KITTIE CAME BACK INTO BALTIMORE SINCE AROUND 2012. ON TOUR WITH THEM IS GORE AND KINGDOM OF GIANTS. 

Gore opened the show, energizing the crowd with crowd surfing and moshing. This Texas metalcore trio kicked off the party in style. I really enjoyed the vocals of their singer, Haley. While I found the music to be quite basic, I know many people in the crowd truly loved it.

Kingdom of Giants was up next, and this band, hailing from Sacramento, California, took the energy of moshing and crowd surfing to a whole new level. The metalcore band truly engaged the audience. While I have never been a huge fan of the genre, I always respect others’ tastes in music. The band exuded a lot of energy, and the singer was particularly animated, moving around and getting the crowd pumped up.

KITTIE was performing now, and I hadn’t seen them since Blue Ridge Fest ’22. I remember watching them in 2000 at Ozzfest and have seen them many times over the years, always enjoying their performances. I was really excited about this show. 

Morgan, Mercedes, and Tara are incredibly badass and put on an amazing clinic. Rachel, filling in for Ivy on bass, added that extra spark. Playing 20 songs, Kittie pulled out tracks from different eras of the band. Hearing songs like “Cut Throat,” “Oracle,” “Spit,” “What I’ve Always Wanted,” “Suck,” and “Mouthful of Poison” was a real treat. They ended the set with their first single that made them famous, “Brackish,” and the song that brought them back together, “Eyes Wide Open.” 

The show was incredible and truly demonstrated why, after 30 years, KITTIE is still a phenomenal band that deserves to be riding the waves of rock and roll success.

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Ron

Ron has keen eye for new talent, a love for the underground, and a tremendous passion for music of any genera. You’ll probably bump into him at a horror convention or some seedy club checking out the next need-to-know band.

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Whoop Whoop Pittsburgh! The day we’ve all been waiting for is almost here. On June 27th, 2026, the Dark Carnival featuring none other than the Wicked Clown duo Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope are coming to town and they’re bringing their dark ride to Stage AE located in Pittsburgh’ s North Shore. Yes, you heard me Insane Clown Posse (The most evil motherfuckers to ever rhyme) are bringing their Juggalo-covered, warpaint-stained, Faygo-drenched traveling ceremony of psychosis to Pittsburgh.
Calling this show a concert would be a disservice. This is a family reunion, a final boss on a lifelong quest and a “gathering” of like-minded souls. I’ve spoken to numerous steel city Juggalos and this is what they look forward to all summer. This spiritual experience is your opportunity to boogie with the clown and join the most loyal, most crazy and fun loving tribe there is: The Juggalos. Whether you been down since “The Carnival of Carnage” (Fuck that “Dog Beats”) or you are a clean-cut virgin ready to get your war paint stained we’ve got you covered.

The Wicked Clowns Are Coming!
For those who may not know, the Insane Clown Posse is a famous horror-core duo from Detroit. For over three decades, Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope have created a unique musical story. This saga, known as the Dark Carnival, judges the wicked and rewards the good. They have sold millions of records and released classic songs like “Chicken Huntin’,” “Hokus Pokus,” “Let’s Go All the Way,” and of course “Homies,”. They have built an empire based on independence and authenticity. What started as a group called Inner City Posse changed after the duo encountered a supernatural Carnival Spirit. This spirit instructed them to spread the message of the Dark Carnival. They fulfilled their duty through a series of “Joker’s Cards.” It’s not only music, but also an elaborate mythology that has helped push their career and showcase their independence. The group founded Psychopathic Records built on Faygo, horror-infused lyrics, and a dedicated fan base known as Juggalos. ICP have achieved significant commercial success, earning two platinum albums and five gold albums. The group has sold over 6.5 million units in the US and Canada alone. Their story has continued with a second deck of Joker’s Cards, featuring albums like 2021’s Yum Yum Bedlam and last year’s The Naught.

What to Expect: A Sensory Assault!
Stepping into an ICP show feels like entering a different world. It’s an overwhelming experience for the senses. The stage resembles a theatrical masterpiece, with elaborate props and costumed characters that bring the Dark Carnival to life. But let’s be honest, you’re really there for the main event: the Faygo Shower.

If you’ve never seen it, imagine this: you’re surrounded by a sweaty, excited crowd, chanting along with Violent J and Shaggy. Suddenly, bottles of Faygo start flying from the stage like gifts from the clown gods. Grape, Orange, Rock & Rye—you’ll be soaked in the sticky, sweet drink of the Dark Carnival. You won’t just leave with memories; you’ll take home a permanent reminder in your clothes and hair. It’s a rite of passage, a glorious mess that brings everyone together in a shared, sugary frenzy.

Pittsburgh’s Juggalo History

This isn’t the first time the Clowns have made an impact in the Steel City. The Juggalos have strong ties here. The Wicked Clowns have a history of performing in Pittsburgh. We remember them at Metropol, Laga, The Ice Garden, Club Zoo, Rock Jungle, and even one unforgettable night with GWAR and Twiztid back in ’98 at the Crane Building. Let’s not forget their in-store appearances at Eide’s and the many fan sites like WPAJ.com (Western PA Juggalos) that celebrated the band and all things associated with them. The Pittsburgh crowd is sure to bring that legendary energy!

Controversy and the FBI
Of course, you can’t mention ICP without talking about the controversies that have served to fuel the loyalty of their fans. The most notable is their long-running fight with the FBI. In 2011, the FBI classified the Juggalo fanbase as a “loosely-organized hybrid gang” in their National Gang Threat Assessment. This designation as a gang, led to accusations of profiling and discrimination from venues and promoters. Fans claimed they were harassed and even had their rights violated simply for being part of the Juggalo family.

ICP, with the help of the ACLU, sued the federal government, arguing their First Amendment right to peaceably assemble was under attack only to have the case dismissed. In a major victory, the lawsuit was reinstated by an appeals court, proving the Clowns aren’t just about fun and games; they’ll fight for their family against a Goliath like the government. However, a federal judge dismissed the case for a second time but just know when you’re throwing your hatchet up at Stage AE, know you’re part of a movement that the Man couldn’t crush.

2026 Gathering: A New Realm
Now for the biggest news in the Juggalo universe: the 26th Annual Gathering of the Juggalos. This year, the Dark Carnival is on the move! After a long run in Thornville, Ohio, the family reunion is setting up shop in a brand-new location: Mother Nature’s Riverfront Retreat in Macks Creek, Missouri.

For the first time in its history, the Gathering is heading to the Show-Me State, happening August 19th-22nd. The Clowns themselves are hyping it up as a brand-new “river-infused realm of dopeness” nestled in the Lake of the Ozarks area. Imagine four days and nights of epic music, wrestling, and, of course, enough Faygo to fill the Mississippi. The official lineup is still under wraps, but if history’s any indication, it’s going to be legendary. Consider the Pittsburgh show your official warm-up for the main event!

2026 Schedule Full of Chaos
The Steel City show is a key stop their 2026 tour. The Clowns will be hitting cities from coast to coast before and after the Gathering. Here’s a look at the madness to come:

Spring Warm-Up: The tour kicked off in April with shows in places like Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Dallas, and Houston.

Summer of Faygo: June has them tearing through the Midwest, with stops in Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Cincinnati.

The Main Event: Then it’s time for the 26th Annual Gathering of the Juggalos in Macks Creek, Missouri, from August 19-22.

Fall Wickedness: The tour continues into the fall with shows in Denver, multiple cities in California, and a string of East Coast dates in October, including an appearance at the Aftershock Festival in Sacramento.

Don’t Get Left Out in the Cold!
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your tickets, grab your hatchet, and get your face paint ready. This is the sign you’ve been waiting for. The Dark Carnival is coming to Stage AE in Pittsburgh, PA, on Saturday, June 27th, 2026. It’s all-ages, so bring the whole fam and just be ready to explain the sticky clothes later.

This is going to be a night of pure, unadulterated, wicked fun. See you in the pit, Juggalos! Whoop Whoop!

About Author

Josh Drespling

Josh is the Publisher and creator of Empire Extreme and it’s sister publication Kingdom Extreme Magazine. He is an accomplished writer, photographer and graphic designer. He is always conjuring up new ideas and has a amazing passion for the music industry and all the things that surround it.

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Another warm start of summer as the crowd packs into the Roxian Theater in Pittsburgh to bang their heads and get out some aggression. Tonight is the North American Duel Tour featuring Jinjer with special guests Crystal Lake and Entheos. Tonight marks Jinjer’s 4th trip to the Burgh, having last been to the city in 2024. 

Entheos kicked things off; draped in all black, vocalist Chaney Crabb commanded the audience’s attention from the start. Ripping through All For Nothing, the crowd moshed and thrashed as Chaney went through a full range of deep growls to high screams. Drummer Navene Koperweis was solid behind the kit, accompanied by Scott Carstairs and Michael Stancel on guitars. Entheos put on a high-energy set performing such hits as “Absolute Zero,” “I Am the Void,” and “Return to Me.”

Japanese native Crystal Lake took the stage next. The band recently had a vocalist change prior to this tour and had Myke Terry of Volumes and x-Fire From the Gods on the microphone tonight. Kicking off with “Everblack” and into “Bludgod,” the band was extremely high energy. The band never stood still during the whole set, from head-banging to running back and forth across the stage. Even the drummer would occasionally stand up and continue playing during the set. The whirlwind of a stage show saw their performances on such hits as “Aeon,” “Dystopia,” and “The Weight of Sound.” 

​Ukrainian natives Jinjer closed out the show with a light show production. LED screens and projected backdrops showed all types of scenes fitting of their songs as the band performed. Vocalist Tatiana Shmayluk sang through “Duel,” “Fast Draw,” and “Vortex” showing her vocal prowess to the Pittsburgh crowd. During the set, bassist Eugene Abdukhanov has a standout part under the spotlight, showcasing his musical abilities. Many in attendance were banging their heads or moshing as the band ripped through “Hedonist,” “Someone’s Daughter,” and “Rogue.” 

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George Archibald

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