Kill Hannah’s first drummer died from an asthma attack. The band’s chance to impress record labels was planned for Sept. 11, 2001, in New York. And pivotal concerts have been suddenly canceled the day of the show.

Yet the alternative band not only still exists, it’s poised to thrive and finally kick the “curse” that’s tailed it.

“It’s probably been a few months since something horrifying happened — I’m a little nervous,” said Kill Hannah’s front man, Mat Devine. “But for about the past year, we’ve been traveling in buses [rather than vans], playing bigger shows and being nominated for awards. A lot of great things are happening for us right now. So the curse might be over, but it’s hard to tell.”

After touring for six years straight, the five-member group rolls into Towson tonight as Hope for the Hopeless Tour headliners.

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“It’s going to be a spectacle,” Devine said. “If you’re allergic to fog or have epilepsy, it’s probably not a good show to go to.

“Whether bands play huge arenas or smaller clubs, they have a choice as to how much of their paycheck they’re going to reinvest in the show itself. We always want our fans get their money’s worth.”

Part of the on-stage theatrics tonight will be Kill Hannah’s goth-glam looks. Heavy on the eyeliner and gravity-defying coifs, its members’ hair and makeup parallel The Cure’s look.

“They may have a sexually ambiguous nature — like me. They may sing in a high nasal voice — like me. But unlike me, they are the future of Chicago rock, “The Smashing Pumpkins’ Billy Corgan has said about Kill Hannah.

The group struck a nerve with “Lips Like Morphine,” garnering more than 4 million plays on MySpace in 2006. On YouTube, fans watched the video for “Lips Like Morphine” more than 2 million times.

Devine jokingly describes the band’s fans as a “very sweaty” group. At least that’s how they are when he meets them. Devine and the rest of Kill Hannah stay at a venue after their shows until they’ve met every person who wants to say hello to the band and snap a picture.

At any given show, there’s typically about a dozen or more fans who have quit their jobs to follow Kill Hannah on tour. That’s both gratifying and a little freaky, Devine said.

IF YOU GO

Hope For The Hopeless Tour

Featuring Kill Hannah with Medic Droid, Innerpartysystem and The White Tie Affair

  • Venue: The Recher Theatre
  • 512 York Road, Towson
  • When: 6 tonight
  • Tickets: $15 at the door
  • Info: 410-337-7178

Station North shows large-scale art

Two 20-foot-by-20-foot reproductions of original works by local artists are on display in the Station North Arts and Entertainment District — “Grande Finale” by Brady Starr and “Station North” by Daniel Stuelpnagel, both Baltimore City artists.

The large-scale reproductions are mounted side by side on the back of the large billboard on the northwest corner of Charles and Lanvale streets and can be seen by pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists. The works will be on display through the fall, and new works will be featured at the location on a rotating basis.

“Grande Finale” is painted in black and white, layered over an old work. “The piece is very emotionally rich; the center of the image is a human form engaged in a struggle it doesn’t fully understand,” Starr said in a statement.

“Station North” is an abstract image of the proscenium stage, with bold colors and sharp lines.

For more information, visit stationnorth.org

Big Business hits the Ottobar

Seattle-based sludge metal band Big Business brings music from its most recent release, “Here Come the Waterworks,” to The Ottobar on Friday. Featuring bassist/vocalist Jared Warren and drummer Coady Willis from The Melvins, and guitarist Toshi Kasai, Big Business is frequently compared to Karp and GodheadSilo for Warren’s signature vocal delivery.

The band recently toured with progressive metal band Tool and is working on its third CD, which will be produced by Phil Ek (The Shins, Built to Spill).

The Ottobar is located at 2549 N. Howard St. in Baltimore. The show starts at 9 p.m., and tickets are $18. The Melvins will also perform. For more information, visit bigbigbusiness.com