Concert Reviews
HANABIE. LIVE (with Enterprise Earth & Nekrogoblikon)
HANABIE. Brings the Harajuku-Core Chaos to McKees Rock with Enterprise Earth and Nekrogoblikon
Roxian Theatre, McKees Rock, PA – March 20, 2026
On a damp first day of spring just outside Pittsburgh, HANABIE. stormed the stage of the Roxian Theater and gave a lesson in stage presence. They filled the room with excitement and energy and made it seem easy even among the more seasoned performers on the tour.
The show followed the uncertainty of the cancellation of both Brooklyn and Silver Spring stops just a few days prior, where vocalist Yukina lost her voice mid-tour. Despite the setback, the Roxian Theatre became hallowed ground for one of the most unhinged, colorful, and utterly exhilarating metal shows of the year. Tokyo’s self-proclaimed “Harajuku-core” quartet HANABIE., alongside deathcore titans Enterprise Earth and the goblin-metal outfit Nekrogoblikon, delivered a three-act spectacle that proves exactly why this tour has become the must-see tour of spring 2026.
Any anxiety that accompanied the cancellations evaporated the moment the Roxian’s lights dimmed. This was a show about resilience, about homecoming, and about four women from Tokyo who have gone from a high school club to conquering America on their own terms.
Enterprise Earth: Deathcore Precision with a Pittsburgh Heart
Spokane outfit Enterprise Earth opened the evening with the kind of set that makes you question why they’re not headlining arenas. Frontman Travis Worland is a force of nature, his vocal range spanning from guttural lows to piercing highs that seem physically impossible to sustain. The band barreled through a set-list drawn heavily from their recent catalog, with tracks like “Where Dreams Are Broken,” “Chasms of Hell,” “Casket of Rust,” “Psalm of Agony,” and “You Couldn’t Save Me” serving as pit-starters that had the floor section heaving within minutes.
There was an added layer of significance to Enterprise Earth’s set that deserves special attention: a homecoming. Guitarist Gabe Mangold is a Pittsburgh native, and for those familiar with the city’s metal scene, his presence on this stage carried the weight of a decade-long journey. Before joining the ranks of one of deathcore’s most innovative bands, Mangold was a foundational member of Delusions of Grandeur, a metalcore outfit that emerged from Pittsburgh in 2011. The band—which featured Mangold on guitar alongside vocalist Brent Vaccaro—released four EPs between 2012 and 2018, carving out a reputation for technical precision and an ambitious blend of progressive metal and deathcore.
Delusions of Grandeur’s 2014 EP Reclamation featured a track called “Theotrophy” with guest vocals from Dan Watson, who would later become Enterprise Earth’s vocalist for several years before Mangold’s own tenure began. Mangold eventually left Delusions of Grandeur and spent years living a nomadic existence, recording, producing, and honing his craft in the deserts of the American Southwest before joining Enterprise Earth. But tonight, he was home. When the band launched into tracks with roots stretching back to his early writing days, there was an unmistakable energy from the Pittsburgh faithful in the crowd who remembered the Delusions of Grandeur days.
Nekrogoblikon: Comedy, Chaos, and a Crowd-Surfing Goblin
If Enterprise Earth represented the serious side of extreme metal, Nekrogoblikon was its gleefully unhinged id. The Los Angeles-based genre-benders, famous for their absurdist goblin-themed metal and viral mascot John Goblikon, took the stage to the unmistakable strains of the Pokémon theme song, a choice that set the tone for everything that followed.
This is exactly what you’d expect from a Nekrogoblikon show: “Crowd-surfing goblin? Check. Full Body Xplosion? Check. Bears? Check. At the end of the night, No One Survives… except for maybe The Prince of the Land of Stench.
Opening with “Show Me Your Goblin,” the set drew heavily from their extensive catalog, including fan favorites like “Dressed as Goblins,” “Darkness,” “The Many Faces of Dr. Hubert Malbec,” and “Powercore,” closing out their set.
Hanabie.: Harajuku-Core Conquers America
By the time HANABIE. took the stage, the Roxian was nearing capacity and the energy was electric. The Tokyo quartet—Yukina (vocals), Matsuri (guitar/vocals), Hettsu (bass), and Chika (drums)—have been on a rise since their formation as a high school club activity in 2015. With their 2024 Lollapalooza appearance and the January 2026 release of their EP Hot Topic, the band has become one of the most exciting exports in modern metal.
Their self-described “Harajuku-core” genre is exactly what it sounds like: a maximalist blend of metalcore aggression, J-pop melodicism, nu-metal groove, and the unapologetic stylistic chaos that defines Tokyo’s iconic fashion district. And tonight, they delivered it with precision, charisma, and undeniable star power.
A Journey Through the HANABIE. Universe
The band opened with the night with “NEET GAME,” a track that immediately established the evening’s parameters: crushing riffs, Yukina’s dual-threat vocal attack (alternating between kawaii sweetness and death-metal growls), and Matsuri’s clean vocal harmonies providing the perfect counterpoint. The pit erupted into chaos almost instantly.
From there, the set moved through a career-spanning selection that showcased the band’s evolution beginning with hard driving “SUNRISE MISO-SOUP” that brought an old school thrash feel coupled with its infectious chorus demonstrating why HANABIE. has found such crossover appeal.
“REIWA Dating Apps Generation” followed, a commentary on modern dating culture wrapped in a package of breakneck riffs and electronic flourishes. The track has a “hippy hoppity” intro that is demolished by heavy guitars and mean double kick bass. This track seems to really expand the style of the band with a more rap song structure and delivery.
“TOUSOU” tore the roof of the place, the thunderous rhythm section showed that the girls are here to rock, and they have a plan to take over the states. and “Be the GAL~Early Summer ver.~” (今年こそギャル〜初夏ver.〜) kept the momentum rolling before the band dropped “ICONIC,” the lead single from Hot Topic. The track which opens with a phone call and electronic samples before exploding into a punk-laced riff assault—is a mission statement for where the band is headed in 2026. Live, it was transcendent, with the call-and-response between Yukina and Matsuri reaching near-religious fervor. This song marked a highlight in this stellar performance.
“Spicy Queen” followed, designed exclusively for maximum mosh pit devastation. Yukina’s “rapped screams” on this track left the crowd audibly stunned and ears bleeding. There was much moshing!
“Bokura no 7-kakan sensō” (“Our 7 Days War”) provided a brief breather. The track tricks you into thinking that it’s going to be a ballad before the pace increases and gets heavy and chunky with death metal vocals in the verse before returning to the softer side for the chorus.
“OTAKU Lovely Densetsu” is HANABIE.’s love letter to their fans, and the Roxian responded accordingly. The singalong chorus was deafening. “Tokimeki About You” was up next. Followed by “Osaki ni Shitsurei Shimasu.” the band’s breakout hit inspired the largest pit of the evening before the band exited the stage.
After a brief break the band dover back in with “Ware Amatou (We Love Sweets),” an anthemic, heavy, fist pumping closer that showcased everything that makes HANABIE. special. But then came the surprise: “L.C.G.”
“L.C.G.” is a deep cut from the Girl’s Reform Manifest album that starts with a nu-metal edge before breaking into a pop-metal chorus. This song exemplifies the band’s genre-fusing approach. For the true fans in the crowd this was the moment that elevated the night from great to legendary. Yukina and Matsuri traded vocal lines with the kind of chemistry that only comes from years of playing together, and the pit opened one final time for a last surge of cathartic energy.
As the final notes rang out, the four members gathered at the front of the stage, bowing deeply to an audience that had given them everything.
It’s worth noting that this show came just a few days after the Brooklyn and Silver Spring cancellations that left many wondering about the tour’s future. The fact that HANABIE. not only performed but delivered one of their most energetic sets of the year complete with an unexpected deep cut like “L.C.G.” speaks volumes about their professionalism and dedication to their fans.
What makes HANABIE. so compelling is their refusal to be confined. On paper, their genre amalgamation shouldn’t work. Metalcore breakdowns shouldn’t coexist with J-pop hooks, nu-metal shouldn’t complement death-metal growls. But in practice, it’s not just cohesive; it’s revelatory. They’ve absorbed the lessons of the bands that came before and emerged with something that feels genuinely new.
If this tour is any indication, 2026 is going to be a massive year for HANABIE.. The North America Tour 2026 continues through April. Remaining dates include stops in Cleveland (March 27), Detroit (March 29), Chicago (March 30), and Minneapolis (April 1), before heading west to Dallas, Houston, Austin, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco, and wrapping up in Los Angeles on April 11-12.
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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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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!
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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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KITTIE 30 YEARS LATER STILL ROCKS BALTIMORE
Wicked Clowns Take Over The Steel City
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