Photos by Renee Clark Quade & review by Rebecca Clark

The nEverest Duality Tour made a striking stop at the Upstate Medical University Arena at the Oncenter on September 16, 2025, delivering a night that celebrated rock in all its forms. From the intense cello-driven riffs of Apocalyptica to Lindsey Stirling’s theatrical, high-energy violin set, and highlighted by Halestorm’s arena-commanding performance, the night was an exhibit of live music energy and spectacle.

The night opened with Apocalyptica, a band that many in the audience may have seen live for the first time. Armed solely with cellos, they immediately demonstrated that heavy music doesn’t require guitars to make an impact. Their set began with “Ride the Lightning,” flowing seamlessly into their haunting, electrifying take on “Master of Puppets.” A seated performance of “Nothing Else Matters” created a moment that was both intimate and commanding, while “Enter Sandman” had fans on their feet, fully engaged. With technical precision and stage presence, Apocalyptica set the foundation for a night of spectacle and high energy, proving that they can hold their own alongside some of the biggest names in rock.

Next up, Lindsey Stirling embraced her witchy-era persona, stepping onto the stage behind a glowing oversized spellbook. Her dancers, acting as a coven, turned illuminated pages that scattered light across the stage, immediately setting a theatrical tone. From the opening notes of “The Phoenix,” she combined storytelling, elaborate costumes, and her signature violin playing in a set that was as visually captivating as it was musically impressive.

Highlights included her introduction of Darude’s “Sandstorm,” which she called “the best song ever written,” uniting the crowd in a surge of energy. A slow-motion split during “Little Red Riding Hood,” enhanced by fans on stage that made flowing costume fabrics appear ethereal, added a magical touch. Lindsey’s set was full of playful surprises, including a spin-the-wheel track selection that landed on “Til the Light Goes Out,” and visually stunning moments such as feathers flying from her wings during “Eye of the Untold Her.” Covers of Britney Spears’ “Toxic” and “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” mixed with crowd favorites like “Foreverglow” and her Led Zeppelin finale, “Kashmir,” created a set that felt unpredictable, theatrical, and utterly captivating.

Finally, Halestorm took the stage to thunderous applause. A white curtain initially concealed the band, revealing their silhouettes just as the first notes of “Fallen Star” rang out. The crowd roared as confetti burst during “I Miss the Misery,” a playful nod to the larger scale and showmanship the band has mastered since their early days playing tiny clubs like The Lost Horizon fifteen years ago. Lzzy Hale’s commanding vocals moved effortlessly between piano intros, soaring guitar solos, and full-band performances, while Joe Hottinger and Josh Smith kept the energy high with smiles, guitar pick tosses, and playful engagement with fans.

Arejay Hale’s drum solo was a theatrical highlight, complete with a giant inflatable monster hand that he battled with a blow-up sword before unleashing his oversized drumsticks. Lzzy added emotional depth with stripped-down piano performances of songs like “Break In,” “Raise Your Horns,” and “How Will You Remember Me.” She then moved into “I Gave You Everything,” joking with the crowd that it was the song you might want to send to your ex after “a few glasses of wine—or a bottle,” earning laughs while creating a personal, playful connection. Later, she led into the dramatic “Familiar Taste of Poison” intro for “Rain Your Blood on Me,” kneeling amidst fog and tossing a gothic wine glass to the crowd.

The band’s personality shone throughout. Joe and Lzzy teased the audience with playful call-and-response moments, while Josh made faces and gestures at familiar fans. During “Watch Out!” Joe and Lzzy performed with matching sparkling guitars, Lzzy’s being her signature Kramer Voyager Electric Guitar Diamond Holographic Sparkle, demonstrating both flair and showmanship.

The encore delivered one of the night’s most unexpected, expected moments: Lindsey Stirling returned to the stage to perform “Shatter Me” alongside Halestorm. Their seamless collaboration, paired with Arejay humorously pretending his drumsticks were a violin, became a moment that felt both magical and effortless. The night closed with “Here’s to Us” and the band’s traditional toast before a final bow, showering fans with picks, setlists, and drumsticks.

The nEverest Tour stop in Syracuse proved that Halestorm has grown into arena headliners without losing their connection to the crowd, Lindsey Stirling continues to captivate with her theatrical artistry, and Apocalyptica can lay the foundation for a night of rock magic with just cellos. Together, the three acts created an evening of fire, spectacle, and unforgettable musical energy that left the audience fully engaged from start to finish.

Halestorm photos:

Lyndsay Stirling Photos:

Apocalyptica Photos: