The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory came alive on August 14th with an explosive lineup as the Kiss of Death Tour Part 2 rolled into town. The night promised a thrilling amalgamation of metalcore, industrial rock, and theatrical metal, and it delivered on every front with Ice Nine Kills, In This Moment, Avatar, and TX2 setting the stage ablaze.
TX2 kicked off the evening with a raw and energetic performance that set the tone for the night. Known for their high-octane blend of hard rock and emo elements. Somewhat controversial but always entertaining, TX2 delivered a set filled with pounding beats and catchy hooks. The crowd, though not as familiar with TX2, quickly warmed up to their dynamic stage presence and infectious enthusiasm. Tracks like “Burn” and “Swing at Me” were standout moments, showcasing their knack for merging emo and rock elements in a way that’s both innovative and engaging.
Next up was Avatar, who brought their signature brand of theatrical metal to the stage. Avatar is a Swedish band known for their theatrical and visually striking approach to metal. Formed in 2001 in Gothenburg, the band has built a reputation for combining elements of melodic death metal with theatrical performance art, creating an experience that’s as much about the show as it is about the music. Renowned for their elaborate live shows, and this performance was no exception. With frontman Johannes Eckerström leading the charge in his striking clown-like makeup and the band’s elaborate stage setup, Avatar delivered a visually captivating and sonically powerful set. Songs like “Hail the Apocalypse” and “A Statue of the King” had the crowd enthralled, melding dark, melodic elements with energetic riffs that kept the energy high. Avatar is a must see band. They give an outstanding performance every single time.
As the evening progressed, In This Moment took the stage, and their performance was nothing short of mesmerizing. Known for their elaborate stage setups and Maria Brink’s commanding presence, the band’s show was a sensory overload in the best possible way. The intricate set design, combined with their dark, dramatic visuals and Brink’s powerful vocals, created an immersive experience. Highlights included “Blood” and “Whore,” where the band’s fusion of industrial rock and metalcore was on full display. In This Moment’s theatricality and powerful stage presence kept the audience completely captivated.
Finally, Ice Nine Kills closed out the evening with a high-octane set that was both visually and sonically impressive. The band’s horror-themed aesthetic was brought to life through elaborate stage props and a dramatic lighting setup. Performing fan favorites like “Thank God It’s Friday,” “Rainy Day” and “Hip To Be Scared,” Ice Nine Kills proved why they are a force to be reckoned with in the metalcore scene. Two other highlights of the show were their rendition of “Walking on Sunshine” and an old school favorite “The Greatest Story Ever Told” Their tight performance, coupled with engaging visuals and crowd interaction, made for a fitting climax to a night of high-energy performances. Ice Nine Kills is one of my all time favorite bands to see live. I am a huge horror fanatic and them mixing their music wit the horror scene is right up my lane.
Overall, the Kiss of Death Tour Part 2 at The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory was a spectacular showcase of modern metal and rock. Each band brought their unique flavor to the stage, creating a diverse and thrilling experience for fans. From TX2’s emo rock roots to Avatar’s theatrical metal, In This Moment’s industrial flair, and Ice Nine Kills’ horror-inspired theatrics, the night was a testament to the vibrant and evolving landscape of rock and metal music.