S.L.R. Magazine

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THE HAUNT’S HYPNOTIC SOUNDS OF HARD ROCK AND ELECTRONIC POP ELECTRIFIED THE CITY OF ECHO PARK, CA WITH THEIR FIRST HEADLINE TOUR AT THE RENOWNED MUSIC VENUE, THE ECHO  ON DECEMBER 13, 2025, BY DON MARCELO

It was another great Saturday night of music and great bands that occurred on December 13, 2025 at the renowned music venue, THE ECHO. Four bands from different parts of the world were here that night: an LA band, a band from Australia, a band from Wales, and a band from Florida.  Hordes of fans lined…

andyj76
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It was another great Saturday night of music and great bands that occurred on December 13, 2025 at the renowned music venue, THE ECHO. Four bands from different parts of the world were here that night: an LA band, a band from Australia, a band from Wales, and a band from Florida.  Hordes of fans lined up early on this night who were most likely there for the headliner, THE HAUNT.

Written by Don Marcelo

Several media photographers were also there early to secure a good spot to photograph the bands on this night, particularly THE HAUNT. If the original Guns & Roses photographer, Mr. Jack Lue, was there in line early to shoot, you know that this night was going to be special.

MAGIC WHATEVER

The first part of the evening, we were introduced to the opening artist called MAGIC WHATEVER from Los Angeles.  MAGIC WHATEVER is Trever Stewart, the brainchild behind the music and his band on this night. On this night, he was supported by two talented musicians a bass player and a drummer. This 3 piece Indie Pop/Alternative Rock/Electronic group, whose unique melancholic, yet vibrant energy and sounds, created a fresh experience for the audience where they are immediately captivated by MAGIC WHATEVER’s emotional performance and songs. The audience on this night became immersed in a state of relaxed trance instantaneously, as if the audience were hit by a magic spell of some sort, just gazing at the stars with their eyes wide open. But more likely, they were struck by the magical voice of Trever Stewart, aka MAGIC WHATEVER. The audience grooved non-stop to the beat of their songs throughout their set and from what I gathered, they definitely enjoyed MAGIC WHATEVER’s vibes and sounds. It was a great way to start off the night. Follow MAGIC WHATEVER on all his socials:

https://www.facebook.com/MagicWhatever

https://www.instagram.com/magicwhatever

@magicwhatever

Photo Gallery of the performance by © Don Marcelo Photography 2025

A male vocalist passionately singing into a microphone on stage, with dramatic lighting in the background, conveying energy and emotion during a live performance.
A performer singing passionately into a microphone with dramatic lighting, creating a moody atmosphere.
A male vocalist passionately performing on stage with a microphone in hand, surrounded by a dark backdrop, capturing the energy of a live music event.
A bassist performing on stage during a concert for The Haunt, with a lively backdrop of stage lights and equipment.
A bass player performing on stage during a concert with a backdrop featuring the name 'THE HAUNT'. The musician is wearing a patterned shirt and appears to be engaged in the performance.
A drummer performing passionately on stage with a focused expression, wearing a black cap and a casual outfit, set against a backdrop featuring the band's name.
A drummer performing on stage, wearing a black shirt and hat, focused on playing the drums at a live music event.
A drummer performing on stage during a music concert, focused and engaged, with drumsticks poised above the drums and a lively backdrop.
A dynamic live performance by THE HAUNT band, featuring a singer passionately engaging with the audience while a guitarist plays in the background at THE ECHO music venue.
A dynamic live performance by THE HAUNT at THE ECHO, showcasing the lead vocalist in an energetic pose while playing the guitar.
A lead singer performing passionately on stage with a microphone in hand, wearing a slightly obscured hood, showcasing intricate tattoos on his arms under the dim lights of a music venue.
A singer performing passionately on stage, partially obscured in the spotlight, showcasing visible tattoos on their arms.

CHEZ 

The second support act from this evening came to us all the way from Down Under. CHEZ is a female artist/musician whose home is in Australia. Her style of music is a blend of Pop Rock and electronic whose catchy melodies are unique and distinct in its own way where the music is raw, emotional, and unapologetic, but also very upbeat at times. CHEZ aka Chezni Watson, strutted her stuff, along with her band, on this night with a fiery and powerful performance. The energy was fun and chaotic with lots of head banging and jumping around on the stage by the members. CHEZ definitely had the audience jumping to their beat of sounds. CHEZ was in full command during her set. At one point during the intermission, the introduction of her bandmates, and talking to the audience and letting them know that she’s from Australia, one audience member shouted to her ever so silently “Aussie Aussie Aussie”. To CHEZ’s amazement, she responded back to the crowd with a big smile on her face, “Did somebody just say ‘Aussie, Aussie, Aussie’?” She went on ahead and asked the audience to respond for the correct answer as she chanted “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!” back to them. The audience responded back enthusiastically to her “Oi! Oi! Oi!”  The expression from her face with a big smile made it known to us that she was in the right place at that moment. That was priceless. CHEZ recently released her new single called “GTFO”. Go check it out . While you’re at it, check out this great artist/singer/songwriter named CHEZ from down under and follow her on all her socials.

https://chezwxrld.com

https://www.facebook.com/chezwxrld

https://www.instagram.com/chezwxrld

@chezwxrld

https://chezwxrld.com

Photo Gallery of the performance by © Don Marcelo Photography 2025

A drummer performs energetically on stage, illuminated by red lights, showcasing a lively atmosphere at a music event.
A drummer performing energetically on stage, illuminated by red lights, playing passionately during a live music event.
A female musician passionately performing on stage, holding a microphone with one hand while the other is raised, wearing a cropped shirt and black pants, with vibrant stage lights in the background.
A guitarist mid-jump on stage, energetically playing a blue electric guitar during a live performance at a music venue.
A female artist passionately singing into a microphone on stage, wearing a cropped shirt and surrounded by colorful stage lights.
A musician passionately performing on stage with long hair flowing as he plays a blue electric guitar, surrounded by vibrant purple stage lights.
A female singer performing on stage, laughing and engaging with the audience, wearing a cropped shirt with text, illuminated by stage lights.
A performer passionately playing the bass guitar on stage, with a focused expression while singing, surrounded by a dimly lit venue.
A female musician passionately performing on stage with a microphone, dressed in a white shirt while reaching out to the audience.
A female performer with long hair dancing energetically on stage, wearing a cropped white shirt with black text and black pants, while a male drummer is playing in the background.
A female vocalist passionately performing on stage, wearing a white crop top with the word "CIT" and a pink star, with dramatic lighting and an energetic pose.
A male musician with a beard kneeling on stage while playing a bass guitar, focusing intently on his performance during a live music event.
A musician passionately playing an electric guitar on stage, showcasing intense emotions during a live performance.
A bassist in a darkened setting, bowing to the audience with a green spotlight illuminating him and his bass guitar.
A female singer in a cropped white shirt with bold lettering onstage, smiling and holding a microphone amidst colorful stage lighting.
Close-up of a female singer performing on stage, wearing a shirt with the letters 'CNT.' The singer is passionately engaging with the audience while holding a microphone, with bright stage lights in the background.
A drummer energetically playing the drums on stage, showing enthusiasm during a live performance.

HIMALAYAS

The 3rd support from this night was the HIMALAYAS. They are a rock group from Cardiff, Wales whose current members are the following amazing musicians: Mike Griffiths (lead guitar, backing vocals), Joe Williams (rhythm guitar, lead vocals), Louis Heaps (bass), and James Goulbourn (drums). According to WIKEPEDIA, The group cites their music interests from The Beatles, to Otis Redding, to Green Day, Kelly Jones, Bonham, and Cher. Their music can be described as garage rock/indie rock of the past with hints of modern rock. Their résumé includes having played as the support act for THE FOO FIGHTERS  during their Everything or Nothing at All Tour at the Principality Stadium in April 2025. Though not as energetic as CHEZ on stage, their style was more reserved and subdued. This doesn’t mean their performance was bad. Not at all. It’s their style of coolness and chill attitude with great musicianship was what differentiated them from the other two support acts. They reminded me of a new generation of a Dan Auerbach’s side project band called The Arcs, but the HIMALAYAS had more grit and power. They were definitely phenomenal in their own stylistic way of performance on this night. A great addition to your collection if you love Indie Rock/Garage Bands

https://www.himalayasofficial.com

https://www.instagram.com/himalayasofficial

https://www.facebook.com/Himalayasofficial

@himalayasofficial

Photo Gallery of the performance by © Don Marcelo Photography 2025

A close-up shot of a musician playing guitar on stage, captured from a low angle, highlighting their focused expression and the instrument.
A live performance captured at THE ECHO, showcasing a band with a male vocalist playing guitar, a drummer in the background, and a second musician engaged in the performance, illuminated by colorful stage lights.
A live performance by the band THE HAUNT at THE ECHO, featuring dynamic stage presence with the lead singer strumming a guitar and singing passionately, accompanied by a drummer and another guitarist, with vibrant lighting enhancing the energetic atmosphere.
A bassist performing energetically under red stage lights at a live concert.
A black and white image of a band performing on stage, featuring a lead singer with a guitar and a drummer visible in the background. The stage is dimly lit with dramatic lighting and a large banner in the background.
A bassist performing energetically on stage during a live music event, with bright stage lights and a vibrant atmosphere.
A musician performing on stage, playing an electric guitar with focused expression, captured during a live music event at a venue.
A musician passionately playing electric guitar on stage, captured in a moment of performance with a microphone in front.
A musician performing on stage with a guitar, smiling at the audience, during a live music event at a venue.
A band performing live on stage with dynamic lighting, featuring a guitarist in the foreground and a drummer in the background.
A musician playing bass guitar on stage during a live performance, with dramatic lighting in the background.
A musician performing on stage, holding an electric guitar with a focused expression, under colorful stage lights.
A bassist performing passionately on stage, with dramatic lighting and a focused expression, during a live concert.
A male musician on stage performing with a guitar, singing into a microphone while illuminated by stage lights.
A lead singer passionately performing on stage with a microphone, wearing a dark jacket, highlighted by green stage lights.
A drummer passionately playing live on stage, captured mid-performance with intense focus and energy.
A drummer performing passionately on stage, with visible tattoos and a focused expression, surrounded by drum kit elements under dramatic lighting.
A drummer performing live on stage, focused and intense, with a piercing look as they play the drums, surrounded by stage lighting.
The Haunt performing live on stage at The Echo music venue, showcasing high energy and dynamic performance with band members focused on their instruments.
A guitarist from the band THE HAUNT performing on stage, illuminated by red lights, with another band member in the background.
Close-up of a male musician playing guitar on stage with dramatic lighting.
A rock band performing on stage at The Echo, featuring a drummer and two guitarists, with colorful stage lights illuminating the scene.

THE HAUNT.

The headliner…THE HAUNT from Florida. To try and describe this band with words is truly hard. One must experience their live performance and hear their music on stage as well as on all the streaming platforms or CDs or Vinyls. But one thing is for sure, this band is pure adrenaline TO THE MAX! A high velocity non-stop action from start to finish! A head rush! Music to my ears where blood dripped down from my ear canals and spattered everywhere. No amount of ear plugs protected my eardrums when it came to their sounds on this night. And their stage presence, absolute rage and beauty and perfection. THE HAUNT is still haunting me even after a week has passed on. Truly a band to see and hear over and over and over again.

Blending the sounds of industrial, metal, alternative, pop-punk, and electronic, the dynamic duo siblings and leaders of THE HAUNT, Maxamillion “Max” Haunt and Anastasia Grace Haunt, gave the audience what they wanted to see and hear, pure euphoria with raw, visceral, and powerful vocals and arrangements. Along with their bandmates, the siblings brought the house of The Echo down with their dark energy, mystique moods, and heavy sounds of melodic mayhem of their songs. Anastasia’s presence on stage was undeniably uncanny. Powered by her gritty, powerful, and emotional voice and her “energizer bunny” energy, she is one superwoman to watch. She jumped. She crawled. She headbanged. She stood on top of the speakers and flew high above. She sang exquisitely soft and violently, often switching it but always on point. She truly was a superwoman. But superwoman can not be without her superman, her brother Max. He too showed us his raw and powerful energy with his singing and stage presence and his axe shredding skills. Even their drummer and bassist gave an outstanding performance. This dynamic duo team and their bandmates create an energy of pure rage and adrenaline that I haven’t in a long time. They are my “New Addiction” (That’s the title of their new album by the way).

Despite me saying that this was “a high velocity non-stop action from start to finish,” I fibbed just a little bit. They did stop at one point and it wasn’t because of them, but rather a technical issue with the bass guitar. The bass guitar had to be replaced which slightly interrupted the energy, but was quickly handled by the team and the music and madness and mayhem continued right after this short interruption. But this was actually a blessing in disguise. One of the highlights of this evening was when Max switched instruments with their bassist on one song. But because the other bass guitar was wireless and this new one was tethered, Max was forced to play to the left side of Anastasia. Max commented right after, “I haven’t played bass on the left side of my sister in over 10 years.” He told me later that night it was because the new bass guitar was tethered to the speakers and he wasn’t able to move out from that spot. I actually thought that was a cool moment when that happened. First time in 10 years and we were there to see it happen.

What else can I say except, go see THE HAUNT perform LIVE on stage. They are currently on tour and will also be touring Europe in 2026 and back again for another North American tour. Check out their music. Follow them on all their socials. You won’t be disappointed. I guarantee it.

https://www.thehauntband.com

https://www.instagram.com/wearethehaunt

https://www.facebook.com/WeAreTheHaunt

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmOLu2qHxBBL2dDGJEWN-Pw

@wearethehaunt

Photo Gallery of the performance by © Don Marcelo Photography 2025

A musician passionately performing on stage with a microphone in one hand and a guitar in the other, illuminated by stage lights.
A guitarist performing on stage, concentrating intently while playing a white electric guitar against a dark backdrop.
A female performer singing into a microphone, wearing a red outfit, during a live music performance. The stage is illuminated with colorful lights in the background.
A musician performing on stage, playing an electric guitar with a focused expression, under stage lights in a dark setting.
The lead singer of THE HAUNT performs energetically on stage, wearing a vibrant red outfit, with her hair flowing as she engages the audience. The drummer can be seen in the background.
A musician performing energetically on stage with wild hair movement, wearing a red outfit with puffed sleeves and a choker, illuminated by colorful stage lights.
A female performer in a vibrant red dress with puffed sleeves energetically engages the audience while performing on stage, with her hair flowing in motion.
A performer in a red lace dress with puffed sleeves holds a microphone while facing away from the audience, showcasing a dramatic hairstyle and stage presence.
A musician performing on stage, playing a white electric guitar, with a focused expression. The backdrop features stage lighting creating a dynamic atmosphere.
A guitarist performing on stage, wearing a shirt with a red design and black pants, playing an electric guitar under colorful stage lights.
A female performer in a red lace dress passionately singing on stage, with her long hair flowing as she leans forward, creating an intense energy during the live music event.
A female singer performing passionately on stage, wearing a vibrant red dress and holding a microphone, with focused energy in a dynamic music environment.
A female singer in a vibrant pink outfit performs energetically on stage, holding a microphone and jumping amidst bright stage lights.
Silhouette of a female singer in a red dress performing on stage, striking a dynamic pose with a microphone against a backdrop of bright stage lights.
A dynamic live performance by the band THE HAUNT, featuring a vocalist in a vibrant red outfit interacting with the audience, set against a stage backdrop with band equipment and colorful stage lights.
A live performance by the band THE HAUNT, featuring a female vocalist in a red outfit and band members playing instruments on stage at THE ECHO music venue.
A female performer captivates the audience with her dynamic stage presence, wearing a vibrant red outfit and striking a dramatic pose while holding a microphone. The background is dark, emphasizing her energetic expression.
A drummer energetically performing with long curly hair at a live concert for the band THE HAUNT, with the band's logo prominently displayed on the bass drum.
A close-up shot of a male singer passionately performing on stage, holding a microphone and wearing a stylish outfit with a shiny accessory.
Close-up of a performer passionately singing into a microphone, illuminated against a dark background, creating a dramatic concert atmosphere.
A dynamic live performance by a female artist in a red dress, passionately singing into a microphone with her hair flowing wildly under bright stage lights.
Dynamic performance of a female vocalist in a red outfit singing passionately on stage.
A musician playing a white bass guitar on stage during a live performance, dressed in a black t-shirt with graphic designs and under soft lighting.
A female vocalist in a vibrant red outfit performs passionately on stage, with her hair flowing as she jumps, showcasing a dynamic energy during a live music performance.
A musician performing on stage with an electric bass guitar, wearing a black t-shirt and focused expression, against a dark backdrop with stage lighting.
A close-up of a male musician performing on stage, holding a microphone and playing a guitar. He has short hair and is wearing a black shirt with a vibrant red graphic. The lighting emphasizes the intensity of the performance.
Performing artist passionately singing into a microphone while holding a guitar, with a dimly lit stage background.
A crowd of music fans enjoying a performance at a dark venue filled with lights and reflections. Some audience members are holding up their phones and cameras to capture the moment, while colorful dots of light are scattered across the ceiling.
A singer in a red dress performs energetically on stage, surrounded by photographers capturing the moment.
A female vocalist with long red hair performs energetically on stage while singing into a microphone, wearing a vibrant red dress. The atmosphere is electric with colorful stage lights in the background, showcasing the band 'The Haunt.'
A dynamic performer in a red dress stands on stage, engaging with the audience while photographers capture the moment.
A performer in a dramatic red outfit passionately singing into a microphone on stage, surrounded by vibrant stage lights.
A performer from the band THE HAUNT leaps into the air during a dynamic live performance, wearing a vibrant red dress, with musical equipment and stage lights visible in the background.
A musician passionately playing an electric guitar on stage, bathed in dramatic lighting, as part of a live performance.
A dynamic performance by a female singer with long hair flowing, wearing a vibrant red outfit with black accents, singing passionately on stage.
A dynamic live performance by THE HAUNT, featuring a female vocalist in a striking red outfit passionately singing into a microphone, flanked by band members playing electric guitars.
Two male musicians performing passionately on stage, with bright stage lights illuminating the scene. One is playing an electric guitar, while the other is engaged in playing a different instrument. The energy of the performance is palpable.
A female vocalist in a red lace outfit passionately singing into a microphone during a live performance, with dramatic stage lighting in the background.
A close-up shot of a male guitarist performing on stage, wearing a black shirt with a graphic design, focused on playing a white electric guitar under colorful stage lighting.
A male musician passionately playing a white guitar on stage, wearing a black sweatshirt with a graphic design, under bright stage lights.
A male guitarist in a black shirt with a graphic design plays an electric guitar while a female vocalist in a red outfit sings into a microphone, both captured in a dynamic stage setting with colorful lights in the background.
A dynamic performance scene featuring two musicians on stage during a live concert. The male vocalist is passionately singing into the microphone while the female vocalist beside him is animatedly engaging with the audience. Both artists are dressed in stylish outfits and the backdrop is illuminated with colorful stage lights, creating an energetic atmosphere.
A female vocalist from the band THE HAUNT performs passionately on stage, lying back with a microphone in hand. The drummer and band equipment are faintly visible in the background.
Female artist wearing a red costume and dark lipstick performing on stage, with a drummer visible in the background.
A female vocalist performing passionately on stage, wearing a bright red outfit, with a microphone in hand and a spotlight shining on her, while a crowd eagerly engages in the background.
A performer singing passionately with a microphone, dressed in a vibrant red outfit under dramatic stage lighting.
A musician playing an electric guitar during a live performance at a music venue. The focus is on the guitarist's hands and guitar, with bright stage lights casting a colorful glow.
A musician with a guitar and a bassist performing energetically on stage during a live music event.
A drummer performing energetically on stage with illuminated background elements, capturing the high-energy atmosphere of a live music event.
Drummer performing energetically on stage with colorful lights at a concert by THE HAUNT.
A drummer energetically playing on stage during a live music performance, with dramatic lighting and smoke effects in the background.
Drummer performing on stage for the band THE HAUNT at a live music event, showcasing their energetic performance and artistic expression.
A performer with long hair in motion, wearing a red outfit and black makeup, captivates the audience at a music event.
A female singer with long hair performs passionately on stage, wearing a red outfit. The lighting creates a dramatic atmosphere, enhancing her energetic presence.
A musician performing on stage, holding a microphone and singing while playing a white electric guitar.
A live performance by THE HAUNT band at THE ECHO music venue, featuring dramatic stage lighting and band members engaging with a young fan on the floor.
A bassist performs energetically on stage under red lighting during a live music event.
A stuffed bunny in a red sweater sits beside an electric guitar on stage, with a dimly lit background.
A musician passionately playing a light-colored bass guitar on stage during a performance, with dramatic lighting in the background.
A female performer on stage, wearing a red outfit, holding a microphone and looking back, illuminated by red stage lights.

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