On Friday, September 6, The Oncenter War Memorial in Syracuse was alive with energy as Halestorm and Lindsey Stirling brought their Neverest Duality tour to town, joined by the legendary cello-metal outfit Apocalyptica. The night showcased a fusion of rock, symphonic metal, and theatrical performance, making for a diverse and unforgettable concert experience.
The evening kicked off with Apocalyptica, who wasted no time igniting the crowd with their signature cello-driven covers of Metallica classics. Opening with “Ride the Lightning” and following it up with a crushing rendition of “Master of Puppets,” the Finnish quartet reminded the audience why they’ve become one of the most unique acts in heavy music. Their blend of technical skill and raw intensity set the tone for the night.
Next up was violinist Lindsey Stirling, who transformed the arena into a fantastical stage show. Her set began with a theatrical intro, as she and her dancers hovered around a book before launching into “The Phoenix.” From there, Stirling captivated the audience with a performance that was equal parts concert and visual spectacle. Songs like “Roundtable Rival,” “Artemis,” and “Untamed” had fans on their feet, while her playful covers—including Eiffel 65’s “Blue (Da Ba Dee),” Darude’s “Sandstorm,” and Britney Spears’ “Toxic”—added a fun, unexpected twist. Stirling’s seamless blend of movement, dance, and virtuosic violin playing proved why she remains such a unique force in live performance.
Finally, Halestorm closed out the night with a high-octane set that shook the War Memorial to its core. Opening with “Fallen Star,” they quickly unleashed crowd favorites “I Miss the Misery” and “Love Bites (So Do I).” During “I Miss the Misery,” confetti cannons exploded, showering the arena in a burst of color and amplifying the already electric atmosphere. As expected, drummer Arejay Hale delivered a thunderous and entertaining solo, while frontwoman Lzzy Hale’s powerhouse vocals carried every song with passion and force. Her voice filled the venue, leaving fans singing along at the top of their lungs.
The Neverest Duality tour brought together three vastly different yet perfectly complementary acts, giving Syracuse fans a night of musical diversity and unrelenting energy. From cello-driven metal, to genre-bending violin theatrics, to arena-shaking rock, it was a show that celebrated the power of live music in all its forms.
Apocalyptica
Lindsey Sterling
Halestorm
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