In This Moment in Raleigh: a wickedly, delightful heavy metal opera

In This Moment

By Gus Samarco, Rock At Night Raleigh, North Carolina Correspondent

Venue: The Ritz, Raleigh, North Carolina–July 6, 2016–Hellpop Tour with: Sunflower Dead, Shaman’s Harvest, HELLYEAH with Headliner: In This Moment

In This Moment
In This Moment

Rock At Night was at The Ritz, Raleigh, North Carolina on July 6th covering the Shaman’s Harvest event (you can read about it here) when I was told the bands would allow photographers to shoot the entire show–which included In This Moment. I knew I was in for a treat–and a treat it was–begging for it not to end.

In This Moment, formed by Chris Howorth (Lead Guitar), Travis Johnson (Bass), Randy Weitzel (Guitar) and Kent Diimmel (Drums), had already awakened the crowd with a “Sick Like Me” when I heard the news.  I must confess, I was completely bedazzled when Maria Brink appeared on stage. That young lady could show up on stage wearing a sack of potatoes and flip-flops and still fill the entire place with her stage presence…  and her voice. I had to double check to make sure it wasn’t King Diamond at some point.

Of course, when the boys started to jam on “Fallen Heroes”, I couldn’t help but smile when I heard the accords of “Creeping Death”.

I’ll be honest, I’m still stuck in the British Wave of Heavy Metal with my personal preferences, but I must admit that In This Moment put out a fantastic performance. This is no longer only about the music, this is a Rock Opera, and a very heavy one.

As both a Photographer and a long time Metal fan, I can say I really enjoyed the show, and I’m happy I could put the camera down and be mesmerized by Maria’s stage presence.

Last, but not least, sound and light techs were a huge part of the performance, as you can see in the pictures. Extra kudos to Maria’s hair dresser–that hair was an entire side show itself!  In This Moment is one concert you won’t forget–highly recommended!

Setlist:

  1. Sick Like Me
  2. Black Widow
  3. Adrenalize
  4. Sex Metal Barbie
  5. Burn
  6. The Fighter
  7. Fallen Heroes
  8. Big Bad Wolf
  9. Whore
  10. Blood

 

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July 6, 2016

 

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Gus Samarco