CORROSION OF CONFORMITY at The Usual Place

October 17, 2025 – We’ve had the pleasure of catching North Carolina beasts, Corrosion of Conformity a few times through the years, and I have to say, it’s always an absolute treat. So when this banger of a show was announced you know there was no way I was going to miss it. This stacked bill featured Papsmear, Sonolith, and Dark Chapel. Another awesome thing? This show was SOLD the fuck out. Something I’ve never actually seen at The Usual Place, but loved it nonetheless. 

I also snagged the last parking spot in the lot as I pulled up right at 8pm, the posted door time. Again, I’ve never been here for anything that was completely sold out so I wasn’t off the bat worried about parking until I pulled up to the Maryland light on Fremont and saw the line wrapped all the way around the block. An almost immediate, “oh fuck” left my mouth, but I was glad I was able to grab that last parking spot!

It took quite a while for the crowd to settle into the venue, all things considered, it seemed to run more smoothly than a number of other shows I’ve attended so that’s always a positive. Always a fan of efficiency!

Papsmear

“YOU READY FOR SOME SPEED METAL!? OR MAYBE JUST SOME SPEED!?” Opening up the night was Las Vegas’ own hidden gem, Papsmear. I’ve caught these guys a number of times and they’re always really fun to watch. They’ve been grinding for the last 40 years, which is INSANE. I’ve come to see these guys as pretty legendary in their own rights. Papsmear has a heavy thrashy sound and most appeal to those of us who are into that crossover sound that comes from blending elements of heavy metal with the speed of hardcore. I couldn’t recite any of their lyrics for you, but they absolutely had me banging my head, and if I didn’t have issues with my back I would have started a mosh pit on the floor. They’re just one of those bands. Definitely worth listening to and checking out if the crossover thrash sound is your thing!

Sonolith

Disclaimer: Excuse my possible bias with the guys in Sonolith. I’ve been pretty consistently listening, watching and photographing these guys for a number of years and I just love them. Sonolith is an instrumental doom metal band, but don’t let the lack of vocals deter you. Every time I see (or even just listen) to these guys, I feel like I’m transported to a different dimension. Something about that fuzz and moody atmospheric sound makes me think maybe I should be somewhere in a dark room with a joint in the 70’s bobbing my head while my hair falls in front of my face. When I first met these guys they were a solid three piece. But since adding a second guitarist their sound has elevated and escalated the experience as a whole. 

Dark Chapel

This was my first time being able to see Dark Chapel. For most seeing this band, the familiarity comes from front man a guitar wizard Dario Lorina, who also plays with the mighty Zakk Wylde in Black Label Society, a spot that he’s been settled in for the last decade or so. But Dario also has an accomplished and impressive career that took off when he was just 16 years old, hustling as a touring musician for the last 20 years and having played with Jani Lane (ex-Warrant) and Lizzy Borden prior to his current roles in his respective bands. Dark Chapel is a perfect blend of moody hard rock, mesmerizing riffs and solos, and intricate and insane drumming. I definitely got lost in the music a number of times standing off to the side watching this set. They have the ability to appeal to fans that span across all different degrees of metal and hard rock, while also not getting lost in some bland mix.

An added cool fact about these guys? They’re based from right here in Las Vegas. More reasons for me to feel like this music scene here in my hometown is underrated as fuck. The amount of talent that exists here is just crazy to think about. At any rate, the guys gave me a fantastic first impression and I hope I’ll be able to catch them again in the future!

Corrosion of Conformity

Alas, the final act and reason we all gathered together. Corrosion of Conformity. By this time, the venue was completely packed with eager fans. A much more appropriate crowd size in comparison to when I photographed them a number of years ago at Fremont Country Club. While I can’t say that I’m a diehard fan, since my knowledge of these guys comes mostly from my husband’s thoughts and stories of his southern roots and our fandom of Down, this is the third or fourth time I’ve been able to see these guys perform and it was quite a treat!

Despite my lack of extensive knowledge, I have a great appreciation for the blending of genres that Corrosion of Conformity lays out in their music. Several times I felt like I was drifting away on some of the bluesy fueled guitar riffing and solos. I think the incorporation of the hard rock sound, fused with low sludgy tones, and gritty vocals really appeals to fans of all sorts of rock and metal. 

Following an announcement of their recently finished double album titled Forever Amplified, vocalist Pepper Keenan spoke about the recent passing of KISS’ “Spaceman” Ace Frehley, dedicating the song “Albatross” to him, and giving high praises, as they and many other bands and artists would not be around without him. 

All around, this was a killer night, with big sounds and a big crowd. 

This Vegas date was one of a handful of headlining shows that Corrosion of Conformity performed in between their current run with Alice Cooper and Judas Priest. There’s still some dates left of this tour, so don’t miss out! Go get you some metal goodness!

10/22 Phoenix, AZ Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
10/23 Albuquerque, NM Isleta Amphitheater
10/25 Austin, TX Germania Insurance Amphitheater
10/26 Houston, TX The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion 

PHOTO CREDIT: Live photos by Courtney Ware for ZRockR Magazine – (c) 2025 – All Rights Reserved.