Chicago’s Most Eclectic Independent Music Publication

Latest News

  • Legendary Mask Maker, Zagone Studios, Approaches Fifty-Years Of Innovation Right Here In Chicago
  • LOLLAPALOOZA ANNOUNCES LINEUP BY DAY & 1-DAY TICKETS AND 2-DAY BUNDLES ON SALE THIS WEDNESDAY
  • PIXIES ANNOUNCE LEG THREE OF THEIR 2023 NORTH AMERICAN TOUR WITH STOP HERE IN CHICAGO
  • Photo Gallery: Curse Mackey @ Concord Music Hall
  • Photo Gallery: The Bellwether Syndicate @ Concord Music Hall
  • Photo Gallery: Clan of Zymox @ Concord Music Hall
  • Home
  • Music News
    • Breaking News
    • Features
    • This Just In
    • Interviews
    • Reviews
    • ITLM OTRS
    • Local Loop
    • Musical Theatre
    • ChiBluesBro’s Jukebox Reviews
  • Media
    • Photos
    • Videos
    • Streaming Live
  • Events
  • Festivals
  • Promotions
  • About
  • Contact
  • Follow
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Google+
    • Youtube

Concert Review: Cult of Luna Live At House of Blues Chicago

Mar 09, 2020 admin_bitlc Features, Music News, Reviews 0


Concert Review: Cult of Luna Live At House of Blues Chicago

By Bobby Talamine:

Cult of Luna with Emma Ruth Rundle and Intronaut
House of Blues Chicago
Wednesday March 4, 2020

Sweden’s Cult of Luna, with tour support form LA’s Intronaut?
And both bands touring on the strength of their new releases?
And both bands playing at Chicago’s intimate and cozy House of Blues?
With additional support form Emma Ruth Rundle?
Guess what? I’m there dude.
And yes, I’m a photographer first and foremost, with writing kind of taking a backseat.
Get the images just right and proper, then think about the review.
But this bill- definitely a progressive music lover’s dream.
One more quick note before the review of the show: what’s Bobby’s definition of progressive metal?
Intronaut’s set: photo restrictions are the usual- “first three songs- no flash”. After the three song limit- and Intronaut only has one song left in their set.
That should tell you something about songwriting and complex musicianship right there.
It has been an excruciatingly long wait for a new Cult of Luna album, with these Swede stalwarts having released their last record all the way back in 2013 believe it or not, only teasing us in between with some pop up EP’s here and there and live albums.
But it’s new material we want, and lo and behold it’s new material we get in conjunction with this North American tour.
So was it worth the wait for new material to bludgeon ourselves with? Well of course the answer is a resounding “Yes!”
The album is full on brilliant Cult of Luna from start to finish.
Opening their set with “The Silent Man”, off of their latest release “A Dawn to Fear”, a song with layers upon layers of dexterity and might, and a band consisting of not one but two drummers to fill in the void of despair- you know from the first song that you’re in for confoundingly awesome musicianship.
Peppered throughout Cult of Luna’s show would be a total of four new songs, each equal in working wonders in the Cult of Luna canon, and worthy of your attention.
Moods and atmospheres are ever present with their set, with crisp and sharp blinding white strobes flickering about horizontally from one side of the stage to the other, with searing melodies cascading down from the heavens again and again.
Everything in Cult of Luna’s set is expertly crafted, seamlessly created, and done with attention to detail.
From my vantage points throughout their set, audience consisting of mostly men like a true prog show, lots of headbanging, and respectful of fellow concertgoers.
But a pit on the main floor did open up on occasion, depending on the severity of whichever song.
No matter.
There’s beauty lurking in the darkness with Cult of Luna.
Johannes Persson on guitars and vocals, some of them gutteral, some of them natural, all of them most satisfying.
With Magnus Lindberg, and Thomas Hedlund pounding away on complex drums and percussion, Andreas Johansson on bass, Fredrik Kihlberg also on guitars and vocals, and rounding things out with Kristian Karlsson on keyboards and vocals- these guys are formidable, all experts in musicianship and performance.
A breathtaking show from the mighty Cult of Luna.
Openers Emma Ruth Rundle, and Intronaut round out the bill, with the yin and the yang.
The yin? That would be Emma Ruth Rundle, with a simple no bells and whistles kind of set, just her solo with an electric guitar, strong songwriting, an ambient low key mood permeating throughout her brief set.
What makes her set memorable is her kicking us photographers out of the pit after one song, i guess not liking the sound of rattling shutters from cameras going off- her music being the exact opposite of Cult of Luna and Intronaut.
No matter- was able to roam the main floor for a few more photos, taking it all in.
Honestly, Emma’s set was sort of a breather of sorts, from the onslaught of Intronaut prior, and awaiting Cult of Luna after.
As for the mighty Intronaut, who are also touring on the strength of a new release- “Fluid Existential Inversions” (the title of their release alone should tell the average concertgoer what they’re up against)- a set with only four songs, but bludgeoning and complex they all are.
Jesus- for a three piece, they sure bring the hard and heavy without even breaking a sweat.
Sacha Dunable, always formidable on guitar and vocal, Joe Lester on bass, and newcomer Alex Rudinger (from the band Whitechapel and the Faceless) on drums- these guys bring the razzle dazzle, with their brand of progressive metal with lots and lots of heart and soul.
Before you know it- their set is over in a flash, and you scratching your head in a “what the fuck did I witness” kinda moment.
Can we go back to repeat please?
For all three bands for that matter?
This show was fretboard gymnastics throughout.
Have to say we need more of this please.
A show that was more than satisfying.

Cult of Luna’s Setlist:

1: The Silent Man
2: Finland
3: Nightwalkers
4: I: The Weapon
5: And With Her Came the Birds
6: Lights on the Hill
7: In Awe Of
8: Passing Through
9: The Fall

Emma Ruth Rundle’s Setlist:

1: Protection
2: Hand of God
3: (Unkown new song)
4: Living With the Black Dog
5: Shadows of My Name
6: Marked for Death
7: Grandmother, Make a Steeple
8: Darkhorse
9: Control

Intronaut’s Setlist:

1: Cubensis
2: Pangloss
3: The Cull
4: Speaking of Orbs

Share this:

  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Reddit
  • Pinterest
  • Email

Related


  • tweet
Cult of Luna @ House of Blues Chicago Photo Gallery: C2E2 Chicago @ McCormick

admin_bitlc

Related Articles
  • Legendary Mask Maker, Zagone Studios, Approaches Fifty-Years Of Innovation Right Here In Chicago
    Legendary Mask Maker, Zagone Studios,...

    Oct 25, 2021 0

  • LOLLAPALOOZA ANNOUNCES LINEUP BY DAY & 1-DAY TICKETS AND 2-DAY BUNDLES ON SALE THIS WEDNESDAY
    LOLLAPALOOZA ANNOUNCES LINEUP BY DAY...

    Mar 28, 2023 0

  • PIXIES ANNOUNCE LEG THREE OF THEIR 2023 NORTH AMERICAN TOUR WITH STOP HERE IN CHICAGO
    PIXIES ANNOUNCE LEG THREE OF THEIR 2023...

    Mar 28, 2023 0

  • Photo Gallery: Curse Mackey @ Concord Music Hall
    Photo Gallery: Curse Mackey @ Concord...

    Mar 28, 2023 0

  • Photo Gallery: The Bellwether Syndicate @ Concord Music Hall
    Photo Gallery: The Bellwether Syndicate...

    Mar 27, 2023 0

More in this category
  • LOLLAPALOOZA ANNOUNCES LINEUP BY DAY & 1-DAY TICKETS AND 2-DAY BUNDLES ON SALE THIS WEDNESDAY
    LOLLAPALOOZA ANNOUNCES LINEUP BY DAY...

    Mar 28, 2023 0

  • PIXIES ANNOUNCE LEG THREE OF THEIR 2023 NORTH AMERICAN TOUR WITH STOP HERE IN CHICAGO
    PIXIES ANNOUNCE LEG THREE OF THEIR 2023...

    Mar 28, 2023 0

  • The Den Theatre Announces Comedian ALINGON MITRA: The Too Good Tour Coming This Summer To The Heath Mainstage
    The Den Theatre Announces Comedian...

    Mar 24, 2023 0

  • New Album From Lana Del Rey Released Today Marking Her 9th Studio Album In Her Thirteen Years Of Releasing Baroque Pop Hits
    New Album From Lana Del Rey Released...

    Mar 24, 2023 0


Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Categories

CALENDAR

April 2023
S M T W T F S
 1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
30  
« Mar    

Archives

  • March 2023 (15)
  • February 2023 (18)
  • January 2023 (9)
  • December 2022 (4)
  • November 2022 (5)
  • October 2022 (12)
  • September 2022 (28)
  • August 2022 (27)
  • July 2022 (37)
  • June 2022 (21)
  • May 2022 (20)
  • April 2022 (13)
  • March 2022 (33)
  • February 2022 (21)
  • January 2022 (22)
  • December 2021 (11)
  • November 2021 (15)
  • October 2021 (16)
  • September 2021 (36)
  • August 2021 (21)
  • July 2021 (26)
  • June 2021 (27)
  • May 2021 (13)
  • April 2021 (12)
  • March 2021 (12)
  • February 2021 (4)
  • January 2021 (2)
  • December 2020 (7)
  • November 2020 (4)
  • October 2020 (3)
  • September 2020 (10)
  • August 2020 (6)
  • July 2020 (7)
  • June 2020 (3)
  • May 2020 (5)
  • April 2020 (3)
  • March 2020 (10)
  • February 2020 (22)
  • January 2020 (10)
  • December 2019 (8)
  • November 2019 (30)
  • October 2019 (30)
  • September 2019 (27)
  • August 2019 (41)
  • July 2019 (33)
  • June 2019 (27)
  • May 2019 (36)
  • April 2019 (25)
  • March 2019 (41)
  • February 2019 (22)
  • January 2019 (11)
  • December 2018 (17)
  • November 2018 (13)
  • October 2018 (34)
  • September 2018 (43)
  • August 2018 (25)
  • July 2018 (34)
  • June 2018 (23)
  • May 2018 (31)
  • April 2018 (24)
  • March 2018 (49)
  • February 2018 (48)
  • January 2018 (25)
  • December 2017 (10)
  • November 2017 (30)
  • October 2017 (10)
  • September 2017 (26)
  • August 2017 (25)
  • July 2017 (42)
  • June 2017 (37)
  • May 2017 (49)
  • April 2017 (54)
  • March 2017 (44)
  • February 2017 (39)
  • January 2017 (14)
  • December 2016 (22)
  • November 2016 (20)
  • October 2016 (20)
  • September 2016 (35)
  • August 2016 (46)
  • July 2016 (51)
  • June 2016 (23)
  • May 2016 (15)
  • April 2016 (18)
  • March 2016 (22)
  • February 2016 (27)
  • January 2016 (11)
  • December 2015 (8)
  • November 2015 (17)
  • October 2015 (21)
  • September 2015 (30)
  • August 2015 (54)
  • July 2015 (49)
  • June 2015 (44)
  • May 2015 (16)
  • April 2015 (6)
  • March 2015 (9)
  • February 2015 (9)
  • January 2015 (2)
  • December 2014 (2)
  • November 2014 (2)
  • October 2014 (1)
  • September 2014 (2)
  • August 2014 (5)
  • July 2014 (1)
  • June 2014 (4)
  • May 2014 (5)
  • April 2014 (1)
  • March 2014 (1)
  • February 2014 (2)
  • January 2014 (2)
  • December 2013 (1)
  • November 2013 (2)
  • October 2013 (1)
  • September 2013 (1)
  • August 2013 (2)
  • July 2013 (3)
  • June 2013 (2)
  • May 2013 (5)
  • April 2013 (3)
  • March 2013 (1)
  • February 2013 (1)
  • May 2012 (2)
  • January 2012 (3)
  • September 2011 (1)

Facebook

Instagram

Photo Gallery: @cursemackey (@pigface_official / @evil.mothers ) @concordhall live in Chicago, IL March 2023
Photos: @steelpanther live in Chicago at @hobchicago throwback series featuring #michaelstarr, #satchel #lexxifoxx #StixZadinia #ontheprowl #letsgetweird
Photo Gallery: @thebellwethersyndicate : Clan of Xymox Tour 2023 William Faith & Sarah Rose Faith featuring @phillyperoxide, Stevyn Grey & Corey Gorey (Brickbats)
Photo Gallery: @clan.of.xymox (rescheduled tour) 2023 (Ronny Moorings, Mario Usai, Sean Göbel & Daniel Hoffmann) live at Concord Music Hall in Chicago, IL March 24, 2023
Ummm... @alanis Morissette fans, Jagged Little Pill, The Musical. James M Nederlander Theatre. Chicago. April 11th. You're welcome. #jaggedlittlepill #alanismorissette #chicago #musical https://www.choosechicago.com/event/jagged-little-pill/2023-04-11/
Hey Chicago, @lollapalooza 2023 lineup just announced! Who are you most excited about seeing? Headliners this year include @kendricklamar @chilipeppers @odesza @honeymoon @karolg @the1975 @txt_member tickets on sale Thursday at 10am. For more info and complete lineup https://www.lollapalooza.com #lolla #lollapalooza #lollapaloozachicago #chicago #grantpark #musicfestival
Punk Rock Legend @iggypopofficial is still a force to be reckoned with as his 2023 #everyloser tour rolls across the States. Last night the skull ring wearing legend played @saltshedchicago right here in Chicago to a sold out crowd. Talk about a Lust For Life, this age defying 75 year old Detroit Muscle shows no signs of stopping. Here's a throwback to when the punker searched and destroyed Grant Park during a Lollapalooza performance back in 2007. #iggypop #lustforlife #thesaltshed #punker #punkrock #skullring #chicago 📸#jamescurrie
Big Kickoff For New Pop Punk Trio Meet Me At The Altar @mmataband As They Release Debut Album, Music Video And Embark On Sold-Out Headling Tour With A Stop Right Here In Chicago - Tomorrow - @subtchicago. #mmataband #meetmeatthealtar @_edithvictoria_ @teaofmmata @ahduhj #subterranean #chicago #newmusic #poppunk #womeninmusic #kool #soldout #pastpresentfuture #NoFoodNoSleepJustRecords #fueledbyramen
Photos: @elleking performed in Chicago Saturday night at the newest club @saltshedchicago. Here's a few shots from one of her first appearances in Chicago (outside of Lollapalooza) back in 2016 at the Taste of Chicago. #elleking
Drive Through Metal Kings @officialmacsabbath deliver the value meals at @hobchicago. #macsabbath #macsabbathtour #macattack #RonaldOsbourne #SlayerMacCheeze

Follow me on Twitter

My Tweets

Tag Cloud

Blues on the Fox (2) Bobby Broom Organi-sation (2) Brian Wilson (2) Can't You Hear Me Knocking (1) Chicago (5) Dap-Kings (1) Doyle Bramhall II (1) Farm Aid (3) Farm Aid 30 (3) FirstMerit Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island (3) Heavy Metal (1) Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre (2) Jamboree (2) Jukebox Pick of the Week (2) Live and Let Die (1) Lollapalooza 2021 (1) Lollapalooza Chicago Grant Park (2) Mavis Staples (1) Moreland & Arbuckle (1) North Mississippi Allstars (1) Otis Taylor Band (1) Paul McCartney (1) Q101 (2) Rattle That Lock (2) Ravina (2) Ravinia (11) RiverEdge Park (2) RodrĂ­guez (2) Rolling Stones (2) Royal Southern Brotherhood (1) Santana (2) Sharon Jones (1) Steely Dan (2) Sticky Fingers (1) Summerfest (1) Tedeschi Trucks Band (1) The Rockabye Gollie Angel Tour (2) Toto (2) Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue (1) United Center (2) Veruca Salt (2) Wheels of Soul Tour (1) Wings (1) Yes (2) ZZ Top (2)

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

Stats

  • 179,939 Page Views
© 2023 In The Loop Magazine / All Rights Reserved.
  • Music News
  • Media
  • Festivals
  • Promotions
  • Venues
  • About
  • Gallery