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Halestorm in Laval: The nEVEREST Duality Tour Ignites Quebec
The Place Bell in Laval shook to its foundations last night as Halestorm brought “The nEVEREST Duality Tour” to Quebec, supported by an all-star lineup of Lindsey Stirling and Apocalyptica. It was a night where soaring vocals, electrifying strings, and a kaleidoscope of lights and smoke collided into a spectacle that left the audience buzzing long after the final note.
Lizzy Hale Leads Halestorm with Power and Precision
When the curtain dropped to the opening chords of “Fallen Star”, Lizzy Hale stormed the stage like a force of nature. Clad in shiny black boots that caught the spotlights with every stomp, she immediately set the tone for what was to come: unapologetic, raw, and powerful rock. Her voice, an instrument of sheer strength, cut through the roar of the crowd with an energy that was both ferocious and hauntingly beautiful. Supported seamlessly by Joe Hottinger’s razor-sharp guitar work, Josh Smith’s commanding basslines, and Lizzy’s brother Arejay Hale’s thunderous drumming, Halestorm proved once again that they are one of the tightest live acts in rock today.
Fan Favorites, Intimate Moments, and a Stunning Encore
“I Miss the Misery” quickly followed, whipping the crowd into a frenzy as Lizzy commanded the stage like a seasoned ringmaster. The setlist was stacked with fan favorites, including “Love Bites (So Do I)”, “Freak Like Me”, and the moody, atmospheric “Darkness Always Wins”. Each song felt larger than life, underscored by dramatic lighting, plumes of smoke slowly curling off the stage, and a disco ball that cast sparkling constellations across the arena. The band kept the energy at a fever pitch until Lizzy briefly slowed things down by wheeling out a grand piano for “Raise Your Horns”. The goosebumps were undeniable as the arena echoed with voices singing along, a shared moment of intimacy in the midst of the storm.
The encore was equally unforgettable. Halestorm surprised by performing a Lindsey Stirling cover with the violinist that seamlessly bridged the night’s two performers, before closing with the fan-favorite anthem “Here’s to Us”. It was the perfect sendoff: celebratory, cathartic, and triumphant.
Lindsey Stirling Brings Magic to the Stage
Speaking of Lindsey Stirling, her set was nothing short of enchanting. She transformed the stage into a whimsical dreamscape, weaving violin melodies with explosive choreography. Stirling’s ability to sprint across the stage, leap into synchronized routines with her troupe of dancers, and never miss a note was astonishing. Her mashups and surprise covers, from Darude’s “Sandstorm” to Eiffel 65’s “Blue (Da Ba Dee)” to Britney Spears’ “Toxic”, delighted the crowd, while her finale, a breathtaking rendition of Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir”, brought the house down. Stirling’s mystical, fantastical world left the arena spellbound.
Apocalyptica Delivers Symphonic Power
Opening the night were Finnish cello-metal legends Apocalyptica, who wasted no time reminding fans why they’ve remained a global force for 35 years. Their short set included nothing but bangers, kicking off with a thunderous “Ride the Lightning” before tearing through “Master of Puppets” and “Enter Sandman”. They brought the tempo down for a hauntingly quiet rendition of “Nothing Else Matters”, a performance that hushed the arena into reverent silence, before ramping back up to close with a ferocious “Seek and Destroy”. Hair flew, the audience roared, and the drama was palpable. Perttu Kivilaakso took a moment between songs to reminisce about the band’s wild beginnings, three friends who got bored, got drunk, and started a band. Decades later, alongside Eicca Toppinen and Paavo Lötjönen, the trio’s chemistry remains palpable, their musicianship undimmed.
A Night of Contrasts and Chemistry in Laval
The night was a masterclass in contrasts and chemistry: Apocalyptica’s brooding, symphonic power, Stirling’s dazzling, whimsical theatrics, and Halestorm’s unapologetic rock fury. Each act brought something utterly unique, yet together they created a seamless journey that had the Laval crowd on its feet from start to finish.
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