"The Ultimate Principle Tour" landed in Cleveland on September 5th at the Agora Theatre. Elantris, Insomnium, Lacuna Coil, and headliner, Epica played the post-Labor Day weekend that consisted primarily of symphonic metal. This was the tour's fifth date which concludes in New York at the end of September.
Elantris (Lisbon, Ohio)
Elantris, the locals from Lisbon, Ohio who are currently supporting the tour, opened the flood gates of metal in Cleveland. The band consisting of two "ying and yang" fronted singers who play off each others style. Thomas Ullom supplies the deep under belly growls where Lindsay Ketchum serenades us with soothing soprano-esque notes. It's been a few months since their last performance at the Theatre, but I notice a bigger step in their stride as they all displayed more confidence in the show. Kudos to Elantris for the hard work. It was awesome to see them again. Congratulations guys and thanks for having me out again!
Insomnium (Joensuu, Finland)
If you want to experience a bond of brotherhood, the Europeans know a thing or two about it. Insomnium doesn't shy away from it and their music shows it on stage. Hearing Insomnium announced on this tour was another reason to attend. After listening to their latest studio album entitled, "Winter's Gate" four times front to back this week, it made me appreciate the dedication that went into this album. The guitar writing orchestrated by veteran guitarist, Markus Vanhala is something really to marvel and listen carefully. It's no surprise he had become a favorite musician of mine since hearing/seeing him perform last year when his band, Omnium Gatherum played in Cleveland last November.
Lacuna Coil (Milan, Italy)
Still riding the success of their eighth studio album entitled, "Delirium" back in May 2016, Lacuna Coil stepped onto the Cleveland stage wearing blood stained straight-like jackets looking like the band just escaped the state insane asylum. It certainly for me was a memorable experience seeing them give Epica a run for their money. The band is peaking their 20th anniversary next year and mentioned a huge show in London to celebrate the milestone.
Epica (Netherland, Belgium, Germany)
Epica, the Dutch symphonic metal band, known for their orchestra and opera choirs backed by lead vocalist Simone Simons, headlined the Agora Theatre. Shooting Epica was a little more of a challenge than the other bands. The flashy strobes behind Simone had me working a little harder and getting a properly exposed shot of the drummer, keyboardist, and bassist was non-existent due to the dense fog and sporadic strobes. So keeping my attention to the other members was what I had to work with in the pit.
