Pop Evil has unleashed their eighth studio album, “What Remains,” on March 21, thanks to MNRK. The band also dropped the official music video for “Side Effects,” showcasing a performance packed with intense riffs and a breakdown that shakes you to the core.
Critics have showered the album with praise. Blabbermouth rates it 9/10, claiming, “What Remains is truly an exciting piece of music, from front to back, proving that post-grunge and nu-metal can still sound fresh and exciting in 2025.” Similarly, Cryptic Rock refers to it as “a volcanic eruption,” proposing the possibility of Pop Evil continuing on a heavier trajectory, though noting “little is predictable with this band.”
Comprising vocalist Leigh Kakaty, guitarists Dave Grahs and Nick Fuelling, bassist Joey “Chicago” Walser, and drummer Blake Allison, Pop Evil stands as a modern rock dynamo. Their new single, “Side Effects,” conveys thoughtful lyrics such as “The world I built you tried to tear apart” and “Why did I try so hard to prove / What’s killing you is killing me too,” resonating with those looking to escape toxic situations for personal growth and happiness. Kakaty elaborates, saying, “Every action causes a reaction, a side effect. Toxicity is a virus that spreads and kills, but liberation and healing lies in an antidote you already possess. And now is the time to take it.”
The anticipation doesn’t end with the album; Pop Evil is gearing up for a massive Spring 2025 headline tour starting on April 8 in Tulsa, culminating on May 18 in Bloomington, Indiana. Joining them as support will be Devour the Day, Return to Dust, and Oni. Make sure to secure your tickets and VIP packages, which are available now.
Pop Evil’s journey has seen lead vocalist Leigh Kakaty use sheer determination to propel the band from Michigan’s grassroots rock scene to modern rock stardom. Leigh Kakaty’s story has been one filled with peaks, valleys, and enduring tenacity. “What Remains” stands as a testament to this extraordinary journey, building on the acclaimed 2023 album “Skeletons.” It represents their heaviest work to date, both in sound and theme, with Kakaty delving deeply into his life experience. “There are a lot of issues and things that I’ve dealt with in this journey of Pop Evil that I’ve buried for a long time,” the frontman explains.
Founded in North Muskegon, Michigan, in 2001, Kakaty drew inspiration from lessons learned through high school basketball, encompassing leadership, teamwork, and relentless self-improvement. Recalling his journey, Kakaty says, “I was hustling and learning every day to make my dreams come true. Studying never interested me. Neither did getting a regular job. A knee injury wrecked my shot at playing sports. Music was all I wanted to do from that moment, and I didn’t give myself a backup plan. Pop Evil gave me a purpose, and a reason to get up every day. It became a crusade.”
The band’s debut album, “Lipstick on the Mirror,” followed by “War of Angels,” opened the doors to critical acclaim and global recognition. With 2013’s “Onyx,” Pop Evil galleryed nine No.1 singles and gathered six RIAA-certified gold and platinum plaques, despite Kakaty facing a dark period after his father’s death. Yet, the pivotal 2017 self-titled album reignited Kakaty’s passion, with “Waking Lions” as its standout track, reminding him of his purpose in making music that resonates with people.
“What Remains” emerged from the emotional journey Kakaty has experienced with Pop Evil. Kakaty reveals, “You’re always chasing that one song that can connect with that one person. And that process has to start with yourself. There’s a lot of personal healing on this record, a lot of things I wanted to get out for my own mental well-being. I’m finally at a place where I can confront my demons.”
Sonically, the album bursts with energizing spirit; characterized by powerful riffs and commanding drum beats, which seamlessly transition into Pop Evil’s signature anthemic choruses. “We set out to push boundaries,” Kakaty affirms. “Metal has always been a part of our DNA, but we’ve never made it such a focal point before. A lot of writing on this record has been about listening to what my soul is saying and letting the songs find their own path, rather than chasing a sound that might fit in on the radio. I think you can really hear the mood and emotion of the album’s themes in the music.”
“What Remains” Track Listing:
1. “The Bullet That Missed”
2. “Deathwalk“
3. “What Remains“
4. “Wishful Thinking“
5. “Side Effects“
6. “Criminal”
7. “Enough Is Enough”
8. “Zero To None”
9. “Knife For The Butcher”
10. “Overkill”
POP EVIL ON TOUR:
4/8 — Tulsa, OK — Cains Ballroom
4/10 — Dallas, TX — Echo Soundstage
4/11 — Little Rock, AR — The Hall
4/12 — Colombia, MO — The Blue Note
4/13 — Lincoln, NE — Bourbon Theatre
4/14 — Denver, CO — Oriental
4/15 — Colorado Springs, CO — The Black Sheep
4/17 — Los Angeles, CA — Regent Theater
4/19 — Phoenix, AZ — Marquee Theatre
4/22 — Boise, ID — Knitting Factory
4/23 — Seattle, WA — The Neptune
4/24 — Spokane, WA — Knitting Factory
4/25 — Salem, OR — Elsinore Theatre
4/26 — Reno, NV — Cargo
4/29 — Vancouver, BC — Rickshaw Theatre
5/1 — Calgary, AB — The Palace Theatre
5/2 — Edmonton, AB — Century Show Room+
5/3 — Saskatoon, SK — Louis
5/4 — Winnipeg, MB — Park Theatre
5/6 — Chicago, IL — Bottom Lounge
5/7 — Green Bay, WI — EPIC
5/8 — Des Moines, IA — Wooly’s*
5/9 — Grand Rapids, MI — 20 Monroe*
5/10 — Detroit, MI — The Fillmore*
5/12 — Lititz, PA — Mickey’s*
5/15 — Charlotte, NC — The Underground*
5/16 — Myrtle Beach, SC — House of Blues*
5/17 — Louisville, KY — Mercury Ballroom*
5/18 — Bloomington, IL — The Castle Theatre*
^Pop Evil Only
*No Return To Dust
+No Devour The Day
POP EVIL:
ATOM SPLITTER PR:
Leave a Reply