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Getting Emotional In New Jersey with Hawthorne Heights
Creeper, Letlive, and Hawthorne Heights played Starland Ballroom this Sunday and brought the house down. Creeper opened the night up flawlessly. They are currently one of the best and most inventive bands in the music industry. Their set at Starland consistently almost entirely from Sanguivore 1 and 2. Considering both of these records topped Aquarian’s year-end lists on their respective release dates, this was an enthralling set.
Daughtry Performs at Bergen PAC
There a few voices more recognizable and iconic than Chris Daughtry. Daughtry may have got his start through American Idol but his career has since been nothing short of monumental. He has topped the rock charts time and time again. Dozens of his singles have gone gold and platinum, certified by the RIAA. He’s a national treasure and his performance at Bergan Performing Arts Center displayed why that is the case. Daughtry played eighteen stellar tracks ranging from his whole discography.
AFI Stuns Starland Ballroom
AFI is one of the most important bands to exist in recent memory. They have continuously evolved their sound while simultaneously shaping the culture of the scene. Whether the band is selling out Sofi in Los Angeles in support of Sing The Sorrows or selling out the Brooklyn Paramount in support of Silver Bleeds the Black Sun, AFI are one of the best bands to ever do it. Their dedication to their craft is unrivaled and this is displayed time and time again.
William Paterson University WP Presents Fall 2026 Programs Celebrate Music and Culture
A vibrant and engaging celebration of music and culture is in full effect during William Paterson University’s WP Presents Fall 2026 performing arts series, running from Oct. 17 through Dec. 16. The season features top performers, a timely youth theater performance and lively holiday shows. On Oct. 17, audiences can relive the historic event that took place more than 50 years ago on a small dairy farm in upstate New York with Back to the Garden – 1969: The Woodstock Experience.
AC/DC Turn up the Voltage
AC/DC is a household name. Regardless of your background, history, music taste, or location, you’ve heard this band. Their songs have transcended the genre of rock and just become ingrained into the cultural membrane of society. Everyone knows the lyrics. The fact that the band continues to exist and perform all these decades later is a testament to their skill. Their longevity is because of their talent. The band played a headlining show at New Jersey’s stadium, Metlife.
Rise Against Headline the Stone Pony Summer Stage
Our recent covers stars in Rise Against gave fans another exemplary performance. Time and time again the band proves why they’re one of the largest punk bands to date. Their message is timeless and their shows sound better than the studio recordings. Rise Against released their new album Ricochet, earlier last year. Fans have grown to love and connect to these songs. It details issues with the current administration and state of the world.
Four Years Strong Brings A DIY Show to New Jersey
Four Years Strong have always had a tinge of hardcore inside their pop-punk/easy-core aesthetic. The band grew up and cut their teeth amongst the hardcore legends. It’s no surprise they keep that ethos with them in every era and album cycle. Four Years Strong played an insane concert on September 26th. The show was at a brewery. There was no barricade and no separation from the artists and their fans. It was on a make-shift stage with a home-made sound system.
Sawyer Hill’s Perspective On the Scene
On Tuesday, Sawyer Hill will perform in the heart of New York City. He is thrilled for the event and you should be too. If any of our readers are unfamiliar with Sawyer Hill, he has a deep and rich vocal delivery layered over rock guitar riffs. Genre wise, he plays with folk, punk, pop, rock, soul, and a variety of sounds. He is not defined by one specific style of music. His range is further depicted through an energetic and astounding live performance.
Breaking Benjamins’ Tour Stops in New Jersey
On September 6th, Breaking Benjamin played a headlining show in New Jersey. This was an all-star cast of rock legends. Kami Kehoe is an up-and-coming artist that is paving her path currently.Starset have been making waves in the genre for years now. Their music helped define the 2010s. Chevelle is a staple of the scene for twenty years. Every album signifies a new pillar in rock music. All three bands together delivered an astounding performance.
Behind The Scenes with Quicksand
Nothing is more quintessentially post-hardcore than New York band Quicksand. They have been around since the 1990s and their legacy is felt on every band in the genre currently. Quicksand has performed with Fugazi, Rage Against the Machine, and so many more. Fans have both grown up with them and discovered them through every iteration of the band. Despite numerous breakups and reunions, the band is back in 2026 with a new album and shows. Their new LP is titled Bring On The Psychics.
Empire Of The Sun Kicks Off The Fall Concert Season
Empire Of The Sun are comfortably sitting at 39.4 Million monthly listeners on Spotify. Their success is earned and worthwhile. This is a band that has never ceased momentum since they began in 2007. The electronic two piece has climbed the Billboard charts and received a plethora of critical acclaim. As showcased by our gallery below, the band puts on a performance meant to mesmerize. The lights, props, and backup dancers are meant to capture the spirit of showmanship.
Iron Maiden Are The Best At What They Do
Few bands in the history of rock music will have the influence Iron Maiden has. They have perfected the live experience and given fans a true performance on every tour. Whether the band utilizes props, actors, screens, LEDs, or lasers, they always commit to giving a once-in-a-lifetime show every chance they get. Their tour this weekend in New Jersey was extra special. It featured an all-star lineup from some of the biggest names in the genre. Anthrax opened the show strong.
Will Wood and the Tapeworms’ Spectacular New Jersey Performance
On Saturday, Will Wood brought his full band, titled the Tapeworms, to Starland Ballroom. The band played a stellar 21 tracks and brought their full concert experience. The band are natural performers and this was exemplified throughout countless moments. The show consisted of a healthy mix of solo Will Wood tracks and Tapeworms exclusives. The band played their 2016 album, SELF-iSH in full.
American Football Stun in Chicago
Our latest cover stars in American Football just played a show at The Salt Shed in Chicago. The band is currently on tour supporting LP4. They played 15 tracks, spanning across all four of their records. It was an outstanding night filled with music and love. Their records are complex and emotionally charged in the studio, when played live, these songs take on a new life. Please enjoy the gallery below, taken by out talented staff photographer Vince DeSantiago.
Views from Avenged Sevenfold
Please enjoy our gallery from talented staff photographer, Anthony Vito Cosentino. To read our more in-depth review of the concert, click here!
Five Finger Death Punch At PNC Bank Arts Center
Five Finger Death Punch celebrated their 20th anniversary as a band in New Jersey. The band performed PNC Bank Center to kickstart August. They were joined by Eva Under Fire and Cody Jinks as openers. It was an eclectic group of artists that made for a fantastic night. All three bands put their best foot forward and displayed outstanding talent. The future of rock is in good hands. Five Finger Death Punch played twenty songs. It was a career spanning set.
The Melvins and Tomahawk Return to New York
Two legends in the rock community recently toured together. The Melvins and Tomahawk brought the A Great Waste of Your Time & Money Tour to New York City at Brooklyn Steel. The venue itself was a perfect setting for this display of sludge metal and rough rock. The venue is an abandoned manufacturing mill that was transformed into a music hall in 2016. Seeing both bands in such a raw environment with a stellar sound-system was a perfect combination.
Views from Warped Tour 2026
For a full review of our Warped Tour experience, click here! In the meantime, enjoy a gallery taken by our talented staff photographer Nicholas “Chewie” Polis. Views From Day 1: Big Ass Truck Hawthorne Heights The Front Bottoms Upon A Burning Body Bayside Third Eye Blind The Used Rise Against Views From Day 2: From First to Last Breathe Carolina Boston Manor New Found Glory The Story So Far Coheed and Cambria Of Mice & Men Yellowcard All Photos by Nicholas “Chewie” Polis
Warped Tour 2026 Recap
Punk rock’s most iconic festival is bigger and better than ever. Warped Tour 2026 was everything we hoped it would be and more. We spent all month releasing coverage from Washing D.C. dropping exclusive interviews and cover stories. Now with Long Beach happening this weekend, it’s the perfect time to recap some of our favorite moments. The set was very different than the Warped Tour from the past. There are giant screens, pyro, confetti, and production value.
Jinjer Continues to Stun Audiences in New York City
Last year we covered Jinjer’s astounding full length, Duél. It’s an album that takes the signature riffs of Jinjer and expands on the world they’re crafted in. This is album is simultaneously more political and personal than many rock records being released in recent memory. The band brought their new album and tour to Palladium Time Square earlier last month. The band played a very different set than their one at The Wellmont last year. They performed 16 tracks and the audience was entranced.
Story of The Year and Silverstein Co-Headline The Camp Scream-O Tour
Two giants in the emo scene curated a once in a lifetime lineup. This year alone we’ve covered Story of the Year twice and it’s not hard to see why. Their new album A.R.S.O.N. is a stunning display of post-hardcore at its best. Fans of the band’s early work have been overjoyed with this new release and the record has garnered a whole new audience as well. It really sounds like a band that has continued to find their sound and refine it.
William Paterson University Summer Jazz Room – July 20-24, 2026
The Summer Jazz Room program at William Paterson University provides a great opportunity to enjoy an array of top-notch jazz performances at affordable prices without having to venture across the river. All shows are at 7:30 p.m. Cost is $20 per show. Weeklong pass is $75 and must be purchased no later than July 20. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit wp-presents.org or call the box office at 973-720-2371.
Godsmack and Stone Temple Pilots
On June 28th, a truly stellar rock bill came to PNC Bank Arts Center. Dorothy, Stone Temple Pilots, and Godsmack. All three bands are headliners in their own right, but billed together is cause for celebration. Dorothy opened the show well. The band sounded incredible live and there was a surplus of energy. It was clear that every on-stage musician didn’t phone it in, but instead treated it as it was the only concert they might ever play.
Corey Glover Is Ready to Honor Bon Scott at The Birthday Bash
The show is set for July 9th and is sure to be a highlight of the year. Bon Scott is one of the most legendary vocalists in the history of rock music. The sound of the genre wouldn’t be the same without his influence. Every rock band working today, whether they realize it or not, have benefited from the impact he left on the genre. 2026 would have been his 80th birthday. To celebrate his memory, his family is hosting a massive concert in the city known as the big apple.
Black Veil Brides Play an Underplay in Paris, France
Sweet Blasphemy live in the city of love. The Aquarian covered the Vindicatour when it hit New York City, but we also had the incredible opportunity to cover a stop in Paris, France. The band played the Bataclan last night. The show was extra special because it is an underplay, having a capacity of only 1,500. The band performed to over 70,000 people at Hellfest the week prior. Seeing them at such a small venue was a once-in-a-lifetime performance.
Hot Mulligan and Joyce Manor in A Beach Community
It was a very emo Tuesday on the Asbury boardwalk. On Tuesday June 16th the Stone Pony turned into an honorary Emo Nite. One of the best lineups we’ve ever seen came to the iconic Jersey venue. The bill included, Koyo, Saturdays at Your Place, Joyce Manor, and Hot Mulligan. In our interview with Saturdays at Your Place, the band themselves even stated they’re most excited for the Jersey show. Being such a stacked tour and vibrant music community, expectations were high.
Yellowcard Brings Ocean Avenue to New Jersey’s Own Ocean Avenue
Yellowcard played the Stone Pony Summer Stage on Friday June 12th. It was an astounding set. The band performed nineteen tracks from every era and iteration of the band. It was a special night for anyone who is a fan. Openers Plain White T’s and New Found Glory also deserve special credit for fitting the bill flawlessly. It was the perfect way to set the stage for the show to come. Both bands have a strong stage presence and were able to captures the crowd’s full attention.
Rilo Kiley Takes On The Windy City
On May 29th, Rilo Kiley played The Chicago Theater! They played eighteen songs from all eras and album cycles. Any fan of the band (or genre) had the best night of their life. Everyone left the concert feeling enthused and excited for what the band has in store. We covered them last year when they played The Capitol Theater. Upon looking at the crowd during their set, many fans were in tears, moved by the emotion of the music. It was an unforgettable experience.
Atlantic City Welcomes Yungblud With Open Arms
A truly stacked bill recently came to New Jersey. The Warning and Yungblud performed at the Hard Rock Live in Atlantic City. Both bands have increasingly been becoming the faces of modern alternative music. They take chances and really push the boundaries of what rock music in 2026 sounds like. Yungblud played thirteen songs, many of them off his new album Idols. The LP helped skyrocket his career. The new record has been praised by critics and getting radio air-play constantly.
Dance Gavin Dance On The Asbury Shore
Trying to explain Dance Gavin Dance to the uninitiated can be difficult. It’s metal, it’s funk, it’s mathrock, it’s hardcore, it’s post-hardcore, it’s emo, it’s everything. The band is so eclectic that fans have dubed them Swan-core after their lead guitarist Will Swan. They had to create a new word for this band’s genre because of how original they are. That inherant uniquness is the band’s super power. The band released their new LP Pantheon last year.
Black Veil Brides, Our Favorite Fallen Angels
As an outlet that has covered every Black Veil Brides era since their inception, their set at Palladium Time Square on May 28th was by far their best. The band dropped their new album Vindicate a few weeks ago to universal acclaim. We did a cover story with Andy Biersack, the band’s frontman, in support. The setlist was second to none. The band opened with “Knives and Pens” and the entire floor immediately screamed along.
Alter Bridge Shows The Wellmont What They’re Made Of
We started out 2026 right, with a new Alter Bridge album. Self-titled was released on January ninth. It set the bar for the rest of the year. Any new rock music releases have to stack up against one of Alter Bridge’s most cohesive works to date. Clocking in at just over an hour, the LP enhances what we love about the band. Once the they announced a tour we needed to experience what they had in store The band played the Wellmont in Montclair, New Jersey. The band ripped through 14 tracks.
Silversun Pickups Play Jersey’s Most Iconic Room
Earlier this month, the Silversun Pickups came to the Stone Pony in Asbury Park. The show was everything we hoped it would be. The Pony is known for being one of the most legendary Jersey venues. It’s no surprise the band sounded incredible. The concert was flawlessly mixed throughout their entire set. The band’s performance was top notch as well. The first aspect to mention is how popular this band is. The Stone Pony was the most packed we’d seen it. Everyone was thrilled and excited for their concert.
Sevendust at Starland
On May 23rd Sevendust played an unforgettable show at Jersey’s own Starland Ballroom. The band played 13 tracks and delivered a truly energetic stage presence. The tour doubles as an album release performance, as their new record ONE just dropped a few weeks ago. Sevendust has been a band for thirty years, with their first LP, self-titled, dropping in 1996. However, ONE proves to be one of their most cohesive outings to date. It’s rife with profound lyrics and soaring hooks.
The Black Keys Put On A Spectacle
The Black Keys are known for their on stage antics and personality. Their show at the Brooklyn Paramount did exactly that. The band played an astounding 23 songs throughout the night. The Black Keys has been extremely busy, dropping three albums in the last three years. 2024 saw the band deliver their full length LP Ohio Players. In 2025 they released their record called No Rain, No Flowers. The band’s latest full length, Peaches!, is out now for everyone to listen to.
Ani Difranco Is Timeless
On May 10th, Ani DiFranco played the Capitol Theatre and stunned everyone in attendance. DiFranco is known for an alternative folk sound. What strikes us about her performance is the personality that is oozing from every song. Upon seeing her set live, we can truly agree she’s one of the greats. Ani DiFranco makes her acoustic guitar come alive. She played seventeen tracks throughout the course of the night. There are so many reasons to be a fan right now.
Thursday Bids Farewell to Music Hall of Williamsburg
Thursday played two unbelievable sets at Music Hall of Williamsburg on April 29th. For a band that’s been around over twenty years, they still manage to impress and reinvent the standard of what’s possible. Thursday has a deep history with the Brooklyn venue. Unfortunately, the theater is set so close by the end of the year. The band realized this would likely be their final performance in the space and in return, gave us one-hundred-and-ten percent.
Amon Amarth Command Your Full Attention
The heavy metal icons make another stop in the tri-state area. There are very few bands in the metal community quite as engaging as Amon Amarth. Every time they tour in the United States, it becomes an event for the heavy music community. This night was no exception. The bill was stacked, with Castle rat and Dethklok also performing in New York City. The Brooklyn Paramount made for a spectacular venue to host the carnage. Everyone in the theater was moshing or moving to some capacity.
The Maine Are More Than A Spark
The Maine are currently embarking on their, “I Love You But I Chose The Maine Tour.” It goes without saying when they stopped in New York City, we would be there! The band dropped their new album, Joy Next Door, in mid-April. It has quickly become a fan favorite. Tracks like the title track, “It’s Not Over Yet,” and “Palms” are entirely new territories for the band. They are pushing their overall sound into atmospheric rock tracks mixed with funk elements.
Bruce Springsteen’s Epic Homecoming Gallery
Bruce Springsteen put on the ultimate show for fans last week. To read a more in-depth analysis of the concert, click here to see our review. In the meantime, enjoy our gallery below! All pictures taken by Nicholas “Chewie” Polis. All Photos by Nicholas “Chewie” Polis
Paquito D’Rivera with the William Paterson Latin Jazz Ensemble
The event is happening on Sunday, May 3, at 3 p.m. The career of brilliant saxophonist and clarinetist Paquito D’Rivera began in his native Cuba, where he first earned worldwide recognition as a member of the all-star group Irakere. Since coming to the U.S. in the early 1980s, he has released more than 40 albums and earned numerous Grammy Awards.
Black Label Society; Showing New Jersey The Meaning of Heavy
American heavy metal band Black Label Society performed a stunning set at The Wellmont on April 3rd. The band was formed by Zackk Wylde in the 90s and stood the test of time. Their more recent shows are just as electric and captivating as when they started. The band utilized a unique form of heavy music called groove-metal. With a new album out and a live show that is better than ever, there’s nothing stopping Black Label Society. The band played a mixture of most of their albums.
Sweet Pill Plays New Album at Warsaw
On Friday, Sweet Pill played a show at Warsaw in Brooklyn, NYC. Their new album, Still There’s a Glow released two weeks ago to universal acclaim. Fans of the band loved it. Critics adored it. And Sweet Pill gained many new fans through the process. Despite the band having to cancel the rest of their tour, we’re thrilled we got to cover this show and experience this album. The crowd was completely into the show and captivated the entire time. There were constant circle pits.
The Hives Stun at the Brooklyn Paramount
The Hives Forever The Hives Tour hits New York City. Last night The Hives performed at the incredible Brooklyn Paramount. Fans got to hear every track they hoped for and more. It was a thorough setlist filled with dynamic moments. The band also went the extra mile to connect with their audience. Members would frequently run up to the barricade or through the center of the pit. They wanted every person in this venue to feel like they were having a front row seat experience.
Rainbow Kitten Surprise at The Wellmont / March 13, 2026
It was the best way to spend Friday the 13th! The interesting thing about this particular show was, we (the journalists) were relatively unaware of Rainbow Kitten Surprise’s catalogue before entering the show. We had heard the hits on social media and read the bio sent by the label, but this was a totally fresh experience. We had not done a dive into their deep cuts before entering the pit. Experiencing the band’s set this way, we quickly realized two things.
Experiencing Baroness in Philadelphia
At the beginning of the month, Baroness played the Underground Arts in Philadelphia. With a capacity of 650, this was the most intimate performance possible! Baroness have been around for twenty years and the band still finds a way to reinvent their live shows. They sound incredible and continue to display why they’re one of the most consistent acts working today. There’s a reason this band feels timeless.
Angel Du$t At The Black Box in Rutherford
On Sunday, March 1st, Angel Du$t played an incredible set at The Black Box. Opener was Crown of Thrornz who put on an equally mesmerizing performance. The entire bill was stacked and it showed in their stage presence. Angel Du$t just dropped their new album COLD 2 THE TOUCH on February 13th. The album features the hardcore elements fans have come to expect from the band with a revitalized freshness on the genre. The record feels like a band in their prime.
Atlantic City Welcomes I Prevail and Three Days Grace
The title says it all! The seaside New Jersey town brought one of the best rock shows of the year to Hard Rock Live. I Prevail and Three Days Grace are both respective legends in the metal core and hard rock communities. Their music has been blasting all over the airwaves and they’ve cemented themselves as worthy festival headliners. I Prevail took the stage and ripped through some of their best tracks. Opening with “NWO,” set the stage for the chaos to come.
The Emo’s Not Dead Cruise Is A Highlight of 2026
The Emo’s Not Dead Cruise is really making waves in the music industry (Pun Intended)! The Emo’s Not Dead Cruise has become a staple for the punk and emo community. What started as a fun idea has become one of the genre’s most anticipated weeks. It’s gotten approval from the scene’s top artists and personalities. Fans come in droves and it’s not hard to see why. The lineup is stellar, experiences second to none, and is extremely well managed.
Dropkick Murphys Captured at The Wellmont
Dropkick Murphys may be from Massachusetts, but on Tuesday they made The Wellmont feel like a hometown show! Forming in 1996 the band is genuinely 30 years into their career. Dropkick Murphys are still dropping some of their best material to date. Last year the band released their latest LP, For The People. It’s an astounding achievement in punk music and should be listened to immediately. It’s a politically charged cohesive record that is consistently great start to finish.
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