The Story So Far have announced a headlining tour across the U.S. this fall.

Revealed today, the band’s headlining trek will kick off on November 21 inside Nashville’s Marathon Music Works, and it’ll conclude with a stop at The Masonic in San Francisco on December 14. Joining The Story So Far as support on this trek are Superheaven and Koyo.

Tour dares can be seen here. Tickets will go on sale to the general public this Friday (August 23) at 10 a.m. local time, but pre-sale tickets will go live this Wednesday (August 21) at 10 a.m. local time. Sign ups for pre-sale tickets can be made here.

The Story So Far will be touring in support of their new album I Want to Disappear, which was released in June via Pure Noise Records. Last year, Superheaven toured to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their debut album Jar. Koyo will be touring in support of their debut album Would You Miss It?.

The Story So Far tour dates

November 21 – Nashville, TN – Marathon Music Works

November 22 – Chicago, IL – Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom

November 23 – Columbus, OH – KEMBA! Live

November 24 – Buffalo, NY – RiverWorks

November 26 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore Silver Spring

November 27 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway

November 29 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Paramount

December 1 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore Philadelphia

December 3 – Atlanta, GA – Coca-Cola Roxy

December 4 – Orlando, FL – Hard Rock Live

December 6 – Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center

December 7 - San Antonio, TX – Boeing Center at Tech Port

December 8 – Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Factory

December 10 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren

December 12 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Palladium

December 14 – San Francisco, CA – The Masonic

Headline tour in the Fall with Superheaven and Koyo. We hope to see you there. Sign up for presale at https://t.co/iuH53IJTnB pic.twitter.com/XA9MQ101k3

— The Story So Far (@thestorysofarca) August 19, 2024

Anime streaming service Crunchyroll has announced the home video schedule for November.

The biggest reveal is the Blu-Ray release of Attack on Titan Final Season THE FINAL CHAPTERS on November 26. This special Blu-ray and DVD combo will feature a 148-page art book, a 32-page digibook, several art cards, and two exclusive Titan enamel pins. Dragon Ball fans will be pleased to learn the complete series of Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball Super will be released on November 5 as Crunchyroll Store Exclusives.

Other titles being released in November include One Piece Film Red, Space Dandy - The Complete Series, and Samurai Champloo - The Complete Series. The entire schedule can be seen below. Pre-orders can be made here.

Crunchyroll November 2024 home video schedule

November 5, 2024

Dragon Ball Super - The Complete Series – Blu-ray (Crunchyroll Store Exclusive)

Dragon Ball Z - The Complete Series – Blu-ray (Crunchyroll Store Exclusive)

One Piece Film Red – 4K UHD SteelBook with Blu-ray Combo

Planetes - The Complete Series – Blu-ray

PSYCHO-PASS Season 1 – Blu-ray

PSYCHO-PASS Season 2 – Blu-ray

PSYCHO-PASS: Providence - Limited Edition – Blu-ray

PSYCHO-PASS: Providence – Blu-ray

Samurai Champloo - The Complete Series - Limited Edition – Blu-ray (Crunchyroll Store Exclusive)

November 12, 2024

Afro Samurai: The Complete Series + Movie – Blu-ray SteelBook

Space Dandy - The Complete Series – Blu-ray

The Saint's Magic Power is Omnipotent Season 2 – Blu-ray

November 26, 2024

Attack on Titan Final Season THE FINAL CHAPTERS - Limited Edition – Blu-ray/DVD Combo

Attack on Titan Final Season THE FINAL CHAPTERS – Blu-ray/DVD Combo

Rising Canadian singer-songwriter Annabel Gutherz has unveiled their new single "Showtime, Baby!" today.

The artist said this about the new single:

"If life is a stage, am I always performing? This is a central question in 'Showtime, Baby!,' where I explore the tension between living authentically for myself and living to meet others' expectations. It addresses the fray of seeking approval and belonging while striving to be truly seen and understood for who I am. Ultimately, I've learned that prioritizing my own feelings and experiences is essential, as it's the only way to lead my every day with purpose and meaning and foster deep happiness."

"Showtime, Baby!" is out on digital services right now.

SHOWTIME, BABY!
Out Now, and with a question I’ve returned to often: Do I live for myself or do I live for others?
I’m so excited to share this little piece of my heart with you, and can’t wait to perform it live soon!!! pic.twitter.com/k0gWFtv0Oy

— Annabel Gutherz (@AnnabelGutherz) August 16, 2024

Lonely Mountains: Downhill developers Megagon Industries has announced a follow-up title for those in love with snowy mountains.

Revealed yesterday, Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders will be released later this year on PC. The skiing title will feature co-op and verses online multiplayer. An announcement trailer can be seen here.

A synopsis for Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders reads:

Take a deep breath, count to three, and… go! Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders is a game about skiing down gorgeous mountain vistas. Slice through deep snow, skitter over ice lakes, and leap into the air in spectacular jumps, all surrounded by a variety of breathtaking landscapes. 

Fancy a challenge? Perform daredevil tricks or try to best your time for a spot on the leaderboard. Or you can take the road less travelled, discovering shortcuts as you explore the slope. Bring friends along for the ride in the new online multiplayer modes, working your way down together as a team or competing in a race to the base. 

Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders can be wishlisted on Steam right now here. Lonely Mountains: Downhill is currently on sale for $4.99 on Steam until August 29.

We are extremely happy to announce Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders, the skiing follow-up to Lonely Mountains: Downhill. This time with co-op and versus multiplayer!

Ready to hit the slopes?
🏔️ Wishlist now: https://t.co/Ky04BUSgoe pic.twitter.com/1zy1cjFW4e

— Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders - Wishlist now! (@LonelyMnts) August 15, 2024

Another exciting title in the Two Point series will be released soon.

Announced on Wednesday, Two Point Museum will find players crafting the perfect museum for attendees. To have the best museum, however, you’ll need to recruit a grand team of specialists to grab rare artifacts to make your museum stand out. An announcement trailer can be seen here.

A synopsis for Two Point Museum reads:

Send experts on expeditions, decorate dinosaur bones, and uncover amazing artifacts in this thrilling and innovative management sim from the creators of Two Point Hospital and Two Point Campus.

Using the brand-new world map, venture far and wide to undiscovered areas in your quest to find unusual relics in various styles and rarity types to decorate your museum.

As you unearth strange exhibits, the endless star scoring system encourages you to tweak the layout of your museum depending on what you discover. You’ll need to revisit your old collections, showcase your new finds and change your strategy as you push your mega-museum towards becoming Two Point County’s star attraction.

There’s always plenty to do in Two Point Museum as you also need to keep staff happy, guests entertained, donations plentiful… and children off the exhibits!

Two Point Museum is slated for release on PC, PlayStation 5. and Xbox Series X/S. An exact release date will be announced soon. The game will be featured on Xbox’s Gamescom livestream next Thursday (August 22). More information about Two Point Museum can be found here.

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You can’t spell Museum without you and me! 🦕

Curate chaos as you design your perfect museum, offer the best in guestertainment and explore Two Point County… and beyond!

Wishlist now 💚👇 pic.twitter.com/PUaMnL2WIs

— Two Point Museum 🔜 Gamescom 🦕✨ (@TwoPointStudios) August 14, 2024

Echo Park Rising returns tomorrow (August 17) for a day of free entertainment in Echo Park.

The one-day event, which launched back in 2011, is a celebration of local businesses and musicians in the region. When it comes to live music, there’s plenty of acts showcasing their talents at various venues. The Semi Tropic will host performances inside and outside with acts such as Molly Horses, Dream Phases, and Roy Lacroix. The Echo and The Echoplex will also have two separate lineups of shows with acts such as Outwest, Object of Affection, and Miya Folick performing throughout the day. Other venues slated to have live performances include Little Joy Cocktails, The Short Stop, and Bar Flores.

Aside from live entertainment, several stores will have special sales throughout the day. The entire schedule, including deals, can be seen here. While Echo Park Rising is an all-ages event, some areas are 21+.

Previous installments of Echo Park Rising saw performances from Charles Bradley, Rosie Tucker, and Chicano Batman. More information about Echo Park Rising can be found here.

Rhythm JRPG Keylocker will launch on consoles and PC next month.

Revealed today, the title will have a September 16th release on the PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X/S, and PC (via Steam). A new trailer for the game can be seen here.

A synopsis for the game, which is developed by Moonana and published by Serenity Forge, reads:

In the dystopian metropolis of Saturn, a tyrannical regime has silenced all sound - making music is against the law. B0B0, a bold singer and songwriter must take the fate of Saturn into her hands to dismantle the corrupt government through tactical battles, navigating real-time executions of moves in a rhythm game style to triumph over adversaries, uncovering the mysteries of the city and its overlords and headline concerts with her band’s pulse-pounding electronic jams.

Inspired by classics like the Mario & Luigi RPG series and Chrono Trigger, Keylocker effortlessly combines the charm of physical comedy with rich storytelling and challenging strategic mechanics. This genre-defying mix of JRPG, narrative and rhythm elements promises an unforgettable experience.

Keylocker can be wishlisted here. A demo is currently available on Steam right now here.

Attention, rebels of Saturn! 🎸⚡

The wait is over🎤✨Keylocker will launch on September 18th on #NintendoSwitch, #PS5, #Xbox and #PC!

Dive into @moonana_ ’s cyberpunk world, where music is outlawed, and only the bold dare to rebel.✨https://t.co/qvjQw9CG7L pic.twitter.com/gOXyqF0KzX

— Serenity Forge (@SerenityForge) August 15, 2024

Tomb Raider Experience Seattle: Escape from the Temple of Fire will be available to the public soon.

Revealed today, the experience will launch this October near Pike Place Market. PAX West attendees will get the first shot at pre-sale tickets for this event at their official booth located on Level 4 of the Arch Building in the Atrium Lobby, near the Grand Staircase (Area S3). Each pre-sale ticket sold at the convention will also include exclusive, limited-edition merchandise. The official booth will also feature photo ops with Lara Croft cosplay ambassador Phia.cos as well as giveaways and behind the scenes looks at the forthcoming experience.

Those unable to attend PAX West can head here to sign up for pre-sale tickets starting on August 28. Pre-sale tickets will go live to the general public on September 3.

DSA Director of Public Relations James Sido said this about the live experience:

“The TOMB RAIDER Experience Seattle is going to be a terrific addition to the neighborhood. And it adds to the roster of unique, fun and interesting things you can only experience in downtown Seattle.”

A description of Tomb Raider Experience Seattle: Escape from the Temple of Fire reads:

Daring adventurers will help Lara Croft protect a powerful artifact in an ancient volcanic temple while being hunted by the sinister Natla Technologies. But participants in this 90+ minute experience will find themselves contending with something even more daunting than evil scientists—the fiery Cherufe. The Cherufe is a legendary creature of folklore from the indigenous Mapuche people of Chile, dwelling in the magma pools of volcanoes and causing eruptions… unless appeased with a sacrifice.

Hourglass Attractions is proud to partner with Crystal Dynamics to pull the iconic TOMB RAIDER franchise out of video game consoles and into Seattle’s downtown waterfront. With the new waterfront redevelopment project fully underway and slated for completion in early 2025, this new TOMB RAIDER experience will be one of many exciting destinations for visitors and locals alike to enjoy along the new pedestrian-friendly “front porch of our city.”

Four-day and single-day badges for PAX West 2024 are on sale to the general public right now here. More information about the convention can be found here. PAX West 2024 takes place at the Seattle Convention Center from August 30 through September 2.

Epic Games Store has been delivering a slew of weekly free games, and next week, one recent survival horror game will be available.

Revealed today, The Callisto Protocol will be available for free on the service from August 22 through August 29 alongside Gigantic: Rampage Edition. Released in 2022, The Callisto Protocol is considered the spiritual successor of the popular Dead Space series. The game was originally slated to be part of the PUBG: Battlegrounds universe before becoming its own thing. The Callisto Protocol director Glen Schofield gained backlash online after proudly celebrating putting the game’s staff through crunch; they quickly apologized.

A synopsis for The Callisto Protocol reads:

In this narrative-driven, third-person survival horror game set 300 years in the future, the player will take on the role of Jacob Lee – a victim of fate thrown into Black Iron Prison, a maximum-security penitentiary located on Jupiter's moon, Callisto. When inmates begin to transform into monstrous creatures, the prison is thrown into chaos. To survive, Jacob must battle his way to safety to escape Black Iron Prison, while uncovering the dark and disturbing secrets buried beneath the surface of Callisto.

Hip hop artist Lyrics Born will conclude their career with one last record.

Revealed today, Goodbye, Sticky Rice will be released on October 10 via Lyrics Born’s own Mobile Home Recordings. A new single from the album titled “Take It 2 Far” can be heard here.

Lyrics Born said this about unveiling their final album:

“I’m gonna take an indefinite hiatus from releasing albums. Goodbye Sticky Rice will be my 16th. I think that’s enough for now.”

Lyrics Born will embark on one final tour before bidding farewell to their music career. The trek features a slew of dates in the West Coast with more dates being revealed soon. Tour dates can be seen below. Tickets are on sale to the general public right now here. The artist said this about their final shows:

“We are gigging, we are indulging, we are naming names, we are crying in the middle of the room, and somebody might end up pregnant. Come say good-bye to the kiddo one last time!"

Outside of music, Lyrics Born found success on YouTube with their cooking show Dinner in Place, which earned a 2024 Telly Award as a Silver Winner in the Food & Beverage – Online category. The artist said this about their successful series:

"The series has received millions of views across platforms and Season Five is on the way! It’s really been rewarding to use all those other sides of my creative brain. I'm so honored to have received the Telly for Dinner In Place: Season 4. WOW! We had so much fun and cooked up some delicious meals with friends. WAIT TIL Y’ALL SEE WHAT WE GOT COOKIN FOR SEASON 5!”

San Francisco post-punk outfit Octavian Winters and NYC synth rock band Black Rose Burning will join forces for a trek along the West Coast this fall.

The trek kicks off on September 27 at Las Vegas’ Sinwave, and it’ll conclude on October 3 at Reno’s Alturas Bar Cellar Stage. Tour dates can be seen below. Tickets are on sale to the general public right now here.

Octavian Winters will be supporting their debut EP The Line or The Curve, which is out now on Stratis Capta Records. Black Rose Burning will be supporting their latest album Ad Astra.

Octavian Winters, Black Rose Burning tour dates

Sept 27 LAS VEGAS - Sinwave

Sept 28 LAS ANGELES - Stardust Club

Sept 29 SACRAMENTO - Cafe Colonial

Oct. 01 OAKLAND - Thee Stork Club

Oct. 02 CHICO - Naked Lounge

Oct. 03 RENO - Alturas Bar Cellar Stage

Oct. 19 SAN FRANCISCO - The Gathering Of The Goths Halloween Festival (Octavian Winters only)

Influential noise rock band The Jesus Lizard delivered another taste of their forthcoming album Rack today.

The song "Moto(R)" arrives with a visual directed by Jon Tucker. The video, which can be seen here, features footage from the band’s recent performances. Pre-orders for Rack, which is The Jesus Lizard’s first studio album in 26 years, can be made here. The 11-track album will be released on September 13 via Ipecac Recordings.

The Jesus Lizard will spent the rest of 2024 touring the U.S. with additional dates in the country along with U.K. stops in 2025. Tour dates can be seen below. Tickets are on sale to the general public right now here.

The Jesus Lizard tour dates

September 7 Raleigh, NC Hopscotch Music Festival

September 26 Cincinnati, OH Bogart’s

September 28 Chicago, IL Warm Love Cool Dreams

October 13 Las Vegas, NV Best Friends Forever Music Festival

October 31 Dallas, TX Longhorn Ballroom

November 1 Austin, TX Levitation / The Far Out Lounge

December 9 Pittsburgh, PA Stage AE

December 11 Brooklyn, NY Brooklyn Steel

December 12 Boston, MA Roadrunner

December 13 Philadelphia, PA Union Transfer

December 14 Washington, DC Black Cat

December 15 Washington, DC Black Cat

December 18 Atlanta, GA Variety Playhouse

January 7 Glasgow, UK QMU

January 8 Manchester, UK Academy 2

January 9 Leeds, UK Brudenell Social Club

January 10 Bristol, UK The Fleece

January 11 London, UK Electric Ballroom

January 12 Brighton, UK Concorde 2

January 14 Belfast, UK The Limelight

January 15 Dublin, IE Button Factory

January 16 Dublin, IE Button Factory

May 2 Solana Beach, CA Belly Up Tavern

May 3 Los Angeles, CA The Fonda Theatre

May 5 San Francisco, CA The Fillmore

May 8 Portland, OR Revolution Hall

May 10 Seattle, WA Neptune Theatre

May 11 Seattle, WA Neptune Theatre

Grammy-nominated band Avenged Sevenfold are going back to their earlier days for a special 25th anniversary show.

Announced yesterday, Avenged Sevenfold will perform at The Observatory in Santa Ana on Friday, October 25. For their anniversary set, the band will perform songs from Waking the Fallen and City of Evil. Avenged Sevenfold will be opening for Death by Stereo, which is a callback to the band’s early days of playing shows in the region. Avenged Sevenfold vocalist M. Shadows appeared on Death by Stereo’s 2005 studio album Death for Life.

$25 tickets for the show will go on sale to the general public this Friday (August 16) at 10 a.m. PST with a two ticket max limit. In order to purchase tickets, you’ll have to be a member of Avenged Sevenfold’s Deathbats Club. More information about joining the fan club can be found here.

Death By Stereo’s last studio album was 2020’s We're All Dying Just in Time. Avenged Sevenfold have been on the road plugging their recent album Life Is But a Dream...

This year’s L.A. Comic Con will debut a massive esports tournament for women.

Revealed today, Gonna Need Milk will collaborate with the popular convention for its inaugural Milk Cup LAN Fortnite Championship taking place on Saturday, October 5. The tournament will bring together 99 of the best women gamers competing for their share of the $250,000 prize pool, which is the biggest women’s esports prize pool in North American history. The event will take place at L.A. Comic Con’s Gaming Hall.

Milk Teen Ticket for fans ages 13-17 will be available for younger fans wanting to check out the tournament. This ticket is on sale for $30, and it’ll include access to all three days of L.A. Comic Con. Those unable to attend the convention can stream it on Twitch starting at 1 p.m. More information about the Milk Cup LAN Fortnite Championship can be found here.

Chris DeMoulin, CEO at Comikaze Entertainment, L.A. Comic Con’s parent company said this about the tournament:

“We are thrilled to host The Milk Cup at this year’s show. We believe this tournament is not just about competition, it’s about creating opportunities and helping empower a community where women in gaming can thrive. We are honored to be a part of such a historic event.”

Jennifer Grubb, Senior Marketing Manager at MilkPEP also said:

“Women make up nearly half of the gaming community, yet they represent only a small fraction of professional gamers. The Milk Cup is our way of changing that narrative by offering new and inclusive opportunities that support women in esports. Beyond the event, dairy milk provides essential nutrients to support gamers, like high-quality protein, calcium, and vitamins B12 and D, crucial for brain health, focus, and sustained energy.”

Three-day and single day passes as well as VIP passes for the three-day convention can be purchased here. L.A. Comic Con will take place from October 4 through October 6 at the L.A. Convention Center in Los Angeles. Our coverage of last year’s event can be seen here.

Brooklyn power pop band Onesie have delivered their new single “Gift of Gab.”

The track was recorded during the recording sessions of Onesie’s last studio album Liminal Hiss but didn’t make it on the record. The tune features a slew of pop culture references, including Taco Bell and Saturday Night Live. Vocalist Ben Haberland said this about the song, which is out on digital services right now:

“I love wacky juxtaposition and specific references, but I found myself second guessing duct taping together all these disparate entities…Instagram, Saturday Night Live, Madison Square Garden, Kentucky Fried Chicken and especially Taco Bell - in both full name and acronym form. Was it too goofy? Flash forward a few months ago, I found myself re obsessed with Supertramp's Breakfast In America. On "Gone Hollywood", a lyric sprang forth that had escaped me all these years: I'm in this dumb motel near the Taco Bell. Without a hope in hell. I can't believe that I'm still around. Then, a week later, a neighbor asked us to sit their cats named "Taco" and "Bell". The signs were accruing. The band unearthed it at practice and it sounded so vicious and fresh - very different from the rest of our usual set fodder. It was reborn.”

In the following months, Onesie will have a string of performances in the Northeast. Tour dates can be seen below. Tickets are on sale to the general public right now.

Onesie tour dates

September 7: Summer Saturdays at 18th Ward, Brooklyn, NY
September 22: Sleepwalk, Brooklyn, NY
September 26: Cafe Nine, New Haven, CT
September 27: News Cafe, Providence, RI
September 28: The Raven, Worcester, MA
October 25: Our Wicked Lady, Brooklyn, NY
November 14: The Broadway, Brooklyn, NY

Multi-instrumentalist Madeline Johnston bka Midwife has delivered their new single “Vanessa” today.

The song, which can be heard here, is a song about the loss of something close to you. Midwife named the song after their beloved minivan, which is no longer in service.

“Vanessa” comes from Midwife’s forthcoming studio album No Depression in Heaven, which will be released on September 6 via The Flenser. Pre-orders for the record can be made here. The artist said this about their new album:

“It’s about the transient nature of what we do,” Johnston says. “Our bodies are vessels –– our bodies are, together, a vessel, a vehicle, and that togetherness allows us to become something larger than ourselves in the slipstream of the unconscious, droving.”

Midwife will join Blood Incantation on their previously announced tour across North America this fall. On September 8, the artist will hold their No Depression in Heaven record release show at Denver’s Bluebird Theater. On September 13, they’ll be part of Crucialfest in Salt Lake City alongside Mars Red Sky and Howling Giant. Tour dates can be seen below. Tickets are on sale to the general public right now here.

Midwife tour dates

Sep 08: Denver, CO @ Bluebird Theater

Sep 13: SLC, UT @ Crucialfest

Nov 07: Portland, OR - Hawthorne ~

Nov 08: Vancouver, BC - The Rickshaw ~

Nov 09: Seattle, WA - Substation ~

Nov 11: Berkeley, CA - Cornerstone ~

Nov 12: Los Angeles, CA - The Regent Theater ~

Nov 13: Tucson, AZ - 191 Toole ~

Nov 15: Austin, TX - Come and Take It ~

Nov 16: Dallas, TX - Echo ~

Nov 18: Atlanta, GA - Masquerade ~

Nov 19: Tampa. FL - The Orpheum ~

Nov 21: Asheville, NC - Orange Peel ~

Nov 22: Richmond, VA - Canal Club ~

Nov 23: Baltimore, MD - Baltimore Soundstage ~

Nov 25: Philadelphia, PA - Underground Arts ~

Nov 26: Brooklyn, NY - (Absolute) Elsewhere ~

Nov 27: Boston, MA - Brighton Music Hall ~

Nov 29: Montreal, QC - Fairmount ~

Nov 30: Toronto, ON - Lee's Palace ~

Dec 01: Detroit, MI - Magic Stick ~

Dec 03: Chicago, IL - Metro ~

Dec 04: Minneapolis, MN - Fine Line ~

Dec 05: Omaha, NE - Bourbon Theater ~

~ w/ Blood Incantation

Los Angeles always has a plethora of events going down at every corner. Whether it’s a convention or some local stand-up comedy, there’s always something to do if you’re looking to leave the house. We look at some of the best events going down in Los Angeles this week (August 12 through August 18).

Wednesday, August 14

Herbie Hancock @ Hollywood Bowl (2301 Highland Ave.)
Doors: 6 p.m. (tickets)

Herbie Hancock will celebrate the 50th anniversary of 12th studio album Head Hunters by reuniting with Head Hunters collaborators Harvey Mason, Bennie Maupin, and Bill Summers (alongside bassist Marcus Miller filling in for the late Paul Jackson) for a special one-time-only performance.

ROSiE, Chloe Coover @ Zebulon (2478 Fletcher Dr.)
Doors: 7:30 p.m. 21+ (free tickets)

If you're in the mood for a show that won't hit your wallet, Zebulon will host a slew of local musical acts for a free event. ROSiE, Mary, Chloe Coover, Pretty R1cky, and DJ Jordan Heyser will perform.

Thursday, August 15

Megadeth, Mudvayne @ YouTube Theater (1011 Stadium Dr.)
Doors: 6:30 p.m. (tickets)

Megadeth will have their second stop at YouTube Theater on their current tour this Thursday. Much like their first appearance last Friday, tickets for Thursday’s show are looking to sell out. Megadeth’s last studio album was 2022’s The Sick, the Dying... and the Dead!, which earned the band a Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance with "We'll Be Back." Mudvayne and All That Remains will be the opening acts.

Bikini Kill @ The Wiltern (3790 Wilshire Blvd.)
Doors: 7 p.m. (tickets)

Bikini Kill will kick off their North American tour with a two-night stint at The Wiltern. Joining them as support for Thursday's show will be The Ghost Ease while Death Valley Girls will be the opening act for their Friday show (tickets for Friday are on sale here). Last month, Bikini Kill made their late-night television debut on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

Saturday, August 17

Echo Park Rising @ various Echo Park locations
Doors: 11 a.m. (free)

Echo Park Rising will take over various venues in Echo Park for a Saturday filled with free live music from acts such as Dream Phases, Out West, and Object of Affection. More information about the event can be found here.

Hot Gothic 2 Afterhours (Meldamor, Dildox) @ Secret Location
Doors: 11 p.m. (tickets) 21+

The second installment of Hot Gothic will double as the Los Angeles record release show for Meldamor's new release My Ode To You. Dildox and Mortal Boy will also perform live sets with DJ sets from DJ Dave Parley, Josh of Mellow Mode, Dark Stories, and Mr. Michel. The location will be revealed 24 hours before the event.

The 82nd Nisei Week Japanese Festival kicked things off yesterday with their Grand Parade through Little Tokyo.

During the parade, spectators witnessed a bevy of floats, dancers, and community groups. KABC ABC7 Eyewitness News anchor David Ono was this year’s Grand Marshal while actress Amy Hill, who is best known for their work in All-American Girl, Lilo & Stitch, and the Magnum P.I. reboot, arrived as the Parade Marshal. Our photos from the event can be seen below.

Nisei Week Japanese Festival will continue through the week with a slew of events, including Crazy Talented Asians: Nisei Week Edition 2024 and the closing ceremony. More information about Nisei Week Japanese Festival can be found here.

The original Fate game series is returning to PC this fall.

Announced today, FATE: Reawakened will feature 2005’s Fate as well as the sequels Fate: Undiscovered Realms, Fate: The Traitor Soul, and Fate: The Cursed King. The collection will feature all four titles remastered with updated graphics and UI as well as special Steam content (emoticons, badges, achievements, and profile backgrounds). The collection will also feature localization with Spanish, German, French, Korean, Japanese, and Simplified Chinese language support for the Fate titles for the first time ever.

FATE: Reawakened will be released on PC via Steam and Epic Games Store. A release date will be revealed soon.

A synopsis for FATE: Reawakened reads:

FATE is celebrated and recognized as one of the early pioneers of the action RPG genre and a notable precursor to games like Torchlight. In it, players set out on an epic quest, battling vicious monsters, collecting unique weapons, and learning magical spells in their quest for glory and fame. Cited as many players’ first dungeon crawler, FATE’s legacy is preserved and enhanced in its upcoming Reawakened remaster, conserving all the beloved characteristics of the original while giving the series a good polish.

During the golden era of action RPGs, FATE stood out as a powerhouse, earning the runner-up spot for PC Magazine’s Role-Playing Game of the Year award. Its popularity led to the creation of three sequels, making it one of the premier dungeon crawlers of its time. Now, a new generation of players can enter the legendary town of Grove and experience the original games like never before!

The game can be wishlisted on Steam right now here. Epic Games Store wishlisting can be made here.

Anime NYC will be the spot for some major announcements for forthcoming interactive VR film Mobile Suit Gundam: Silver Phantom.

Revealed yesterday, the film will be featured as part of the Bandai Namco Filmworks panel, which will take place on Friday, August 23rd from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. During the panel, attendees will see an official release trailer as well as get the official release date for the film.

A synopsis for Mobile Suit Gundam: Silver Phantom, which was announced at last year’s Anime NYC, reads:

Co-produced by Japan’s entertainment powerhouse Bandai Namco Filmworks, acclaimed immersive studio Atlas V and distributed by Astrea, Mobile Suit Gundam: Silver Phantom is a Virtual Reality (VR) movie set in the beloved mecha world of Gundam, which celebrates its 45th anniversary in 2024.

Gundam, an animated science fiction work centered around fictional robots, has captivated both Japanese and international audiences, spanning generations and touching millions. The various series, based on the original Mobile Suit Gundam, form a chronological tapestry known as the 'Universal Century.' Each installment is historically linked to its predecessors, deepening the story with every episode. These qualities have earned the Universal Century universe enduring popularity and admiration across multiple generations of fans.

The background of the VR film is setted in Universal Century 0096. Three years after the last conflict between Neo Zeon and the Earth Federation, an independent mercenary organization is hired by the Earth Federation to track down a former Commander who joined Neo Zeon remnants "Sleeves". An all-new and epic adventure into the heart of one of Japan's most iconic anime universes.

Mobile Suit Gundam: Silver Phantom can be wishlisted and pre-ordered at the Meta Quest Store here. All pre-orders come with an 11% discount.

Friday and Sunday badges for Anime NYC are still on sale to the general public right now here. Anime NYC takes place from August 23 through August 25 at the Javits Convention Center.

✨ 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗶𝘁 𝗚𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗺: 𝗦𝗶𝗹𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗵𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗺! ✨

🎬 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗮 𝗴𝗮𝗺𝗲, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗲!
Dive into the Gundam universe in a 90-minute cinematic VR experience with 30 minutes of interactive content.

Set… pic.twitter.com/Y5WEeJDzEV

— ASTREA IMMERSIVE (@astreaimmersive) August 8, 2024

Geekon’s forthcoming survival/farming title The Last Farmer will unveil a free prologue later this month.

The Last Farmer: Prologue will be released on August 19, and it’ll give players an early look at the game. A cinematic trailer for the title can be seen here.

A synopsis for the prologue reads:

Set in the forgotten, sun-scorched deserts of Texas, "The Last Farmer: Prologue" invites players to explore the challenges of desert farming and survival. As the last hope for restoring life to this desolate land, you will face harsh environments, manage scarce resources, and build your homestead from the ground up.

In this prologue, players will learn to harvest dew, cultivate hardy crops, and tend to livestock, all while battling the relentless elements and the ever-present threat of dehydration. Resource management and strategic planning are crucial, as each decision can determine the success of your farm and your survival in this unforgiving landscape.

"The Last Farmer: Prologue" offers a snapshot of the full game, showcasing the core gameplay mechanics, immersive world-building, and dynamic weather systems that will challenge your endurance and adaptability. It’s not just a game; it’s a journey of resilience, where your farm stands as a beacon of hope amidst the desolation.

The Last Farmer will be released on Steam. Wishlist the game and download the prologue here.

A year after being released digitally, Meridiem’s adventure/puzzle game A Tiny Sticker Tale will gain a physical release on the Nintendo Switch.

Announced on Friday, the physical release will arrive exclusively in select European stores on October 10. The physical release will feature an art book and a set of stickers. An announcement trailer can be found here.

A synopsis for A Tiny Sticker Tale reads:

A Tiny Sticker Tale is an adorable and cozy adventure where you can change the world with the power of stickers. In this game, you can turn anything around you into stickers and use your creativity to place them in different locations, solving puzzles and helping your new friends. In this beautiful little adventure, you will step into the boots of Flynn the donkey to venture across Figori Island, discovering and solving challenges with the help of a very special sticker book.

A Tiny Sticker Tale is available digitally on the Nintendo Switch right now here.

JDM: Japanese Drift Master will have another major car manufacturer join the game.

Announced yesterday, players will be able to drive Mazda cars in the racing game, which is developed by Gaming Factory. Mazda joins Subaru as official car manufacturers in the game.

A free to play, standalone prologue titled JDM: Rise of the Scorpion will be released on August 8 via Steam here. Official gameplay footage of the prologue can be seen here. A synopsis for JDM: Rise of the Scorpion reads:

JDM: Rise of the Scorpion is a game introducing the narrative aspect of JDM: Japanese Drift Master. Players will discover the story of Hatori Hasashi and his way of becoming the titular ‘Scorpion’. An exemplary student and a son of a traditional Japanese family, he brings his pride and arrogance to the racetrack, where various rivals await.

Compete, drift, and race on kilometers of varied roads and winding mountain trails to earn the title of the best hashiriya in the area.

The story from JDM: Rise of the Scorpion will continue in the full version of the game. Characters portrayed in this unique introduction will return in JDM: Japanese Drift Master.

JDM: Japanese Drift Master will be released on PC via Steam, GOG, and Epic Games Store.

➡️ https://t.co/qyoNkmpQ1Y
Experience the speed, power, and precision of licensed @MazdaUSA cars in JDM: Japanese Drift Master. 🔥 This collaboration is the next step in bringing authenticity to our racing game.#JDM #Mazda #LetsDrift pic.twitter.com/c57eFa2ENf

— Japanese Drift Master (@Japanese_Drift) August 2, 2024

The soundtrack to Botany Manor will soon be available on Steam.

Announced yesterday, the soundtrack will make its way on Steam on August 15 for $5.99. A special Botany Manor Soundtrack Bundle will also be available featuring the base game and the soundtrack at a 10% discount. The game’s soundtrack was composed by Thomas Williams, who is best known for their work on Assemble With Care and Ordia.

A synopsis for Botany Manor reads:

The enduring estate of Botany Manor is home to retired botanist Arabella Greene. After a long career, she has amassed a collection of rare, long-forgotten plants that require some research to help them live again. Play as Arabella and explore the stunning historic manor and its grounds to look for clues in her notes, books, posters, and items scattered around the residence to determine the correct set of circumstances to help the flora flourish. Unlock new seed varieties and plant them. Interactable items around the property that can be turned and flipped will provide information to help you solve each gardening puzzle, grow the plants and discover their mysterious qualities.

Botany Manor is out on PC (via Steam), Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series S|X, and it’s on Xbox Game Pass. More information about the game can be found here.

🎶 🪴 On Aug 15 the @BotanyManor soundtrack will be available on Steam! Composed by the talented @thomas_sound, Grab it alone or as part of the Botany Manor Soundtrack Bundle! 🎶 🪴 pic.twitter.com/YO9YVva1vX

— Whitethorn Games (@WhitethornGames) August 2, 2024

Soon, fans of Shin Megami Tensei will have a new way to dive into the game’s universe.

Announced yesterday at Gen Con, an official board game for Shin Megami Tensei will be created by ICREA Co., Ltd. The game will perfect for two to four players with an average playtime of 180 to 240 minutes. An official Kickstarter for the board game will launch on September 10 here to help raise funds to bring this title to life.

A synopsis for the board game reads:

SHIN MEGAMI TENSEI THE BOARD GAME is a 2-4 player board game where players compete to control the divided areas of Tokyo by negotiating or fighting with demons. The game will include 72 captivating and terrifying demon figurines. Grow and command the demon allies, fight and utilize ‘demon fusion’ to summon and create even more powerful beings.

A further look at its two main features reads:

Captivating demon figurines : The game will feature 72 demon figures, including some new demons prototyped and we believe it was created in 3D based on the official game setting. Fans can paint their own figures and even use them for display.

Demon Fusion and Negotiation : Players get to experience true to the video game building up allies and eventually creating Demon Fusion to bring even more powerful allies into play. Throughout the game players will interact with demon encounters to attempt to recruit them as an ally in an exciting choose your own adventure style mechanic which will affect the outcome of negotiation.

Gen Con attendees can head over to ICREA Co., Ltd.’s booth at Japan Pavilion Booth No. B270 to get more information about the board game.

Beloved rock band Aerosmith will no longer be on the road.

Announced today, the band have decided to retire from touring as a result of Steven Tyler’s vocal injury. Their rescheduled farewell tour has been cancelled as well; the trek was originally set to take place last fall but was postponed after a few dates.

A statement from the band reads:

It was 1970 when a spark of inspiration became Aerosmith. Thanks to you, our Blue Army, that spark caught flame and has been burning for over five decades. Some of you have been with us since the beginning and all of you are the reason we made rock ‘n’ roll history.

It has been the honor of our lives to have our music become part of yours. In every club, on every massive tour and at moments grand and private you have given us a place in the soundtrack of your lives.

We’ve always wanted to blow your mind when performing. As you know, Steven’s voice is an instrument like no other. He has spent months tirelessly working on getting his voice to where it was before his injury. We’ve seen him struggling despite having the best medical team by his side. Sadly, it is clear, that a full recovery from his vocal injury is not possible. We have made a heartbreaking and difficult, but necessary, decision - as a band of brothers - to retire from the touring stage.

We are grateful beyond words for everyone who was pumped to get on the road with us one last time. Grateful to our expert crew, our incredible team and the thousands of talented people who’ve made our historic runs possible. A final thank you to you - the best fans on planet Earth. Play our music loud, now and always. Dream On. You’ve made our dreams come true.

*For those who purchased their tickets through Ticketmaster, you will automatically be refunded – there is nothing further you need to do. For those who purchased via third-party resale sites such as SeatGeek, StubHub, VividSeats, etc. – please reach out to your point of purchase for more details*

It was 1970 when a spark of inspiration became Aerosmith. Thanks to you, our Blue Army, that spark caught flame and has been burning for over five decades. Some of you have been with us since the beginning and all of you are the reason we made rock ‘n’ roll history.

It has been… pic.twitter.com/og43Q8Lwbt

— Aerosmith (@Aerosmith) August 2, 2024

U.K. prog metal band Rolo Tomassi will deliver a new live album this September.

Announced today, Live at The Electric Ballroom will be released on September 27 via MNRK Heavy. The 15-track release was recorded during Rolo Tomassi’s headlining show at London’s Electric Ballroom on February 15, 2023.

To celebrate the announcement, the band revealed the live version of “Aftermath," which can be heard here. Vocalist/keyboardist James Spence said this about the song, which was originally released on the band’s 2018 studio album Time Will Die and Love Will Bury It:

“Since its release, this song has been an audience favourite along with a rare opportunity for a sing-along. It remains an outlier in our material, but in the context of a full set, it always feels like an elevated moment. Our band has always been about stark contrasts, and this is a perfect example of that.”

Live at The Electric Ballroom tracklisting:

1. Almost Always

2. Cloaked

3. To Resist Forgetting

4. Labyrinthine

5. Rituals

6. Prelude III (Phantoms)

7. Opalescent

8. Unseen and Unknown

9. Stage Knives

10. Aftermath

11. A Flood of Light

12. Mutual Ruin

13. Contretemps

14. Prescie

15. Drip

Pre-orders for Live at The Electric Ballroom can be made here.

Live at Electric Ballroom. Full live album/video coming soon. Pre-save here - https://t.co/2UwEjnmoeK @MNRKHeavy @GoodAsGoldGroup @lewjohns pic.twitter.com/2ijK6MWANI

— Rolo Tomassi (@rolotomassiband) August 2, 2024

Tomorrow (August 3), SummerSlam will make its return to Cleveland at the Cleveland Browns Stadium for a seven-match extravaganza hosted by local hero The Miz. The last time SummerSlam arrived in Cleveland, fans were introduced to the first-ever Boiler Room Brawl between Mankind and The Undertaker.

This year, the PLE will keep fans glued to their seat with some heated rivalries, including one highly anticipated match between two former world champions. We give our predictions for who’ll walk away victorious at the event. SummerSlam can be streamed on Peacock starting at 7 p.m. EST/4 p.m. PST.

Sami Zayn (c) vs. Bron Breakker for the WWE Intercontinental Championship

Zayn's title run has been beneficial towards the evolution of Chad Gable, and it's doing the same for Bron Breakker, who's been looking for their first-ever title on the main roster. Breakker will win the championship so Zayn can focus on the inevitable reunion with The OG Bloodline.

Winner: Bron Breakker

Logan Paul (c) vs. LA Knight for the WWE United States Championship

LA Knight is someone many wanted to hold championship gold since ditching the Max Dupri gimmick. Unfortunately, the wrestler found themselves on the losing end of Money In The Bank and somehow did not appear at WrestleMania in Los Angeles. Logan Paul's U.S. Championship reign is akin to Brock Lesnar's champion runs; in their 270 days as champion, Paul has only defended it twice. We're banking on Knight to win the title and bring some prestige back to the beloved title.

Winner: L.A. Knight

Bayley (c) vs. Nia Jax for the WWE Women's Championship

Bayley and Nia Jax have a storied history dating back to their time on NXT, and on Sunday, the two will add another chapter to their long rivalry. We're expecting Bayley to retain the title to set up a rematch at the next PLE where Nia Jax will win their first women's championship in six years.

Winner: Bayley

Liv Morgan (c) vs. Rhea Ripley for the Women's World Championship

Liv Morgan's twisted love story with Dominik Mysterio has been the talk of Raw for months, and Rhea Ripley has had enough of it. Like everyone else, we're expecting Mysterio to cost Ripley the match and turn on them.

Winner: Liv Morgan

Damian Priest (c) vs. Gunther for World Heavyweight Championship

Since being world champion, Priest has had successful title defenses, but they all came from interferences from the Judgment Day and CM Punk. Gunther is coming fresh from having the longest Intercontinental Championship reign of all time at 666 days, and they're looking to obtain the world title for another long reign. A Priest face turn is inevitable, but will they have their hand raised at the end of the match? We're guessing Priest will retain leading to a feud with Finn Balor amid the Judgment Day collapsing.

Winner: Damien Priest

CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre (w/Seth Rollins as the guest referee)

We've been waiting for this match for months, and we're expecting it to be an explosive one with the addition of Seth Rollins at the guest referee. This match can go either way as we expect the three wrestlers to tangle with each other through WrestleMania. We’re giving it to Punk just to watch McIntyre suffer a bit longer.

Winner: CM Punk

Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Solo Sikoa for the Undisputed WWE Championship

Cody vs Solo will be a hot one with The Bloodline 2.0 looking to scare off the champion with the numbers game. Roman Reigns will return to cost Solo the championship and begin setting up the inevitable War Games match. For Rhodes, they'll probably wind up in a feud with Randy Orton for the belt. While face Orton has been fun to watch, heel Orton is what the fans want.

Winner: Cody Rhodes

We've got an AWESOME host for #SummerSlam this Saturday ... Cleveland's very own @mikethemiz! pic.twitter.com/DHAGqEEzW9

— WWE SummerSlam (@SummerSlam) July 30, 2024

Germany by-way-of San Francisco electronic rock band Beautiful Machines have delivered their new single “Angelica” today.

Clocking in at nearly seven-and-a-half minutes, the lush song (listen to it here) follows an AI being named Angelica and their journey through our world. The new song was crafted in 2021 in Kathmandu, Nepal and has been a staple at various live performances. The band said this about making the song:

"Finishing this track in Kathmandu was surreal. Amidst the rubble, we found an incredible connection to something bigger—a sense of unity and transcendence that aligns perfectly with the song's thematic exploration of consciousness. It felt like the universe itself was a part of the production process.”

"Angelica,” which is out on digital services right now, stems from Beautiful Machines’ forthcoming album Singularity. The record features previously released singles “Control,” and “Baum Baum.”

#NewRelease “Angelica” drops this Friday - pre-save here: https://t.co/Eg3IaJWVwC pic.twitter.com/o2rf29LIo6

— Beautiful Machines (@MachinesMusic) July 31, 2024

Boston rock band JVK will be touring the United States this fall.

Announced on Tuesday, The Spoiler Tour kicks off on August 30 at Lowell’s Taffeta, and it’ll conclude on November 16 at The Lylypad in Cambridge. The tour will find the band performing in cities such as New Orleans, Los Angeles, and Denver.

Tour dates can be seen below. Tickets are on sale to the general public right now here.

JVK will be touring in support of their latest EP Who Is JVK?, which is out on digital services right now. Following the EP’s release, the band made appearances at Louder Than Life and Boston Calling.

JVK tour dates

August 30 – Lowell, MA – Taffeta

September 6 – New Paltz, NY – Saint Andrews

September 8 – Washington, DC – The Pocket

September 10 – Richmond, VA – Banditos

September 13 – Athens, GA – Roadhouse

September 15 – New Orleans, LA – Saturn Bar

September 18 – Austin, TX – Far OutLounge

September 19 – Dallas, TX – Tree Links

September 20 -Oklahoma City, OK – 51st Street Speakeasy

September 21 – Wichita, KS – Midwest Drum

September 25 – Albuquerque, NM – Juno

September 27 – San Diego, CA – Humble Heart

September 28 – Los Angeles, CA – The Offbeat bar

October 4 – Portland, OR – Bridge City Sessions

October 5 – Seattle, WA – Blue Moon

October 7 – Salt Lake City, UT – International

October 8 – Denver, CO – Squire Lounge

October 11 – Madison, WI – Nottingham Ballroom

October 12 – Cleveland, OH – Treelawn Social Club

October 13 – Pittsburgh, PA – Mr. Roboto Project

October 31 – Salem, MA – Chagall Pac

November 1- Brooklyn, NY – The Broadway

November 16 – Cambridge, MA – The Lylypad

Megadeth fans will be able to listen to the Grammy-winning band in style soon.

Announced today, the band have joined forces with Finland headphone manufacturer Valco for the release of limited-edition Megadeth VMK25 headphones, which can be purchased here. The collaboration happened with Megadeth's Finnish guitarist Teemu Mäntysaari showed off Valco’s grand headphones to the rest of the band. The headphones integrate Dave Mustaine’s voice as audio feedback for various functions such as powering it on and connecting.

Mustaine said this about the collaboration:

“Partnering with Valco has allowed us to create something truly unique for our fans. These headphones capture the essence of our music with unparalleled clarity and power. We are excited to share this with our global audience.”

Starting tomorrow, Megadeth will embark on a headlining tour across the United States with support from Mudvayne and All That Remains. Tour dates can be seen below. Tickets are on sale to the general public right now here.

Megadeth’s last studio album was 2022’s The Sick, the Dying... and the Dead!, which earned the band a Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance with "We'll Be Back."

Megadeth tour dates

AUG 2 - Rogers, AR - Walmart AMP

AUG 3 - Houston, TX - 713 Music Hall

AUG 5 - Albuquerque, NM - Isleta Amphitheatre

AUG 6 - Denver, CO - Ball Arena

AUG 8 - Phoenix, AZ - Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre

AUG 9 - Los Angeles, CA - YouTube Theater (SOLD OUT)

AUG 10 - Concord, CA - Toyota Pavilion at Concord

AUG 12 - Auburn, WA - White River Amphitheatre

AUG 13 - Bend, OR - Hayden Homes Amphitheater

AUG 15 – Los Angeles, CA – YouTube Theater

AUG 16 - Las Vegas, NV - Bakkt Theatre at Planet Hollywood

AUG 17 - Salt Lake City, UT - Maverick Arena*

AUG 20 - Irving, TX - The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory

AUG 21 - Austin, TX - Germania Insurance Amphitheater

AUG 23 - Macon, GA - Atrium Health Macon Amphitheater*

AUG 24 - West Palm Beach, FL - IThink Financial Amphitheatre

SEP 3 - Tinley Park, IL - Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre

SEP 5 - Huntington, WV - Marshall Health Network Arena*

SEP 6 - Charlotte, NC - PNC Music Pavilion

SEP 7 - Raleigh, NC - Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek

SEP 9 - Reading, PA - Santander Arena*

SEP 10 - Albany, NY - MVP Arena*

SEP 11 - Boston, MA - Leader Bank

SEP 13 - Bethel, MY - Bethel Woods Center For The Arts

SEP 14 - Wantagh, NY - Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater

SEP 15 - Richmond, VA - Virginia Credit Union Live!*

SEP 17 - Cincinnati, OH - Riverbend Music Center

SEP 18 - Pittsburgh, PA - Stage AE

SEP 20 - Noblesville, IN - Ruoff Music Center

SEP 21 - Clarkston, MI - Pine Knob Music Theatre

SEP 22 – Cleveland, OH – Temple Live

SEP 24 - Minneapolis, MN - The Armory

SEP 26 - St Louis, MO - Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre STL

SEP 27 - Southaven, MS - Bankplus Amphitheater at Snowden Grove*

SEP 28 - Nashville, TN - Nashville Municipal Auditorium

*non-Live Nation Dates

Today we had the opportunity to introduce the official Megadeth headphones, a tribute to one of the most significant bands in metal music history. Check it out: https://t.co/CYAlfqQL5R

— Valco (very much official) (@valco_fi) August 1, 2024

Free League Publishing and 20th Century Studios are continuing their journey through the world of Alien with the second edition of Alien: The Roleplaying Game.

Announced at Free League’s Gen Con showcase today, the second edition will be funded through a Kickstarter campaign slated to launch this fall. The Kickstarter campaign can be followed here.

More details about Alien: RPG Second Edition can be seen below:

• Based upon feedback from thousands of players over five years of adventures, the Second Edition of the core rules delivers an updated and streamlined version of the ALIEN RPG fans know and love, along with additional new artwork, new content, and a variety of new tools for players and Game Mothers alike, all fully compatible with previous releases and game material. 

• The new 2e starter set will be redesigned as the perfect starting point for newcomers to roleplaying in the ALIEN universe, containing everything they need for game night including abridged 2e rules, character sheets, custom dice, reference cards, various handouts, and an expanded 2e edition of the fan-favorite Hope’s Last Day scenario set on Hadley’s Hope just prior to the unforgettable events of Aliens. 

• The new cinematic scenario boxed set, Rapture Protocol, written by Jonathan Hicks and Free League's Tomas Härenstam, returns to the roots of the ALIEN franchise, featuring the crew of a small star freighter on a resupply run to the remote industrial colony, soon embroiled in a deadly conflict. 

• The miniatures set is designed to bring the events of Rapture Protocol to life, but fully complement other adventures and skirmish battles throughout the ALIEN RPG series. 

The second edition of the multiple award-winning ALIEN RPG is coming to KICKSTARTER in the fall! Sign up to be notified here:https://t.co/1LBAJuoV7U

— Free League Publishing (@FreeLeaguePub) August 1, 2024

Crunchyroll delivered the theatrical release dates for the films The Concierge and Trapezium today.

For North American audiences, The Concierge will arrive on September 11 and Trapezium will drop on September 18 for one day only. Outside of North America, The Concierge will be distributed in Italy on September 23, Germany on September 24, Australia on September 26, and Spain on September 27 while Trapezium will be released in France on November 19 and Germany on November 26.

A synopsis for The Concierge (trailer available here) reads:

Akino is a trainee concierge at the Hokkyoku Department Store, an unusual department store that caters exclusively to animals. Under the watchful eyes of the floor manager and senior concierges, Akino runs around to fulfill the wishes of customers with a myriad of needs and problems in her pursuit to become a full-fledged concierge.

The Concierge is directed by Yoshimi Itazu from production company PRODUCTION I.G (Ghost in the Shell, PSYCHO-PASS, HAIKYU!!). The main voice cast includes Natsumi Kawaida as Akino, Takeo Otsuka as Elulu, and Kenjiro Tsuda as Woolly.

The award-winning film made its world premiere at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in June 2023 and its North American Premiere in July 2023 at the Fantasia International Film Festival. The film has also been selected and screened at several film festivals worldwide in 2023-2024.

A synopsis for Trapezium reads:

Driven by an unwavering passion for becoming an idol, Yu Azuma, a young, ambitious first-year student at Joshu East High School, embarks on a journey to form an idol group.

To make her dream a reality, she recruits one girl from each of her region’s four high schools (located to the north, east, south, and west) and soon finds her fellow group members.

Joining Yu is Ranko Kashima, a sophisticated second-year student at Holy Teneritas Southern Girls’ Academy, with a distinctive curly hairstyle and admiration for Ochofujin ("Madame Butterfly"); Kurumi Taiga, a student at West Tech Vocational High School, who wears cute, oversized jackets with long sleeves and dreams of winning the championship at a robotics competition; and, Mika Kamei, a student who also hails from Joshu North High School, is known for being a kind-hearted girl and for her dedication to volunteering.

With the help of Shinji Kudo, Yu's "collaborator" and confidante, these four young girls set off on the road to stardom. But the journey hides unexpected trials, rigorous demands, setbacks and pressures, threatening to undo all that Yu has worked so hard for.

Trapezium's original story comes from Kazumi Takayama novel "Trapezium" (Da Vinch / KADOKAWA) and was created into a screenplay by Yuko Kakihara. It is directed by Masahiro Shinohara and produced by Cloverworks. The main voice cast includes Asaki Yuikawa, Hina Youmiya, Reina Ueda, and Haruka Aikawa.

Crunchyroll brings The Concierge to the big screen for one day only. See the film, only in theaters September 11.

✨ READ: https://t.co/JKSpfjUswe pic.twitter.com/6rk6Nv7OQd

— Crunchyroll (@Crunchyroll) July 31, 2024

Forthcoming Netflix anime series Terminator Zero will have its world premiere in August.

Revealed today, the world premiere will go down at Anime NYC on Saturday, August 24th at 7:30 p.m. at the main stage. Creators/showrunner Mattson Tomlin (The Batman Part 2), director Masashi Kudo (Bleach), and more guests will appear at the premiere. Panel reservations will go live closer to the convention.

Anime NYC Event Director MK Goodwin said this about the forthcoming premiere:

“We are thrilled to welcome Netflix to Anime NYC for the first time and to be the site of the world premiere of their much anticipated new anime series, TERMINATOR ZERO. Their participation brings an exciting lineup of anime titles to our event, showcasing the incredible stories and creativity that Netflix has to offer. We're eager for our attendees to experience this groundbreaking moment and explore the diverse range of content Netflix brings to the anime community."

A synopsis for Terminator Zero reads:

2022: A future war has raged for decades between the few human survivors and an endless army of machines. 1997: The AI known as Skynet gained self-awareness and began its war against humanity.

Caught between the future and this past is a soldier sent back in time to change the fate of humanity. She arrives in 1997 to protect a scientist named Malcolm Lee who works to launch a new AI system designed to compete with Skynet’s impending attack on humanity. As Malcolm navigates the moral complexities of his creation, he is hunted by an unrelenting assassin from the future which forever alters the fate of his three children.

Terminator Zero will premiere on August 29, and its voice cast features Timothy Olyphant (Terminator), André Holland (Malcolm Lee), Rosario Dawson (Eiko), Ann Dowd (The Prophet), and Sonoya Mizuno (Kokoro). The series was produced by Production I.G, who previously worked on Haikyu!!, Ace of Diamond, and Psycho-Pass.

Friday and Sunday badges for Anime NYC are still on sale to the general public right now here. Anime NYC takes place from August 23 through August 25 at the Javits Convention Center.

🗽 WORLD PREMIERE 🗽
Netflix presents the WORLD PREMIERE of the new anime series, TERMINATOR ZERO at Anime NYC! Witness never before-seen footage, get an in-depth look at the making of the show AND FREE giveaways of exclusive art!

🎟️ LIMITED BADGES LEFT: https://t.co/qbk17Q6E7Z pic.twitter.com/z4aiVnSimW

— Anime NYC (@animenyc) July 31, 2024

Despite taking place during a certain comic book convention, Halloween/horror convention Midsummer Scream still managed to pack the Long Beach Convention Center this past weekend with over 50,000 attendees of all ages.

The Showfloor Stage featured a plethora of live shows for those looking for some entertainment at the sold-out convention. Those interested in theatrical performances were delighted by an excerpt scene from Sweet Sorrow, a Zombie Ballet, which will make its return this October to the Lanterman Auditorium in Flintridge (tickets can be purchased here). Those looking for live music were astonished by Selene Serene - The Queen of Halloween, who brought a nifty magic trick alongside their performance of "Summon Me." The annual Poltergeists and Paramours Fashion Show also took over the stage with a showcase of new attire alongside some performances from their dance crew.

When attendees weren't checking out the live entertainment, they made their way to the Hall of Shadows. This dark area offered a slew of attractions, including the Haunted Car Wash, Pizza Planet Truck & Art's Sideshow, and The Haunt With No Name. Attendees had to look over their shoulders, though, as random costumed individuals gave them a surprise shriek when they least expected it. The exhibit hall brought a slew of vendors selling goods, including Crafty Geek Girls, Insane Haunt Productions, and Rattlehead Crafts.

Our photos from this year's event can be seen below. More information about Midsummer Scream can be found here.

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"Ya'll wanna hear some songs about depression?," asked Urban Heat vocalist Jonathan Horstmann during the band's packed show at Los Angeles' El Rey Theatre on Saturday night. Originally slated to take place at The Roxy, the show was upgraded to the venue located in the Miracle Mile. Saturday's performance also made it one of Urban Heat's biggest headlining shows to date.

While Urban Heat's new studio album The Tower arrives on August 16 via Artoffact Records (pre-orders can be made here), vinyl copies were available at the show, and several attendees waved their copies gleefully when the new album was mentioned. A handful of unreleased songs from the record landed on the setlist, including album opener "Take It To Your Grave" and "Savor Not the Thrill."

Regarding their live setup, Urban Heat members Kevin Naquin and Paxel Foley play double duty at times with the synthesizers and their own selected member of the guitar family; Foley handles the bass while Naquin rocks a regular guitar. On a few occasions, all three members grabbed their stringed instruments, including one raucous guitar clash at the end of "Blindfolds And Magic Bullets" from their forthcoming album.

While Horstmann grabbed the guitar every now and then, the vocalist managed to light up the stage with simply a microphone in their possession. "Your operating table needs a sanitizer hit," the singer stated during "Sanitizer" while wearing gloves like a surgeon. During the last few moments of "A Simple Love Song," Horstmann pretended to be the new conductor for the Los Angeles Philharmonic as they waved their microphone around as the crowd chanted "But the world keeps falling apart" while "Right Time Of Night" found the singer auditioning for the Lakers with some wild vertical leaps.

Upon the opening chords of their cover of Q Lazzarus' "Goodbye Horses," the Los Angeles crowd shrieked in excitement. Over 30 years after becoming a part of horror history via The Silence of the Lambs, the beloved synth-pop tune still finds its way into the public eye. As Horstmann crooned, members of the audience waved their phones around while one individual swayed their cowboy hat in delight.

One highlight of the set came courtesy of "That Gun In Your Hand" from Urban Heat's 2022 studio album Wellness. Drenched in moody synths, the song deals with the ever-growing issue of gun violence. As the crowd softly swayed from side to side, Horstmann pleaded "Let's put our guns on the ground."

For the encore, Urban Heat rolled out "Seven Safe Places," which dives into the uncertain longevity of our own safe spaces. With the final song "Have You Ever?," Horstmann gave the dancy Los Angeles audience one last time to belt out resounding melodies inside of the nearly 90-year-old venue.

Urban Heat’s North American tour continues through October. Tour dates and tickets can be found here.

Urban Heat setlist

Running Out Of Time

Trust

Living Well

That Gun In Your Hand

Take It to Your Grave

Sanitizer

You've Got That Edge

Blindfolds And Magic Bullets

Savor Not The Thrill

Right Time of Night

Goodbye Horses (Q Lazzarus cover)

A Simple Love Song

Like This

 

Encore:

Seven Safe Places

Have You Ever?

King Diamond will make their return to North America this fall.

Announced today, the trek will kick off on October 15 at Boeing Center At Tech Port in San Antonio, and it’ll conclude on December 6 at The Factory In Deep Ellum in Dallas. For this tour, King Diamond will bring Overkill and Night Demon as special guests.

Another guest for the trek is Myrkur, who will provide backing vocals for King Diamond’s live set. King Diamond said this about their forthcoming tour and contributions from Myrkur:

“This is Saint Lucifer's Hospital, enter if you dare! We have been busy putting this ever-growing horror story together, and it's still growing. I know the end of it, but how we will get there will be a long trip. There are so many characters, and so many unexpected things along this journey. It's a crazy family on another timeline in 1920, where I experienced some hard times, and they have to come to our time to steal from us to survive. This is the most elaborate thing we have ever done, that goes for the stage production as well.

There will be additional backing vocals by Myrkur and she'll be playing organ for songs that need it. There will be some horrific surprises taking place on stage, but we are not to be held responsible since we are on a whole different timeline in 1920. It was back at the time when medicine was going through a dark period with lots of testing on human beings in order to progress medicine. This is Saint Lucifer's Hospital, also known as The Institute, enter if you dare!”

Tour dates can be seen below. Pre-sale tickets will go live tomorrow (July 31) at 10 a.m. EST/7 a.m. PST. Tickets will go on sale to the general public this Friday (August 2) at 10 a.m. local time. Tickets can be purchased here.

King Diamond’s new studio album The Institute is slated for a 2025 release. This will follow the band’s 2007 studio album Give Me Your Soul...Please, which earned the band their first Grammy nomination. Overkill will be supporting their recent album Scorched while Night Demon will be plugging their latest record Outsider.

King Diamond tour dates

10/15/2024 Boeing Center At Tech Port - San Antonio, TX

10/16/2024 Bayou Music Center - Houston, TX

10/18/2024 Andrew J Brady Music Center - Cincinnati, OH

10/19/2024 The Factory - St. Louis, MO

10/20/2024 The Midland Theater - Kansas City, MO

10/22/2024 Murat Theatre At Old National Center - Indianapolis, IN

10/23/2024 The Louisville Palace Theatre - Louisville, KY

10/25/2024 The Eastern - Atlanta, GA

10/26/2024 Duke Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey Theater - St. Petersburg, FL

10/28/2024 The Fillmore - Silver Spring, MD

10/30/2024 Kings Theater - Brooklyn, NY

10/31/2024 Roadrunner - Boston, MA *

11/02/2024 MTelus - Montreal, QC

11/03/2024 The Theatre At Great Canadian - Mississauga, ON

11/04/2024 The Masonic Temple - Detroit, MI

11/06/2024 The Agora Theatre & Ballroom - Cleveland, OH

11/07/2024 The Chicago Theatre - Chicago, IL

11/08/2024 The Riverside Theater - Milwaukee, WI

11/10/2024 The Fillmore - Minneapolis, MN

11/11/2024 Vibrant Music Hall - Waukee, IA

11/14/2024 Mission Ballroom - Denver, CO

11/16/2024 The Complex - Salt Lake City, UT

11/18/2024 Orpheum - Vancouver, BC

11/20/2024 Edmonton Convention Center - Edmonton, AB

11/21/2024 TCU Place - Saskatoon, SK

11/22/2024 Grey Eagle Resort And Casino - Calgary, AB

11/24/2024 Keller Auditorium - Portland, OR

11/25/2024 Moore Theater - Seattle, WA

11/27/2024 Fox Theater - Oakland, CA

11/29/2024 YouTube Theater - Los Angeles, CA

11/30/2024 The Theater At Virgin Hotels - Las Vegas, NV

12/01/2024 Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre - San Diego, CA

12/02/2024 The Van Buren - Phoenix, AZ

12/04/2024 REVEL - Albuquerque, NM

12/06/2024 The Factory In Deep Ellum - Dallas, TX

* No Overkill

Florida hardcore band Gouge Away delivered the visual for their tune “No Release” yesterday.

The band said this about the visual, which can be seen here:

"Our friend, Clara Griot, came out to our recent show in Paris with Teenage Wrist and Angel Dust. She filmed and edited a mini-doc of our day there, using behind-the-scenes and live footage from the show. It came out so cool, we asked if she could use the show footage to make a music video for our song, No Release. She did such an amazing job. It's extra cool because the show was so fun and now we'll always have this video to look back at it."

Gouge Away will be back on the road this November with a West Coast trek with Initiate and Cold Gawd followed by a trek across Brazil alongside Joyce Manor. The band said this about their forthcoming trek on the West Coast:

"We're really looking forward to this tour. We've been trying to get something together with Initiate for years, and COLD GAWD are a great band full of new friends. It's exciting to bring bands together who we not only respect musically, but who we're excited to hang out with as well."

Tour dates can be seen below. Tickets for most shows are on sale to the general public right now here. Tickets for the Los Angeles and San Francisco shows will go on sale this Friday (August 2) at 10 a.m. PST. Gouge Away will be promoting their new studio album Deep Sage, which was released back in March via Deathwish.

Gouge Away tour dates

Nov. 2 Seattle, WA @ Vera Project ^

Nov. 3 Portland, OR @ Polaris Hall ^

Nov. 4 Corvallis, OR @ C3 Ballroom ^

Nov. 6 San Francisco, CA @ Bottom of the Hill ^

Nov. 7 Los Angeles, CA @ El Cid ^

Nov. 8 Phoenix, AZ @ Nile Underground ^

Nov. 9 Albuquerque, NM @ Launchpad ^

Nov. 11 Austin, TX @ Empire Control Room ^

Nov. 15 Rio de Janeiro, BR @ Experience Music %

Nov. 16 Curitiba, BR @ Basement Cultural %

Nov. 17 Sao Paulo, BR @ Fabrique Club %

^ with Initiate, COLD GAWD

% with Joyce Manor

The English lead actors for the forthcoming DAN DA DAN anime was revealed yesterday.

Abby Trott, who is best known for their work in Demon Slayer, ZOM 100: Bucket List of the Dead, and Hunter X Hunter, will lend their voice to Momo. Trott said this about their forthcoming role:

“You are not ready for DAN DA DAN. As soon as I saw a clip of Science SARU’s immaculate animation, I knew this was something special. This show is absolutely electric. It’s hilarious, disturbing, beautiful, weird, dramatic, and raw - and I’m so excited to be voicing Momo in the animated telling of this EPIC manga! Ready or not…”

AJ Beckles, who is best known their work in Bleach, Bungo Stray Dogs, and Beyblade X, will portray Okarun. Beckles said this about being on the show:

“Getting to be a part of DAN DA DAN in any way is a dream come true. I’ve been a fan of the manga for a couple of years now. Hanae-san is an incredible actor! The honor of actually being able to play his counterpart as Okarun in the dub was something I never could have imagined being granted to me!

Tatsu-san is a master of his craft, and I truly think this is one of those roles/stories that only comes around only once or twice in someone's life and I am treating it with the utmost respect and care because of that. I can’t wait to show everyone my take on this Awkward fellow, and I want to assure every fan that’s been waiting for this adaptation that they have nothing at all to worry about. This will be a masterpiece!”

Trott and Beckles will appear at the English dub premiere screening of DAN DA DAN at Anime NYC on Saturday, August 24. They’ll be joined by Momo and Okarun’s respective Japanese voice actors Shion Wakayama and Natsuki Hanae, composer Kensuke Ushio, and MBS producer Hiroyuki Aoi. More information about Anime NYC can be found here.

On September 13, fans in North America will be able to catch the first three episodes of the anime series via the theatrical release of DAN DA DAN: First Encounter via GKIDS. More information about the theatrical release can be found here. DAN DA DAN will premiere this October.

A synopsis for DAN DA DAN reads:

DAN DA DAN follows Momo, a high school girl from a family of spirit mediums, and her classmate Okarun, an occult freak. The two of them start talking after Momo rescues Okarun from getting bullied. However, an argument ensues between them – Momo believes in ghosts but denies aliens, and Okarun believes in aliens but denies ghosts.

To make the mutual deniers believe in each other, Momo goes to an abandoned hospital known for its UFO sightings, and Okarun goes to a tunnel that is said to be haunted. In each place, they encounter overwhelming paranormal activity that transcends comprehension. Amid these predicaments, Momo awakens her hidden power and Okarun gains the power of a curse to challenge the paranormal forces! Their fateful love begins as well!?

Attention #DANDADAN fans, say hello to the new stars of the English dub—Abby Trott (@abbytrott) as Momo and A.J. Beckles (@AJBecklesVO) as Okarun! 👻🛸 pic.twitter.com/OgISyBPG7v

— GKIDS Films (@GKIDSfilms) July 29, 2024

Los Angeles always has a plethora of events going down at every corner. Whether it’s a convention or some local stand-up comedy, there’s always something to do if you’re looking to leave the house. We look at some of the best events going down in Los Angeles this week (July 29 through August 4).

Tuesday, July 30

Sean Massaro @ Genghis Cohen (740 N Fairfax Ave.)
Doors: 7 p.m. (tickets) 18+

Rising Los Angeles artist Sean Massaro will headline Genghis Cohen with support from Human Barbie and Giantfellow. Last year, Massaro delivered their six-track Level Up EP.

Wednesday, July 31

Jhené Aiko, Coi Leray @ Crypto.com Arena (1111 S Figueroa St.)
Doors: 6 p.m. (tickets)

Grammy-nominated R&B artist Jhené Aiko will have a hometown performance during their first headlining tour in five years. The artist is best known for their platinum-selling singles "The Worst," "Sativa," and "None of Your Concern." Coi Leray, Tink, UMI and Kiana Lede will also perform.

UB40, The English Beat @ Greek Theatre (2700 North Vermont Ave.)
Doors: 5:30 p.m. (tickets)

UB40 are touring the country in celebration of their 45th anniversary, and the beloved act will make their way to The Greek Theatre with special guests The English Beat and Inner Circle. This spring, UB40 unveiled their new album UB45, which coincides with their anniversary.

Thursday, August 1

Brijean, Colloboh @ Lodge Room (104 N Ave 56 2nd floor)
Doors: 7:30 p.m. (tickets)

Los Angeles dreampop act Brijean will have a special hometown show in the midst of their headlining tour. The act are currently touring in support of their new studio album Macro. Fellow Los Angeles artist Colloboh will be the opening act.

Friday, August 2

Crime In Stereo @ Genghis Cohen (740 N Fairfax Ave)
Doors: 7 p.m. (tickets)

Long Island hardcore punk band Crime In Stereo will make their long-awaited return to Los Angeles for a headlining show at Genghis Cohen. Last year, the band delivered their first album in 13 years with House & Trance. Time X Heist, Bad Light, and Spark of Life will also perform.

A Great Big Pile of Leaves @ The Roxy (9009 West Sunset Blvd.)
Doors: 7 p.m. (tickets)

Brooklyn indie rock band A Great Big Pile of Leaves will have their first West Coast show in a decade this Friday at The Roxy. Aren’t We Amphibians & Kayleigh Goldsworthy will join the show as support.

Saturday, August 3

CatCon @ Pasadena Convention Center (300 East Green St.)
Doors: 10 a.m. (tickets)

Cat lovers in Los Angeles will make their way to Pasadena Convention Center for the popular CatCon, which will bring a slew of activities and cat celebrities to the region on Saturday and Sunday. Some of the announced guests for the convention include Two Crazy Cat Ladies, Cat Named Calvin, and Shiadanni.

Sunday, August 4

The Juliana Theory @ The Troubadour (9081 Santa Monica Blvd.)
Doors: 6:30 p.m. (tickets)

Beloved emo rock band The Juliana Theory will perform their debut studio album Understand This Is a Dream in full to celebrate its 25th anniversary. Rosecoloredworld and Mercy Music will join the show as supporting acts.