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Kreator and Overkill

One of Europe’s largest metal export, Kreator is a thrash-metal band that hails from Essen, Germany, but is making a stop in Lawrence on their “Legends of Thrash” tour. They will be supporting their 13th studio album “Phantom Antichrist.” Despite the darkness that this description has already conveyed (without even trying, I swear), Mille Petrozza asserts that the bleak subjects addressed in their lyrics like war, death and destruction actually have an underlying positive message. Don’t believe it? Head to the concert to see for yourself.
Thursday, Nov. 7, at the Granada (1020 Massachusetts St.), 7:30 p.m. $25 in advance.

Scroat Belly

I’ve been told this is one of Lawrence’s favorite bands. Wichita’s own Scroat Belly is bringing their un-categorizable music to the Bottleneck, but since that’s not a very telling description, check out this one from Chicago Reader:
“Nobody ever threw a scarier shot of alt into alt-country than Scroat Belly, a bloody-mouthed, poo-flinging, bottle-smashing bluegrass-based nightmare that infused your basic Flatt & Scruggs high-speed plucking with metallic violence and a sort of PCP-flavored anarchy that at times recalled early Butthole Surfers.” Thought that might help.
Friday, Nov. 8, at the Bottleneck (737 New Hampshire St.), 9 p.m.

Tristen (w/ OILS)

This Saturday’s matinee show at the Replay will feature entertainment from Nashville’s singer-songwriter, Tristen. Her latest album, C A V E S, is a change from her last classic-country-inspired album (Charlatans at the Golden Gate) to a new synth-pop sound, a decision she made to do justice to a pop album. This record pays homage to Prince, Madonna and other pop-radio icons from her youth. Talk about changing things up!
Saturday, Nov. 9, at the Replay Lounge (946 Massachusetts St.), 6 p.m. $3.

Chance the Rapper

Sponsored by Kansas University’s Student Union Activities, Chance the Rapper’s Social Experiment Tour is slotted for Sunday night at Liberty Hall. Chicago-raised Chancelor Bennett has gained popularity over the past year and half after releasing first album, 10 Day, inspired by a senior-year (high school) suspension, which gained the attention of Forbes magazine. This tour will support latest mix-tape, Acid Rap. Only 20 years old and already on tracks with Childish Gambino, Hoodie Allen, and Joey Bada$$.
Sunday, Nov. 10, at Liberty Hall (644 Massachusetts St.), 9 p.m., $15 in advance (student deals).

Thomas Dolby

105.9 Kiss FM Presents: Thomas Dolby: The Invisible Lighthouse at Liberty Hall. The events of the night will take place in three parts: 1) a screening of Dolby’s award-winning film, “The Invisible Lighthouse,” 2) a question-and-answer session with Dolby, 3) and finally, a live performance of the British synth-pop artist’s greatest hits. His documentary, “The Invisible Lighthouse,” is a personal work that touches on the lighthouse near his home in Suffolk on the coast of England, with narration and music.
Monday, Nov. 11, at Liberty Hall (644 Massachusetts St.), 8 p.m. $25-60 (all reserved seating).

P!nk [KANSAS CITY PICK]

Known for her touring high-energy theatrics and emotion-fueled performances, P!nk is taking over the Sprint Center on her Truth About Love World Tour. Even if you don’t particularly enjoy her radio pop hits, P!nk is truly a performer, acting out the extremist qualities of her personality onstage by spinning above the stage from invisible wires and other contraptions. In case you have no idea what that looks like, check out this promo for her tour.
Tuesday, Nov. 12, at Sprint Center (1407 Grand St.), 7:30 p.m. $39.50.