Chicago live music

Metal Shows in Chicago

Live metal events across Chicago-area venues on RUE. Listings come from venue calendars — open a show for tickets and details.

Upcoming events

Cobra Lounge·Ukrainian Village

Sanity Slip / Ballista / Spare No Mercy / Invasive / Choice

Empire Productions and Chicagoland Hardcore present... Sanity Slip Ballista Spare No Mercy Invasive Choice $20 - All Ticket prices inclusive of taxes and fees. What you see is what you pay, no surprises later. 📬Stay in touch, subscribe to our newsletter here➡️ \*\*https://cobralounge.com/email-newsletter/** ⬅️

ElectronicMetalRock
Nov 10
6:00 PM
Cobra Lounge·Ukrainian Village

Lilith's Demise / Slamwich / Traumatization / Orbital Gate

Black Dice Records and Cobra Lounge present... Lilith's Demise Slamwich Orbital Gate Traumatization $24 ADV // $26 DOS - All Ticket prices inclusive of taxes and fees. What you see is what you pay, no surprises later. 📬Stay in touch, subscribe to our newsletter here➡️ \*\*https://cobralounge.com/email-newsletter/** ⬅️

Metal
Nov 11
6:00 PM
Reggie's·South Loop

Psycroptic

PSYCROPTIC Isolation can often result in unique outcomes. Hailing from the tiny, frosty, untamed and detached Australian state that is Tasmania, Psycroptic have become an unparalleled act in an enigmatic world wide movement commonly known as death metal. Fifteen years have passed since their formation in 1999, the band having released five critically acclaimed studio albums, all which show an organic progression along a clandestine path from which they will never stray. On the eve of their sixth full-length, though more technical and brutally intuitive than ever, the four-piece has not been afraid to get in touch with their softer side. Long known as the ‘Tasmanian devils’, they recently became the first band in the world to adopt their own Tasmanian Devil, whom they dubbed Psycro, in an attempt to help preserve the critically endangered carnivorous marsupial. Newer elements too can be expected when the new album is finally unleashed – more vocal variation, a heightened handle on instrumental melody, and an overwhelming sense that this act has truly mastered their craft. Psycroptic have toured all corners of the globe with names that need no introduction to those in the know – Cannibal Corpse, Suicide Silence, Decapitated, The Faceless, Obituary, Carcass, Nile, The Black Dahlia Murder, Origin, Kataklysm, Aborted, Despised Icon, Suffocation, Veil of Maya, Cryptopsy, Misery Index, Vader, Born of Osiris, Hate Eternal… you get the picture right? They also recently guest hosted the ABC music video program Rage, an honour reserved for only the most class Australian acts. Metal legend Max Cavalera has also been sporting the band’s merch in recent promotional photos, bringing things full circle from the days when they were influenced by Sepultura in their youth. It’s safe to say that Psycroptic’s place in the history of heavy metal is solidified, and that everything that happens from here on in is simply a bonus… Autumn Sky Passage by Jeff Scott Castle Band Website Spotify Facebook Instagram Twitter INFERI Inferi is an American melodic death metal band forged from the bowels of Nashville, Tennessee. The band formed in 2006 and strived to merge the classic melodic metal sound with a taste of crushing technicality. Autumn Sky Passage by Jeff Scott Castle Spotify Facebook Instagram Twitter COGNITIVE After releasing an EP and full length, COGNITIVE signed to Unique Leader Records in 2016 and released their album Deformity, which showed the bands dedication to their craft within a tale about their home states own legend about the Jersey Devil. Ramping up their tour schedule, the band continued to write and push themselves within the genre with technicality, speed, brutality, and songwriting, which came to shine through even more on the 2018 release Matricide, which displayed more focused effort while increasing speed and technicality even more. The band wasted no time in their touring schedule and hit the road supporting Fit for an Autopsy, Rivers of Nihil, Through the Eyes of the Dead, Vulvodynia, Lorna Shore and others, along with an appearance at Maryland Deathfest. COGNITIVE has become a touring machine with one goal in mind – always move forward. Now with the release of their new album Malevolent Thoughts of a Hastened Extinction, the band has displayed more diversity and song writing more than ever, and proves yet again they are never scared to explore new concepts musically and explore new territory. Now signed to Metal Blade Records in 2022, Cognitive is not only touring for their last record, but writing their next slab of brutality. Autumn Sky Passage by Jeff Scott Castle Band Website Spotify Facebook Instagram Twitter SUMMONING THE LICH Taking inspiration from the best elements of Lord of the Rings, Magic The Gathering, Dungeons & Dragons, and Adventure Time, and wrapping it up in a fantastical death metal parcel, SUMMONING THE LICH has an attention to detail and commitment to storytelling that is second to none. United In Chaos tells the tale of the rise of the Lich and fall of the Kingdom Rodor – and the spread of his wicked influence across the land as his power grows. SUMMONING THE LICH’s debut album follows a well-received, self-titled demo and live dates alongside heavy-hitters such as Origin, Beneath The Massacre, and several stops on the Summer Slaughter tour. Having honed their craft, they entered Sicktones Studios studio with producer Jack Daniels in Cape Girardeau, Missouri in September 2019. With mastering completed by John Douglass, the result is a technical, abrasive journey through fantasy-driven, modern death metal. On United In Chaos, SUMMONING THE LICH haven’t just championed a fantasy world, they’ve created one in their own vision; this release marking merely the first chapter in a trilogy of albums that explores the outer limits of their imaginations. By inserting their storytelling chops into songs crammed with memorable hooks and meaty riffs, SUMMONING THE LICH have invited listeners to roll the dice and join the adventure. Autumn Sky Passage by Jeff Scott Castle Band Website Spotify Facebook Instagram Twitter BURNED IN EFFIGY BURNED IN EFFIGY is a neoclassical melodic death metal band from Chicago, IL. In January 2022 the band independently released its debut album ‘Rex Mortem’ which was highly acclaimed by leading heavy music media and led to the band sharing the stage with iconic acts such as IMPENDING DOOM and OBSCURA. Featuring Mark Smedborn on vocals, Mike Hisson and Steve Bacakos on guitar, and founding members Matt Watkins on bass alongside drummer Eddie Dec, the band have taken time in finding its sound and refining its full-length debut. A must for listeners of acts such as THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER and INFERI, with the band’s attention to virtuosity and intensity in equal measure, the effort and accomplishment of the band’s debut led to being talent scouted. In July 2022 BURNED IN EFFIGY signed a worldwide deal with leading New York based heavy music agency EXTREME MANAGEMENT GROUP, joining a roster that featured iconic acts such as SUFFOCATION, CRYPTOPSY, ORIGIN and MISERY INDEX. Hard at work on the bands sophomore album and aiming to take its signature melodic death metal sound across the US, and in time the world, BURNED IN EFFIGY continue to ascend in search of conquest. Autumn Sky Passage by Jeff Scott Castle Band Website Spotify Facebook Instagram

Metal
Nov 12
7:00 PM
Price TBADetails →
Reggie's·South Loop

Alenia

ALENIA “Cinematic metal from the Depths of Chicago, Illinois. Incorporating progressive styles, Nu-Metal, Metalcore, Black Metal, and many other infused elements. Creating a unique sound with no boundaries, no limitations, and a one-of-a-kind exhibition. Alenia, fighting against all odds and defying the laws of nature with a raw and merciless energy. Delivering a powerful message of brutality, empowerment, and survival through the sounds of metal from an ethereal point of view. Made from something different, and made from something real” Autumn Sky Passage by Jeff Scott Castle Band Website Spotify Facebook Instagram STOLEN SUN Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, Stolen Sun blends elements of metalcore and hardcore to create a truly unique sound that is both aggressively energetic and chaotic. FFO: Every Time I Die, Slipknot, Norma Jean, & Stray from the Path. Chaos, dissonance , and mayhem are what we strive for. Stolen Sun is Anthony Ofenloch (vocals), Cooper Kleinke (guitar), Michael Krupp (guitar), Dakota Newman (bass), and Bobby Dalheim (Drums). More Money Riffs Per Capita. Band Website Spotify Facebook Instagram MY UNDYING WORD Chicago Metalcore est. 2025 “Beneath the Surface” EP available on all streaming platforms Instagram MEL SENESE Mel Senese is an alt-rock artist whose sound captures the fiery energy of Paramore and dynamic edge of No Doubt. Her music delves into life’s struggles, offering an inspiring and empowering perspective delivered with confidence. Mel’s honesty and electrifying performances resonate with listeners seeking both catharsis and motivation. Beyond her music, Mel is a devoted bird enthusiast. Her conure, Benji, frequently makes appearances on her social media, charming fans with his playful antics. This love for parrots even influences her branding, with a bird-inspired logo that reflects her personality and creative free spirit. Mel has performed extensively across the Midwest, earning recognition as Chicago Big Break Champion in 2017 and opening for national acts like Dorothy and The Veronicas. When not releasing music, she continues to perform regularly throughout the region. In 2020, Mel embraced live streaming to connect with fans during the pandemic. Her engaging weekly streams garnered a dedicated following, earning her features in the Chicago Tribune and a TV appearance on ABC7. That same year, she collaborated with Bliss Skincare on a TikTok campaign, co-writing the song “This Is Bliss.” The campaign achieved over 7 billion views, driving massive success for the brand. Coming back from a 2 year song release hiatus, Mel dropped a handful of singles in 2024, ending with the 5 song EP Called Main Character. It’s a celebration of self-confidence, resilience, and creative rebirth. The EP concludes with its namesake, Main Character, a powerful track that ties everything together. This song is about prioritizing self-care, setting boundaries, and owning your story. With its strong message of self-respect and empowerment, it’s the perfect closing note to a transformative journey in preparation for what’s to come next for Mel. Band Website Spotify Facebook Instagram

RockMetalWorld
Nov 12
8:00 PM
Price TBADetails →
Cole's Bar·Logan Square

Street Dove / Shredded Sun / Humdrum

Street Dove is celebrating the release of their debut self-titled album. They are an indie pop / art rock project out of Chicago, writing dreamy and punchy songs. Like the pop of Vampire Weekend, the hazy polish of Beach House, and the grandiose of the Flaming Lips, but with their own charm baked in. Shredded Sun play loud, short, messy, catchy songs about cities, puzzles, aging, and other concerns of our time. Sarah, Nick, and Ben have been playing music together for a while, but Rosy Overdrive called their new album Never Odd or Even "a fizzy, expert-level power pop album that stands as perhaps their best work yet." Humdrum is a Chicago based dreampop/indiepop project by Loren Vanderbilt III.

PopRockMetal
Nov 13
9:00 PM
smartbar·Wrigleyville

LADYBEAR

Friday, November 13, 2026 Lucy Stoole & smartbar present… LADYBEAR Featuring Juliana Huxtable * Ariel Zetina * Mister Hoochiemama Performances by Valentine Addams * Tenderoni * Fantasy Banks Gogo Dancers Ari * Marckus * Mush Hosted by Lucy Stoole * Gnat $20-$25 Adv / $25 Door / $20 Student Door (before 12am with valid ID) / 21+ / Doors: 10PM

PopElectronicJazz / Blues
Nov 13
10:00 PM
Salt Shed·Bucktown

The Menzingers: Everything I Ever Saw North American Tour

Everything I Ever Saw finds the Menzingers entering a new era in what?s already been a storied career. The Philadelphia punk legends? eighth album chronicles moments of significant change?the personal, the political, and the universal?while returning to the core creative principles that first put them on the map with listeners the world over. Twenty years in, the Menzingers have discovered that the wisdom gained with time?s passing is even stronger than the emotional armor they once wore in their youth, and Everything I Ever Saw captures the quartet embracing the here and now while strengthening the bonds that have held them together.

RockMetal
Nov 14
7:00 PM
Price TBADetails →

Saosin: 20 Years of Self-Titled

Doors open at 6PM. Performance begins at 7PM. This show is for AGES 17 AND OLDER. Valid Photo ID is required for age restricted shows. Forms of valid ID are current and non-expired Driver's License, State ID, or Passport. House of Blues Chicago is a standing room only venue, all tickets are General Admission unless otherwise stated. *All support acts are subject to change without notice.* Upgrade Your Experience: https://www.sevenrooms.com/events/hobchicago/hobwebsite

RockMetal
Nov 15
6:00 PM
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Cobra Lounge·Ukrainian Village

Tightwire / Canadian Rifle / Budget Cuts

Riot Fest presents... Tightwire: Record Release Party w/ special guests Canadian Rifle and Budget Cuts $16 ADV // $20 DOS - All Ticket prices inclusive of taxes and fees. What you see is what you pay, no surprises later. 📬Stay in touch, subscribe to our newsletter here➡️ \*\*https://cobralounge.com/email-newsletter/** ⬅️ Riot Fest says sign up for their email list, or their boss will yell at them: https://riotfest.org/newsletter

RockMetal
Nov 15
6:00 PM
Cobra Lounge·Ukrainian Village

Girl of Glass / Thus Spoke Zarathustra / xMERCYx

Empire Productions presents... Girl of Glass Thus Spoke Zarathustra xMERCYx w/ special guests TBA $20 ADV // $26 DOS - All Ticket prices inclusive of taxes and fees. What you see is what you pay, no surprises later. 📬Stay in touch, subscribe to our newsletter here➡️ \*\*https://cobralounge.com/email-newsletter/** ⬅️

MetalRock
Nov 17
6:30 PM

Hawthorne Heights - 20th anniversary of If Only You Were Lonely

Doors open at 6PM. Performance begins at 7PM. This show is for AGES 17 AND OLDER. Valid Photo ID is required for age restricted shows. Forms of valid ID are current and non-expired Driver's License, State ID, or Passport. House of Blues Chicago is a standing room only venue, all tickets are General Admission unless otherwise stated. *All support acts are subject to change without notice.* Individuals under 17 are allowed to attend if accompanied by their parent or legal guardian Upgrade Your Experience: https://www.sevenrooms.com/events/hobchicago/hobwebsite

RockPopElectronic
Nov 18
6:00 PM
Price TBADetails →
Cobra Lounge·Ukrainian Village

Strawberry Girls / Andrës

Cobra Lounge present... Strawberry Girls Andrës w/ special guests TBA $24 ADV // $29 DOS - All Ticket prices inclusive of taxes and fees. What you see is what you pay, no surprises later. 📬Stay in touch, subscribe to our newsletter here➡️ \*\*https://cobralounge.com/email-newsletter/** ⬅️

MetalRockElectronic
Nov 19
6:30 PM
Cole's Bar·Logan Square

rocknite presents! Lace for Leisure / Credit Card / Lemon Chrome

rocknite brings rising artists and music lovers into a vibrant community. Our shows are all about connection: between musicians, between like-minded strangers and between artists and their fans. In a time where concert tickets come with crazy upcharges and the majority of venues are owned by international corporations, rocknite intends to localize fandom and incorporate socialization into music discovery. rocknite started in Highland Park, Los Angeles in March 2025 at The Goldfish. Now we've started chapters in Nashville, New York, Chicago and Long Beach and stepped out at SXSW and Bonnaroo. All of our shows are built by and for their cities' artist scenes and anchor around three-band lineups and accessible entry. These events are free to attend. This month's featured artists are Lemon Chrome, Lace For Leisure, and Credit Card.

FreeRockElectronic
Nov 19
8:00 PM
Subterranean·Wicker Park

Small Brown Bike

TICKET EVENT INFORMATION: This event is UPSTAIRS. This event is 17+. All sales final, NO refunds or exchanges, events are rain or shine. Door times are subject to change without notice. Tickets purchased at box office will be inclusive of fees. Once you've purchased, you will receive an order confirmation email from See Tickets on behalf of 'Beat Kitchen' or 'Subterranean' with your eTicket(s) attached. We accept physical IDs or official digital IDs. Photos or screenshots of an ID are not accepted.

RockMetal
Nov 19
8:00 PM

Beartooth: Pure Ecstasy World Tour

Doors @ 5PM, Performance @ 6PM This is an ALL AGES event. Aragon Ballroom is a standing room only venue, all tickets are General Admission unless otherwise stated. There is NO re-entry. https://www.aragonballroomchicago.com/

MetalRock
Nov 20
6:00 PM
Price TBADetails →
Cobra Lounge·Ukrainian Village

Ghostwoman / Croaker

Riot Fest presents... Ghostwoman w/ special guests Croaker $26 ADV // $33 DOS - All Ticket prices inclusive of taxes and fees. What you see is what you pay, no surprises later. 📬Stay in touch, subscribe to our newsletter here➡️ \*\*https://cobralounge.com/email-newsletter/** ⬅️ Riot Fest says sign up for their email list, or their boss will yell at them: https://riotfest.org/newsletter

RockElectronicPop
Nov 20
6:00 PM

TRIVIUM: CROWN IN THE GRAVE WORLD TOUR

Doors @ 530PM, Performance @ 630PM This is an AGES 17 AND OVER event. Valid Photo ID is required for age restricted shows. Forms of valid ID are current and non-expired Driver's License, State ID or Passport. Aragon Ballroom is a standing room only venue, all tickets are General Admission unless otherwise stated. There is NO re-entry. Individuals under 17 are allowed to attend if accompanied by their parent or legal guardian https://www.aragonballroomchicago.com/

MetalRockPop
Nov 21
6:35 PM
Price TBADetails →
Metro·Wrigleyville

Neurosis

Saturday, November 21 Neurosis * Mr. Phylzzz $44.50 Adv. / $50 Day of / 18+ / Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm Evolution can be ugly and beautiful, painful and euphoric. An Undying Love For A Burning World is the first new release from Neurosis in a decade, and a potent statement of intent and rebirth – one that marks the first new steps of resolve and resilience. An Undying Love For A Burning World is an epic album of colossal hypnotism – beautiful, fearsome and utterly compelling in a way that only Neurosis can be. Aaron Turner (Sumac, Isis)joins the band on vocals and guitar, a name whose legacy is intertwined with the band’s own and a true kindred spirit. Neurosis have never been afraid of change, and here they embrace endless regeneration, surrendering to the emotional exorcism through heaviness and distortion that their music incites. Just as the universe tends towards balance, Neurosis’ cacophony of noise, rhythm and dissonance always resolves towards moments of beauty. The addition of Turner’s powerful vocals and wildly creative and unhinged approach to guitar proves to be a vital force as Neurosis find themselves again at the mercy of evolution and expression.

MetalElectronicRock
Nov 21
8:00 PM
Dorian's·Wicker Park

M.e.h.

Dorians Presents M.e.h. Live at 9PM & 11PM Happy Hours 6-8pm Nightly No reservations ~ 6pm – 2am 21+ $10 Cover After 8PM Music has always been a pivotal part of m.e.h.'s life. She began writing songs when she was 5 or so, where throughout most years of her life, music was implemented in some way. Whether that was playing the violin in the 3rd grade, singing in the choir all her life, performing in talent shows, and finally started to get gigs around Annapolis, MD when she was 14 years old. Now 23 years old, she continues to fuel this passion in Chicago, IL. She studied Contemporary, Urban and Popular Music at Columbia College Chicago, and now performs throughout the city of Chicago. She has been tirelessly working on her artistry, which has earned her live performances at venues like Schubas Tavern, Cobra Lounge, California Clipper and Uncommon Ground.

MetalRock
Nov 21
9:00 PM
Metro·Wrigleyville

Neurosis

Sunday, November 22 Neurosis * Primitive Man $44.50 Adv. / $50 Day of / 18+ / Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm Evolution can be ugly and beautiful, painful and euphoric. An Undying Love For A Burning World is the first new release from Neurosis in a decade, and a potent statement of intent and rebirth – one that marks the first new steps of resolve and resilience. An Undying Love For A Burning World is an epic album of colossal hypnotism – beautiful, fearsome and utterly compelling in a way that only Neurosis can be. Aaron Turner (Sumac, Isis)joins the band on vocals and guitar, a name whose legacy is intertwined with the band’s own and a true kindred spirit. Neurosis have never been afraid of change, and here they embrace endless regeneration, surrendering to the emotional exorcism through heaviness and distortion that their music incites. Just as the universe tends towards balance, Neurosis’ cacophony of noise, rhythm and dissonance always resolves towards moments of beauty. The addition of Turner’s powerful vocals and wildly creative and unhinged approach to guitar proves to be a vital force as Neurosis find themselves again at the mercy of evolution and expression.

MetalElectronicRock
Nov 22
8:00 PM

Amorphis & Insomnium

Doors open at 6:30PM. Performance begins at 7:30PM. This show is for AGES 17 AND OLDER. Valid Photo ID is required for age restricted shows. Forms of valid ID are current and non-expired Driver's License, State ID, or Passport. House of Blues Chicago is a standing room only venue, all tickets are General Admission unless otherwise stated. *All support acts are subject to change without notice.* Individuals under 17 are allowed to attend if accompanied by their parent or legal guardian Upgrade Your Experience: https://www.sevenrooms.com/events/hobchicago/hobwebsite

MetalRock
Nov 23
6:30 PM
Price TBADetails →