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 three very different but equally compelling forms. From the cello-driven intensity of Apocalyptica to Lindsey Stirling’s theatrical violin performance, and highlighted by Halestorm’s arena-commanding set, the evening demonstrated the diversity and vitality of live music today.
Apocalyptica opened the night, and for many in the arena, it may have been their first time seeing the Finnish cellists live. It did not take long for them to win the crowd over. Armed only with cellos, they showed that heavy music does not require guitars to make an impact. Their set began with “Ride the Lightning,” they then flowed into their electrifying take on “Master of Puppets,” and featured a seated performance of “Nothing Else Matters” that was both intimate and commanding. When they launched into “Enter Sandman,” the crowd rose to their feet in unison. With precision and stage presence, Apocalyptica laid the groundwork for the night and proved that they can stand alongside some of the biggest names in rock.
Lindsey Stirling followed with a set that embraced her current witchy era. She emerged from behind a glowing, oversized spellbook, her dancers acting as a coven as they turned illuminated. From the first notes of “The Phoenix,” Stirling fused storytelling, movement, and her signature violin playing into a performance that was as visually captivating as it was musically impressive.
The set was full of surprises and playful energy. She introduced Darude’s “Sandstorm” as “the best song ever written,” instantly uniting the audience. During “Little Red Riding Hood,” she stunned the crowd with a slow-motion split, her costume fabric floating in the air thanks to hidden fans onstage. A spin-the-wheel moment determined a surprise track, which landed on “Til the Light Goes Out.” She dazzled with theatrical touches like scattering feathers while wearing wings for “Eye of the Untold Her.” Stirling balanced whimsy and virtuosity throughout, weaving in covers like Britney Spears’ “Toxic” and “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” alongside originals such as “Foreverglow.” She closed with a soaring rendition of Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir,” sealing her set with the mix of charisma and talent that has become her trademark.
Then it was Halestorm’s turn. A white curtain initially concealed the stage, with silhouettes of the band outlined against it before dropping to reveal the opening of “Fallen Star.” The energy skyrocketed with “I Miss the Misery,” confetti bursting across the arena as Lzzy Hale’s vocals cut through the air. Fifteen years ago, Halestorm were playing small Syracuse clubs like The Lost Horizon. This night, they commanded an arena.
The band’s connection with the crowd was undeniable. Lzzy moved seamlessly between her guitar and piano, often locking eyes with fans as if each lyric were directed at them personally. Joe Hottinger grinned as he tossed picks and leaned into playful call-and-response moments with Lzzy, while Josh Smith made faces at familiar fans up front. Their dynamic personalities made the massive arena feel personal.
Arejay Hale’s drum solo was a theatrical centerpiece. He faced off with a giant inflatable monster hand from the Everest album art, battling it with an inflatable medieval green and white sword before breaking out his oversized drumsticks, a tradition that never fails to draw cheers.
The set had no shortage of emotional weight. At the piano, Lzzy slowed things down with “Break In,” “Raise Your Horns,” and “How Will You Remember Me.” Introducing “I Gave You Everything,” she joked that it was the song you would send to your ex after “a few glasses of wine… or a bottle,” earning laughs before diving into the performance. Later, she knelt in a haze of fog with a gothic wine glass for a haunting intro of “Familiar Taste of Poison,” leading into “Rain Your Blood on Me” with raw intensity.
The band’s personality shone throughout. Joe and Lzzy teased the audience with playful exchanges, while Josh found moments to engage fans in his own way. During “Watch Out!” Joe and Lzzy performed with matching sparkling guitars, with Lzzy’s being her signature Kramer Voyager Electric Guitar, demonstrating both flair and showmanship.
The encore delivered one of the night’s biggest highlights when Lindsey Stirling returned to the stage to perform “Shatter Me” alongside Halestorm. Her sparkly black bodysuit and violin paired seamlessly with Lzzy’s vocals, while Arejay playfully mimed along with his drumsticks as though they were a violin. It was an unexpected collaboration that felt natural and thrilling. The band closed with “Here’s to Us,” raising their traditional pre-song toast before showering the crowd with picks, setlists, and drumsticks.
The nEverest Tour stop in Syracuse underscored Halestorm’s evolution into true arena headliners, Lindsey Stirling’s unmatched ability to merge theatrics with musicianship, and Apocalyptica’s power to reshape heavy music with cellos alone. Together, they created a night of unforgettable performances that kept fans engaged from beginning to end.
Halestorm photos:
Lyndsay Stirling Photos:
Apocalyptica Photos:
