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Monday, November 3
GWAR
Observatory
We didn't think it was possible for theatrical gross-out metal band Gwar to get any more bad-ass–then came the recent announcement of a new front-woman Vulvatron (aka Kim Dylla) joining the group. Hell yes. With huge prosthetic breasts that spray fake blood, pinkish-blonde dreadlocked hair, and an apocalyptic amazonian bondage getup, Vulvatron can definitely thrash right alongside her monstrous brethren–and we're willing to bet she's going to end up stealing the show. There's obviously no replacing founding member and singer Oderus Urungus (Dave Brockie), who passed away in March, but we're thrilled to see this new addition. So come get dosed with blood and guts, and party like tomorrow morning is days away. (Erin DeWitt)
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Wednesday, November 5
Dropkick Murphys
House of Blues
Unlike other bands approaching their 20th anniversary, proud Bostonians Dropkick Murphys ave kept their stride creatively consistent while growing more and more popular. The septet's 2013 album, Signed and Sealed in Blood, peaked at no. 9 on the Billboard 200, their second best output so far, behind the band's previous record, 2011's Going Out in Style. Over the years, the celtic punk outfit became underground-famous for their frenetic live show, non-stop touring and left-leaning politics. Between their unabashed love for their hometown and rabidly devoted fans, even without a mainstream radio hit, Dropkick Murphys have maintained a solid following while remaining fiercely loyal to a distinguishably wild sound. (Daniel Kohn)
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Julian Casablancas + The Voidz
The Observatory
As The Strokes gasped their last breaths of rock relevance with their last two albums — 2011's Angles and 2013's Comedown Machine — frontman Julian Casablancas was already scheming for his return. But instead of another solo effort, Casablancas assembled The Voidz, a collective of session musicians and alt-rock stalwarts who helped him churn out this summer's debut, Tyranny. Filled with psychedelic abstractions and extra-long collages of pop-rock detritus, the album, according to Casablancas, is “kind of a protest record” about “corruption being king… now and forever.” See Casablancas and The Voidz on their first stop in OC since the release. (Sarah Bennett)
Thursday, November 6
Yelawolf
The Observatory
When rapper Yelawolf played The Observatory in 2012, he ended up punching a fan. But antics like that seem to be typical for Eminem's Alabama-raised protege, who strutted up and down the Observatory's stage that night rocking dirty ass overalls. Things got heated while Johnny Cash's “Folsom Prison Blues” was playing; a concertgoer jumped onstage, got past security, and tackled down the rapper, who people refer to as “Catfish.” Yelawolf immediately got up, punched the fan, then got back into his set with gusto. (Lilledeshan Bose)
Friday, November 7
Common Kings
The Observatory
Common Kings appear poised for a major breakout in 2015. In fact, it's looking almost inevitable. They just came off tour with Justin Timberlake–13 dates across Australia and New Zealand–and now they're in the studio with a team of A-list producers for their debut LP, called Hits and Mrs. due out mid-January. They're working on tracks with Timberlake's longtime co-songwriter and producer Rob Knox, also Grammy-winner Supa Dups (Eminem, Drake, Bruno Mars), and Brian Kennedy (Ciara, Rhianna). Fronted by a Samoan-born crooner gifted with a honey-tone three-octave range, Common Kings is comprised of four OC-bred Pacific Islanders who can all trace their heritage back to royal bloodlines. Their sound has found Common Kings a place all their own in the Island music scene. (Adam Lovinus)
See also
10 Punk Albums to Listen to Before You Die
10 Goriest Album Covers
10 Most Satanic Metal Bands
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