In This Moment put on a stunning show at the Pageant Wednesday

–By Sean Derrick

In This Moment returned to Saint Louis Wednesday for a headlining show at The Pageant and brought with them a stunning display of theatrics infused with melodic metalcore.

Not your typical metal band, In This Moment has broken away from the cookie cutter bands that can sound the same, and let’s face it, be very similar in their performances. Sometimes it gets to the point that some of these bands look, act, and sound the same on stage. Look, we get it; you are typically anguished by something gone wrong. And you are dark, but it worked in the early part of this century. But is it still working without expanding?

In This Moment hasn’t waited for an answer. They are leading the way in the new style of melodic metalcore in ways that are forcing fans to take notice. No one else has the pageantry and theatrics that an In This Moment show has. It has taken some tweaking over the years but from the looks of the show on Wednesday it appears they have gotten faster at the set changes (13 songs, which is actually quite typical of a headliner with 5 minute songs).

Vocalist Maria Brink (along with co-writer guitarist Chris Howorth, bassist Travis Johnson, guitarist Randy Weitzel and new drummer Kent Diimmel) have developed a stage show that is a blast to multiple senses. With the hearing notwithstanding the visual component of the show is wrought with elaborate props and sequences by Brink, the band, and a couple of female “Blood girls” to assist.

Now, having props and elaborate stage theatrics is, in itself, nothing new (one needs to look no further than Alice Cooper, Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie, etc) but in terms of metalcore, it kind of is. I have followed this band for the past 9 years and can say that I love the fact they don’t rest on their past accomplishments. The fact that they are evolving and don’t sound the same as they did 9 years ago, or look the same, or have the same stage show they did is one thing that keeps me interested. It’s not the same old-same old that gets tired and boring after a while. Great bands evolve, stale bands never stay.

As for the show ITM came out to its signature “Blood” and sent senses afire from the get go.

Throughout the 90 minute set the band performed several (5 to be exact) songs from their forthcoming CD Ritual, which is set to drop July 21. By the sound of the songs performed (“River of Fire”, “Witching Hour”, “Black Wedding”, a cover of Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight” and “Oh Lord”) coupled with the kick ass song “Roots”, which was released two weeks ago, I am certainly going to pick up this album. It sounds phenomenal.

A special performance was done on “Black Wedding” with Chris Motionless (From Motionless in White) dueting with Maria Brink and taking the part of Rob Halford who performs on the CD. The two blended perfectly together on the song and the crowd certainly enjoyed it.

The band was tight and spot on and Maria’s voice was strong throughout the night.

Whatever you have heard about an In This Moment show you should check it out for yourself.

Motionless in White was the support act for the show and ripped a 9-song set that nearly tore the building down with their thunderous beats.

Vimic also performed and a heavy metal burlesque troupe known as Little Miss Nasty opened the show with some talented dance moves.

Check out the photo gallery after the setlists.

 

In This Moment Setlist:

Blood

River of Fire

Adrenalize

Witching Hour

Burn

The Fighter

Monster Jam (For Whom the Bell Tolls/ Creeping Death – Metallica covers)

Black Wedding (Duet with Chris Motionless)

Sick Like Me

In The Air Tonight (Phil Collins cover)

Black Widow

Encore:

Oh Lord

Whore

 

Motionless in White Setlist:

Loud (F*ck It)

Rats

Devil’s Night

Unstoppable

America

Chop Suey (System of a Down cover)

Eternally Yours

Dead as F*ck

Reincarnate