Tag Archives: music

NYCC 2025: Hard Rock Times Square to Host an Exclusive Celebration of Fandom

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Krystofer Maison, who has been racking up Spotify plays for his latest single, “Glitter, Rinse, Repeat” will headline an exclusive celebration of fandom during the city’s premier event in pop culture, New York Comic Con!

On Friday October 10, the Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square will host the ultimate celebration of fandom, with all the glamour and glitz that only Manhattan can offer! One part performance, one part fandom-inspired dance party, this exclusive one-night event will feature performances by DJ Elliot and Atomic Blonde, a cosplay contest hosted by celebrity judges, and all capped off with a multimedia concert from rising theatrical popstar Krystofer Maison on the iconic Paramount Stage in Times Square. DJ Elliot and Atomic Blonde are one of fandom’s world’s most iconic duos, taking the stage together again in Times Square to set the mood for an unforgettable night in conjunction with pop culture’s premier event.

In honor of World Mental Health Day, Krystofer is setting up a month-long partnership with Project Blackbird’s mental health programs with the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI). At The Glitter Ball: Fan Fest, guests will be invited to write a worry on a piece of confetti with a modest donation to the charity that will be thrown during the dance party at the end of the set, allowing us to “dance away our trauma” together and feel less alone. Krystofer will also be donating a portion of proceeds from all performances during the month of October to Project Blackbird/NAMI. 

Tickets are available now, with packages starting at just $65 for general admission, and $175 for a VIP experience, and can be purchased here.

VIP ticket holders will receive signature fandom fare and open bar package, exclusive giveaways and more. Additional guests and VIP talent hosts to be announced in the coming weeks.

NYCC 2025: Cold Slither are playing New York City! The Band of Vipers Take Over NYC! Cobra!

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Reigning Phoenix Music and Hasbro have announced that Cold Slither, the reimagined heavy metal menace inspired by the infamous band from G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero, is preparing to take New York by storm. The show will take place on October 11th, the same weekend as NYC’s Comic Con, where the Gramercy Theatre will be conquered by an explosive sonic force that fuses nostalgia with a modern metal powerhouse. Get your tickets HERE.

Well, well, it seems as though there are several potential recruits whom have a desire to join our small but elite society of Dreadnoks… This time in New York City! Our services are once again called upon by Cobra Commander and Reigning Phoenix Music to melt minds with Cold Slither! So be it, my Dreadnoks and I will see you all October 11th… Come prepared…Cobraaaaa!!

– Zartan

The show announcement follows the release of the self-titled debut album in June of this year via Reigning Phoenix Music. Also on the horizon, the G.I. Joe-stanning supergroup are set to join the Decibel Flexi Series with an exclusive new banger, “Cobra Island.”

Cold Slither is a declaration of war. Fronted by the enigmatic Zartan and his ruthless Dreadnok bandmates Torch, Ripper, and Buzzer, the band fuses old-school heavy metal with anarchic energy and unrelenting force. With tracks built on punishing riffs, venomous vocals, and apocalyptic atmosphere, Cold Slither resurrects the myth and turns it into a modern-day metal juggernaut.

Get the album now and then go see the band rock NYC this October!

Cold Slither NYC

SDCC 2025: Jem and the Holograms get a 40th Anniversary Digital and Vinyl Album Release

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Jem and the Holograms is celebrating the brand’s 40th anniversary with a new album release! Fans can now immerse themselves in the glitter and glam of the ’80s with six re-recorded tracks from the original beloved 1985 TV series, available on both vinyl and digital platforms.

This special collection, produced and created by a female-led team, features the iconic voice of Jem and the Holograms, Britta Phillips, bringing a fresh, vibrant energy to classic favorites. The album includes the iconic Theme Song, along with Only The Beginning, Truly Outrageous, Like A Dream, I Got My Eye On You, and She’s Got The Power.

As part of the album release celebrations, during San Diego Comic-Con, JEM (Britta Phillips) surprised fans by joining Cold Slither, the reimagined heavy metal band based on Hasbro’s G.I. JOE brand, on stage for an explosive performance at Brick By Brick, San Diego’s home for heavy music.

Cold Slither – San Diego Comic Con 2025 – San Diego, CA Thursday, July 24, 2025 (© Alan Hess)

The album release joins other recent Jem and the Holograms collaborations, including new dolls from The Loyal Subjects and accessories from Loungefly, continuing the year-long celebration of the brand that defined a generation.

You can order the album now!

SDCC 2025: Cold Slither release a new video for Zartan’s Revenge

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The metal world has been warned, and now, it’s official. Cold Slither has arrived, the self-titled debut album from the reimagined heavy metal menace inspired by the infamous band from G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero. Ferocious, cinematic, and dripping with menace, Cold Slither is a full-force sonic assault that reclaims the band’s place as both a nostalgic throwback and a modern metal powerhouse.

Leading the charge is the album’s thunderous new video for “Zartan’s Revenge.” This blistering animated music video was once again brought to life by visionary artist Costin Chioreanu. Known for his dark, surreal style and collaborations with some of metal’s biggest names, Chioreanu delivers a visual feast that matches the song’s volatile energy and epic scope.

Cold Slither is a declaration of war. Fronted by the enigmatic Zartan and his ruthless Dreadnok bandmates Torch, Ripper, and Buzzer, the band fuses old-school heavy metal with anarchic energy and unrelenting force. With tracks built on punishing riffs, venomous vocals, and apocalyptic atmosphere, COLD SLITHER resurrects the myth and turns it into a modern-day metal juggernaut.

We rock SDCC 2025 with Gus Rios, aka Zartan of Cold Slither, and Bringing the G.I. JOE Band to Life

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One of the fun surprises of San Diego Comic-Con 2025 was Hasbro‘s embracing Cold Slither, the fictional band from the classic G.I. JOE animated series. Multiple toy releases, including an exclusive of the band, pins, and even an album released by RPM are all part of the fun. The band even played a concert during the convention.

Cold Slither’s real life line-up includes:

  • Zartan – Gus Rios, vocals/guitars (GRUESOME, UNION BLACK, LEFT TO DIE)
  • Ripper – Matt Harvey, guitars (EXHUMED, GRUESOME, LEFT TO DIE)
  • Torch – Ross Sewage, bass (EXHUMED, IMPALED)
  • Buzzer – Andy Selway, drums (KMFDM)

We got a chance to talking to Gus Rios about how the project came to be, creating the album, what it’s like to be a real life G.I. JOE character, and if they avoid red and blue lasers during their performance.

Get ready to rock with Cold Slither!

You can order the Cold Slither album from RPM.

Big Ocean to Perform at Otakon 2025

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Big Ocean

K-POP three-member group Big Ocean will be performing at Otakon 2025.

Big Ocean is a groundbreaking K-pop group that is redefining the global music scene with their powerful performances, emotional depth, and bold artistry. Debuting in 2024 under Parastar Entertainment, the trio made headlines as the first K-pop group composed entirely of hearing-impaired members, breaking barriers and reshaping perceptions of what it means to be an idol.

Otakon 2025 will be held from August 8-10, 2025 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

SDCC 2025: Cold Slither to Appear for an Exclusive Signing Event

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Reigning Phoenix Music and Hasbro have announced that the members of Cold Slither will be making a special appearance at San Diego Comic-Con 2025 for a limited in-person signing session.

Fans can meet the band at the Stern Pinball/Reigning Phoenix Music Booth (#4029) on Friday, July 25th from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM. This marks the first official signing for the reimagined heavy metal band, based on the infamous fictional rockers from the classic 1985 animated series G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero.

The signing celebrates a wave of exciting developments for Cold Slither, including the release of their new single “Thunder Machine”, now streaming on all major platforms. The ferocious new track, inspired by the Dreadnoks’ menacing battle rig, is a sonic onslaught of cinematic riffs and raw energy, solidifying Cold Slither’s place in the modern metal scene.

COLD SLITHER’s lineup has been officially revealed as:

  • Zartan – Gus Rios, vocals/guitars (GRUESOME, UNION BLACK, LEFT TO DIE)
  • Ripper – Matt Harvey, guitars (EXHUMED, GRUESOME, LEFT TO DIE)
  • Torch – Ross Sewage, bass (EXHUMED, IMPALED)
  • Buzzer – Andy Selway, drums (KMFDM)

Fans attending SDCC won’t want to miss this rare opportunity to meet the band, grab exclusive merch, and experience the world of COLD SLITHER up close.

In addition, a selection of San Diego Comic-Con exclusives will be available at the Stern/Reigning Phoenix Music booth (#4029), including:

  • A limited edition box set featuring a 7″ vinyl of “Cold Slither” and an exclusive ReAction Zartan figure in partnership with Super7
  • A limited edition COLD SLITHER print produced in partnership with Sideshow
  • Exclusive enamel pins created in collaboration with Yesterdays
  • An SDCC-exclusive vinyl variant of Cold Slither

Quantities are extremely limited and fans are encouraged to arrive early to secure these collectibles celebrating the return of Cold Slither.

LIVE DEBUT: SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL

COLD SLITHER will also make their explosive on-stage debut during San Diego Comic-Con with a one-night-only concert experience on Thursday, July 24, at San Diego’s Brick by Brick. Presented by Hasbro and Reigning Phoenix Music, this 21+ event promises a full-force blend of original metal mayhem and ‘80s nostalgia.

Event Details – COLD SLITHER Live @ SDCC

  • Date: Thursday, July 24, 2025
  • Time: Doors at 8 PM | Show at 9 PM
  • Venue: Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave, San Diego, CA 92110
  • Tickets: $35.00 plus service charges – available exclusively at Brick by Brick’s official website
  • Capacity: 450
  • Merch: Limited-edition show-only gear including an exclusive t-shirts, posters, LPs, CDs and collectible pin sets

SDCC 2025: Twiztid and Z2 unveil Mayhem Manor, an Original Graphic Novel with Companion Audiobook and Soundtrack

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Mayhem Manor

Twiztid have leveled-up their Haunted High-Ons saga, teaming with Z2 to produce a brand new story and jumping off point with the Mayhem Manor graphic novel and companion soundtrack. Mayhem Manor takes the hip-hop, horror, and heavy metal fiends higher than ever before, in a lush, deluxe format.

With a jaw-dropping cover illustration by legendary album artist Ed Repka, story by Ryan J. Downey, and art by Marianna Penacosta, and Stan Yak, Mayhem Manor sees the Demented Duo of Jamie Madrox and Monoxide hoping to survive the night in a haunted amusement park to claim a mysterious inheritance.

The Deluxe versions of the Mayhem Manor graphic novel includes an exclusive vinyl soundtrack; Featuring an audio-rendition of Mayhem Manor on one side, (Narrated and performed by Madrox and Monoxide of Twiztid.) while the album’s B-side features two new exclusive Twiztid songs in honor of Mayhem Manor!

Twiztid will also be appearing at the Z2 Booth (#1529) at the San Diego Comic Con International. Madrox and Monoxide will be there signing SDCC exclusive art prints. Signing days and times to be announced next week.

The 56-page oversized 12”x12” hardcover also comes in a slipcased Platinum Edition, which comes signed by Twiztid members Madrox and Monoxide; plus three (3) Stan Yak art prints, and a Twiztid two-piece Ed Repka-painted card set in collector’s frames. Deluxe editions are available exclusively at Z2’s website while a standard 9”x9” edition is available via Amazon, Barnes & Noble, as well as other independent retailers and fine comic shops worldwide.

SDCC 2025: Crunchyroll Anime FanFest Two-Day Music Festival

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Crunchyroll Anime FanFest

Crunchyroll has announced their first-ever, two-day music festival at San Diego Comic-Con! 

Open to the public and Con-goers on Friday, July 25 and Saturday, July 26 at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, Crunchyroll Anime FanFest will feature global, anime-inspired artists across Pop, EDM, Hip-Hop, Rap, Urban, R&B, Latin and more. This immersive music event follows Crunchyroll’s hit concert series that resonated with fans at SDCC in 2024, featuring LiSA and The One Piece 25th Anniversary Symphony Voyage.

The music event emphasizes anime’s global resonance and influence across a variety of genres, and reiterates Crunchyroll’s pulse on the love, power and cultural impact of the medium. Thoughtfully timed to SDCC, this public event ensures that fans of all kinds can experience the music and further connect with the world of anime. 

On Friday, July 25, the Crunchyroll Anime FanFest will blend the best of Japan’s music scene with global, anime-inspired sounds.

  • SPYAIR — Japanese rock band behind Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle theme.
  • yama — J-Pop singer behind SPY×FAMILY ending theme.
  • ASH DA HERO—Punk rock band behind “Judgement” for BLUE LOCK.
  • Slushii—Anime-inspired DJ, producer, and multi-instrumentalist.
  • Magnolia Park—Gothic anime-inspired alternative rock band
  • Hyper Potions—Electronic artist known for anime-esque soundscapes.
  • VGR—EDM producer known for video game and anime music remixes.
  • James Landino—Composer and DJ behind Tower of God original soundtrack.

On Saturday, July 26, anime’s impact on hip-hop, R&B and more is on full display for fans to explore the intersection between anime-fandom and music.

  • Denzel Curry—Miami rapper blending underground hip-hop with anime.
  • INIKO—Shounen anime-inspired genre-defying songwriter and producer.
  • Pink Pablo—Puerto Rican singer and producer.
  • ALI—Boundary-pushing group behind “Lost in Paradise” for JUJUTSU KAISEN.
  • Yaeji [DJ Set]—NYC-via-Seoul artist, producer, vocalist, DJ and lifelong anime fan.
  • ☆Taku Takahashi x Alenoise—DJ and producer of the Black Clover theme.
  • NOODLES—Los Angeles-based DJ.

Fans can also explore exclusive artist and anime merch pop-ups, snag giveaways, and explore the Activations Crosswalk—featuring immersive experiences for Gachiakuta, Kaiju No. 8, Rising of the Shield Hero and more—while enjoying unforgettable performances all day and night!

Crunchyroll Anime FanFest is free for all attendees. Doors open at 1:00 PM on Friday and Saturday. Please be on the lookout for Crunchyroll Team Members and signage which will direct you to the entrance.

SDCC 2025: All-American Rejects to Headline the Fandom Party

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The All-American Rejects

The All-American Rejects are headlining this year’s Fandom Party during San Diego Comic-Con 2025! And you know what that means: the countdown is on for Fandom’s return to San Diego! The world’s largest fan platform will once again host its highly anticipated event during the biggest fan convention of the year. The Fandom Party is sponsored by Universal Orlando Resort as well as Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. The eighth annual Fandom Party will take place at FLOAT at the Hard Rock Hotel on Thursday, July 24 from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m and is invite only.

With chart-topping singles like “Gives You Hell,” “Dirty Little Secret,” and “Move Along,” The All-American Rejects have solidified their place as one of the most iconic bands of the 21st century. Selling over 10 million albums worldwide and amassing billions of global streams, the band has built a lasting legacy in the music industry. Their headlining performance will kick off the convention weekend in a major way, bringing together hundreds of fans, industry insiders, celebrities, and influencers for a night to remember.

The Fandom Party is THE must-attend event during convention week in San Diego, bringing fans a high-energy celebration at the intersection of pop culture, gaming, fantasy, music, and community. This year, attendees will enjoy an unforgettable night of curated and immersive fan-first experiences including:

  • Getting a glimpse into Universal Epic Universe, where attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy custom interactions featuring the five extraordinary worlds within the all-new theme park: Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk – and Dark Universe.
  • Traverse across a post-apocalyptic world and transcend time to reshape the past in CODE VEIN II – step into this haunting universe with Bandai Namco’s photo op featuring a life-size replica of the in-game vehicle Motorcycle Forma.
  • The event will also have custom activations from partners, including a themed scavenger hunt hosted by the beloved Santaverse character The Elf on the Shelf and Z2 that can all be experienced while those over 21 enjoy a drink from the official beverage sponsor, Mike’s HARDER Lemonade.
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