Sicksense at the Redstone Room at Common Chord -- November 5.

Thursday, November 5, 7 p.m.

The Redstone Room at Common Chord, 129 Main Street, Davenport IA

Touring in support of their September release Funerals, the metal artists of Sicksense headline a November 5 concert at Davenport's Redstone Room at Common Chord, Crucial Rhythm praising the band's third EP as "a compact but remarkably varied release, moving between furious aggression, sarcastic defiance, emotional heaviness, and genuine grief without ever losing the band's unmistakable identity."

Sicksense, as stated in their biography, "is a modern metal force blending the aggression of metalcore, the groove of nu metal, and the precision of djent into a sound that is entirely their own. Fronted by the dynamic vocal duo of Vicky Psarakis and Robby J. Fonts, the band has built a reputation for explosive chemistry, genre-defying songwriting, and an unapologetic DIY mentality that has fueled their rise from independent newcomers to one of heavy music’s most exciting emerging acts.

"Originally formed in Montreal, Canada, Sicksense began taking shape after Vicky and Robby first met backstage at Heavy Montreal in 2015. At the time, Vicky was fronting melodic death metal powerhouse The Agonist, while Robby had recently served as the vocalist for rap metal pioneers Stuck Mojo. Their mutual love for heavy music with no creative boundaries sparked an immediate connection, eventually leading to the creation of Sicksense.

"The band officially launched with their debut single 'Make Believe' in 2021, quickly turning heads with their intense vocal interplay, emotionally charged songwriting, and fearless fusion of styles. Their debut EP, Kings Today (2022), and follow-up EP, Fools Tomorrow (2023), established Sicksense as a rising name in the modern metal scene while earning praise from fans and creators alike, including Tank The Tech, who famously called them 'the best nu metal band you never heard of.'

"Built around the contrast and chemistry between Vicky’s soaring melodies and vicious screams and Robby’s aggressive delivery, rap-infused cadences, and raw intensity, Sicksense draw influence from bands such as Linkin Park, Limp Bizkit, Slipknot, Korn, Evanescence, Underoath, Whitechapel, Periphery, and Monuments while carving out a sound that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking. Atmospheric keys, cinematic sound design, and layered production further elevate the band’s identity.

"In 2023, Sicksense signed with Earache Records before releasing their debut full-length album, Cross Me Twice, in 2025. The album marked a major breakthrough for the band, peaking at number 10 on the UK Rock and Metal Album chart and number 33 on the UK Independent chart. During this era, the band toured extensively across the United States, opening for Escape the Fate, Snot, The Union Underground, Spineshank, and Calva Louise, while also appearing at major festivals including Louder Than Life 2025.

"Never content to stay stagnant, Sicksense announced in 2026 that they would return to their independent roots for future releases, embracing complete creative freedom as they enter a new era with a lineup featuring guitarist Jackson Snowden, bassist Richard Regier, and drummer Sam Neumann. The band worked closely with producer Joey Doherty on the EP, continuing to push their sound into darker, heavier, and more experimental territory while staying true to the emotional honesty and intensity that define Sicksense.

"Outside the band, both Vicky and Robby have built impressive resumes across music, gaming, and entertainment. Vicky provided voice work for Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy and portrayed Ada Wong in Dead by Daylight, while also contributing vocals to Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. Robby voiced Jonathan Byers in the original Stranger Things chapter for Dead by Daylight and even graduated from WWE Superstar Seth Rollins’ Black and Brave Academy in 2019.

"At their core, Sicksense represent resilience, individuality, and fearless self-expression. Whether through brutally honest lyrics, high-energy live performances, or their hands-on approach to every aspect of the band’s creative vision, Sicksense continue to prove that heavy music has no boundaries when authenticity leads the way."

Sicksense headlines their engagement at Davenport's Redstone Room on November 5 with additional sets by Firmly Grasped and Steel Chair, admission to the 7 p.m. concert is $15-20, and more information and tickets are available by calling (563)223-8642 and visiting CommonChordQC.org.

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