Crystal Spiders and Insomniac with Evil Eye

Crystal Spiders Bandcamp / Instagram Founded in 2019, fuzz fanatics Crystal Spiders quickly shot to prominence after their first self-recorded demo secured them a spot on The Obelisk’s yearly ranking of short releases, and have continued to build momentum ever since. Building on the foundations laid by legends from Black Sabbath to Windhand and beyond, Crystal Spiders infuse the best elements of both classic rock and heavy metal dynamics with a hazy, psychedelic, doomed-out edge – their raw blend of powerhouse vocals, fuzzed-out bass lines, and shredding guitar that has earned them both global critical acclaim and the support of a diverse, growing fanbase over multiple singles, two full-length albums, and a slew of gigs to date. An eagerly-awaited third full-length album and an appearance at Maryland Doom Fest are already on the horizon for 2025, with tour dates forthcoming.   Insomniac  Website INSOMNIAC coalesce onto our plane like a third eye opening into the beyond. A bouncing ball on the rhythm of the universe. An aural guide past the edges of perception. The band took form in Atlanta, Georgia, like-minded explorers of sound and mind writing songs in the frequency of the earth. Featuring members of Zoroaster, Deceased, Brass Knuckle Surfer, and The Buzzards of Fuzz, the outfit’s transcendent, mind-expanding psychedelic heaviness casts light on the magic and strange beauty, balanced between unconsciousness and dreams.   Evil Eye Bandcamp / Instagram

The Everymen with Julian Calendar and Sonic Blooms

The Everymen Bandcamp / Instagram   Proud sons and daughters of the state of New Jersey, the Everymen are a band with a little bit of everything: the tough but tuneful melodies of ’60s rock, the big and dynamic sound of  and his heartland rock brethren, the fierce attitude of punk rock, and the sloppy but powerful heart of . Put it all together and you have a sound that’s made the Everymen heroes in their home state and a growing presence elsewhere. The Everymen were formed by singer, guitarist, and songwriter Mike V. (aka Michael Venutolo-Mantovani), who grew up listening to his father’s record collection, which encompassed roots rock, heartland rock, R&B, jazz, and many stops in between. In his teens, Mike started writing songs that reflected his wide range of musical influences, and in 2009, Mike V. began playing shows as a two-piece with drummer Jake Fiedler. In time, the group expanded to add different sounds and flavors to the mix. By 2012, the Everymen had grown to a mighty nine-piece ensemble, including Mike V., Fiedler, vocalist Catherine Herrick, lead guitarist Geoff Morrissey,  on keyboards, Jamie Zillitto on bass,  on percussion, Scott Zillitto on sax, and trumpeter Will Hoffman. In October 2012, the Everymen released their debut album, Hardcore New Jersey, through New Jersey-based independent label . The album received positive reviews, and in 2014, the Everymen returned with a glossier and more ambitious sophomore effort, Givin’ Up on Free Jazz, their first album for  Shortly before the release of Givin’ Up on Free Jazz,  announced he was amicably parting ways with the Everymen to work with his other musical projects. In June 2016, the Everymen released their third album, These Mad Dogs Need Heroes. By this time, the group had trimmed itself down to a core of five members — Mike V., Catherine Herrick, Scott Zillitto on sax and vocals, Jamie Zillitto on bass, and Ryan Gross on guitars and keyboards — with a handful of guest musicians filling out their sound in the studio. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi   Julian Calendar Bandcamp / Facebook   Sonic Blooms Instagram 

Blax: The Money, Prayers & Abundance Tour with Product of Hip Hop and Concept

Blax Website BLAX (Adebisi Agoro)** is a Milwaukee-based hip-hop artist with over 20 years in the underground conscious rap scene. As founder of God Degree Media, he maintains complete ownership of his masters, publishing, and touring revenue while building a career rooted in authentic storytelling and community. A 2018 WAMI Award winner for Best Rap/Hip-Hop Artist, BLAX has earned critical acclaim from The Fader, The Source, and Respect Magazine, recently gaining national exposure through [MSN.com](http://MSN.com). His experimental, West African-influenced sound bridges Milwaukee’s hip-hop generations as co-founder of Fresh Cut Collective. BLAX’s independent approach has taken him across the country twice as direct support for R.A.P. Ferreira, with his latest album *Omnipotent Methodology* (February 2026) launching a 24-date national tour. Beyond recording and performing, he curates monthly God Degree Sessions—intimate vinyl listening experiences paired with West African cuisine—cementing his role as both artist and cultural architect in Milwaukee’s ascendant hip-hop scene. His BLAXPLOITATION vinyl release sold out 100 copies, proving his fanbase values authenticity and artistry over algorithms.

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