Milwaukee’s first Shoegaze festival is back and bigger than ever! If your perfect day involves staring at the floor while walls of reverb wash over you, Gaze At Tha Moon is calling.

Weekend Nachos helped shape the modern powerviolence scene, and yeah, they're still absolutely ripping. Heavy, fast, and built to wreck whatever room they’re in. Don’t worry, X-Ray can handle it.

FFO: Nails · Full of Hell · Harm’s Way ❤️☠️🖤

Standards makes math rock that feels like driving with the windows down on a summer night, bright, playful, and full of riffs that somehow sound like fruit? (Does that even make sense? Whatever.) It’s technical, yeah, but mostly it just makes you wanna dance.

FFO: Covet · CHON · Elephant Gym ❤️☠️🖤

oldsoul plays emotional indie rock that’s big on feelings and even bigger on riffs. It’s thoughtful, catchy, and perfect for anyone who’s ever cried in a car and liked it. This show isn’t at our very famous arcade, its in Bayview at Sugar Maple!

FFO: Pool Kids · Harmony Woods · Bug Moment ❤️☠️🖤

Tuff Sudz plays fast, scrappy garage-punk that’s equal parts snarl and sweat. Their songs go hard, end quick, and leave you wanting another round.

FFO: Meat Wave · The Spits · Cloud Nothings 

awakebutstillinbed brings emo that’s loud, cathartic, and easy to lose yourself in. Grab some friends and scream along!

FFO: Empire! Empire! I Was A Lonely Estate · Glocca Morra · Your Arms Are My Cocoon ❤️☠️🖤

Call it a Midwestern punk pile-up. Loud, local, and on the floor ft. your favs from Minneapolis, Kenosha, and Madison all in one show. 

40 Watt Sun is slow, sad, and really, really good. The kind of set that’ll quiet a whole room (like, please, actually, stop talking so we can get in our feelings).

FFO: Red House Painters · Low · Songs: Ohia ❤️☠️🖤

It’s emo, it’s mathy, and yeah, the song titles are pretty poetic, too. You’re gonna wanna yell along even if you don’t know the words yet.

FFO: Glocca Morra · Origami Angel · Ben Quad 

Brotality sounds like what happens when you give a group of metal nerds too many riffs and zero adult supervision. It’s thrashy, proggy, and somehow still groovy enough to make you throw your back out in the pit. Bring your earplugs and your chiropractor’s number.

FFO: Power Trip · Mastodon · Gojira ❤️☠️🖤

VCTMS has been grinding for years, dropping heavy stuff that somehow hits in the chest and the pit. DIY, emotional, loud as hell, it’s cool if you’re into that kind of thing (you are, come to the show.)

FFO: Alpha Wolf · Sworn In · Emmure ❤️☠️🖤

Heart Attack Man writes pop-punk songs that are loud, catchy, and just a little unhinged. Perfect for yelling in your car or fake-fighting your friends in the pit. This show is NOT at our very famous arcade! It’s on the East Side at Vivarium!

FFO: PUP · Carly Cosgrove · Hot Mulligan ❤️☠️🖤

John Garcia is the voice behind Kyuss, the band that basically invented desert rock. He’s still delivering those fuzzed-out riffs that make you want to just keep driving with no GPS (but maybe make a stop at Club Garibaldi for this show).

FFO: Kyuss · Vista Chino · Unida ❤️☠️🖤

This event is sponsored by WMSE!

Diggy Graves makes horror-themed trap that goes hard and leans all the way into the spooky side. Haunted house energy with 808s and a ski mask. (If you’re on TikTok you’ve probably heard “Circus Psycho” at least a few times.)

FFO: Ghostemane · $uicideboy$ · City Morgue ❤️☠️🖤

Orthodox hits that sweet spot between metalcore and nu-metal, fast, heavy, and full of riffs that go straight for the gut.

FFO: Boundaries · Vein.fm · Foreign Hands ❤️☠️🖤

Drillbit bring Death Metal down from Oshkosh to our very famous stage! Don’t miss out!

Ever wondered what it would sound like if your computer got possessed and started a band? Same. This one’s gonna melt your brain with pure cybergrind chaos.

FFO: 100 gecs · Horse the Band · SeeYouSpaceCowboy ❤️☠️🖤

Hope you’re ready for a proper MKE + CHI metal throwdown. Four bands. Zero chill. Show up early, stay late. 

FFO: Within Destruction · Veil of Maya · Lorna Shore 

Graham Hunt’s got that thing where the songs feel easygoing until you realize they’ve been living rent-free in your head for three days. He's got that real Midwest Magic.

FFO: Sam Evian · Big Star · The Feelies

Post-hardcore for when you're spiraling, but like... productively. Screamy, moody, and somehow still catchy enough to get stuck in your head on the way home. Come yell about your feelings with strangers (you know ya wanna!)

FFO: Touche Amore · Being As An Ocean · Counterparts ❤️☠️🖤

Year of the Cobra keeps it simple with bass, drums, and doom that hits like a slow-moving train. Heavy, fuzzy, and way loud for a duo.

FFO: Windhand · High Priestess · Acid King ❤️☠️🖤

Cali Cuzns aren’t from California, and they’re not your cousins, but they will emotionally wreck you in under three minutes. This show isn’t at our very famous arcade, its in Bayview at Sugar Maple!

FFO: Snowing · Joyce Manor · Algernon Cadwallader ❤️☠️🖤

If a beach party haunted by vengeful ghosts sounds like something you’re into, BOY, do we have a show for you!

FFO: The Cramps · Shannon and the Clams · La Luz ❤️☠️🖤

Krallice are headed to Club Garibaldi courtesy of X-Ray and Deadhouse. Don’t miss out on this rare appearance from one of the most accomplished and revered atmospheric black metal bands of the last couple of decades.

FFO: Deathspell Omega · Portal · Liturgy ❤️☠️🖤

The Crosses are Milwaukee hardcore veterans who bring raw energy and a nod to the past. Fronted by Daniel Kubinski of Die Kreuzen, they play originals alongside full-album performances of Die Kreuzen's self-titled LP and favorites from October File. Maybe they’ll play some songs about beer and cows. Don’t miss out!

FFO: Die Kreuzen · Big Laugh · Population Control ❤️☠️🖤

Loud, honest, and easy to scream along to. No frills, no filler, just solid tracks that hit where they need to. Catch ‘em at Anodyne!

FFO: Balance and Composure · Citizen · Pentimento ❤️☠️🖤

Oso nice they named it twice. Melodic, moody, and made for people who still overthink that one conversation from 2018 (but in the best way).

FFO: saturdays at your place · Prince Daddy & The Hyena · Microwave ❤️☠️🖤

Big riffs, big hair energy, and the kind of rock that makes you wanna buy a muscle car…we’re thinking a nice red convertible corvette straight outta the ‘70s. You in?

FFO: Dirty Honey · Greta Van Fleet · The Struts ❤️☠️🖤

If you can spell it (and say it), you’re probably already in the pit. It's filthy, it’s guttural, and it grooves so hard you’ll forget your spine ever mattered.

FFO: 200 Stab Wounds · Job For A Cowboy · PeelingFlesh 

If you’ve seen 10 Things I Hate About You (if you haven’t, what are you even doing?), then you’re already familiar with this band. Boston’s own Letters to Cleo brought jangly guitars and power-pop hooks to the '90s alt-rock scene, and they’re still more fun than whatever else you’re listening to.

FFO: Veruca Salt · That Dog. · The Lemonheads ❤️☠️🖤

This isn’t your grandma’s death metal. Unless your grandma’s cool as hell. Straight outta Fargo and somehow even heavier than a North Dakota winter.

FFO: Dying Fetus · Revocation · Cattle Decapitation ❤️☠️🖤

Shoegaze with a little emo edge. Perfect for standing still and feeling everything all at once.

FFO: Basement · Deftones · Title Fight ❤️☠️🖤

Originally from Green Bay and a key piece of Midwest emo history, Giants Chair helped define that raw, mathy sound back in the ’90s. They’re celebrating 30 years, let’s go!

FFO: Sunny Day Real Estate · Boys Life · Jawbox ❤️☠️🖤

You probably know MC Chris as MC P Pants from Aqua Teen, but he’s also been out here rapping about nerd life since before it was cool. It’s funny, it’s fast, and somehow still hits harder than it has any right to (and it’s comin’ back to the X this July!)

This one’s gonna be FUN. Scowl’s hardcore at its core, but they’re not afraid to mess with the formula. They pull from classic punk energy but push it somewhere new, louder, catchier, and totally their own.

FFO: Lambrini Girls · Militarie Gun · Gouge Away ❤️☠️🖤

Magazine Beach makes emo-punk for when you're spiraling, but like, still fun at parties. See ‘em at Sugar Maple for a night of Emo and Indie Rock!

FFO: Tigers Jaw · Oso Oso · Retirement Party ❤️☠️🖤

Garage rock that’s fast and wild (and doesn’t care about your noise complaint). Smudge your eyeliner and throw on some ripped fishnets and we’ll see you on the dancefloor!

FFO: The Sonics · The Gories · Shannon and the Clams ❤️☠️🖤

A little shoegaze, a little post-hardcore, a little “I’ve been thinking too much lately but in a cool way.” Askysoblack is headed to Sugar Maple! Don’t miss out!

FFO: Deafheaven · Deftones · Nothing ❤️☠️🖤

ULTRABOMB is a band made up of punk legends who clearly never got the memo to slow down. Greg from Hüsker Dü, Derek from Social D, and Ryan from Soul Asylum? Let’s party!

This one’s got all the makings of a night you’ll be yelling about in group chat for a week.

Boundaries play heavy, pissed-off metalcore with zero interest in subtlety. They’re rolling through with Stick To Your Guns, so yeah, things are gonna get loud. Sold out!

FFO: Counterparts · Varials · Jesus Piece ❤️☠️🖤

Boundaries play heavy, pissed-off metalcore with zero interest in subtlety. They’re rolling through with Stick To Your Guns, so yeah, things are gonna get loud.

FFO: Counterparts · Varials · Jesus Piece ❤️☠️🖤

Galactic Empire is what happens when metal dudes love Star Wars a little too much…and we fully support it. It’s all the iconic themes you grew up on, now with face-melting solos and full villain cosplay. Nerdy? Yes. Heavy? Also yes.

FFO: Star Wars (duh) · Dragonforce · Powerglove ❤️☠️🖤

Chicago band making noisy, twitchy post-punk that feels like it was born in a basement and raised on zines. This band’s way too cool to stand still.

FFO: Horsegirl · METZ · Protomartyr ❤️☠️🖤

Zao’s been doing heavy, chaotic metalcore since before half the crowd had WiFi. Loud, fast, emotional, and somehow still getting heavier.

FFO: Converge · Norma Jean · Every Time I Die ❤️☠️🖤

Ever feel like your brain won’t shut up, so you write a perfect indie rock song about it? Mal Blum gets it. Their songs are clever, raw, and catchy in that “laugh so you don’t cry” kind of way.

FFO: AJJ · The Mountain Goats · Sidney Gish ❤️☠️🖤

Kiesza broke big with “hideaway” (look it up, there’s a good chance you know it), and has been keeping dance floors weird ever since. It’s electro-pop with the kind of hooks that stick in your head for days.

FFO: Robyn · Jessie Ware · La Roux ❤️☠️🖤

Girls to the front! Febuary's coming through all the way from Las Vegas with the emo/screamo you know you love (and yes, that's how you spell it).

FFO: Saetia · Wednesday · Gouge Away

You ever feel like throwing a chair just to feel something? Good. This one’s for you. Real stomp-the-floor, clench-your-teeth, test-the-structural-integrity-of-the-venue energy.

FFO: Madball · Gulch · Knocked Loose ❤️☠️🖤

These legends have been dragging souls through the sludge since the 90’s, and they’re not getting any sunnier. Hope you like your metal slow and filthy.

FFO: Incantation · Autopsy · Temple of Void ❤️☠️🖤

Another great Midwest lineup! Sleepersound brings the dream pop/post-rock that leans into the floaty, foggy stuff, slow builds, spaced out vibes, and that “am I in a coming-of-age film right now?” kind of energy.

Modern Tigers celebrate the release of their new album “Loss/Less.” Don’t miss out!

Bring your heart-on-sleeve energy and maybe a friend who’s a little too into yelling along to every lyric. No judgment. We’ll be right there with you.

FFO: Hot Mulligan · Spanish Love Songs · MUNA ❤️☠️🖤

Sad? Gay? Loud? Perfect.

FFO: Mannequin Pussy · Gully Boys · That dog. ❤️☠️🖤

This band feels like the onset of the “Indie Sleaze” revolution that took over in the 2000’s. It somehow feels nostalgic and new all at the same time. (Remember the first time you ever heard Modest Mouse? It’s kinda like that) 

FFO: The White Stripes · Franz Ferdinand · Hot Hot Heat 

Ocean Sleeper is coming all the way from Australia to scream directly into your soul from our very famous stage. If you're into getting loud, getting sad, or both at the same time...see you there.

FFO: Polaris · Dayseeker · Wage War ❤️☠️🖤

Nox Novacula returns to Milwaukee for another night of Death Rock! Don’t miss out!

Oliver Francis makes vibey, emo-adjacent trap that’s perfect for blasting in your car while you overthink everything. He writes, records, and produces it all himself. Catch him on our very famous stage this August!

FFO: Bones · Wicca Phase Springs Eternal · nothing,nowhere. ❤️☠️🖤

Dreamy but pissed about it. If your idea of catharsis involves staring at your shoes while getting emotionally walloped, this one’s calling your name. Blush are headed to Sugar Maple for a night of Shoegaze!

FFO: Narrow Head · Softcult · Cloakroom ❤️☠️🖤

Accordion, banjo, and a whole lot of punk spirit, straight from Argentina and ready to light up the room with rad folk punk.

FFO: Days N’ Daze · Gogol Bordello · Leftöver Crack ❤️☠️🖤

Imagine a breakup text set to the best pop song you’ve ever heard. Boy Jr. is Pop music that bites back. Hyperpop covers of The Killers, internet brainrot, and catchy as heck.

FFO: Tessa Violet · Half·alive · King Princess 

Five bands. All Wisconsin. All volume. Throwdown with the locals, it’ll be fun, we promise!

FFO: Sevendust · Breaking Benjamin · Nonpoint ❤️☠️🖤

Dirtnap Records are bringing an absolutely insane three-day fest to our very famous stage! Milwaukee Record summed it up best, check it out!

Dirtnap Records are bringing an absolutely insane three-day fest to our very famous stage! Milwaukee Record summed it up best, check it out!

Dirtnap Records are bringing an absolutely insane three-day fest to our very famous stage! Milwaukee Record summed it up best, check it out!

Things are about to get real weird in the best way. You know him from The Cramps, The Gun Club, and Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, but this is Kid doing his own freaky thing.

FFO: The Cramps · Nick Cave · Thee Oh Sees

It’s Hell’s Bells with better outfits, Dirty Deeds done with consent, and Back in Black, but make it fashion. AC/DC walked so GayC/DC could strut.

Modem sounds like a cold war dance party in a neon bunker. They mix synth-pop, punk attitude, and just enough weird to keep it interesting. Catch ‘em at Club Garibaldi in Bayview!

FFO: Kælan Mikla · Boy Harsher · Tamara Luonto ❤️☠️🖤

Alright, Myspace alumni, this one's for you! Somehow it's been 20 years since Suck Out The Poison came out, and you're gonna wanna scream the entirety of it in the pit! 

FFO: The Chariot · Maylene & The Sons of Disaster · Everytime I Die

Conan plays doom metal that’s slow, loud, and absolutely massive. It’s all crushing riffs, no nonsense, and yes, it will rattle your teeth in the best way.

FFO: Bongripper · Electric Wizard · Monolord ❤️☠️🖤

Kinda dark, kinda dreamy, definitely the move if if you’re into moody tunes and low lighting.

FFO: Drab Majesty · Cold Cave · The Chameleons

Loud, retro, cool as hell…like if The Ronettes got into a bar fight with The Sonics (and won). You’ll swear it’s straight outta the '60s, but louder and way less polite.

FFO: Shannon & The Clams · Black Lips · Death Valley Girls ❤️☠️🖤

This event is sponsored by our friends at WMSE!

This one's gonna float you into a pink-hued dream dimension. Shoegaze, noise-pop, and warm fuzzy feelings all in one night.

FFO: Tamaryn · Hatchie · Glare ❤️☠️🖤

Warm, scrappy East Coast emo that makes you wanna smile and sob at the same time. You don’t need a helmet to see Sports at our very famous arcade!

FFO: Panucci’s Pizza · Michael Cera Palin · Glocca Morra ❤️☠️🖤

Frankie and the Witch Fingers deal in blown-out psych-punk with new wave glitches and just enough grease to stain your soul. Wild live show, serious pedalboard chaos, zero chill.

FFO: Ty Segall · Oh Sees · Thee Sacred Souls ❤️☠️🖤

Winter makes the kind of music you put on when you’re walking home alone and pretending you’re in a movie (just me?). It’s hazy, nostalgic, and a little bit sparkly in that “I’m processing something, don’t talk to me” kind of way.

FFO: Men I Trust · Jay Som · Beach House ❤️☠️🖤

These maniacs rip full game soundtracks live while their speedrunner plays through the game in real time on stage. We’re turning X-Ray into Bowser’s Castle, so come hang!

You don’t watch this band…you get abducted by them! (into interdimensonal jams)

FFO: Gong · Boredoms · Silver Apples

The kind of singalongs that leave your throat wrecked and your soul slightly less crushed.

FFO: The Clash · Bouncing Souls · The Interrupters ❤️☠️🖤

From the outer edges of the fuzziverse comes Kal-El, Norway’s heavy-hitting doom ‘n’ roll export. For fans of fuzz, Sabbath worship, and soundtracks to space battles you (probably) didn’t survive.

FFO: Monolord · Kadaver · Red Fang 

Patrick Wolf makes emotional, genre-fluid art pop that somehow sounds like both a breakup and a renaissance fair. He’s been out of the game for a minute, but the new stuff’s got the same moody magic people got hooked on in the MySpace era.

FFO: Rufus Wainwright · ANOHNI · Owen Pallett ❤️☠️🖤

Skip the TV Party tonight… Black Flag is headed to our very famous stage. Don’t worry, we’ve got a Six-Pack waiting for you!

FFO: Circle Jerks · Dead Kennedys · Minor Threat (but really, do we even need this section?)
❤️☠️🖤

Weakened Friends is all big riffs, sing-alongs, and the kind of energy that makes you want to start a band with your best friends. Loud, fun, and impossible not to vibe with.

FFO: Mannequin Pussy · Slothrust · illuminati hotties ❤️☠️🖤

The Haunt head to our very famous stage! Don’t miss out!

One part Wisconsin, one part London, fully chaotic Los Angeles energy.

FFO: Walk The Moon · X Ambassadors · Against The Current ❤️☠️🖤

After nearly 20 years of pioneering Deathcore, Ingested finally make their way to X-Ray Arcade. If you’re into blast beats, pig squeals, breakdowns, and vocals that sound like a swamp monster throwing a tantrum, don’t miss ‘em!

FFO: Dying Fetus · Aborted · Carnifex ❤️☠️🖤

Indie folk that starts off feeling kinda breezy, then sucker punches you (just a little). It’s honest, it’s catchy, and it somehow makes falling apart sound kinda hopeful.

FFO: Oliver Hazard · Knox Hamilton · Briston Maroney ❤️☠️🖤