Home MusicPop Evil Release Raw and Emotionally Charged EP “Unleaded”

Pop Evil Release Raw and Emotionally Charged EP “Unleaded”

by Amy Sciarretto
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POP EVIL RELEASE RAW AND EMOTIONALLY CHARGED UNLEADED EP — LISTEN

In a bold departure from their signature sound, Pop Evil unveil a powerful new chapter with the release of their live acoustic EP, Unleaded, a raw and emotionally charged recording captured in the heart of New York City.

Hosted by SiriusXM Octane and set within the edgy, denim-clad atmosphere of the Cult of Individuality showroom, this release strips away the band’s thunderous riffs and high-octane energy, laying bare the soul of their songwriting in an intimate and electrifying performance.

Known for their explosive live shows and heavy rock anthems, Pop Evil have long been a staple of the hard rock scene. But Unleaded reveals a different side of the Michigan-bred outfit—one that trades distortion and fury for shadow and nuance. The setting was intentionally unconventional. Surrounded by Cult of Individuality’s gritty fashion aesthetic and a crowd of superfans, the band leaned into vulnerability and artistry, proving that their songs are just as powerful—if not more so—when stripped to their emotional core.

The EP features raw, acoustic renditions of fan favorites and a surprise cover of Simple Mind classic ’80s hit “Don’t You (Forget About Me),” reimagined through a minimalist lens. Frontman Leigh Kakaty‘s vocals take center stage, enriched by the absence of walls of sound, revealing new shades of melody and lyrical depth. Songs like “What Remains and “Paranoid (Crash & Burn)” gain new emotional resonance, delivered with haunting clarity and personal intensity. Backed by acoustic guitar, delicate percussion, and harmonized vocals, the stripped arrangements emphasize storytelling over spectacle.

“This was a chance to show our fans who we are underneath it all,” Kakaty shared during the Octane broadcast. “No lights, no walls of sound—just the songs and the emotion that built them.”

Unleaded serves as a reminder that even the heaviest rock bands have roots in melody and meaning. It’s a testament to Pop Evil’s versatility and their willingness to challenge themselves creatively. By peeling back the layers, this EP offers an unforgettable glimpse into the soul of Pop Evil — raw, unfiltered, and undeniably powerful.

UNLEADED TRACK LISTING:
“What Remains” (Unleaded Version)
“Paranoid (Crash & Burn)” (Unleaded Version)
“Wishful Thinking” (Unleaded Version)
Don’t You (Forget About Me)” (Reimagined Unleaded Version)

Pop Evil are wrapping up the last few dates of their current headline tour. All remaining dates are below. The band is playing festivals and fairs this summer. Expect more touring later in 2025.

POP EVIL ON TOUR:
7/3 — Traverse City, MI — National Cherry Festival
7/5 — Algona, IA  — ABATE Freedom Rally
7/18 — Timmins, ON — Rock on the River
7/19 — Brantford, ON – Call Home
7/26 — Grover Hill, OH – Wetzelland
8/2 — Davenport, IA – Mississippi Valley Fair
8/16 — Escanaba, MI — Upper Peninsula State Fair
10/5 — Sacramento, CA — Aftershock

Atom Splitter PR | Website |  + posts

When it comes to publicity, media relations imaging, and marketing, Atom Splitter PR Principal and Founder Amy Sciarretto personifies dexterity, diligence, and devotion as she envisions and executes campaigns that don’t just impact tastemakers, but audiences worldwide.

Boundaries don’t exist for her initiatives. Sciaretto’s versatile ability to maneuver outside of expectations and elevate talent to new heights has been a cornerstone of the success of award-winning RIAA-certified juggernauts such as current clients Killswitch Engage, Falling In Reverse, Seether, Hatebreed, Helmet, Zeal & Ardor, Attila, Code Orange, and countless others. Following a storied tenure as an editor at CMJ, she became a fixture at Roadrunner Records before formally launching Atom Splitter PR in 2012. At Roadrunner, she operated point on campaigns for seminal albums such as Slipknot’s platinum-selling Billboard Top 200 #1 opus All Hope Is Gone, Korn’s GRAMMY® Award-nominated Korn III: Remember Who You Are, Killswitch Engage’s gold-selling The End of Heartache and As Daylight Dies, and more in addition to key releases from Meat Loaf, Rob Zombie, Stone Sour, Tommy Lee, and more.

Atom Splitter PR illuminates the scope of her vision. With a powerhouse roster spanning heavy metal, rock, alternative, indie, and pop, she continually lands high-profile placements across print, online, and television. Her drive and dedication remain unparalleled, adding a personalized fire and flare reflective of every artist’s individual needs. As the engine of Atom Splitter PR accompanied by a full staff of equally passionate PR impresarios, she continually raises the bar and redefines what publicity can be in the age of streaming and social media.

Outside of public relations, Amy remains staunchly devoted to her family and bulldog Higgins. She spends as much time as possible walking dogs at a local shelter, giving them a little extra love. In 2009, she co-authored the music industry survival guide Do The Devil’s Work for Him alongside Rick Florino. Expect her to make more history going forward…

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