POP EVIL – THE “SKELETONS” TOUR – LIVE @ THE WOLF DEN
By Ralph Beauchamp
This past weekend, Michigan’s Pop Evil brought their “Skeletons” tour to Mohegan Sun’s Wolf Den showcasing their new album and delivering an incredible live performance. The band formed in 2001 and have constantly mesmerized their fans with dynamic music and spectacular showmanship. Pop Evil is touring in support of their latest release, Skeletons, which was released this month via MNRK Heavy.
POP Evil is comprised of Leigh Kakaty (Lead Vocals), Dave Grahs (Rhythm Guitar/Vocals), Nick Fuelling (Lead Guitar/Vocals) and Hayley Cramer (Drums). Touring bassist Joey “Chicago” Walser (Devour The Day) rounds out the lineup. The band played a brazen 16 song set that totally stimulated the pack house. Pop Evil effortlessly tore through tunes spanning their brilliant catalogue.
Pop Evil opened the night with “Paranoid (Crash & Burn)” off of Skeletons. Right from the start, the band came out swinging. Kakaty’s vocals were intense and full of fierce determination. Grahs and Fuelling’s guitars rang with sonic thunder while Walser’s bass was savage. Cramer’s percussions hit with a ruthless fervor. The audience responded with pure frenzy. “Deal with the Devil” followed and the band was cranking. Their on-stage meanderings were wild. Kakaty held everyone’s attention while Walser flew around like a freaking madman. Grahs antics were enjoyable to watch and Fuelling looked jubilant. Cramer was a rampaging demon carrying a pulverizing backbeat.
“Let The Chaos Reign” from their 2021 release Versatile came next and the crowd soaked up the propulsive energy. The song is plainly killer and their incendiary spirit was infectious. The house was enjoying every minute. The audience relished Kakaty’s brief foray before the band kicked into “Circles” and “Dead Reckoning”. Both are on Skeletons and Pop Evil executed amazing renditions. “Work” kept the fury alive. By now, the Wolf Den was thunderstruck. Pop Evil was destroying everything.
Pop Evil’s big hit, “Be Legendary” ensued and everyone was singing along en masse. The band embraced three more tracks from Skeletons. “Who Will We Become”, “Skeletons” and “Eye of the Storm” illustrated the strong songwriting on the new full length. These songs hit hard. All the while, Pop Evil continued to be completely animated. The band covered the entire stage with crazed vivacity. The throng was alive with tenacious zeal. The group ended the set with “Survivor” and a merciless version of “Waking Lions”.
The encore was just as intrepid. An emotive “Torn to Pieces” was highly applauded by their fans. Kakaty’s voice was full of angst and desire. “Trenches” brought back the heat. The audience went ballistic. Heads were banging and fists raised. Pop Evil finished off with a manic “Breathe Again” and the night was complete. I don’t think anyone left disappointed. Pop Evil slayed.
If you ever get the opportunity to catch Pop Evil live, run don’t walk. They are murderous.
The Skeletons Tour: Special guests – The Word Alive and Avoid
03/28 – Virginia Beach, VA @ Elevation27
03/30 – Tampa, FL @ Hard Rock Event Center
03/31 – Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse
04/01 – Charlotte, NC @ The Underground *
04/02 – Nashville, TN @ Basement East
04/04 – Oklahoma City, OK @ Tower Theatre
04/05 – Dallas, TX @ Echo Lounge & Music Hall
04/07 – Tucson, AZ @ Rialto Theatre
04/08 – Tempe, AZ @ The Marquee Theater
04/10 – Santa Ana, CA @ The Observatory OC
04/11 – Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spades
04/12 – San Diego, CA @ House of Blues
04/14 – Las Vegas, NV @ House of Blues
04/15 – Grand Junction, CO @ Mesa Theatre
04/16 – Denver, CO @ Gothic Theatre
04/18 – Lincoln, NE @ Bourbon Theatre
04/19 – Kansas City, MO @ The Truman
04/21 – Pittsburg, KS @ Kansas Crossing Casino
04/22 – Chicago, IL @ Concord Music Hall
04/23 – Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave
* The Word Alive will not be performing
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To learn more about Pop Evil, check out their Website
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Stream music: Spotify / Apple Music
Purchase: Amazon
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