Love Live is nothing new to Anime Expo. Aquors has graced the stage here multiple times, with the most recent being in 2019. No one could have predicted a multi-year break, but here we are.  Time to get back up to speed.

Japanese band MAN WITH A MISSION has not seen the US shores for a good four years now.  Rumor had it that the wolves would make an appearance once more, and as of today, that is now confirmed.  The band will be making their long-awaited return in just two months.

Reminder: NEMOPHILA is hitting the States next month!

NEMOPHILA's second album, "Seize the Fate," has been officially released as of this month. As is customary, I put a couple of playthroughs through my headphones and speakers before putting words on screen.  Quick verdict: worth your listening, and then some.

LOVEBITES' newest album, "Judgement Day," releases on February 22. The band will have a special live-streamed premiere session the day prior on February 21! You'll be able to listen to the album alongside the band and chat with them.

A few days ago, Queen Bee was announced for Washington's premiere anime convention, Sakuracon. Today, word of a stand-alone concert spread. The location will be Los Angeles's Regent Theater in downtown Los Angeles and will take place on April 11.

Well, it's that time of year one more.  Anime Expo badge sales.

Sabaton just announced that BABYMETAL will accompany them for the European leg of The Tour to End All Tours, beginning in April 2023. They kick things off in the United Kingdom on April 14. BABYMETAL and Lordi will support Sabaton as they make their way across Europe.

ONE OK ROCK will grace the American shores once more in a litle over a week's time. Just a couple of days ago, their tenth album, "Luxury Disease," was released globally.

Today, NEMOPHILA announced two tours. The first one is Japan, and the second one, and more important for me, is for North America.

Well, technically North America, but more like California and Mexico. One of my friends did point out that it's right before SXSW so we may well see them there too.