MusicFreaks

Tag: Cryptopsy

  • Tour news: Twisted Teens, Smerz, Winged Wheel, Victoryland, The Gotobeds, Angelo De Augustine, more

    The music world is buzzing with movement, and right now, the touring circuit is an absolute kaleidoscope of noise, nostalgia, and genre-bending brilliance. From hardcore punk experiments to blistering bluegrass jams, artists are hitting the road across the country, setting up stages, and proving that there is still an enormous appetite for live, visceral performance.

    The energy is palpable among the punks. New Orleans-based mutants Twisted Teens are currently on tour this summer, gracing the stage at Garwood, NJ’s Crossroads on July 24 with Pyrex and Loosey. This high-octane touring activity continues into the fall with an appearance at Bowery Ballroom in New York on November 13.

    Meanwhile, the celebration of heavy music continues to spin. The anticipation builds for the IONIA FREAK FAIR 2026, where bluegrass star Billy Strings is set to headline a festival that features bands he helped curate, including hardcore vets Bane and death metal legends Cryptopsy. This event promises a high-voltage experience at the Ionia Fairgrounds on August 28 and 29.

    In other corners of the musical landscape, experimental acts are crafting unique experiences. Artists like Turnstile, Olivia Rodrigo, and Deftones are currently curating lineups that defy traditional genre lines, showcasing a dynamic mix of eras and styles.

    The journey also includes some truly intriguing collaborations. Norwegian duo Smerz has temporarily paused their US and Mexico tour due to health reasons, reflecting on the incredible experience of traveling and playing big-city life across the US before planning their return soon.

    A different kind of journey is underway with Winged Wheel, who are taking a stripped-down, powerful trio—featuring Fred Thomas (Tyvek), Steve Shelley (Sonic Youth), and Cory Plump (Tubby’s Kingston)—on the road in August. Their route takes them from Tubby’s on 8/8 through various stops before concluding at Union Pool in Brooklyn on August 23.

    The story of music touring is also being told by singer-songwriters finding their stride. Southern California-based Angelo De Augustine, known for his work with Sufjan Stevens, will be supporting his new album Angel in Plainclothes on tour later this year, including a stop at Le Poisson Rouge in New York on October 6.

    Further across the board, other acts are making waves. American Football’s North American tour is officially beginning in Brooklyn, kicking off the journey now.

    Even experimental groups are looking to command attention. Victoryland is slated to open for LCD Soundsystem later this year, but they are also making appearances with Sex Week, Many Shining Windows, and Tal Castle at ErF in Brooklyn tonight on June 26, along with Fernette and Fashion at The Hancock on July 10.

    And finally, the artistic spectacle continues with Gorillaz. After their recent “House of Kong” exhibition in Los Angeles, the group is bringing that unique vision to New York City. The exhibition runs from September 1 to 28 at the Agger Fish Building at Brooklyn Navy Yard, adding another layer of visual culture to the city’s artistic scene.

    While the main stage action continues, even classic sounds are finding new life. Pittsburgh’s Gotobeds are taking a brief Midwest tour in August, hitting major cities like Columbus, Cincinnati, St Louis, Denver, and Kansas City.

    And perhaps the most charming news is the anticipation building for the festive season. John Waters is already checking his list twice, meticulously planning where he will be on his annual Christmas tour for 2026—proving that some traditions are just as compelling as any new musical trend.

    Credit: BrooklynVegan

  • Billy Strings Announces Metal Lineup For His Ionia Freak Fair

    Billy Strings is a musical anomaly: a virtuoso bluegrass player who simultaneously embodies the spirit of a devoted metalhead. This fascinating blend of genres defines his presence in the jammy Americana world, offering an unexpected and thrilling juxtaposition of polished acoustic skill and raw, heavy-hitting energy.

    Strings’ versatility goes far beyond the banjo and fiddle; he has carved out a reputation as a genuine musical adventurer, willing to cross genre boundaries to explore new sonic territories. This adventurous spirit recently manifested in a high-octane performance where he tackled a solo on a medley of re-recorded 1994 songs from the legendary death metal band Cryptopsy. It was a showcase of his unique talent, demonstrating an ability to seamlessly navigate complex musical landscapes.

    But Strings doesn’t stop there. He is actively embracing the heavier side of music, proving that the boundaries between folk roots and extreme metal are far more permeable than anyone might assume.

    Now, this duality is set to reach a fever pitch as Billy Strings prepares for his upcoming Ionia Freak Fair festival in his hometown of Ionia, Michigan. For this major event, he isn’t just bringing his signature acoustic prowess; he is preparing to stage an entire metal spectacle. The lineup announced for the festival signals a bold commitment to blending these worlds into an unforgettable experience.

    This move reflects Strings’ ongoing journey as an artist who refuses to be boxed in. By taking on such dramatic musical shifts, he encourages listeners to explore their own creative limits and appreciate music in all its vibrant forms. Whether strumming intricate folk melodies or unleashing the fury of heavy riffs, Billy Strings continues to prove that true musical genius knows no genre limitations.

    Credit: Stereogum

  • Bluegrass star Billy Strings books Bane, Cryptopsy & other heavy bands for Michigan fest

    The Sound of Rebellion: How One Star Is Tearing Down Genre Lines at Ionia Freak Fair

    When you think of heavy music, you might imagine mosh pits and aggressive riffs. But what happens when that world collides with the delicate harmonies of bluegrass, folk, and classic metal history? This week’s Ionia Freak Fair is proving that genre boundaries are more like suggestions than rules, all thanks to the visionary curation of Billy Strings.

    Strings isn’t just performing; he’s staging a sonic revolution. He is bringing his deep love for heavy music to Michigan’s Ionia Freak Fair, creating a stage that feels less like a festival and more like a history lesson set to blistering rock and roll. It’s an event built on the spirit of DIY shows, aiming to recapture the raw energy of throwing down the best heavy sounds.

    The lineup is a masterclass in contrast. On Friday and Saturday nights, Strings heads up the main stage, which features some legendary hardcore vets and death metal titans like Bane, Cryptopsy, and See You Next Tuesday. These acts bring a visceral, uncompromising energy that speaks to decades of heavy music history.

    But the magic doesn’t stop there. Strings masterfully weaves these extreme sounds with more relaxed, intricate tones. The main stage also features stellar performers like Sierra Hull and Greensky Bluegrass, alongside artists such as Leftover Salmon, demonstrating how heavy music and folk traditions can coexist in harmony.

    Strings sees this fusion not just as a schedule of bands, but as an invitation to celebrate shared musical heritage. He recently reflected on the event, expressing excitement about bringing back the spirit of The Center—a time when bands brought some of the best heavy music directly to audiences through grassroots shows.

    This curation is deeply personal. Strings admits that he personally helped put together this incredible line-up with friends and collaborators, channeling a love for these sounds that spans twenty years. He’s not just booking acts; he’s creating a lineage of heavy music history.

    The collaboration extends beyond the festival grounds. Strings has contributed to important archival work, including contributing to Cryptopsy’s 30th-anniversary edition of Blasphemy Made Fresh, solidifying his role as an integral part of the heavier music scene.

    Credit: BrooklynVegan