Tag Archives: music

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.

The Blues Brothers: The Lost Recordings Include 13 Unreleased Live Performances, Limited Edition Blue Vinyl Exclusively Bundled With Deluxe Editions of Z2’s The Blues Brothers: The Escape Of Joliet Jake

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June 20, 1980. A day that changed comedy forever. With the release of The Blues Brothers, John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd unleashed a film that would thrill and entertain generations with their Mission From God. As previously announce, exactly 45 years later, Z2 has partnered with the Aykroyd and Belushi families and estate to deliver the sequel to that film in the original graphic novel, The Blues Brothers: The Escape Of Joliet Jake.

Uncovered by the late Judy Belushi Pisano, this series of unreleased recordings is a rare musical glimpse at Joliet Jake and Elwood Blues at the height of their blues powers. Belushi and Aykroyd blast through a 13-song set with some of the greatest musicians who ever lived. The gang is all here, as Blues Brothers legends Matt “Guitar” Murphy, Steve “The Colonel” Cropper, Donald “Duck” Dunn, Paul “The Shiv” Shaffer, Lou “Blue Lou” Marini, Tom “Bones” Malone, Alan “Mr. Fabulous” Rubin, Steve “GETDWA” Jordan, and Tom “Triple Scale” Scott show why this band is timeless. The album features unheard versions of blues classics including “Hey Bartender,” “Rubber Biscuit,” and “Green Onions.” This album will be available exclusively as a Royal Blue-colored vinyl release, packaged with The Blues Brothers: The Escape Of Joliet Jake.

Here’s a peek at the 13 unreleased tracks featured on The Blues Brothers: The Escape Of Joliet Jake Royal Blue Vinyl LP:

SIDE A

1. “Welcome” 
2. “Flip, Flop & Fly”
3.”Hey Bartender”
4. “Messin’ With The Kid” 
5. “(I Got Everything I Need) Almost” 
6. “Rubber Biscuit” 
7. “Shot Gun Blues”

SIDE B

8. “I Don’t Know” 
9. “Groove Me” 
10. “Excusez Moi Mon Cherie” 
11. “Soul Man” 
12. “B Movie Box Car Blues” 
13. “Green Onions”

To honor the 45th anniversary of the Blues Brothers movie premier and the Lost Recordings being released, Z2 has created a series of high-quality Blues Brothers apparel. The first two designs from this capsule collection feature the art of Felipe Sobreiro and are available exclusively today on Z2comics.com.

Fans can now purchase the Deluxe Edition of The Blues Brothers: The Escape Of Joliet Jake as well as the Dan Akyroyd-signed, limited Platinum Editions, which include the oversized hardcover with slipcase, the exclusive vinyl, a Blues Brothers engraved harmonica, and Jake and Elwood Blues collector cards on Z2Comics.com. Both the Deluxe and Platinum Editions feature a new cover and slipcase with exclusive art by Felipe Sobreiro. All Hardcover, Deluxe and Platinum Editions will proudly ship to fans in advance of the October 7th in-store retail date.

Standard editions of The Blues Brothers: The Escape Of Joliet Jake are available for pre-order Z2Comics.com, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, UltimateClassicRock.com as well as independent book, comic, and record stores.

The Bees: The Women Who Rocked Lithuania is interesting history but the graphic novel doesn’t rock

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In 1965, inspired by The Beatles, Lithuanian musician Jurate Dineikaite founded a rock band called The Bees. This spirited ensemble of six women toured throughout the Soviet Union during the ’60s and ’70s — turning heads with their blue jeans, mop-tops, and modern rock sound. For these women, taking the stage was at once an electrifying expression of their artistry and an audacious political act.

Based on interviews with Jurate herself, this graphic novel vividly captures episodes of the group’s lived experiences — from thrilling performances to chilling encounters with the KGB. An authentic portrayal of a fascinating true history little known outside of Lithuania, The Bees is adapted with vibrant colors and a charmingly handcrafted style by cartoonist Akvile Magicdusté. This edition also features a photo gallery with period snapshots of the band in action, plus a playlist of their original songs!

Story: Akvile Magicdusté
Art: Akvile Magicdusté
Translation: Erika Lastovskytė

Get your copy now! To find a comic shop near you, visit http://www.comicshoplocator.com or call 1-888-comicbook or digitally and online with the links below.

Bookshop
Amazon

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BABYBEARD has been Added to Guest Roster for Otakon 2025

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BABYBEARD

Otakon will feature pop-metal idol trio BABYBEARD at Otakon 2025.

BABYBEARD is Japan’s wildest pop-metal idol trio, blending kawaii charm with headbanging power. Led by cross-dressing Aussie pro-wrestler and metal vocalist Ladybeard, alongside Japanese pop idols, the group delivers high-energy performances that fuse cute vocals with brutal screams.

Formed to bring joy, energy, and hope to the world, BABYBEARD is a colorful collision of extremes—cute meets chaos, pop meets metal. Their debut tracks “NIPPON KARA KONNICHIWA” and “PIENNIZER,” created by the hitmakers behind “Nippon Manju,” are infectious anthems of positivity and power.

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

“The Witcher in Concert” U.S. Tour Stops at NJPAC on Friday, September 9

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The Witcher in Concert

GEA Live, CD PROJEKT RED, and RoadCo Entertainment has announced The Witcher in Concert will tour the U.S. for the first time ever, visiting more than 45 cities around the country including a stop in Newark at New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)  on Friday, September 19 at 9:00 p.m. The Witcher in Concert is a live music experience featuring a timeless soundtrack from “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” by CD PROJEKT RED. The concert series was created to coincide with the tenth anniversary of the critically acclaimed video game, which follows the story of Geralt of Rivia as he embarks on a quest to find his adopted daughter, Ciri. Each performance is brought to life by an ensemble of 14 musicians handpicked by the score’s co-composer, including select members of Polish folk metal band Percival Schuttenbach. Tickets are on-sale now.

Tickets for The Witcher in Concert are on-sale now and can be purchased by visiting NJPAC.org or calling 888.GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722) or by visiting the NJPAC Box Office.
 
The Witcher in Concert is a one-of-a-kind live event that transforms the lasting legacy and emotional storytelling of “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” into a gripping live performance on stage. The concert and celebration of the dark fantasy role-playing game’s incredible music and emotional narrative features an ensemble orchestra and cutting-edge visuals. Each concert merges stunning cinematics and gameplay with tracks specially arranged for the occasion under the supervision of Przybyłowicz. From the opening strains of “The Trail” to the heart-pounding “…Steel for Humans,” Geralt of Rivia’s journey across the war-torn Northern Kingdoms is a sonic marvel to hear, whether for the first or hundredth time.

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