The Punk Vault

Cabaret Voltaire – 9/16/26 at Metro

Last night was the second and final night of Cabaret Voltaire at Metro. Just like the night before, they filled up the place nicely. I Speak Machine was up first and just like Tuesday, Tara put on am amazing performance well worthy of fighting...

Cabaret Voltaire – 9/15/26 at Metro

Tuesday night was a very special one as it saw the long awaited return of Cabaret Voltaire to the Metro. This was the first of a two night stand and the most beloved music venue in the city. It had been over 30 years since the band played here, and...

Silver Abuse – 9/3/26 at Reggie’s Music Joint

First generation Chicago punk band, Silver Abuse, made a rare appearance headlining a really good four band bill at Reggie’s Music Joint (the bar side of the venue). It was hot as hell outside, and not much cooler inside, but at least there...

Sludgeworth – 8/30/26 at Cobra Lounge

In what should become a regular thing, yesterday Cobra Lounge hosted a Sunday matinee show when Sludgeworth headlined the second of their two record release shows, the first being the night before. It only took more than three decades, but the band...

Quicksand – 8/26/26 at Bottom Lounge

Wednesday night, Quicksand and Bane made a stop here in Chicago on their current tour to play a show at Bottom Lounge. Soul Blind was the opening band. This New York band played an interesting mix of metal/post-hardcore, grunge, and a bit of...

Nitzer Ebb – 8/22/26 at Metro

Saturday night, industrial music legends Nitzer Ebb made a welcome return to Chicago once again to headline a show at Metro. It was a three band bill that featured two veteran acts alongside a newer one that may not have been familiar to a lot of...

Eagles Of Death Metal – 8/21/26 at Metro

Friday night was an exciting night in Chicago because Eagles Of Death Metal made their return to headline a show at the beloved Metro. The place was packed full of fans eager for a good night of rock and roll. First up was Mountain Head. This three...

All – 8/5/26 at Thalia Hall

Wednesday night, the beloved brother band of the Descendents, All, made their return to Chicago to headline a show at Thalia Hall. Aside from playing Riot Fest a few years ago, I can’t recall the last time that All did a proper tour so it was...

Category - Show Reviews

Voivod and Prong – 3/20/24 at Thalia Hall

Wednesday night a pair of long running metal bands teamed up to co-headline a show at Chicago’s Thalia Hall. Voivod and Prong are currently on a US Tour and both of them have fairly recently released new albums as...

Sincere Engineer – 12/23/23 at Metro

Christmas came a couple of days early when we were treated to a big record release show at Metro for Sincere Engineer. They headlined a three band bill and it was a great way to ring in the holidays. Canadian Rifle were...

Skinny Puppy – 11/15/23 at House of Blues

Wednesday night was bittersweet because it was the final night of Skinny Puppy’s three night run at House of Blues which also meant that this would be the last time the band plays Chicago as they bring to close a...

Skinny Puppy – 11/14/23 at House of Blues

Tuesday was the second night of Skinny Puppy’s three night farewell to Chicago and place was packed to the rafters. People showed up early and the club was overflowing with people before Lead Into Gold took the...

Skinny Puppy – 11/13/23 at House of Blues

One of the unfortunate things about us all getting older is that at some point you have to say goodbye to your favorite bands. A lot of times a band will break up or retire without warning and only in the best of...

Tangerine Dream – 10/5/23 at Metro

Thursday night was a very special night over at the Metro as they hosted an evening with electronic music pioneers, Tangerine Dream! The band (in any of its incarnations) rarely toured the United States, and this was...

Slowdive – 10/3/23 at Riviera

Last night the Riviera was packed full as Slowdive made their return to Chicago to perform in front of a sellout crowd. It was a beautiful night for a show, and what a soundtrack they had lined up for the evening! Drab...

Wolves in the Throne Room – 9/30/23 at Metro

Saturday night, Wolves in the Throne Room made their long awaited return to Chicago to headline their biggest show in the city yet at the Metro. They were joined by three other bands for a great night of metal. They all...