The Fucking Champs with Zombi

While there have been a lot of "post-irony" bands popping up in the past few years, playing whatever it is that floats their boats, The Fucking Champs are the real deal. And they've been around a whole lot longer. The trio -- guitarist Tim Green, drummer Tim Soete and new guitarist Phil Manley (of Trans Am) -- have distilled the genre of heavy metal down to its purest state, crafting wicked instrumentals full of hot licks and free of drum triggers, Spandex, devil-worship and bass. The Champs label their sound "Total Music" and have some highfalutin philosophy to explain it, but all you really need to know is that it totally fucking slays.

Appearing with the Champs is the Pittsburgh duo Zombi. To get an idea of Zombi's sound, just imagine Pink Floyd's "Welcome to the Machine" sans guitars and vocals, and instead packed to the gills with about a bazillion different analog synthesizers. Bassist/keyboardist Steve Moore and drummer/keyboardist A. E. Paterra create mystical and meticulous soundscapes that are the soundtrack to the best sci-fi/horror flick you've never seen. The duo's latest release, Cosmos, is so ominous that we guarantee it's what Darth Vader chilled out to in his isolation chamber.

Additionally, hometown heroes Riddle of Steel will handle opening duties with their muscular and melodic brand of indie rock. Do show up early and support 'em.

Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $8 to $10.