Review & Photography by Nathan Vestal for MPM
On Friday, January 17, 2025, Lefty’s Live Music in Des Moines, Iowa, hosted the “Colder Than Hell Tour,” featuring performances by Vampires Everywhere, Priest, and Julien-K, with support by Switchblade Saturdays, a local band renowned for their captivating live shows, dark imagery, and commanding stage presence.
Switchblade Saturdays
Switchblade Saturdays set was a haunting blend of themes like love, loss, and death, setting an intense tone for the night. The venue was already buzzing with excitement as fans gathered to witness the full lineup. When Switchblade Saturdays took the stage, the crowd was instantly drawn into their world of gritty, raw music. Lead vocalist Zarrie Solum commanded the stage with his powerful voice and intense energy, while the band’s tight instrumentation and driving rhythms kept everyone on their feet.
The band opened powerfully with their soundtrack hit “Zed’s Dead” and the setlist featured a mix of older tracks as well as newly recorded material that left the audience craving more. The closing track, a cover of 3oh!3’s “Don’t Trust Me” had everyone singing along and ready for the bands to follow.
The band’s interaction with the crowd was genuine and engaging, making each moment feel personal and intimate. The stage was adorned with dark, moody lighting that added to the overall atmosphere of the show. The band’s performance was a perfect blend of artistry and entertainment, leaving the crowd buzzing with excitement for the headliners.
Julien – K
Julien-K’s first Des Moines performance was nothing short of spectacular. They opened with the high-energy track “Futura” instantly igniting the crowd and setting the tone for the night. The quick and short setlist was a well-curated mix of their greatest hits and tracks from their latest album, ensuring that both old and new fans were thoroughly entertained.
Frontman Ryan Shuck’s charismatic stage presence was a highlight of the evening. His powerful vocals and dynamic movements commanded the audience’s attention, creating an immersive experience. Guitarist Amir Derakh, with his signature blend of electronic and rock riffs, added a layer of complexity to the performance that was both captivating and exhilarating.
One of the standout moments of the evening was the performance of “Stronger Without You,” a track that perfectly encapsulates Julien-K’s distinctive style. The haunting melody and introspective lyrics struck a chord with the crowd, creating a moment of collective introspection and connection.
Shuck frequently engaged with the crowd, sharing anecdotes and expressing genuine gratitude for their support. This rapport created a sense of intimacy and camaraderie, making the large gathering feel like a close-knit community.
The closing track, the band’s rendition of “Blue Monday” showcased their history and homage to their beginnings, while still incorporating their own rhythmic beats with raw, emotive rock. The synergy between band members was evident, each contributing to a cohesive and electrifying sound that resonated deeply with the audience. As the final notes faded and the crowd erupted into applause, it was clear that Julien-K had left an indelible mark on Des Moines.
Julien-K’s performance at Lefty’s in Des Moines on January 17th was a testament to the band’s talent and their ability to connect with their audience. From the electrifying setlist to the intimate crowd interactions, every aspect of the night contributed to an unforgettable experience. Lefty’s proved to be the perfect venue for such a dynamic and engaging show, providing the ideal setting for both the band and their fans to revel in the magic of live music.
Priest
The lights dimmed, and an eerie silence fell over the crowd. A fog machine began to fill the stage with a mystical haze, and the crowd heard the first haunting chords of the Swedish synthwave band Priest.
The music reverberated through the venue, the band members, shrouded in masks, took to the stage, their silhouettes casting long shadows that danced with the fog. The anticipation was unmistakable as fans, both loyal and new, gathered to witness this enigmatic group known for their darkly dramatic and futuristic soundscapes.
The night promised an unforgettable experience, and Priest delivered on every note.
The lead vocalist’s commanding voice pierced through the venue, sending shivers down the spines of those in attendance.
The audience was instantly captivated, their eyes glued to the stage as the band launched into their opening number, “The Pit.” The song’s pulsating rhythms and darkly seductive melodies set the tone for what would be an extraordinary night. Priest’s setlist for the night was a carefully curated mix of fan favorites and new tracks from their latest album. Each song was met with enthusiastic applause and cheers, the audience completely immersed in the experience.
The band’s synergy and stage presence were undeniable, with each member contributing to the overall intensity of the performance.
Priest is known for their captivating lighting and this performance was no exception. Each song left the audience spellbound. The musicianship displayed by Priest was nothing short of exceptional. The lead vocalist’s range and emotive delivery were matched by the skillful playing of the synthesizers, drums, and guitars.
The band’s ability to seamlessly blend electronic and traditional instruments created a rich, layered sound that enveloped the audience. Each member’s dedication to their craft was evident, resulting in a performance that was both technically flawless and emotionally engaging.
Dedicated fans traveled from out of state to see the band and the following was evident when hearing the sing-a-long that erupted when they played “The Cross”, both encouraged and appreciated by the band. The combination of their hauntingly beautiful soundscapes, captivating lighting, and genuine connection with the audience created an unforgettable experience.
Vampires Everywhere!
As the lights dimmed and the fog machines filled the room with an eerie mist, the anticipation reached its peak. The members of Vampires Everywhere! emerged from the shadows, taking their positions on stage to a roar of applause and cheers.
The band, led by charismatic frontman Michael Vampire, exuded an aura of mystery and intensity. Dressed in their signature gothic attire, they commanded the stage with an air of confidence and dark allure.
From the first chord of their opening song, “Immortal Love” it was clear that the band was in top form. The heavy, driving beats and atmospheric melodies enveloped the room, creating an immersive experience for all in attendance. Michael Vampire’s vocals were both ominous and powerful, perfectly complemented by the intricate guitar work and thundering drums. The crowd responded with fervor, singing along and dancing with abandon.
The setlist for the evening was a well-curated mix of the band’s classic hits and newer material. Some of the standout performances included covers. “Teenage Dream,” a fan favorite, had the crowd chanting and raising their hands in unison. The emotional intensity of the performance was strong, with Michael Vampire’s passionate delivery resonating deeply with the audience.
The band briefly teased the crowd with “Girls, Girls, Girls” before going into “The Hills”. This high-energy anthem had the crowd jumping and headbanging, with its infectious chorus and relentless rhythm.
After the final notes of “Cry Little Sister” faded, the crowd erupted into chants of “One more song”! Vampires Everywhere!’s performance at Lefty’s in Des Moines was nothing short of spectacular.
The combination of their captivating stage presence, powerful music, and genuine connection with the audience made for an unforgettable experience. Fans left the venue that night with smiles on their faces and memories that will last a lifetime.
The night was a celebration of music, connection, and the unique ability of live performances to bring people together.
