Halestorm Brought High Energy in St. Louis Show

September 30, 2025 Sean Derrick

Halestorm performing at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater in St. Louis. Photo by Sean Derrick/ Thyrd Eye Photography.

–by Randy Thompson

–photos by Sean Derrick/ Thyrd Eye Photography

The Hollywood Casino Amphitheater in Saint Louis was ablaze with so much energy that rain couldn’t dampen the spirit of the fans Tuesday night as three incredibly powerful bands stepped onto the stage and presented their unique styles of high voltage music.

The evening started out with a large crowd making a point to see the openers, Apocalyptica. This band consists of three classically trained, heavy metal cellists, and a powerful drummer holding it all together. We must confess that Apocalyptica is a band that we always try to catch whenever we can. They pack a wallop with high energy, extremely captivating hard rock with a twist. They have recently released a second cover album packed with Metallica songs, Metallica 2.

Apocalyptica performing at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater in St. Louis. Photo by Sean Derrick/ Thyrd Eye Photography.

On top of their incredible presentation, we heard from someone that attended the Meet & Greet. They mentioned that the band members are nice, genuine people and Apocalyptica also shared that easy connection with the audience throughout the show. They said they were grateful to be able to present their music to this accepting and eager crowd and wondered where we had all been.

Our seats were shaking as they played and it was hard to believe that three string instruments could produce such an unequivocally intense show. It felt like an on-stage thunderstorm and the audience appreciation was quite evident the entire time. The band had a basic set up, but once they leapt onto the stage and slammed into a flurry of slinging bows, everybody’s focus was on the music and all of the power behind it.

It was absolutely amazing to watch them sling these large instruments through the air, fall to the stage playing from their knees, or holding a cello behind their back and playing blind. Their stage presence, the power of the music, and the intensity of the audience combined for a musical storm that we will remember for a long time.

The next act continued the magic of “orchestral” instruments in metal music; this time the violin was the featured star. Lindsey Stirling is a musical virtuoso. But what makes the entire presentation even more special is that she plays a violin while singing, dancing, twirling, arching backwards, and completely mesmerizing her fans with her movement and music combinations. Stirling put on a typically high energy show that was both visually and musically stunning. She was accompanied by two guitarists and a drummer. They were a steady, solid accompaniment to her swirling violin throughout her set.

Lindsey Stirling performing at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater in St. Louis. Photo by Sean Derrick/ Thyrd Eye Photography.

Although Stirling is the center of the stage, and earned the spotlight, her dance troupe is emphatic, and executes perfect movements. The entire show is seamless and extravagant. There were emotional moments when she talked about the value of family and friends, expressing how much they have lifted her up throughout her career. There also were a few costume changes that shifted with the musical themes, and these included her in a Red Riding Hood costume and as a tattered angel.

Stirling likes to spice things up, this time including the audience in selfies and even a “Spin the Wheel” that randomly chose the next song. The spinner landed on “The Arena”, which is a song performed many years ago and for the first time on this tour. We were definitely amazed and impressed by the incredible energy and precision of this performance. Lindsey Stirling is a gifted musician and entertainer who surrounds herself with great talent. The audience ate it up, and were on their feet the entire set.

Lindsey Stirling isn’t quite heavy metal but much like Apocalyptica in “Talk to Me” with Lzzy Hale, she created a hit working with Lzzy on “Shatter Me”. Later in the concert, the two reunited to play it live for us. The audience was joyfully involved, and she certainly won over anybody who wasn’t already on board with this side of Lindsey Stirling.

Headliner Halestorm brought a departure from the violin and cello string instruments, and shifted it to the guitar and the heavy metal music that they are well known for. Vocalist/guitarist Lzzy and drummer Arejay Hale are the founding members of the band, and siblings who started playing music together when they were young children.

The band is made up of Lzzy and Arejay Hale, guitarist Joe Hottinger, and bassist Josh Smith; they all ably supported Lzzy who is the big voice and focus of the show. She has amazing rock and roll vocal abilities that range from growling heavy metal raspiness to crystal clear rock ballads.

Hale was also able to show off her musical skills on piano as well as guitar. The audience jumped to their feet upon their first note, and never sat down again. They had flashing lights, smoke, and confetti cannons accompanying a solid set of amazing music. Her voice is perfect for the music that they play, and she certainly has incredible vocal power, never missing a note.

Arejay threw a little comic relief into the act when he was attacked by a giant claw at the end of an amazing drum solo. He vanquished the claw using giant drumsticks. Lead guitarist, Joe Hottinger, is a solid player who brought his own energy and skills to the forefront especially in songs like “How Will You Remember Me?” and “Uncomfortable”. We came to the show not knowing a great deal about this band, but as they moved through the set, it was clear that they are a force to be reckoned with and have been for quite a while. Their fans are dedicated, they sang along through most of the concert.

Lzzy and the gang kept things moving at a steady pace, only to slow down when she sat at the white baby grand and said “Let’s play love songs”. She started with “Here’s to Us” and played a heartfelt, bluesy selection that would raise goosebumps on your arm. It was wonderful to be introduced to this band tonight, and we certainly look forward to seeing them again in the future. Make sure to join us if you get the opportunity. and feel like rocking the night away with some incredible head banging music.