Concert Review
Halestorm
Lindsey Stirling
Apocalyptica
Upstate Medical Arena at The Oncenter War Memorial
Syracuse, NY
Tuesday September 16, 2025
While the summer concert season has come to a close out at the Empower FCU Amphitheater, the action moved to the arena at Oncenter Tuesday night. Halestorm with guests Lindsey Stirling and Apocalyptica filled the arena and put on an amazing show. On paper it seemed like an odd bill with a symphonic band (Apocalyptica), an artist who plays the violin (Stirling) and a straight ahead rock band (Halestorm). Oddly enough it worked to perfection. Fans were treated to an eclectic style show.
Halestorm released their latest album Everest last month. This marked their sixth studio release. Vocalist Lzzy Hale thanked the crowd quite a few times during the show for their support that allows the band to continue to release new music. Halestorm goes back to the late 1990’s when the two youngsters Lzzy and her brother Arejay began writing and performing together. They have come a long way since their 2009 debut album first put them on the map.
The band has put a lot of stock in the new album by featuring almost all of it during their set including the opening song of the night “Fallen Star”. Sure they managed to still play several of their known songs as they promptly followed with “I Miss the Misery” and “Love Bites (So Do I)”.
One thing I liked about the show was the flow. Whether it was all out rockers like “Rain Your Blood On Me” or some of the softer slower tempo songs like “Here’s To You” and “Break In”, the band delivered with crisp perfection.
There is nothing like an original lineup from the start of a recording career for a band. Everyone has been there since that debut. Guitarist Joe Hottinger, bassist Josh Smith and of course the Hale siblings really make a formidable band.
Lindsey Stirling hails from California and got her start on America’s Got Talent and grew her career from that experience. Her first album came out in 2012 and her latest Duality came out in 2024. She put on an inspiring performance that saw her seem to never stand still as she played her violin and danced all around the stage. Definitely a true talent.
Apocaylptica, the Finnish symphonic band was formed in Helsinki back in 1993. Their first album was a Metallica covers album that came out in 1996. They released their 10th studio album, another Metallica covers album last year. The band currently includes Eicca Toppinen who serves as bandleader, Paavo Lötjönen, Perttu Kivilaasko with Mikko Kaakkuriniemi serving as touring drummer.
Overall this show worked quite well with the three different styles of music and the uniqueness of each band. A highly recommended tour out on the road that we give high praise to.
Photos
Halestorm
Lindsey Stirling
Apocalyptica
Set List
Halestorm
Fallen Star
I Miss The Misery
Love Bites (So Do I)
Shiver
I Get Off
Like A Woman Can
Break In
Raise Your Horns
Watch Out
Darkness Always Wins
Rain Your Blood On Me
Familiar Taste Of Poison
Drum Solo
How Will You Remember Me?
Freak Like Me
Everest
Broken Doll
I Gave You Everything
Encore
Shatter Me
Here’s To Us
Lindsey Stirling
The Phoenix
Underground
Monday Not Sick Anymore
Sandstorm
Elements/Crystalize
Artemis
Foreverglow
Blue (Da Ba Dee)
Roundtable Rival
The Devil Went Down To Georgia
Firefly Alley
Eye of the Untold Her
Toxic
Evil Twin
Til the Light Goes Out (Spin the wheel song)
Untamed
Kashmir
Apocalyptica
Ride The Lightning
Master of Puppets
Enter Sandman
Blackened
Nothing Else Matters
Seek & Destroy
