they did offer was a testament to their professionalism and commitment to putting on a show, no matter the circumstances.
The set list was solid, covering a mix of older fan favorites and newer material that showed the band’s growth. Highlights included their hits like “Slow Heat” and “Truncheon” both of which had the crowd jumping and singing along, and despite the lead singer’s struggle, there were moments where the band’s collective energy was enough to make up for the vocal limitations. By the end of the night, the audience was still on their feet, applauding a band that had given it their all in the face of adversity.
While it wasn’t the full-throttle BRAT experience that fans have come to expect, it was still a memorable night. It’s always tough when a band’s lead singer is under the weather, but BRAT showed their true spirit and commitment to their fans, delivering a performance that was still impressive despite the circumstances. Here’s hoping they’ll return soon, healthy and ready to rock at full force once again.
Powerglove – Virtuosity Wrapped in Nostalgia
In a scene increasingly defined by genre-blending chaos, Powerglove’s performance as support for Nekrogoblikon felt like the sonic equivalent of a demolition derby. The Boston-based band, known for fusing heavy metal with video game soundtracks, once again proved they are more than just a gimmick. They’re a powerhouse that owns the stage with the kind of technical precision and ferocious energy most bands only dream of.
From the moment the lights dropped, Powerglove hit the stage like a freight train. The opening riff of “Guile’s Theme” cut through the air like a samurai sword slicing through fog. As the first notes reverberated off the walls of the venue, it was clear this wasn’t going to be a night of cutesy cosplay and pixelated nostalgia. This was power metal with a purpose—an all-out blitzkrieg of shredding guitars, rapid-fire drumming, and melodies that could score the end of the world. The band doesn’t just wear their love for video games on their sleeves; they inject it into their music with a kind of reckless abandon that pulls you in and doesn’t let go.
Guitarists Alex Berkson and Bassil Silver better known in the world of nerd metal as “The Shred Masters”) unleashed a barrage of solos that were nothing short of insane. There’s something intoxicating about watching two players in lockstep, not just trading licks but pushing each other to greater heights of virtuosity. The crowd, mostly here to see the night’s headliners, couldn’t help but get swept up in Powerglove’s fury. And with good reason. It’s easy to write off a band that wraps their music in 8-bit pixel art and “gaming culture” references, but Powerglove has spent the last two decades honing their craft to the point where the melodies feel more like a weapon than a nostalgic gimmick.
Track after track, Powerglove moved through their setlist with the precision of a well-oiled machine, each song louder and more aggressive than the last. “Super Smash Bros. Theme” (an epic reimagining of the iconic video game soundtrack) saw the crowd erupting in cheers with every distorted chug.
The band’s commitment to their high-energy performance was relentless. There were no “slow” moments, no breaks for banter or for a sip of water. Every riff, every beat, every scream of the vocals was a statement. Even when they broke into the unexpected “Pokémon theme” cover—yes, you read that correctly—what could have been a cheeky novelty turned into a testament to the band’s willingness to push the limits of what metal can be. They didn’t just play the song; they tore it apart and rebuilt it into something unrecognizable, something feral.
Yet, what set Powerglove apart wasn’t just their musical chops. It was their attitude. The band wasn’t there to entertain, they were there to dominate, and it was clear they relished every second of it. There’s a gritty, no-holds-barred quality to Powerglove’s live performance that makes you feel like you’re in a back alley with the band, battling through the ruins of some post-apocalyptic wasteland. And even as the crowd’s energy inevitably tilted towards the headliner, Powerglove commanded respect—every headbanging fan was there not just to catch a glimpse of the band, but to see them on that stage.
Powerglove ended with a dramatic version of “The Power Rangers Theme,” clearly making them the highlight of the night. In many ways, their performance was the perfect warm-up for Nekrogoblikon, a band that thrives on chaos, theatricality, and relentless aggression. But Powerglove didn’t need theatrics; their music was the spectacle.
What was most remarkable about Powerglove’s set wasn’t just how well they executed their niche but how effortlessly they transcended it. Sure, there were moments of playful references to the games that inspired them, but there was also a kind of raw, untamed energy that reminded you that metal, at its core, is about pushing boundaries. Powerglove doesn’t just want to be the “game soundtrack band”—they want to rip your face off with virtuosity, drive, and a visceral, in-your-face intensity.
As the lights dimmed and the stage emptied for Nekrogoblikon to take over, it was clear that Powerglove had left their mark. The band may not have been the headliner, but by the time they left the stage, they’d already won the crowd’s heart. Powerglove is no longer a novelty act or a one-trick pony—they’re a bona fide force in the metal scene. If anything, their performance at The Concord only solidified their place as one of the genre’s most unique and relentless bands.
In a world where genre definitions often get blurry, Powerglove continues to redefine what it means to be a “nerd” metal band. They aren’t just playing the game—they’re setting the high score.
Nekrogoblikon – The Gospel According to Goblin
And then, the lights went green.
In the wild world of heavy metal, few bands have earned their reputation through sheer, unrelenting chaos as Nekrogoblikon. They are the sonic embodiment of a circus gone wrong—a twisted blend of metalcore, melodic death metal, and unfiltered madness. Nekrogoblikon proved once again that they aren’t just a band, they’re an institution of madness—a force of nature capable of devouring everything in its path and spitting out pure, unadulterated energy.
As the venue darkened and the first eerie notes of “Darkness” echoed through the speakers, the crowd knew they were about to be taken on a ride through the bizarre and the brutal. Right out of the gate, Nekrogoblikon brought their A-game. The opening riff of “Dressed as Goblins” sliced through the air, and within seconds, the crowd—already wild from the explosive Powerglove set—was whipped into a frenzy. From there, the band tore through their set with ferocity and energy that felt less like a concert and more like an uprising.
Nekrogoblikon isn’t a band that requires a lot of introductions. They’re a living, breathing cartoon of metal—excessive, comedic, and wonderfully absurd—but there’s a depth behind the madness that’s easy to overlook. As their goblin-clad frontman, John Goblikon (yes, that’s his stage name, and yes, it’s as perfect as it sounds), lurched around the stage with a frenzied energy that bordered on unhinged, it was clear: This band doesn’t just put on a show; they’re here to drag you into their world of guttural screams, face-melting solos, and full-throttle chaos.
The band’s lineup—comprising guitarists, bassists, a drummer, and the infamous Goblin King himself—delivered a performance that was as tight as it was explosive. The riffage was relentless, sharp, and dirty, with each guitar solo cutting through the thick layer of chaos like a scythe through fog. Their blend of technical precision and raw aggression is what sets Nekrogoblikon apart from their peers. While their thematic absurdity often leads people to think of them as a joke band, these guys are no slouches. Whether they were battering the audience with the melodic riffs of “Dressed as Goblins“ or plunging into the punishing breakdowns of “Fiend,” it was clear that their musicianship was as serious as their commitment to insanity.
But what truly elevates Nekrogoblikon’s live show to another level is their ability to balance that chaotic energy with moments of sheer brilliance. Their heavy riffing is often peppered with surprising melodic elements that sneak in when you least expect them. During “Show me Your Goblin”—arguably the band’s signature anthem—the song’s catchy, infectious hooks came as a surprise to first-time listeners, cutting through the barrage of blast beats and guttural vocals like a light at the end of a tunnel. Even during their unrelenting onslaught, they were able to weave in moments of sheer, anthemic beauty that made the crowd’s response more visceral.
Despite the madness, Nekrogoblikon are masters of crowd engagement. They’re not just a band playing songs, they’re instigators, pushing the crowd into a frenzy and inviting them to get as loud and as insane as possible. Goblikon’s antics, running through the crowd like a deranged ringmaster, goaded fans into headbanging, moshing, and screaming in unison. It’s the kind of show where you’re not just a spectator, you’re a participant in the madness. When the band launched into “No One Survives“ the pit exploded, the entire venue transforming into a blur of bodies and limbs as everyone screamed the chorus like their very lives depended on it.
Even with the chaos onstage, there’s an undeniable sense of calculated disarray. It’s easy to dismiss Nekrogoblikon’s act as pure novelty—after all, who else is crazy enough to wrap an entire career around goblin-themed absurdity—but that’s where the brilliance lies. There’s a method to their madness. Beneath the goblin mask, the absurd lyrics, and the crowd-surfing shenanigans, the band is built on a foundation of hard-hitting metal, and that’s something the audience can’t ignore. They’ve earned their place in the annals of extreme metal not through gimmicks alone, but through a commitment to their craft, a knack for creating music that’s as technically proficient as it is insane.
And yet, Nekrogoblikon isn’t just about the music. It’s about the experience—the unrelenting energy, infectious enthusiasm, and the complete absurdity of it all. There’s something cathartic about watching a room full of people, all dressed in their best concert attire, lose their minds to the ridiculous, over-the-top theatrics that the band thrives on. They take their audience on a ride through all the highs and lows of their unhinged world, and by the end of the night, you’re left wondering if you’ve just witnessed the best live show of your life—or if you’ve had a near-death experience in a mosh pit. It’s hard to tell.
The setlist was a perfect representation of the band’s career—packed with the signature tracks that fans have come to expect: “The Many Faces of Dr. Hubert Malbec“ and “Bones“ were standouts, each song demanding that the crowd lose themselves in the moment. But it was the newer material, like “This is it“ that proved just how far the band has evolved since their earlier, more chaotic days. The tracks were heavier, faster, and more intricately composed, showing that Nekrogoblikon isn’t just resting on their goblin laurels—they’re pushing the boundaries of what they can do, both musically and theatrically.
As the show reached its frenzied peak, the night ended in a fitting crescendo, with Goblikon and the band throwing their final chaotic riff at the crowd, leaving The Concord viBRATing with a kind of frantic energy that lingers long after the lights go up. If there’s one thing about Nekrogoblikon, it’s that they never let you leave their world without a taste of their madness lingering in your soul.
In the end, Nekrogoblikon’s show at The Concord on October 22, 2025, wasn’t just a concert, it was an event. It was a reminder of why we love metal: because it can be brutal, funny, dark, and exhilarating all at once. It was messy, it was absurd, and it was exactly what the metal scene needed to remind us that no one does it quite like these goblins. They are the kings of chaos, the masters of madness, and the band that keeps us all coming back for more, no matter how insane it gets
