From Powerviolence to Stoner Rock: Austin's Underground Explodes This Week

If your idea of a good night involves high-octane distortion and leaving the venue drenched in sweat, Austin's club circuit is answering the call. The chaos kicks off on Thursday at 13th Floor, where the sonic violence of powerviolence outfit Stares joins forces with the relentless, old-school hardcore punk energy of No Love. This is zero-compromise, fast-and-loud underground music at its finest—expect frantic blast beats, abrasive vocals, and a room that is guaranteed to turn into a swirling kinetic mass from the very first chord.

For those who prefer their aggression with a side of modern, calculated precision, Come and Take It Live plays host to alternative metal and metalcore juggernauts Waves In April on Wednesday. Known for their devastatingly syncopated breakdowns, down-tuned guitar attack, and massive, anthemic hooks, this band represents the cutting edge of contemporary metallic hardcore. Their live shows are legendary for pushing crowd participation to the absolute limit, so stretch your neck muscles before you head out.

To cap off the week, Australian power trio Wolfmother descends on Emo's on Sunday to deliver a masterclass in stoner rock and vintage hard rock revivalism. Frontman Andrew Stockdale's signature banshee wail and gargantuan, Black Sabbath-indebted riffs have lost none of their fuzzy, stadium-sized power over the years. It's a massive, riff-heavy spectacle that bridges the gap between classic seventies headbanging and modern stoner groove, making it the perfect Sunday night sermon for the amplification-obsessed.