Cosmic Eye Brewery Hosts Unforgettable Hardcore and Metal Concert in Lincoln

On April 7, 2024, Cosmic Eye Brewery in Lincoln, Nebraska, transformed into a haven for hardcore and metal fans, delivering an electrifying night of music and mosh pits. The co-headlining tour featuring Mugshot and Kaonashi, supported by Cell, Pains, Iced Wrist, and Whitmore, marked the tour's final stop, making it one of the most memorable metal concerts in Lincoln this year. This showcase blended local and touring bands, creating a dynamic lineup that resonated with fans of hardcore and metal music.

Whitmore Kicks Off the Night with High-Energy Hardcore

Omaha-based hardcore and metal band Whitmore opened the concert with a powerful set that set the tone for the evening. Formed in 2020, the four-piece band—Mitch Anderson (vocals), Kyle Storer (guitar), Josh Richert (bass), and Robb Shurter (drums)—draws inspiration from 2000s hardcore. Their energetic performance, particularly Storer’s dynamic guitar work and crowd interaction, captivated the audience. Storer’s venture into the crowd added a thrilling visual element, making Whitmore a standout act and a must-see for fans of Nebraska hardcore bands.

Iced Wrist Energizes the Crowd with Brutal Breakdowns

Lincoln’s own Iced Wrist, a five-piece hardcore and slam band, followed with a crowd-pleasing performance. Inspired by bands like Knocked Loose and The Acacia Strain, Iced Wrist delivered intense breakdowns and guttural vocals. Their recent single, “Journey to Oblivion,” has gained significant traction, and their live performance showcased their growth. The guitarists’ relentless energy and the vocalist’s deep, brutal delivery made Iced Wrist a highlight, solidifying their place in the local hardcore music scene.

Pains Delivers Heavy, Fast-Paced Deathcore

Pains, a deathcore, grind, and sludge metal trio from Illinois and Wisconsin, brought unrelenting heaviness to the stage. Known for their loud, fast, and aggressive sound, Pains impressed with their tight instrumentation and dual vocals. While their performance could benefit from more crowd interaction, their ability to maintain precision at high speeds was remarkable. Fans of heavy metal concerts should explore Pains’ streaming releases to discover this rising band.

Cell Ignites the Crowd with Violent Hardcore

Oklahoma City’s Cell, a five-piece hardcore and metal band, unleashed one of the night’s most intense sets. Their fast-paced, guttural sound resonated with Nebraska’s hardcore fans, creating a chaotic yet thrilling atmosphere. The vocalist’s commanding energy, paired with the guitarist/backup vocalist and bassist’s enthusiastic performances, made Cell a crowd favorite. Their violent yet engaging set fit perfectly into the lineup, leaving a lasting impression on fans of hardcore music events.

Kaonashi Blends Creativity and Humor in Metal Performance

Philadelphia’s Kaonashi, a four-piece metal band featuring Peter Rono (vocals), Alex Hallquist (guitar), Ryan Paolill (drums), and Ryne Jones (bass), offered a unique and artistic performance. Known for high-pitched screams and heavy instrumentals, Kaonashi’s catchy songs and humorous stage presence stood out. Tracks like “I Hate the Sound of Car Keys” and “You’ll Understand When You’re Older” showcased their creativity, while Rono’s charisma and the band’s energy kept the crowd engaged. Paolill’s drumming was a highlight, making Kaonashi a must-watch for fans of innovative metal bands.

Mugshot Closes the Night with Relentless Energy

San Jose’s Mugshot closed the concert with a high-octane performance that kept the mosh pits alive. Comprising Ringo Waterman (vocals), Michael Demko (guitar), Connor Hanes (drums), and Ciro Abraham (bass), Mugshot declared their set was for the moshers—and they delivered. Waterman’s commanding stage presence and the band’s cohesive chemistry, particularly Demko and Abraham’s intense energy, created an unforgettable finale. Mugshot’s performance underscored their potential as a rising star in the hardcore and metal music scene.

This concert at Cosmic Eye Brewery showcased the best of local and touring hardcore and metal bands, offering fans in Lincoln an unforgettable night of music. For those seeking upcoming metal concerts in Nebraska or looking to discover new hardcore bands, this event set a high standard for live music experiences.