Loathe at Royal Oak Music Theatre

Loathe are an English heavy metal band from Liverpool. The band's music makes use of elements of metalcore and nu metal, while also incorporating more experimental aspects from genres like shoegaze, progressive metal and industrial music. Formed in 2011 under the name Our Imbalance, the group consists of lead vocalist Kadeem France, guitarist and second vocalist Erik Bickerstaffe, drummer Sean Radcliffe and bassist Feisal El-Khazragi.

Prostitute is a noise rock band from Dearborn, Michigan. Their music fuses the chaotic, experimental edge of punk with Arabic and Middle Eastern textures, creating something that’s as jarring as it is hypnotic. Frontman Moe Kazra’s lyrics have been described by Pitchfork as “disturbingly poetic”, with a talent for lacerating imagery that hits hard without warning. Prostitute was initially formed by main-vocalist Moe Kazra, eventually evolving into the full lineup of: Andrew Kaster on drums, Dylan Zaranski on bass, Ross Babinski on guitar, and Bret Wall, who played bass on the tracks In The Corner Dunce and Joumana Kayrouz. The band’s debut album, Attempted Martyr, was written in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Across its runtime, Attempted Martyr constantly critiques xenophobic stereotypes against Arabs, the cyclical sexualization of Arab women under patriarchal structures, and a host of other violent and volatile themes which the band picks apart. As Prostitute continues work on their sophomore album, they are delving deeper into electronic and Arabic dance influences, drawing inspiration from the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon.

Hailing from Georgetown, Massachusetts, Fleshwater is a side project originating from metalcore band Vein.fm. Unlike the menacing and experimental metalcore of Vein.fm, Fleshwater delivers a far more accessible sound, reminiscent of the late 90's and early 00's era. Taking inspiration from alternative metal bands like Far, Failure, Hole, The Smashing Pumpkins, Hum and Deftones. It shows a contrast between heavily distorted guitars and clean but intense female vocals, while also combining other shoegaze elements in a few songs - particularly the introspective male vocals heard in the second half of "We're Not Here To Be Loved" (2022). Members: MIRSY (vocals), Josian Ramos (drums), Anthony DiDio (guitar & vocals), Jeremy Martin (Bass), Jonathan Lhaubouet (Live guitar). Former members: Matt Wood (drums)