LYLVC, EVA UNDER FIRE and BUTCHER BABIES bring the fury to the Fine Line

CONCERT REVIEW :: LYLVC, EVA UNDER FIRE, BUTCHER BABIES opening for JERIS JOHNSON
Fine Line - Minneapolis, MN
March 7, 2026
Photos by Brett Zisler
Review by Nick

Being the first band on a 4 band touring package can prove to be daunting. Will anyone show up just after doors to catch your set? LYLVC didn't have any problems with that on a Saturday night at the Fine Line in Minneapolis. LYLVC opened the show with an impressive 20 minute set that packed all the punches and never let up. LYLVC impressed new fans who got there early as the band jammed high energy in to every second of their set. Kicking off with their latest single “Barely Human” the back and forth interplay between vocalist Alyse and rapper Oscar was infectious.

The 6 piece band didn’t let the size of the stage tamper down the energy they were able to put forth. Each member of the band was seen having a blast on the stage and that translated to the audience and back again. The new single “Starless” gave you all the feels as Oscar poured his heart out after surviving an attempt to end his life. I'm glad he's still around because this band would not be what it is without him.

LYLVC played a few songs from their first EP "Perfect Drug" to round out their set displaying their strengths as a band writing catchy songs that even if you don't know the lyrics, you can still bang your head and have a great time with Alyse, Oscar and the band.

LYLVC made a lot of new fans, including myself, during their extremely short 20 minute set and hopefully the next time LYLVC comes thru, they'll have a longer set and some more new music to showcase the power of this band. Keep your eye on them, LYLVC is gonna be huge.

Detroit's EVA UNDER FIRE had the tall task of following the heat LYLVC brought to start off the night. The band came out accepting the challenge with the first single of their forthcoming album, “Awakening” before launching in to an unreleased track “My Own Name” proving that EVA UNDER FIRE were going for a little bit of a harder rock direction with the new material.

The new songs fit in perfectly with “Heroin(e)” in which the crowd was singing along with the chorus.  Another new track followed “Villainous” along with current single “Murder Scene” both powerful tracks from the forthcoming record.  After that, EVA UNDER FIRE treated the fans to 3 solid tracks from Love, Drugs and Misery to close out the show with a perfect balance of new and familiar.  “Comatose” “Coming for Blood” and ending the show by bringing up a fan to help them out with “Blow”.

It had been a long wait to see EVA UNDER FIRE again since Louder Than Life 2022 and they did not disappoint. Especially bringing in new material for half their set! EVA UNDER FIRE returns to Minnesota on Aug 18 at the brand new Mystic Lake Amphitheater in Shakopee, MN opening for Five Finger Death Punch. Hopefully that new album will be out by then as well!

It was great to finally see Heidi and Henry back on stage as BUTCHER BABIES came out for their first show in MN with only one vocalist with the thunderous “Backstreets of Tennessee”. The band was in mean, fighting machine form storming the stage for their 40 minute set that flew by. Most of the set came from the most recent release Eye for an Eye ... Til the World's Blind including the band having fun with the crowd during "Beaver Cage".

Where the set really hit it’s stride was with the new songs “Sincerity” and the powerful “Lost in Your Touch” from their forthcoming album.  Heidi tackles the melodic and the furious with absolute precision proving the next act will be just as potent as Goliath or Lilith.  The band whipped the crowd into a frenzy leaving the crowd wanting more with the last track from the Goliath record “Magnolia Blvd”.

I didn’t get a chance to check out most of Jeris Johnson’s set at the Fine Line but the crowd was definitely in to it what I was able to catch.  My interview with LYLVC will air this Friday night on the Midwest Beatdown. Tonight was a victorious show that brought back many memories of what we all love about the hard rock and metal scene.  All the bands came to hang out at their merch tables in between bands and met everyone they were able to.  Fans that night were able to make a connection on stage and off stage with a new favorite band. Here's to hoping that LYLVC and BUTCHER BABIES return soon!

SEE MORE of BRETT's PICTURES from JERIS JOHNSON, BUTCHER BABIES, EVA UNDER FIRE and LYLVC at Fine Line HERE!

MIDWEST BEATDOWN PLAYLIST :: 03/13/26

MIDWEST BEATDOWN PLAYLIST :: 03/13/26

HOUR 1
JOHNNYROOK - "minute for an hour" // minute for an hour - single
THE PRETTY RECKLESS - "when I wake up" // dear God
BULLETS AND BUTTERFLIES – “when you lie” // when you lie - single
THE BLACK CROWES – “cruel streak" // a pound of feathers
LYLVC – “starless” // starless – single
BUTCHER BABIES – “lost in your touch” // lost in your touch – single
YONAKA – “miss millennial" // until you're satisfied

RISE AGAINST – “ready to fall" // the sufferer and the witness
MADAM DRIVER – “alive” // static valley
ANGRY WATERS – “the heist” // the ghosts we chase
THE WARNING – “kerosene” // kerosene – single
SEVENDUST – “unbreakable” // one
DIVIDE THE FALL - "burn it down" // burn it down - single
THE FAILSAFE - "happy to be here" // happy to be here - single

HOUR 2
LAMB OF GOD – “blunt force blues" // into oblivion
LAMB OF GOD – “St. Catherine's wheel" // into oblivion
ICE NINE KILLS feat MCKENNA GRACE - "twisting the knife" // twisting the knife - single
TESTAMENT – “witch hunt” // para bellum
HELD – “constant tension” // grey
STAHLECKER feat WALLY JOSEPH – “a means to an end” // a means to an end – single

LAMB OF GOD - "a thousand years" // into oblivion
LAMB OF GOD – “devise/destroy" // into oblivion
MOTIONLESS IN WHITE – “afraid of the dark” // afraid of the dark – single
LIVING DEAD GIRL - "survival mode" // conspiracy
SHOWING TEETH - "rip" // rip - single
HATEBREED - "tear it down" // the rise of brutality
CAGE FIGHT feat JULIEN TRUCHAN - "pick your fighter" // exuvia
REAPING ASMODEIA - "bodies in barrels" // poison of the earth (deluxe)

**SPECIAL THANKS to JOHNNYROOK and CARDNIAL SUN RECORDS for letting us WORLD PREMIERE the brand new track from JOHNNYROOK "Minute for an Hour"! The track comes from JOHNNYROOK's forthcoming new album later this year! Catch JOHNNYROOK, RAD OWL, DROWN THE LIFEGUARD and EXACTLYNO for the CARDINAL SUN RECORDS SHOWCASE & BRAD'S 50th BIRTHDAY PARTY at Pillar Forum in Mpls on April 11!

DROPKICK MURPHY’S DOUBLES THE FUN IN MINNESOTA

CONCERT REVIEW :: DROPKICK MURPHYS
Palace Theater - St. Paul, MN
March 6, 2026
Photos and Review by Brett Zisler

What better way to kick off the month of March and al the festivities that come with St. Patrick’s Day then getting a stop on the DROPKICK MURPHY’S “FOR THE PEPOPLE……IN THE PIT” Tour. A rainy Friday night had no effect on the sold-out crowd at the Palace Theater in St. Paul, Minnesota. The beers were flowing and the merch line was LONG as you entered the venue, and it was clear, Friday Night in St. Paul is going to be a hell of a time.

Following opening sets by the bands Slugger, Haywire and The Aggrolites, The Dropkick Murphy’s flooded the stage with their legendary swagger as the kicked into “Barroom Hero” and “The State of Massachusetts.” Founding member and vocalist Ken Casey wasted no time in getting right up into the faces of the die hard fans in the front row as the bellowed lyrics back with smiles on their faces. The beauty of going to a Dropkick Murphy’s show is you know exactly what you are getting, and they deliver EVERY SINGLE TIME. There are no over-the-top frills or theatrics needed for the Dropkicks. Their music is the message, and it’s delivered every time they hit the stage.

As the night went on, the Dropkick Murphy’s brought forth a set that consisted of songs off their most recent release, “For the People,” the bands 13th studio album, as well as all the fan favorites to keep the crowd perfectly engaged throughout the night. One thing that never ceases to amaze me while attending a Dropkick Murphy’s show is the fan engagement. These fans never stop singing, dancing, or raising a fist in the air. When the band is on that stage, those fans are a part of that show. There is such absolute beauty in that only die hard music fans appreciate.

The Dropkick Murphy’s made their way through their set as the played new songs “Dropped on My Head,” “Kids Games,” and “Who’ll Stand with Us” the night never seemed to slow down. As things came to a close, the Dropkick’s delivered in the way only they can with closing out with “Rose Tattoo,” “Worker’s Song,” and show stopper “I’m Shipping up To Boston,” and ending with “The Big Man.”

Minnesota was definitely lucky in March of 2026. Getting the chance to have such an iconic Celtic Punk Band in the month of March in a city where St. Patrick’s Day is such a big part of its heritage was a major lift to the area. The fans came hungry and left full.

SEE MORE of BRETT's PHOTOS from DROPKICK MURPHYS HERE!

NOTHING MORE BRINGS CARNAL NATURE TO MINNEAPOLIS

CONCERT REVIEW :: NOTHING MORE, CATCH YOUR BREATH, ARCHERS and DOOBIE
The Fillmore - Minneapolis, MN
March 3, 2026
Photos and Review by Brett Zisler

A Tuesday during the first week of March in Minneapolis usually wouldn’t be considered a “must go out” night, but when NOTHING MORE makes their way to town on the CARNAL NATURE Tour, you don’t miss out.

Coming into town off the release of their album, “Carnal” Nothing More’s show at the Fillmore in downtown Minneapolis had a high level of expectations, and they lived up to them and even more. With opening acts Doobie, Archers and Catch Your Breath getting the sold out crowd primed and readied, Nothing More hit the stage to a fury of screams as the band ripped through their hit single “House of Sand.” Being no strangers to Minnesota, Nothing More weaved their way through their set including new songs, “Angel Song,” “If It Doesn’t Hurt” and “Stuck” as the crowd hurled back the lyrics to lead singer, Jonny Hawkins.

If there is one thing Nothing More gets credit for, it’s navigating what can be deemed as a perfect flow to their setlist. They do a flawless job of mixing new and old songs to retain the audience throughout the show. The mid section of their show kept the audience on their toes by bringing Archer’s lead singer, Nathanael Pulley, to join on “Freefall.” Nothing More then followed that up by medley of solos between guitarist, Mark Vollelunga, bassist Daniel Oliver, and drummer, Ben Anderson. Jonny Hawkins joined to the fun jumping on the extra set of drums on stage and also the “tri” bass solo as he, Oliver and Vollelunga provided sights and sounds they didn’t know could come from a guitar. A definite hit of the night was Nothing More letting the crowd vote on the next song they should play, and the winner being the recently released cover of Nine Inch Nails “We’re in this Together.”

As the night came to a close, Nothing More closed their set with heavy hitters “Jenny,” “Fade in/Fade Out” and of course “This is the Time.” If there is one thing you can always take away from a Nothing More show, it’s the amount of fun you have while watching these four men give their absolute all to the crowd. It’s been incredible to watch the rise of this band and to hear the evolution of their sound over the last 10+ years, what’s even better? It seems like Nothing More is just getting going.

CATCH YOUR BREATH

ARCHERS

DOOBIE

SEE MORE of BRETT's PHOTOS from NOTHING MORE at THE FILLMORE HERE!

PRESIDENT gives a glimpse into their future

PHOTO GALLERY :: PRESIDENT
Target Center - Minneapolis, MN
March 2, 2026
Photos by Brett Zisler

PRESIDENT made their long awaited Minnesota debut on March 2 at the Target Center in Minneapolis. Their live set sounded much better than the recorded output so far showing everyone a very bright glimpse into the future ahead of PRESIDENT. This performance definately made a new fans tonight.

SEE MORE of BRETT's PHOTOS of PRESIDENT HERE!

MIDWEST BEATDOWN PLAYLIST :: 03/06/26 - EARTHSIDE

MIDWEST BEATDOWN PLAYLIST :: 03/06/26
GUESTS :: EARTHSIDE

HOUR 1
SEVENDUST – “unbreakable” // one
THE WARNING – “kerosene” // kerosene - single
LYLVC – “barely human” // barely human – single
EVA UNDER FIRE – “awakening” // awakening – single
BUTCHER BABIES – “lost in your touch” // lost in your touch – single
ANGEL DU$T – “cold 2 the touch” // cold 2 the touch
LETLIVE – “the sick, sick, 6.8 billion” // fake history
EVERNORTH – “prevailer” // silver tongue

BULLETS AND BUTTERFLIES – “when you lie” // when you lie - single
DEAD PONY – “eat my dust” // eat my dust - single
ALTER BRIDGE – “playing aces” // alter bridge
CHARLOTTE SANDS – “neck deep” // satellite
EXACTLYNO – “capitalist punishment” // rock ice out comp
DED – “eraser” // resent
KILLSWITCH ENGAGE – “the fall of us” // this consequence
MACHINE HEAD feat IN FLAMES, LACUNA COIL & UNEARTH – “these scars won't define us" // unatoned

HOUR 2
EARTHSIDE feat DAEDRIC – “earthsink” // let the truth speak (deluxe edition)
EARTHSIDE feat BJORN “SPEED” STRID – “crater” // a dream in static
AUGUST BURNS RED – “behemoth” // behemoth - single

NEKROGOBLIKON feat REEL BIG FISH – “secret elephant” // the boiling sea
SHOWING TEETH - "rip" // rip - single
POISON THE WELL – “everything hurts” // peace in place
WAGE WAR – “song of the swamp” // it calls me by name
ROMAN CANDLE – “lady lazarus” // lady lazarus – single
SLDG – “crickets” // of my own design
SABATON – “Templar” // legends
YEAR OF THE KNIFE - "wish" // no love lost

**SPECIAL THANKS to JAMIE from EARTHSIDE for zooming in to the Midwest Beatdown to talk about their latest album "Let the Truth Speak" and their collabations!

Midwest Beatdown · Earthside interview

MIDWEST BEATDOWN PLAYLIST :: 02/27/26 - MOTHICA

MIDWEST BEATDOWN PLAYLIST :: 02/27/26
GUESTS :: MOTHICA

HOUR 1
BULLETS AND BUTTERFLIES - "when you lie" // when you lie - single
EXACTLYNO - "capitalist punishment" // rock ice out compilation
FLIPP - "just let it be" // the best of the worst of flipp
BEARTOOTH - "free" // free - single
ARCHERS - "the dirt" // the dirt - single
NOTHING MORE feat ERIC V - "house on sand" // carnal
DROPKICK MURPHYS - "who'll stand with us" // for the people
LYLVC - "barely human" // barely human - single

EVA UNDER FIRE - "murder scene" // murder scene - single
BUTCHER BABIES - "sincerity" // sincerity - single
FLYLEAF - "I'm so sick" // flyleaf ep
VIA - "the reincarnate" // the day of purification
STAHLECKER feat WALLY JOSEPH - "a means to an end" // a means to an end - single
SHINEDOWN - "safe and sound" // ei8ht

HOUR 2
MOTHICA - "causality" // nocturnal
MOTHICA - "evergreen misery" // somewhere in between
MOTHICA - "save your roses" // somewhere in between
MOTHICA - "weapon" // somewhere in between

WAGE WAR - "song of the swamp" // it calls me by name
EVERNOIR - "derecho" // derecho - single
ICE NINE KILLS feat MCKENNA GRACE - "twisting the knife" // twisting the knife - single
ROMAN CANDLE - "lady Lazarus" // lady Lazarus - single
KUBLAI KHAN TX - "the mountain of Corsicana" // the mountain of Corsicana - single
LAMB OF GOD - "blunt force blues" // into oblivion
ARCH ENEMY - "to the last breath" // to the last breath - single
VEIN.FM - "rebirth protocol" // errorzone

**SPECIAL THANKS to MOTHICA for zooming in to the Midwest Beatdown this week! MOTHICA's new EP "Somewhere in Between" is out now on Sharptone Records!

Midwest Beatdown · Mothica interview