The Punk Vault

Smoking Popes – 11/28/25 at Bottom Lounge

Those not interested in getting in fights over flatscreen TVs on Black Friday had a much more entertaining option when Smoking Popes headlined a show at Bottom Lounge. They were on a three band bill and it was a really solid lineup so it was well...

The Saints ’73-’78 – 11/11/25 at Metro

Last tuesday the Metro hosted some Australian punk legends when The Saints ’73-’78 headlined a show there. They were part of a two band bill. First up, also hailing from Australia, was Chimers. This duo made a sound as big as a five...

My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult – 10/31/25 at Concord Music Hall

If you live in Chicago and were ever part of or into the industrial/Wax Trax scene then can you think of a better way to spend Halloween than seeing My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult headline a show at a really good venue? The answer is no, you...

Swans – 9/30/25 at Metro

Tuesday night was a big night if you are a Swans fan as the band made their return once again to the beloved Metro here in Chicago. They headlined a two band bill and when Swans play, it’s always an event. First up was Little Annie & Paul...

Cold Waves XIII Day Three – 9/28/25 at Metro

Sunday was the third and final days of this year’s Cold Waves Fest. It was another six band bill and most of the acts were making their first Cold Waves appearance. The Metro was packed mostly full for this final night. First up was Soft Vein...

Cold Waves XIII Day Two – 9/27/25 at Metro

Cold Waves XIII continued on Saturday at Metro with a lineup heavy on newer bands, plus a couple of return visits. It was a pretty diverse lineup and a whole lot of fun. E.T., which does not feature the Recees Pieces eating being from another...

Cold Waves XIII Day One – 9/26/25 at Metro

While Riot Fest marks the end of summer, one week later every year Cold Waves ushers in the fall every year with a weekend spectacle of Industrial/Dark Wave/Goth. This is the the lucky 13th year for the festival, which was started to honor the late...

Naked Raygun – Riot Fest Late Night 9/21/25 at Metro

As if the three days of Riot Fest 20 weren’t exciting enough, they closed the weekend out with something very special and unexpected when Naked Raygun headlined the final Late Night show at Metro. Billed as “Naked Raygun and...

Category - Show Reviews

Smoking Popes – 11/28/25 at Bottom Lounge

Those not interested in getting in fights over flatscreen TVs on Black Friday had a much more entertaining option when Smoking Popes headlined a show at Bottom Lounge. They were on a three band bill and it was a really...

The Saints ’73-’78 – 11/11/25 at Metro

Last tuesday the Metro hosted some Australian punk legends when The Saints ’73-’78 headlined a show there. They were part of a two band bill. First up, also hailing from Australia, was Chimers. This duo made...

Swans – 9/30/25 at Metro

Tuesday night was a big night if you are a Swans fan as the band made their return once again to the beloved Metro here in Chicago. They headlined a two band bill and when Swans play, it’s always an event. First...

Cold Waves XIII Day Three – 9/28/25 at Metro

Sunday was the third and final days of this year’s Cold Waves Fest. It was another six band bill and most of the acts were making their first Cold Waves appearance. The Metro was packed mostly full for this final...

Cold Waves XIII Day Two – 9/27/25 at Metro

Cold Waves XIII continued on Saturday at Metro with a lineup heavy on newer bands, plus a couple of return visits. It was a pretty diverse lineup and a whole lot of fun. E.T., which does not feature the Recees Pieces...

Cold Waves XIII Day One – 9/26/25 at Metro

While Riot Fest marks the end of summer, one week later every year Cold Waves ushers in the fall every year with a weekend spectacle of Industrial/Dark Wave/Goth. This is the the lucky 13th year for the festival, which...

Naked Raygun – Riot Fest Late Night 9/21/25 at Metro

As if the three days of Riot Fest 20 weren’t exciting enough, they closed the weekend out with something very special and unexpected when Naked Raygun headlined the final Late Night show at Metro. Billed as...