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Two decades ago, Darkest Hour was just a band from my high school, and, like most high school bands, not particularly good. The group that eventually became D.C.’s kings of metal evolved from a series of sludgy bands with names like WD-40 and Indivision, and started out with plodding, down-tuned dirges on labels with names like Death Truck Records. At some point, the band took a sharp turn toward Swedish death metal, a subgenre that was more complex, more melodic, and a hell of a lot more fun. The album that heralded Darkest Hour’s arrival as a truly great band, 2000’s The Mark of the Judas, disappeared with its label, M.I.A., which folded soon after releasing it. Fortunately, it’s just been re-released in time for the band’s 20th anniversary show. Read more >>> Darkest Hour performs with Dead to Fall and Loud Boyz at 7:30 p.m. at the Black Cat, 1811 14th St. NW. $15–$18. (202) 667-4490. blackcatdc.com. (Mike Paarlberg)
EAT THIS
Taberna Del Alabardero executive chef Javier Romero is demonstrating the art of paella preparation to kickstart a monthlong celebration of the Spanish dish. Starting at 5 p.m., the first 200 people at the Spanish restaurant can get a free taste. Taberna Del Alabardero, 1776 I St. NW. (202) 429-2200. alabardero.com. (Olivia Adams)
OH AND ALSO
Head to the National Museum of American History to tour its brand new Innovation Wing. There you’ll find exhibits on the history of American business, living history demonstrations, and plenty of new things to interact with. 10 a.m. at 14th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. Free.
Florida-based rock band Dikembe plays an intimate show at Comet Ping Pong with a pair of bands named after states: Pennsylvania’s Slingshot Dakota and Virginia’s Oklahoma Carcrash. 9 p.m. at 5037 Connecticut Ave. NW. $12.
Afro-Peruvian band TUTUMA brings a bit of its native flair to the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage as part of the Smithsonian’s annual Folklife Festival. 6 p.m. at 2700 F St. NW. Free.
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