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Volbeat / Halestorm |   | |
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Volbeat Ignites Houston: From the humid evening that blanketed downtown Houston, a thrumming sense of anticipation gathered outside 713 Music Hall
on Tuesday, July 29, 2025. Fans adorned in black, denim, and ink filled
every corner, the air heavy with excitement for an explosive triple
bill: Volbeat, Halestorm and The Ghost Inside.
As the lines filed into the venue, it was evident that this would be a
night for the books - a testament to the unwavering power of live rock
and the camaraderie it kindles.
The Ghost Inside: An Uplifting Surge The night opened with The Ghost Inside, who made an immediate impression with their emotional intensity and relentless energy. Emerging beneath a stark wash of white and blue lights, the band wasted no time launching into anthems of resilience. Vocalist Jonathan Vigil’s voice, both gravelly and soaring, cut through the hall like a blade as the band opened with “Going Under,” the pounding drums of Andrew Tkaczyk and the melodic riffs sending a ripple of adrenaline through the audience. The Ghost Inside’s set was a testament to their journey, from tragedy to triumph. Zach Johnson’s guitar work interwove with Chris Davis’s melodic sensibility, while Jim Riley’s bass thundered beneath it all. By the time they closed their set with “Aftermath,” the 713 Music Hall was already pulsing with life. The Ghost Inside, with their mixture of melodic hardcore and pure emotion, was a statement on their resilience, delivering melodic hardcore with heartfelt grit that resonated deeply with the early crowd. Halestorm: Fire, Grit, and Electrifying Vocals After a brief intermission, the lights dimmed again and an ominous red glow crept across the hall. As silhouettes emerged, the unmistakable presence of Halestorm ignited a new wave of anticipation. Lzzy’s vocals are legend, and tonight they were nothing short of volcanic as she tore through tracks like "I Miss the Misery" and "Love Bites (So Do I)" with her signature growl-meets-scream edge. The audience was spellbound as Halestorm tore through a setlist that balanced new material with fan favorites. “I Get Off” and “Freak Like Me” became electric singalongs, the interplay between Lzzy’s guitar and Joe Hottinger’s razor-sharp solos lighting up the night. The band’s chemistry was infectious. Josh Smith’s steady basslines and Arejay’s thunderous drumming (and his wild drum solo complete with stick tricks), built a foundation that allowed Lzzy to soar, her voice alternately sultry and savage. Between songs, Lzzy connected with the Houston crowd, her genuine gratitude and humor sparking laughter and applause. Halestorm closed with “Like it Heavy,” Lzzy’s voice peaking in a cathartic howl as the entire hall shook with energy. Halestorm proved why they’re one of the most dynamic live bands on the circuit. The band left the stage to a storm of cheers, having stoked a fire that could only be satisfied by Volbeat’s much-anticipated arrival. Volbeat: A Danish Dynamite Main Event Before Volbeat took the stage, the lights plunged into darkness, then exploded in a cascade of blue and white flashes. As Michael Poulsen and his bandmates strode onto the stage, grins wide and guitars slung low their arrival was met with a deafening roar and the atmosphere shifted to a mix of punk swagger and metal weight. Kicking things off with "The Devil’s Bleeding Crown," the band wasted no time unleashing their unique blend of rockabilly-infused metal. Poulsen’s charisma was magnetic, his distinctive blend of rockabilly twang and metal snarl cut through the noise drawing everyone in. The setlist was a masterclass in genre-blending and crowd-pleasing. “Lola Montez” showcased Volbeat’s knack for melody, while the thunderous “Sad Man’s Tongue” had the floorboards shuddering. One of Volbeat's standout tracks, "Still Counting," demonstrated their ability to blend genres seamlessly. Flemming Lund's guitar work was incendiary, his solos lightning-fast, yet soulful. Kaspar Boye Larsen’s bass reverberated through the chest, and Jon Larsen’s drums were the heartbeat of the night, precise and relentless. The interplay between band members was joyful and free, their years of experience evident in every seamless transition. Volbeat’s rapport with the audience was warm and genuine. Poulsen bantered between songs, tossing guitar picks and sharing stories of the band’s adventures. The crowd responded in kind, their energy unflagging. During the finale of “Still Counting," Poulsen invited young fans onstage as the hall erupted in approval. Highlights and Lasting Impressions It’s difficult to choose a single highlight from a night overflowing with them. The Ghost Inside’s resilience, Halestorm’s vocal pyrotechnics, and Volbeat’s genre-defying bravado each left a unique imprint on the collective memory of the crowd. The production values were stellar, crisp sound, dazzling lights and a stage design that brought every act’s vision to life. But perhaps the most indelible moment was the sheer sense of community. Houston’s 713 Music Hall felt less like a venue and more like a gathering of kindred spirits, fans of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life, united by a shared love of music that bridges divides and transcends hardship. Final Thoughts: Rock’s Enduring Flame As the final chords faded and the house lights rose, the sweat-soaked, euphoric crowd slowly made their way into the Houston night, hearts still pounding to the echo of drums and guitars. Volbeat’s headlining performance was nothing short of triumphant, capping off an evening where each band delivered not just music, but a message: that resilience, passion, and unity are the lifeblood of rock and metal. For those in attendance, July 29, 2025, will be remembered as a night when music conquered all, a testament to the enduring power of live performance and the unbreakable bond between artists and their fans. If you missed Volbeat at the 713 Music Hall, you missed a piece of rock history. But for those lucky enough to witness it, the memories - like the music - will echo long into the night. Volebeat setlist: The Devil's Bleeding Crown Lola Montez A Warrior's Call Sad Man's Tongue Demonic Depression Fallen Shotgun Blues In the Barn of the Goat Giving Birth to Satan's Spawn in a Dying World of Doom By a Monster's Hand The Devil Rages On Die to Live Time Will Heal Black Rose Seal the Deal For Evigt Children of the Grave (Black Sabbath cover) Still Counting Halestorm Setlist: Rain Your Blood on Me I Miss the Misery Love Bites (So Do I) Everest I Get Off Amen Familiar Taste of Poison (Snippet) Fallen Star Drum Solo WATCH OUT! Freak Like Me Perry Mason (Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne) I Like It Heavy The Ghost Inside: Going Under Dear Youth (Day 52) Earn It Death Grip Wash It Away Avalanche Aftermath |
                           Halestorm                                              The Ghost Inside                    
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