Pop Evil have had their fair share of accomplishments over the years, but none have hit as close to home as today's announcement. Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell has officially declared August 21st "Pop Evil Day" in the band's hometown.

"The City of Grand Rapids appreciates the universal and timeless qualities that identify all forms of visual and performing art," says the mayor. "We have built a reputation of celebrating and encouraging artistic freedom, creativity and self expression. I appreciate the music that Grand Rapids’ own Pop Evil creates for that same reason. The group is a true original that has shown its commitment to their fans and to our West Michigan community."  

The announcement came as a complete surprise to the band during a live TV interview on FOX 17 in Grand Rapids, a clip of the announcement can be seen below.

"Wow, what an incredible honor this is, and honestly we didn't see it coming!," says front man Leigh Kakaty. "Our management and label know how to keep a good secret! We take a lot of pride in where we come from and this will never be forgotten."

Pop Evil release their new album, UP, today Friday, August 21st via eOne Music. UP is a bold reintroduction and step forward, with guitarists Nick Fuelling and Davey Grahs, bassist Matt Dirito, drummer Chachi Riot and Kakaty at the top of their game. It’s always a bit cliché, not to mention questionable, when a band says their new album is the best one yet. But in the case of Pop Evil, it’s an absolute fact.

Pop Evil smashes through the odds like a battering ram, weathering the trials and tribulations of paying dues with a steadfast resilience owing much to their blue collar and middle class backgrounds, and building a worldwide audience one fan at a time. As the moniker promises when emblazoned on a CD or radio dial, Pop Evil conjures aggressive riffs and hard charging sing-a-longs with emotional heft and melodic power in equal measure. It’s music by the people, for the people.

Tracklisting:

“Footsteps”
“Core”
“In Disarray”
“Take It All”
“Ghost Of Muskegon”
“If Only For Now”
“...”
“Ways to Get High”
“Lux”
“Vendetta”
“Dead In The Water”
“Seattle Rain”
“Til Kingdom Come”

“Ghost Of Muskegon”:

"Footsteps” video:

“Dead In The Water” lyric video:

"In Disarray”:

“Footsteps” lyric video: