The Melvins & Napalm Death at the Showbox

Posted on 06/11/2025 by Mike Mitchell

The Melvins and Napalm Death brought their most recent traveling metal extravaganza to a sold out Showbox last week for a cathartic night of loud and aggressive rock & roll. Australia’s Hard On’s opened the show with a well-received set of snappy punk/metal.

The tour was billed as a co-headlining affair with Napalm Death taking the stage last but I’d be willing to bet that a disproportionate number of attendees were there for the Melvins. Montesano’s finest was in excellent form with a second drummer (Coady Willis, of High On Fire and Big Business) on hand to add an extra dose of wallop to what has always been an absolutely crushing live act. Their set began with a synchronized drum intro with OG Melvins drummer Dale Crover and Willis pounding out a martial pattern that eventually led into ‘Working the Ditch’ from 2024’s ‘Tarantula Heart’. When Melvins maestro/guitar strangler/songwriter/frontman King Buzzo (aka Roger ‘Buzz’ Osborne) and Steven Shane MacDonald (of Redd Kross) joined the fray on guitar and bass respectively, the crowd roared and the room shook.

The Melvins drew from all phases of their long career during their satisfying set but avoided material from their most recent release, ‘Thunderball’. I’ve seen a lot of Melvins shows with a lot of different lineups (including the 2017 double bass tour with JD Pinkus of the Butthole Surfers) but I think this may have been my favorite outing to date. The crowd seemed to feel the same, demonstrating their appreciation with loud applause and an active pit. It should be acknowledged that the staff at the Showbox does an admirable job of helping crowd surfers safely navigate the barricade in front of the stage, providing excited and sweaty fans with a bottle of water before sending them back into the crowd.

Manchester England’s Napalm Death closed the show with an exciting and energetic set, mixing guitarist John Cooke’s sledgehammer riffs with frontman Barney Greenway’s guttural vocals. I will confess to not being able to decipher all of what Greenway was raging about during Napalm Death’s tunes but, judging from his between song banter, I feel safe assuming that it was primarily political in nature. Regardless, it made for a potent mix of instrumental heaviness crossed with an innervating and enjoyable stage presentation. I would absolutely make the effort to see Napalm Death again.

The show was opened by a fun and fast set from the Hard Ons. While the core of the band comes from Australia they’re being assisted vocally on this tour by Jerry Lang (aka ‘Jerry A’), formerly of Portland’s fondly remembered ‘Poison Idea’.

Show Review & Photos: BANKS and Absolutely @ Paramount Theatre

Posted on 06/05/2025 by Diane Webb

BANKS Launches ‘Off With Her Head’ Tour in Seattle With Cinematic Flair and Emotional Power

SEATTLE (June 4, 2025) – American singer-songwriter BANKS officially launched her Off With Her Head North American tour Wednesday night at Seattle’s Paramount Theatre, delivering an electrifying and emotionally charged performance that set the bar high for the rest of the tour. Opening support came from rising British artist Absolutely, whose gripping stage presence and inventive production stunned the crowd and signaled a promising start to the evening.

The night began with Absolutely, a British singer-songwriter whose résumé includes collaborations with major artists such as Tinashe, Rudimental, Tiesto and Louis The Child, along with songwriting credits for Normani, David Guetta and Anitta. While she may be the younger sister of powerhouse RAYE, Absolutely needs no introduction once she steps into the spotlight.

To many in the crowd, she was a new name. But by the end of her set, she had the audience firmly in her grasp. Performing songs from her 2023 album Cerebrum, as well as the upcoming single Goodbye Glitter, set to release June 13th, she also gave fans a glimpse of unreleased material slated for later this year. Each track was delivered with artistic clarity and powerful vocals.

By the time she left the stage, Absolutely had turned intrigue into admiration, establishing herself as an artist to watch closely.

When BANKS took the stage, anticipation was thick in the air. Fans had been buzzing before the show, eager to hear both new material and long-beloved hits from her catalog. She did not disappoint.

Her performance began with her seated in a transparent chair center stage, lit solely by an overhead spotlight. Later, a front spotlight joined to further illuminate her haunting presence. Dressed in a lace mini dress with a long train that swept to her left side, thigh-high lace-up boots and a white choker, she moved gracefully with a white mask in hand, using it as a choreographed prop that turned the opening into a performance art piece.

Launching her set with commanding presence, BANKS delivered a 16-track main set that drew heavily from her new album Off With Her Head, along with fan favorites from Goddess, The Altar and III. Fans’ anticipation was rewarded early with a powerful rendition of “Drowning,” one of the most discussed tracks among the crowd before the show began.

Songs from Off With Her Head included “Delulu,” “I Hate Your Ex-Girlfriend,” “Stay,” “Love Is Unkind,” and “River,” among others. One major highlight was the live debut of “Make It Up,” met with a wave of excitement from the audience.

Her stage design was stark yet sophisticated. A black grand piano rested on a riser, a digital backdrop displayed her name and shifting visuals, and floor-level strobes were positioned strategically across the stage. The lighting was a character of its own, moving through white, deep blues, flashes of yellow and purple, and rich magenta and crimson, each hue enhancing the emotional contour of her performance.

BANKS moved with effortless control. She drifted across the stage, danced with abandon, waved to adoring fans and at one point performed atop the piano. She also sat to play it, spotlighted in a moment of quiet intimacy.

In a special moment between songs, she revealed to the crowd that she has relocated to Seattle, news that sparked thunderous cheers and made the night feel even more personal to her Pacific Northwest fans.

The main set closed with high energy, and she returned for an encore featuring two beloved tracks: “Waiting Game” and “Beggin for Thread.”

Overall, the opening night of the Off With Her Head North American tour was a masterclass in immersive live performance. From the production design to vocal delivery, BANKS reminded her audience why she continues to be a vital and evolving voice in alternative pop.

Her next performance takes place June 6th in San Francisco. This tour is not one to miss.

BANKS Gallery

Absolutely Gallery

Show Review & Photos: Lords of Acid, Little Miss Nasty and DJ AlleyKat @ El Corazon

Posted on 06/04/2025 by Diane Webb

Lords of Acid Light Up Seattle with Electrifying “Praise The Lords” Tour Stop at El Corazon

Seattle (May 30, 2025) – Lords of Acid brought their Praise The Lords tour to a packed El Corazon Friday night, delivering an electrifying performance that was equal parts spectacle and sonic mayhem. Supporting acts DJ AllyKat and Little Miss Nasty set the tone for the night with high energy, unapologetic performances that primed the crowd for the techno-industrial chaos to follow.

The evening opened with a pulsing DJ set from DJ AllyKat, whose seamless mix of hypnotic trance, driving techno and high-octane dance tracks transformed the venue into a neon-lit rave. Her command of the decks and intuitive flow kept the audience in constant motion, setting a thumping foundation for the rest of the night.

Following the DJ set, the stage lights shifted and Little Miss Nasty stormed in, turning up the heat with a raunchy, high-intensity burlesque show. Their provocative choreography, seductive pole routines, and live body painting captivated the crowd. The dancers’ synchronized movements were fierce, commanding full attention as they blurred the lines between erotic art and raw empowerment.

When Lords of Acid finally took the stage, the energy in the room reached a fever pitch. This show marked their first Seattle performance since the addition of Carla Harvey, former co-vocalist of Butcher Babies, who now fronts the band. Harvey’s presence was magnetic and fierce. Her vocals added a fresh yet faithful edge to the Lords’ signature sound, showcasing a raw versatility that elevated the live performance.

Early in the set, the band encountered a brief technical delay at the end of the first song. But Harvey used the moment to connect. With charm and sincerity, she spoke about her journey from Lords of Acid fan to frontwoman, describing it as a surreal honor. She then engaged the crowd in conversation, creating an unexpected highlight when an audience member revealed it was his birthday. Without hesitation, Harvey led the crowd in an impromptu “Happy Birthday,” turning a glitch into a moment of connection and joy.

When the band launched into the track “Rubber Doll,” a plastic blow-up doll was hurled into the crowd, sending the audience into hysterics. The timing was perfect. The inflatable companion surfed the crowd for the rest of the night, passed from hand to hand as it bounced over heads, becoming an absurd and unforgettable mascot for the wild evening.

The band tore through an eclectic set packed with fan favorites. During “Worship the Lords,” Little Miss Nasty returned to the stage with a double-sided sign reading Praise the Lords on one side and Fuck the Rest on the other. The provocative display, combined with their animated dancing and middle fingers in the air, embodied the rebellious spirit of the night.

Later, during “Pussy,” Harvey invited female audience members onstage. A wave of fans rushed forward, dancing and celebrating themselves as they leaned into the moment, both literally and figuratively. The crowd interaction was electric, and the bond between performer and fan was unmistakable.

As the final notes rang out, the crowd erupted in cheers and applause, pleading for more. The band lingered briefly, shaking hands and waving to fans, before making their exit from a stage they had thoroughly conquered.

For longtime followers and new fans alike, this show was a reminder of what makes Lords of Acid iconic; boundless energy, explicit liberation and a touch of chaos. Carla Harvey’s addition to the band is not just fitting, it is inspired. Her presence breathes new life into a group already known for pushing boundaries.

The Praise The Lords tour continues through June 29th, wrapping in Las Vegas. For anyone seeking a wild, unforgettable night of music, dance and raw attitude, this tour is not to be missed.

Lords of Acid Gallery

Little Miss Nasty Gallery

Little Miss Nasty - El Corazon 2025-5-30

DJ AlleyKat Gallery

Show Review & Photos: Rolling Quartz @ El Corazon

Posted on 05/29/2025 by Diane Webb

Seattle Shakes as Rolling Quartz Unleashes Rock Fury at El Corazon

SEATTLE (May 22, 2025) – Rolling Quartz returned to Seattle on Thursday night and delivered an explosive performance at El Corazon, leaving no doubt that this all female Korean rock band was here to conquer.

Formed under Rolling Star Entertainment, Rolling Quartz, made up of members Arem, Hyunjung, Iree, Jayoung and Yeongeun, debuted in 2020 with their single “Blaze.” Since then, they have steadily built an international following, combining high octane rock with fierce stage presence and undeniable musical talent.

Their latest North American tour, “Stand Up,” has been a much anticipated event for fans across the continent. Seattle, the second to last stop before the tour finale in Vancouver, British Columbia, saw a packed crowd of devoted Diadems, the name for Rolling Quartz’s growing global fanbase. Many fans had been waiting since the band’s last Seattle appearance at the Fun House in 2023, and the excitement in the air was palpable long before the lights dimmed.

Far from showing signs of tour fatigue, the band tore into their set with an energy that felt like opening night. From the moment they stepped on stage, Rolling Quartz brought a relentless musical assault that proved their reputation as a must see live act.

The band offered multiple fan experience tiers for this tour, including meet and greets, soundcheck viewings, signed albums, and individual photo opportunities with each member. These elevated packages helped create a deeper connection between artist and audience, showcasing the band’s commitment to fan service and interaction.

While studio recordings offer a solid introduction to the band’s music, Rolling Quartz is meant to be experienced live. Their sound is loud, fast, emotionally raw and hits with even greater intensity in person. The members commanded the stage with confidence, their performance radiating throughout the venue. And the Diadems gave it right back, singing, shouting and raising their hands high in solidarity and celebration. The energy in the room was nothing short of electric.

The setlist featured powerful originals like “Blaze,” “Victory” and “Stand Up,” each one delivered with precision and passion. The band also showcased their versatility with covers that spanned genres, from Motley Crüe’s “Kickstart My Heart” to Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” and the rock ballad “Azalea” by MAYA. These familiar hits gave fans a chance to join in and belt out the lyrics, strengthening the communal spirit of the evening.

Throughout the show, guitar picks could be seen sailing over the crowd as fans scrambled to catch a piece of the moment. Each solo, whether on guitar, bass, drums or vocals, was a masterclass in technical skill and raw performance. Yet even with all the power on display, the warmth and camaraderie between band members added layers of emotional depth and authenticity to the show.

As the final notes rang out and the band took their bows, one thing was clear: Seattle had just witnessed something special. Rolling Quartz left their mark on the city once again, and fans are already eagerly awaiting their return.

With the tour having concluded in Vancouver, B.C., the “Stand Up” tour solidified Rolling Quartz as one of the most exciting international rock acts to watch. Their electrifying performances across North America, culminating in their unforgettable Seattle show, left a lasting impression on fans and cemented their reputation as a powerhouse in the global rock scene.

Make sure to connect with Rolling Quartz to stay up to date with their news at https://www.rollingquartz.live