Red Queen Theory takes its name from a hopelessly complex evolutionary hypothesis that finds its inspiration in the Red Queen from Through the Looking Glass - the queen who had to run as fast as she could just to stay in the same place. To get anywhere, she said, you'd have to run twice as fast. Surprisingly, Red Queen Theory (the band) does  manage to live up to the esotericism and pomposity of its namesake. Taking cues from Middle Eastern and New Age music, Red Queen Theory have fashioned a supremely theatrical Goth-metal that teeters perilously on this side of pretension, but succeeds because of its restlessly worming guitar and evocative lead vocals. This is a band that never feels comfortable merely resting on the laurels of its concept.

[Hell's Kitchen, with Affected, BND, Tork, 9 p.m., $3, 928 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, 253.759.6003]