The Northern Light

10/09/2025

UAA Seawolves volleyball defeated the California State San Marcos Cougars 3-2 on Sept. 5 during the Seawolf Invitational, with Tia Allen’s 14 digs and 18 kills, Lee Ivakina’s 12 digs and 15 kills and Johana Malikova racking up four aces, 45 assists and 18 digs. This victory marks the Seawolves' sixth straight win of the season, leaving them 6-0.

After losing the first set of the match, the Seawolves rallied back strong and won the second set, before narrowly being defeated during the third set and finally winning both the fourth and fifth sets.

Rounding out the Seawolf Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 6, the Seawolves defeated Minot State 3-0, leaving them 7-0 for a great start to their season.

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https://www.thenorthernlight.org/stories/photos-seawolves-defeat-cougars

09/09/2025

SZA’s ‘CTRL’ and young adulthood

This is 'Sound and Sociology' — the column where I discuss music, sociology and sometimes, both

With my 21st birthday being only a month away, I’ve been contemplating what it means to be an adult and to grow up. I feel like I have no idea what I’m doing, but what brings me comfort during these trying times is the fact that almost everyone else my age is in the same boat.

When I think of an album that brings me that same kind of comfort, one of the first ones that pop into my head is SZA’s “CTRL.”

On June 9, 2017, SZA released her debut album “CTRL” with Top Dawg Entertainment. Featuring 14 tracks and five singles, “CTRL” has managed to remain one of the most beloved and culturally relevant R&B albums more than eight years after its release.

Containing a mix of hot-girl bangers, seductive slow jams and heartfelt admissions, “CTRL” captures all of the trials and tribulations of being a young adult.

A huge theme across much of SZA’s discography is insecurity, and on this album, she had no qualms about getting into the ugliness of it. She frequently mentions her doubts about dating and intimate relationships, and that is perfectly captured in the fourth track on the album, “Drew Barrymore.”

This song explains SZA’s insecurities without any clever imagery or metaphors to cushion the blow. It’s unapologetically raw, and that’s part of what makes it so special.

The first verse opens with her proclaiming how she’s jealous of the woman her partner is friends with. Despite acknowledging her worth, SZA goes down the list of things she’s self conscious about — her demeanor, her looks and even the fact that she’s not the woman her man was previously with.

The desire to be the perfect person for someone you care about is a feeling that plagues many. While everyone has insecurities, self-consciousness and feelings of inadequacy are often associated with youth and immaturity — an indication that we have yet to grow into ourselves. SZA personifies that feeling with dead accuracy on “Drew Barrymore.”

Falling in line with the theme of insecurity and inadequacy, it’s not unusual for people to lower their expectations for dating out of fear of loneliness or rejection from others.

It’s easy to settle with one person when they give you all the attention you crave, even if the situation as a whole isn’t the most healthy. SZA touches on this feeling perfectly with “The Weekend.”

I’ve heard quite a few people accuse SZA of making “side-hoe anthems,” and this song certainly does not help her beat the allegations. In “The Weekend,” she describes sharing a man with multiple other women, keeping him occupied a few days out of the week rather than having him around the clock.

SZA describes yearning for a man she knows she could never fully have. Each time he comes around, she accepts him with open arms and happily takes the place of other women whenever it's “her turn” to have him.

Despite the situationship not being all that sustainable or fulfilling, she uses their meetups to cope with the fact that the relationship she’s in isn’t the one she desires — that she’d rather settle than be alone.

Both “Drew Barrymore” and “The Weekend” place emphasis on how feelings of inadequacy can lead to a tanking self-image and issues within the dating scene during your formative adult years. Rarely, however, do I hear artists express the insecurity and anxiety about getting older.

Part of growing up is being unsure of the direction you want to take going forward. Navigating your life and how you fit into everyone else’s can be a suffocating and isolating experience. Even though it's just the beginning of life, it often feels like the entire world is crumbling down. Add on the weight of unstable relationships, little real-world experience and an ever-changing sense of self, and suddenly growing up carries an insurmountable pressure.

“20 Something,” the last track on the album, beautifully describes the uncertainty and fear of stepping into young adulthood. While the rest of the album has a low drone, trap-soul inspired sound, this track deviates from that by featuring a solo, acoustic guitar instrumental.

Despite carrying a softer tune, the lyrics manage to be the most gut-wrenching on the entire project. On “20 Something,” SZA talks about her dissolving relationships — both platonic and romantic — and the accompanying loneliness. She describes feeling aimless and unsure, praying that the future grants her mercy through her journey as a 20-something-year-old.

This is juxtaposed with the air of optimism that the instrumental provides, gives the song a melancholic feel that has you dreading the future and wishing for your childhood to come back. It’s by far my favorite song on the album and definitely one of the most underrated.

As a society, we tend to associate youth with bad decisions and impulsivity while simultaneously forgetting all the factors that lead us down that path in the first place.

SZA’s “CTRL” provides not just context, but sympathy toward those factors, highlighting the ugliness that comes with navigating love, s*x and life in your early 20s.

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With my 21st birthday being only a month away, I’ve been contemplating what it means to be an adult and to grow up. I feel like I have no idea what I’m doing, but what brings me comfort during these trying times is the fact that almost everyone else my age is in the same boat.

09/09/2025

Yung Gravy’s 'Voluptuous Voyage Tour' comes to Anchorage

Ahead of the show, Yung Gravy discusses his career, taste in MILFs and more

On Sept. 12, Yung Gravy is performing in Town Square Park to conclude the “Summer Concert Series.” Ahead of the concert, The Northern Light interviewed the rapper via email to discuss all things Gravy.

Yung Gravy, whose real name is Matthew Hauri, said his stage name came from a freestyle. He said he rapped “something like ‘so smooth you can call me Yung Gravy,’” and decided it sounded like a good stage name.

“I felt like it really encapsulated my essence so I stuck with it,” he said.

At the start of his career, Yung Gravy had never attempted making or producing music. Now, with a catalog of over 100 songs and seven years of experience behind him, he said, “I know way more about how music works and got a lot more tricks up my sleeve in the studio.”

Hailing from Minnesota, the rapper loves Arctic wonderland scenery, with Alaska being at the top of his list. Yung Gravy was a camp counselor and professional skier before rapping, so he feels he fits in great in Alaska.

Yung Gravy said the experience of performing at the Alaska State Fair in 2023 was amazing. “The energy of the people was just totally different from anywhere else, in the best way,” he said. That experience was a major reason the rapper decided to return to Alaska.

Yung Gravy said “Super Smash Bros.” is one of his personal favorite underrated songs of his. He didn’t expect “Hot Tub” to blow up, and didn’t like the song until T-Pain featured on it.

Yung Gravy said he doesn’t really get stuck when writing music, since he doesn’t rush things. He said more often than not that songs come quickly. He said, “I just say my spicy, provocative lil riddles ridden with sauced out sayings and put em out!”

Known for having a larger than life persona, Yung Gravy said that persona is not an act. “I’m totally me 100%, maybe 98% when I’m hungover and have to take pictures with fans,” he said. He said it is much easier to be genuine than to put up a facade.

Yung Gravy’s music is known for being humorous, leading to criticism that his music is unserious. He said that the criticism doesn’t bother him at all. “It says alot about you if you can’t just have fun and enjoy good, fun music,” he said.

Yung Gravy said if he could collaborate with anyone — dead or alive — he’d collaborate with Frank Sinatra, who he described as a huge inspiration that he could learn a lot from. For a dream venue, he said he would want to perform in the Swiss Alps flanked by two giant fondue fountains.

Well known for his taste in women, Yung Gravy ranked his top five MILFs of all time. “Number 1, Sofia Vergara. Number 2, Halle Berry. Number 3, Salma Hayek. Number 4, Penelope Cruz. Number 5, my girlfriend Ariel, she has a dog,” he said.

Yung Gravy said his next album would be a true return to form that his fans should be on the lookout for.

“I did a lot of creative exploration the last year or so, it’ll be nice to get back to the classic Gravy,” he said.

Signing off the interview, Yung Gravy said, “Love you all! Even if you don’t fwm. See y’all at the show.”

His show will feature local acts Evil Wizard, Flow Lounge, Blxin, Scarface Tubby and Brother Buffalo.

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On Sept. 12, Yung Gravy is performing in Town Square Park to conclude the “Summer Concert Series.” Ahead of the concert, The Northern Light interviewed the rapper via email to discuss all things Gravy.

09/09/2025

Comic by Alex Luangasa

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https://www.thenorthernlight.org/stories/beavers

04/09/2025

UAA event list from Sept. 3 to Oct. 7

Wednesday, Sept. 3
On-Campus Student Employment Fair '25
Student employment fair for students who are interested in obtaining a student employment position at UAA.
Location: Student Union - Second Floor Main Hallway, Enrollment Services Center - Hallway to Student Union.
Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 5
Add/drop deadline for 100% refund, credit/no credit deadline, credit-to-audit deadline, and last day for Pell Grant Adjustments for the Fall semester.
Location: Online
Time: The deadline ends at 11:59 p.m.
-------------------------------
ASD Freshman Academy Lunch
ASD Freshman Academy visits to help students learn more about the benefits of higher education and how university programs can support career goals. A 20 minute lunch is held from 11:55 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Location: unknown
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 6
Fall Withdrawal period begins
Withdrawing from classes does not result in a refund.
Location: UAOnline
Time: Online deadline ends at 11:59 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 7
Approximate Alaska Education Grant (AEG) Disbursement Day
“Students eligible for the Alaska Education Grant (AEG) will see their AEG awards on UAOnline the week after the add/drop deadline has passed.”
Location: Online
Time: unknown

Thursday, Sept. 11
Global Seawolves Connect
UAA international and multicultural students are invited to celebrate and get to know each other with games, food and fun.
Location: Rasmuson Hall - Multicultural Center Lounge.
Time: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 12
Midnight Sun Theatre Presents "Serial Bowl"
Six one-act plays and presenting authors compete to continue performing. Each script’s fate is in the audience’s hands and prompts them to select which teams advance to further episodes.
Location: Fine Arts Building - Room 129, Harper Studio, Fine Arts Building - Room 141.
Time: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 13
Public Show: From Dream to Discovery
Planetarium showing of “the five major aspects of a mission life cycle–design, construction, testing, launch, and operations–highlighted through examples of NASA missions.”
Location: ConocoPhilips Integrated Science Building - Room 220, Planetarium.
Time: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 14
Sitka Music Festival Autumn Classics 25
Sitka Music Festival
Location: Fine Arts Building - Room 122, Music Studio, Fine Arts Building - 1st Floor Lobby, Fine Arts Building - Room 143
Time: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 15
Marine Corps Jazz Combo Recital
Presentation and performance by the Marine Corps Jazz combo, hosted by the Department of Music.
Location: Fine Arts Building - 1st Floor Lobby, Fine Arts Building - Room 150, Recital Hall
Time: 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 16
Business & Accounting Fair
Location: Student Union - Full Cafeteria
Time: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 17
CAS Lecture Series - Jeff Lowenfels
Location: Fine Arts Building - 1st Floor Lobby, Fine Arts Building - Room 143
Time: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 18
Sitka Music Festival Autumn Classics 25
Sitka Music Festival
Location: Fine Arts Building - 1st Floor Lobby, Fine Arts Building - Room 143
Time: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 19
Public Show: Seeing!
Planetarium showing photon production in a distant star as it travels across space to a person’s retina.
Location: ConocoPhilips Integrated Science Building - Room 220, Planetarium
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 20
Public Show: Undiscovered Worlds
Planetarium showing of the different planets and stars orbiting the galaxy and beyond.
Location: ConocoPhilips Integrated Science Building - Room 220, Planetarium
Time: 6:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 21
Sitka Music Festival Autumn Classics 25
Sitka Music Festival
Fine Arts Building - Room 122, Music Studio, Fine Arts Building - Location: 1st Floor Lobby, Fine Arts Building - Room 143
Time: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 23
Breaking Down Professionalism Workshop
Join Career Services for a standard business and professional expectations workshop.
Location: Student Union - Room 103, Lyla Richards Conference Room
Time: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 24
SON Commitment to Compassionate Care
Fine Arts Building - 1st Floor Lobby, Fine Arts Building - Room 150, Location: Recital Hall
Time: 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 25
Tea Time Conversations
Panel conversation on language education journeys and careers they lead. “Tea and cookies will be served.”
Location: Social Sciences Building - Room 258
Time: 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 26
ATY Presents a staged reading of "There Is No Play"
Location: Fine Arts Building - Room 129, Harper Studio, Fine Arts Building - Room 138, Green Room
Time: 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 27
Public Show: Black Holes
Fulldome show featuring high-resolution immersive animations of the current science of black holes.
Location: ConocoPhilips Integrated Science Building - Room 220, Planetarium
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 3
Midnight Sun Theatre Presents - The 39 Steps
The 39 steps is a fast-paced whodunit, influenced by the John Buchan novel and the Alfred Hitchcock movie.
Location: Fine Arts Building - Room 134, Scene Shop, Fine Arts Building - Room 129, Harper Studio
Time: 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 4
Midnight Sun Theatre Presents - The 39 Steps
The 39 steps is a fast-paced whodunit, influenced by the John Buchan novel and the Alfred Hitchcock movie.
Location: Fine Arts Building - Room 134, Scene Shop, Fine Arts Building - Room 129, Harper Studio
Time: 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 5
Wind Ensemble Concert
Wind Ensemble concert performance.
Location: Fine Arts Building - 1st Floor Lobby, Fine Arts Building - Room 143
Time: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

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Add/drop deadline for 100% refund, credit/no credit deadline, credit-to-audit deadline, and last day for Pell Grant Adjustments for the Fall semester.

04/09/2025

About us

We are The Northern Light — your local student-run newspaper — focused diligently on providing you, the students and faculty of UAA, with "truth at all costs."

We work night and day, every semester, year-round, to ensure that all of our readers, regardless of their affiliation to UAA, have access to news that is fact-driven.

The Northern Light — or TNL — keeps our readers updated on current events of all kinds through our columns section. Here, you will also find music, movie and restaurant reviews — in addition to other kinds of entertaining media.

TNL is currently establishing a foundation account for our donors, which will allow TNL to receive donations. This is an ongoing project and will soon be available to the public. Follow future updates to stay informed.

Students or staff who may have tips or story ideas can email TNL Executive Editor Hannah Dillon or Managing Editor Kaitlyn Gaub.

Readers can also submit to “Croft's Comments” for advice, suggestions or any other comments.

TNL hosts open house pizza parties every day that we print. Fall semester print dates are Sept. 2, Oct. 7, Nov. 4 and Dec. 9.

Our open house will be on these dates from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Join us to enjoy good conversation and free food in the TNL office located behind the Subway in the Student Union..

We encourage our readers to interact with The Northern Light, get to know us and communicate with us.

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We are The Northern Light — your local student-run newspaper — focused diligently on providing you, the students and faculty of UAA, with "truth at all costs."

04/09/2025

Seawolves volleyball is back with a great start. UAA defeated the Chaminade Silverswords on Aug. 29 for their third straight win of the season, which kicked off with the Alaska/Hawaii Challenge. Starting behind, the Seawolves rallied back to win the first set, before losing the second. The Seawolves fought back and took the third set before losing the fourth and going into the fifth set, where they clinched the victory, 3-2.

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https://www.thenorthernlight.org/stories/photos-seawolves-defeat-silverswords

04/09/2025

EDITOR’S NOTE — This article includes discussion of su***de. If you or someone you know needs help, call or text the U.S. su***de and crisis hotline at 988

September is Su***de Prevention Awareness Month, aimed at reducing the stigma of seeking help, raising awareness and promoting prevention.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, or NIMH, su***de is the third-leading cause of death in individuals aged 15 to 24 and second-leading cause for people aged 25 to 34.

For college students, academic stress, personal challenges, financial or food insecurity, and the wide range of responsibilities college students have can add significant strain to their life.

The Northern Light spoke with UAA psychology professor Dr. Jennifer P**n over email about su***de awareness and resources.

P**n wrote that it is known certain groups of people are at higher risk of suicidal ideation or attempt. These groups include youth, s*xual and gender minorities, and specific racial and ethnic groups.

“These groups are at higher risks for a number of reasons, mainly because of the way society treats them and the unique stressors they face (e.g., discrimination, historical trauma),” wrote P**n.

P**n wrote predicting su***de is difficult, and out of 365 studies from the past 50 years, prediction was only slightly better than chance.

P**n wrote, “I think talking about su***de is an important one that many people seem to miss, especially when so many people joke about 'unaliveing' themselves.”

She said they could be joking, and are often not serious in the moment, but following up with them at another time may be beneficial.

P**n wrote passive expressions like saying “I wish I could go to sleep and not wake up,” or active expressions such as, “I am thinking about killing myself,” are examples of suicidal ideation and should always be taken seriously.

Intent and specific plans significantly increased risk of attempt. Prior attempts and behaviors such as nonsuicidal self-injury can be a predictor of a future attempt, wrote P**n.

If students are concerned about a friend or peer, P**n wrote, “I think the best thing to do is honestly just ask them. Even if they say no, because you asked, you have demonstrated that you actually care and they may be more willing to disclose to you in the future.”

She wrote to not overly extend concern by asking the person each day, but it might be a good idea to ask more than once or multiple times, especially if there are any noticeable changes like they are no longer attending classes or they stop showering.

P**n wrote about her clinical experience with adolescents who did not want to tell on their friends who may have experienced suicidal ideations.

“While there is a risk your friend may be upset, the most important thing is to keep them on this planet,” wrote P**n. “You can tell them that you love them and cannot morally/ethically keep this information to yourself while encouraging them to reach out.”

She noted that restricting access to lethal means is important for prevention as suicidal ideations usually peak in bursts. These few minutes of separation from accessible means, such as weapons, chemicals or substances, can save their life.

P**n said su***de is often determined by multiple factors, and while su***de is an individual problem, suicidal ideation almost always results from a combination of factors, “many of which are systemic and go far beyond the individual.”

“People do not necessarily want to die; they usually just want the pain to stop and don’t feel like their life or future will improve,” wrote P**n. “Su***de is deeply intertwined with systemic inequalities, discrimination, and social determinants of health.”

P**n wrote that even if you are not suicidal, students can contact 988 for guidance on a sensitive situation. Trusted professors are also available to help. Parents, guardians, Elders, therapists or any trusted person or provider are always someone students can talk to.

Seeking care at a local emergency room or contacting emergency services are also options for anyone who feels at risk of su***de.

The Student Health and Counseling Center also has a variety of resources available to students for a low price.

P**n listed events taking place in September for su***de awareness, such as the Anchorage chapter of the American Foundation for Su***de Prevention’s walk that will be hosted at West Anchorage High School on Sept. 6.

She also highlighted Missing and Murdered Persons upcoming 5k walk on Sept. 27.

“I think it’s important to move beyond pathologizing suicidal individuals and start looking at what we can do at the societal level,” wrote P**n.

“How can we create universities and, ultimately, entire societies that don’t cause so many people to feel so miserable that they feel compelled to die in order to escape? How can we find ways to create communities in which su***de is no longer a viable option for people?” she wrote.

Here is a list of other resources available to anyone in need:

Providence Hospital Emergency Department.
Call 911 or 311 for the Anchorage Mobile Crisis Team.
Dial 988 to get local mental health help 24/7.
UAA Student Health and Counseling Center
Alaska Careline Crisis Intervention Line: 1-877-266-4357.
National Su***de Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255.
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741.
Trevor Project Hotline: 1-866-488-7686.
Trevor Project Text Line: Text START to 678-678.

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September is Su***de Prevention Awareness Month, aimed at reducing the stigma of seeking help, raising awareness and promoting prevention.According to the National Institute of Mental Health, or NIMH, su***de is the third-leading cause of death in individuals aged 15 to 24 and second-leading cause f...

04/09/2025

A look at the band’s heavy 2006 album

There are two kinds of people in this world — those who have seen a Spinosaurus edit on Instagram, and those who have not. If you have, your ears have already been graced with “Animal I Have Become” from the “One-X” album by Three Days Grace.

“One-X” is rooted in the lead singer Adam Gontier’s experience of going through rehabilitation for substance use disorder. Gontier’s journals inspired many of the lyrics on the album — including the three songs discussed in this review.

“Pain” is the second track on the album and opens with an evocative guitar riff behind the vocals of Gontier describing his wish to feel pain. Recurring throughout the song is the lyric “’Cause I’d rather feel pain than nothing at all” at the end of each chorus.

This direct statement of the urge to feel anything — even extreme pain — places the listener in Gontier’s mindset.

Following this first chorus, the drums, guitar and bass come in with a more intense version of the initial riff to accompany the rest of the song.

At the outset of the first verse, Gontier confronts the listener with the familiar feeling of loneliness that accompanies substance use disorder. The lyric, “You’re sick of feeling numb / You’re not the only one,” however, smashes the idea that those experiencing substance use disorder are isolated in their feelings.

This was an intentional choice made by Gontier. While writing “One-X,” Gontier was surprised to find out he was not alone in his feelings of isolation, with that feeling being shared by other members of the band, according to an article published by V13.

Following this brief moment of shared struggle, the song refocuses on being in a numb state, yearning for anything to break through mentally. Lyrics like “This life is filled with hurt / When happiness doesn’t work” and “Anger and agony are better than misery” crash into the listener like a cold wave of aimlessness.

The song closes with Gontier shouting out one last time that he would “rather feel pain” before the cymbal echoes into silence.

Then, the kick drum and bass riff of “Animal I Have Become” replaces that silence with a pulsating, rage-filled energy. As the intro progresses, a slashing guitar mirroring the bass and drums is introduced.

Listeners are sucked in by the lyric, “I can’t escape this hell / So many times I’ve tried.” No longer focused on a desire for pain, Gontier wrestles through this song with feeling trapped by OxyContin.

Gontier stated “Animal I Have Become” was “my realization that change had to happen, I had to ask for help.” This is reinforced at the end of each verse with the lyric “Somebody get me through this nightmare / I can’t control myself.”

The chorus amps up the emotion, filling the listener with a primal feeling of fury — unsurprising for a song with the name “Animal I Have Become.”

Gontier howling out, “So what if you can see the darkest side of me? / No one would ever change this animal I have become,” hits the listener squarely with fear. Fear of others discovering his substance use and the fear that he is stuck as the person it makes him.

The next line contains a plea for someone to, “Help me believe it’s not the real me / Somebody help me tame this animal.” It solidifies Gontier’s terror about his current state not being “the real me,” and that his substance use is not just something he needs help with, but that it needs to be tamed.

At the end of “Animal I Have Become,” all these components come together in a thunderous crash of sound, with discordantly plucked strings on the distorted guitar ringing out — similar to an animal's growl.

Later in the album, the song “Riot” stands out from other tracks. Yet another song written by Gontier in rehab, “Riot” is a call to action against feeling overburdened and burnt-out.

Loudwire conducted an interview in which guitarist Barry Stock stated that the song's riff is inspired by “Black Sabbath,” by the English heavy metal band Black Sabbath.

“Riot” focuses much more on the commonality of the shared effects of substance use disorder on individuals, as well as other shared feelings of exhaustion and frustration.

The verses of the song call out to anyone experiencing struggle. Lyrics such as, “If you feel so empty / So used up, so let down / If you feel so angry / So ripped off, so stepped on” and “If you feel so filthy / So dirty, so fu**ed up / If you feel so walked on / So painful, so pi**ed off” bring together individuals grappling with those feelings.

Repeated throughout the song is the lyric, “You’re not the only one refusing to back down / You’re not the only one, so get up,” serves as a rallying cry. The chorus simply repeats, “Let’s start a riot / A riot” ignites a rebellious feeling in the listener.

“Riot” concludes as Gontier screams out one prolonged “Let’s start a riot,” with his voice cracking as he holds the lyric over the distorted ringing of the guitar.

“One-X” is written from a place of struggle and pain. It confronts the listener with those emotions, conveys the desperation of experiencing them and drives them toward taking action against what’s causing them to feel that way.

Whether you want some sick background music for an edit of a dinosaur or need music that gives you a space to not feel so alone in your struggles, “One-X” may be the album for you.

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There are two kinds of people in this world — those who have seen a Spinosaurus edit on Instagram, and those who have not. If you have, your ears have already been graced with “Animal I Have Become” from the “One-X” album by Three Days Grace.

04/09/2025

Football is back … and Micah Parsons is on the Packers!?

After nearly seven months, the NFL is kicking off its regular season in Philadelphia with the Super Bowl LIX champion Philadelphia Eagles facing the Dallas Cowboys.

Despite the chaos in the offseason, every notable situation resolved itself before the season commenced.

So what notable games are happening in Week 1 and how will teams set the tone for the year?

Starting with the aforementioned first game, both the Eagles and the Cowboys have a lot riding on the season opener.

For the Eagles, they need to start the year off hot. After a dominant victory in the Super Bowl, they lost a few key players to free agency. If they secure an overwhelming win — with additions like first-round draft pick Jihaad Campbell putting on standout performances — they’ll continue to be favorites to win the Super Bowl.

The Cowboys, on the other hand, are in crisis mode. The team looked solid — as long as it signed Micah Parsons.

Instead, they traded Parsons for possible players to be drafted in the future. This move left them with a depleted defense in the present. It would take a miracle for them to upset the Eagles. Otherwise a blowout Week 1 loss may be indicative of misery to come for Cowboys fans.

The next day, two more teams are having an important bout in Brazil.

The Kansas City Chiefs looked dominant in the preseason. Questions still linger about their offense's ability to continue operating without star receiver Rashee Rice — who is suspended until Week 7.

If their offense can continue to click against a stout Chargers defense, a win against a tough division rival is one of the best ways to start the year.

The Los Angeles Chargers need this win badly. Their star offensive lineman Rashawn Slater is out for the season and their only threatening receiver on paper is Ladd McConkey.

While their defense looks to continue their strong play from last year, how this offense will come together to overcome a juggernaut like the Chiefs will be a test of its ability to perform against great teams this season.

The Washington Commanders are facing off against the New York Giants during the morning slate of Sunday games. All eyes are on the Commanders’ receivers. After Terry McLaurin, the team lacks depth and looks to be one injury away from a lost season.

However, a solid performance against the Giants’ ferocious defensive unit could help ease fans' fears.

Facing the Cleveland Browns, the Cincinnati Bengals might need every win they can get. Despite a five-game win streak to close out the season last year, the team missed the playoffs.

Almost nothing about the team has changed, since the majority of its cap space is tied up with four players on the roster. While those four players — Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Trey Hendrickson — are superstars, it’s going to take everything they have to even sneak into the playoffs.

Finally, all four NFC North teams have something to prove as they square off against one another.

The Detroit Lions need to make it to the top — plain and simple. Losing before the Super Bowl isn’t enough — and neither is losing in the Super Bowl. This team has all the talent in the world, but the window in which they can win the Super Bowl is shutting fast.

If they beat the Green Bay Packers to start the season, they’re taking a big step toward achieving that lofty goal.

The Packers are in the same boat. Their roster may be young, but they can only sustain this performance for so long before players start getting expensive. Signing Parsons is an indication that the team is all in on winning right now.

A win against the Lions would give them a meaningful tally in the win column come tiebreaker time at the end of the season.

The Minnesota Vikings need to show that J.J. McCarthy is the real deal. If they had a dominant season last year just to flop after letting Sam Darnold walk in free agency, they are going to be the laughingstock of the league. Beating the upstart Chicago Bears puts them in great position to prevent that outcome from happening.

The Bears need to finally win in the regular season — not just the offseason. They keep having solid years from February to September, but it needs to be the other way around.

Winning in Week 1 is a good start down the path of being competitive to January and beyond for rookie head coach Ben Johnson and his talented team.

Between these games as well as the others being played, Week 1 is going to be must-see NFL football. Block out your weekend, and get ready to settle in for moments of bliss frequently interrupted by shouting at the TV.

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Kicking off the regular season is a highly anticipated game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys. Photo courtesy of Getty Images, taken by Emilee Chinn.