To put it simply, I love a supergroup. There’s nothing like bringing together some of the best musicians to walk this Earth. And, in the case of L.S. Dunes, this supergroup exemplifies the standard every time they step onto the stage.

In the small venue of A&R Music Bar in Columbus, Ohio, a sold-out show leaves the room packed from wall to wall, front to back. Even as the second opener hits the middle of the set, there’s already no room to move. But that’s what happens whenever you put singer Anthony Green of Circa Survive, guitarist Frank Iero of My Chemical Romance, drummer Tucker Rule of Thursday, and bassist Tim Payne on the bill. These four, along with guitarist Travis Stever of Coheed and Cambria, who was absent from this show, create the punk-rock group L.S. Dunes.

This tour follows the release of their 2025 album, “Violet,” which blends familiar sounds from the depths of punk-rock with new, unique melodies and variations to create such a memorial album. The band chose to open with the same song that opens this album, “Like Magick.” It’s the perfect ambiance setter that starts with the pure, isolated vocals of Green before transitioning into heavy riffs that bring such a deeper meaning to the lyrics. From there, it’s all uphill as the band treks through songs new and old that range from energetic-screamo-rage to heartbreaking-yearning.

I’ve had the opportunity to see L.S. Dunes before, actually in a larger venue too, and the intimacy of A&R Music Bar was truly made for bands like these. The atmosphere that bleeds into the set is unmatchable as you see fans jump and scream together and the band uses the whole small stage to their advantage. Nearly two years from the first time I saw this group, they’ve only matured in the best way possible. The vocals and instruments both take new risks that succeed and the lyrical content is one that’s meant for these modern times.

Whenever the entire world feels like it’s crumbling, it’s bands like L.S. Dunes that keep bringing together people from all walks of life. Watching the crowd complete the bigger picture for L.S. Dunes leaves you feeling in your heart and soul even after leaving the show. This is one of those bands that’s going to stick around for a long time, far past their days of touring, for the pure memorableness of each and every performance.

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Kylie Thomas

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COLD came back into Baltimore to bring us an anniversary of 2 amazing albums, “13 ways to bleed” and “a different kind of pain. Bringing along with them Thrower, University Drive, and September Mourning.

Thrower opened up and this was my first time seeing this band from Texas. The best way I can describe them is a good mix of 90s grunge with a little modern rock. They had a really cool sound and had a great vibe on stage. The band did a really cool eerie rendition of Blue Oyster Cults “Don’t Fear the Reaper”.

University Drive was up next and this was also my first time seeing the band, even though they have toured with Cold a few times, I just haven’t got the chance to see them. UD has 3 members of Cold in the band making them have double duty on tour. I thought UD were really great, I loved the sound and the stage energy. The music is also different from Cold, so it makes a good combo with the band. Having 3 guitarists was crazy on stage but seemed to work so perfectly.

September Mourning was up next, and after an early van issue on tour, they were able to come back and rock out for the crowd. September knows how to get the fans ready and eager to have some fun and listen to some theatrical metal. I loved the tv screens on each side showing you some art and lyrics and all things September Mourning while the band played .

Cold was up next and everyone in the house was ready to sing, to laugh, to cry, to remember when and where these songs were a huge part of our lives. It’s crazy that 13 ways to bleed is 25 years old and Different kind of pain is 20, where does the time go? Cold always takes us on an emotional rollercoaster when they come to play, but this time it was different. We got to hear 25 songs from both albums that both played a huge role in my life and the lives of the fans at the show. I love seeing Cold play, and seeing the crowd cause everyone knows the lyrics, sings to the top of their lungs and show so much emotion for a rock/metal concert.

I love the combo of both these albums. They both take you on a journey of life, with all kinds of feelings along the way. Feelings of hope, depression, fear, pain, sadness, anger , having no faith to having faith again, to drug use and suicide. Ya that sounds a lot like Emo music, but Cold was this way before Emo was a thing, plus the music is way better. I love that Scooter takes times to tell the fans about certain songs and the meaning and inspirations around the lyrics, I also love that everyone has their own opinion about the lyrics and how they mean to them. It was great to hear these albums in full because normally you may hear a few of the tracks but it’s great to hear songs you haven’t heard Live in years or ever.

Cold just doesn’t compare to any other bands out there. Not only is Scooter one of the best lyricists and poets of the 90s-2000s but also is such a great man, loving father and truly a gem within the world of musicians that let their ego take control. Scooter and the band are truly for the fans, they always make sure to take time to meet the fans, take photos, sign autographs and talk about how the songs of the band have impacted them personally. I’ve got to hang out with my friends with the Kid Dreadful camp and got to see how excited and truly interested that the band are into her life and her art. It’s just makes you love this band anymore.

I can’t wait till they come back again and maybe in 2028 we can get the 30 year anniversary of the “Self Titled” album and get to hear the songs that first got me into the band. It’s crazy that I’ve been going to see Cold for 25 years. The one thing that’s been the same in those 25 years is my love of this band. This band has honestly saved my life many times and helped many others too.
THANK YOU COLD.

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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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MURDER TO THE LEFT…MURDER TO THE RIGHT. HORRAY FOR WEDNESDAY 13, STITCHED UP HEART AND DEAD RABBITS

The Dead Rabbits opened up and started the show off with great music, awesome rabbit masks, and “Escape The Fate” singer Craig Mabbit’s birthday. This was my first time being able to see the band live, and they put on a great show. With songs like “Dead by Daylight,” “Dead Again,” and “Deer in the Headlights,” Dead Rabbits got the crowd pumped for a good time.

Stitched Up Heart was up next, and it had been a while since they played in Maryland. The band has always put on a hell of a show, and singer Mixi always brings such energy and fun to the shows as well. She’s always talking to fans and being genuinely an amazing person. When she’s on the stage, you can tell she’s in her element. The crowd was really getting into them, and the band even got to have a little mosh pit. With songs like “To the Wolves,” “Catch Me When I Fall,” and “Sick Sick Sick,” Stitched Up Heart always puts on a hell of a show and gets the crowd pumped.

The Duke of Spook. MR. MOTHERFUCKING13. WEDNESDAY 13 was up next, and the crowd was ready to be shocked and rocked. Playing a good mix of Muderdolls In the Valley of the MurderDolls and Wednesday 13’s first “solo” album, Transylvania 90210. You know when you go to a Wednesday 13 show you’re gonna hear some fun songs, you’re gonna hear some great songs, and you’re just gonna have fun. I was excited to hear a few songs that I haven’t gotten to hear in a while, like “Ghost of Vincent Price,” “Rambo,” and “God is a Lie.” We also got to hear a few songs off the new album that comes out on April 25th called “Mid Death Crisis,” songs like “When the Devil Commands,” “In Misery,” and “No Apologies.

With the new album coming out Wednesday, Wednesday 13 has a new addition to the band: guitarist Ashes (DevilDriver, Static X) has joined the WED13 camp. Which is awesome because not only is he a good friend, he’s a kick-ass guitarist and just an all-around badass and great guy. Wednesday and the band came out for an encore and gave us a few more songs to bang our heads to, like “Slit My Wrist” and “Love at First Fright,” and ended the night with “I Love to Say Fuck,” in which, during the end of the song, Wednesday broke his umbrella, looked at just the handle, laughed, and used it like he was leading an orchestra.

It was a great night of music and hanging out with great friends. We got to celebrate the lives of MurderDolls Joey Jordison and Ben Graves. And the show just happened to be on Paul Gray’s (Slipknot) birthday.

About Author

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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