Gwar’s “Use Your Collusion” Tour at Empire Control Room

The remarkable shock rock band Gwar made a return this fall with their “Use Your Collusion” tour alongside thrash metal friends, Toxic Holocaust and Sacred Reich. The tour arrived at Austin’s Empire Control Room and Garage on November 1st.

Gwar established themselves as a shock rock band in 1984 by creator and lead singer Dave Brockie. Filled with grotesque aesthetics, politically influenced lyrics, and blood-filled shows, the band would thrive and develop a devoted fan following. Dave Brockie passed away on March 23rd, 2014, leaving Gwar with none of its founding members; the band has nonetheless continued to tour with a different lineup and has kept Brockie’s legacy alive. Michael Bishop came into the band as the new character Blothar and has stayed with the band since.

Gwar’s latest album The Blood of Gods was released in October 2017 via Metal Blade, while Toxic Holocaust’s Primal Future: 2019 was released via Entertainment One (“eOne”) in October 2019. Sacred Reich released their first album in 23 years titled Awakening via Metal Blade Records on August 23rd, 2019.

Toxic Holocaust

Sacred Reich

Gwar

Mayra Ramales
Mayra Ramales
Mayra Ramales founded The Sound Live in 2014, with the goal of highlighting underground talent. By creating a media platform, she aimed to expand accessibility to music journalist for up-and-coming writers and media creators. She completed her undergraduate degree at NYU and a dual masters at the University of Texas at Austin. She hopes to maintain The Sound Live as a DIY hub for everyday creatives.