Pig Destroyer is about as close to a household name as underground metal can get, to the point that some metal snobs consider the band to be “mainstream” in comparison to its younger, more extreme counterparts. (They probably wouldn’t pass the “does your mom know them?” test, unless your mom goes to Kuma’s regularly.) Of course musically, the band is no less savage than they’ve ever been. Their last full-length, 2012’s “Book Burner” was both unusually ambitious–with some of the best, most disturbing lyrical storytelling vocalist J.R. Hayes has ever written–while sounding younger and more punk than ever, thanks to primary songwriter/guitarist Scott Hull’s guiding hand. Longtime fans can hear “Book Burner” tracks and older work in a new light with the addition of a bass player to their usual bottom-end free mix in 2013. While it’s sure to annoy the grindcore purists, it will certainly add some heft to their already crushing sound. (Keidra Chaney)
May 17 at Reggies Rock Club, 2105 South State, (312)949-0120. 8pm. $20-$25. 18+.
Brutal Finesse: A Preview of King Crimson at Ravinia There have been few new compositions from King Crimson these past two decades, but the live arrangements of songs from its catalog are often strikingly different than the recorded versions.
Cooling It: A Preview of Colleen Green at Cole’s Bar When Green strums power chords or chiming notes on top of her backing track, you might think you’re at Ramones karaoke night and Madonna is taking her turn.
