The Barbarians of California @ Cobra Lounge

The Barbarians of California is an American post-hardcore, hardcore punk, and alternative metal band formed in Los Angeles in 2024. The project was created as a heavier side project connected to Aaron Bruno, best known as the frontman of Awolnation. The band’s sound combines aggressive hardcore energy, punk attitude, heavy metal riffs, and elements of thrash metal. Their music draws influence from bands such as Slayer, Metallica, Queens of the Stone Age, and Nirvana. Their lyrics often feature sarcasm, dark humor, and social commentary, delivered with a rebellious and chaotic style. The current lineup includes Aaron Bruno on vocals, Eric Stenman on guitar and production, Zach Irons on guitar, David Amezcua on bass, and Linden Reed on drums. Former drummer Isaac Carpenter left the band in 2025 to join Guns N' Roses. Their debut album, And Now I'm Just Gnashing My Teeth, was released in 2024 and introduced the band’s intense and energetic identity. Songs such as Dopamine Prophecy, Modern Fashion, and Bomb To A Knife Fight helped the group gain attention within the hardcore and alternative music scenes. The band has also built a strong reputation for its live performances, including opening shows for Deftones and IDLES, earning praise for their raw intensity and unpredictable stage presence.

Squint Entertainment was a record label owned by Word Entertainment, started and run by musician and songwriter Steve Taylor in 1997. Squint pushed Sixpence None the Richer to mainstream success with their single "Kiss Me". The band had been in the CCM genre for several years before that. Other successful bands, such as Chevelle, emerged from Squint's brief creative life.

Armed For Apocalypse is a sludge metal band influenced with elements of Pantera-esque groove metal from Chico, California that formed in 2008. They feature the talents of former members of other sludge bands, Will Haven, The Abominable Iron Sloth, and Ghostride. They are currently signed to Iron Clad Recordings in the US, and Siege of Amida Records in the UK and Europe. So far, they have released one album, 2009's Defeat. Their second alum, The Road Will End, is due for release sometime in 2012. Line-up: Kirk Williams - Vocals, Guitar (Blood of Cain, Brain in a Cage) Cayle Hunter - Guitar (The Abominable Iron Sloth, Will Haven, Brain in a Cage, Oddman) Corey Vaspra - Bass (Blood of Cain, Brain in a Cage) Nick Harris - Drums (Red With Envy) http://www.facebook.com/armedforapocalypse