An interesting collection of shows highlights this first Monday evening in December. Wear a coat and check out one of these offerings.

Dimmu Borgir, Enslaved and Blood Red Throne at the House of Blues
If you caught my earlier Q&A will Silenoz from Norway's Dimmu Borgir, you'll know that these guys speak English well and have an interesting take on the black metal genre. Sure, the music can be pretentious as hell with the standard metal riffing accompanied by a lush orchestration. But, with these guys, it comes off as intense, emotionally campy and almost fun. Two other Norwegian bands sharing this bill, Enslaved and Blood Red Throne, will certainly have their amps turned to 11, ensuring a noise level that should shake the venue's foundation.

Vulgar Fashion, Pocket Change, Kashioboy and Dharma at Hailey's
Denton's Vulgar Fashion headlines this crowded bill of dark, indie techno. The duo of Andrew Michael and Julie McKendrick have been around for over a year now, and seem to be attracting more and more fans to pair's buzzes, beats and bleeps. A bit more accessible is Pocket Change, another Denton duo who plays thing a bit more on the slick side. Songs such as "Cars," "Temptation" and "Limited Edition" stand as catchy, dance floor fodder that appeals to the mind almost as much as it does to the feet.

The New Collection at the Kessler Theater
Relatively new to the area music scene is The New Collection, a jazz-choral ensemble based out of Lewisville that plays a capella arrangements of jazz and pop tunes. Sufficiently high brow to appeal to the NPR crowd, The New Collection is a tight and talented group of local folk who should provide the perfect musical lead in to the Christmas season.

The Local Hang with Playlister P at The Libertine
Been keeping up with our music editor's countdown of the best songs in local music this year? Well, tonight's at the Libertine, Pete's got a nice treat for you: Tonight at his every-first-Monday-of-the-month offering, he'll be sneaking a full preview of the list, counting down the top 50 songs in order. You already know the No. 50 through No. 20, but, on this night, you'll be able to come hear the as-yet-unrevealed remaining best songs.