Review & Photography by Nathan Vestal for MPM
There’s something magical about seeing a show in a venue like The Forge in Joliet, Illinois. It’s intimate without feeling cramped, big enough to bring in international acts but still grounded in the beating heart of the local metal scene.
On April 11th, the room transformed into a seafaring haven for symphonic metal fans, as Austria’s Visions of Atlantis docked their epic “Pirates Over North America” tour in the Midwest. With support from Swiss rock powerhouse Seraina Telli and Chicago’s own Sacred Dawn, the lineup was stacked — and the execution, flawless.
Sacred Dawn – Local Power with Global Potential
The night began with Sacred Dawn, they’ve been carrying the torch for progressive metal in the Midwest for nearly two decades, and seeing them open this bill was like welcoming home old friends. Lothar Keller’s voice is still a force of nature — operatic, precise, yet full of raw conviction. The band’s musicianship is technical without being cold; there’s heart in every riff, every drum fill.
Sacred Dawn showcased their mastery of progressive metal with a setlist that perfectly balanced new tracks and beloved classics. The band’s technical prowess was evident as they seamlessly transitioned between complex time signatures and intricate melodies. The audience was captivated from the first note to the last, with Keller’s commanding presence and emotive delivery drawing everyone into the narrative of each song.
The live performance of “Walls of Jericho” hit especially hard— the kind of song that reminds you metal can be both cerebral and gut-punching. Sacred Dawn might be a local act, but their stage presence and tight performance easily stood shoulder to shoulder with the night’s international heavyweights. There was a sense of pride in the room — like the hometown heroes were holding the gate open for what was to come.
Sacred Dawn’s engagement with the audience was superb. From acknowledging shouts of support to sharing stories behind their songs, the band’s genuine appreciation for their fans was evident. This connection fostered a memorable and personal concert experience, making each attendee feel like a part of the Sacred Dawn journey.
Sacred Dawn’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. The band’s technical skill, emotional depth, and ability to create an immersive musical experience are what make them stand out in the progressive metal scene. For those in attendance, it was a night of unforgettable music and a testament to the power of live performance. Sacred Dawn continues to prove why they are a force to be reckoned with in the world of metal.
Seraina Telli – Color, Confidence, and Rock ‘n’ Roll Fire
Next up was Seraina Telli and let me tell you — she did not come to play it safely. Dressed in white, with flashes of fluorescent green, blue, and orange, Telli was a jolt of electricity. If Sacred Dawn brought the brooding gravitas, Telli and her drummer flipped the switch and ignited the stage with glam rock exuberance and punk defiance.
Setting the tone for the set, Telli opened with her hit single “Addicted To Colour”, filling the room with raw emotion and relentless energy. Her vocal prowess was on full display, effortlessly navigating through a diverse setlist that included both new tracks and fan favorites. Each song was delivered with passion and precision, showcasing Telli’s unique ability to connect with her audience on a deeply personal level.
Her set was a bold, technicolor contrast — and it worked. Songs like “I’m Not Sorry” and “Song For The Girls” had the crowd pumping fists and dancing in equal measure. Her vocals soared with both grit and polish, and between songs, she radiated positivity with the kind of charm that makes you want to be her best friend and bandmate at the same time.
Among the highlights of the evening was a soulful performance of “All Your Tears” that brought a hush over the crowd. Telli’s stripped-down rendition of a powerful ballad revealed vulnerability and depth that resonated deeply with listeners. The juxtaposition of this intimate moment with her otherwise powerful rock anthems added a layer of complexity to the show, demonstrating her versatility as an artist.
Beneath the fun and flash, there was real substance. She sang with conviction about self-worth, identity, and finding power in individuality — messages that cut through the noise with surprising emotional weight. Telli’s gig was a resounding success, showcasing her as a formidable force in the rock music scene. Her ability to blend powerful vocals with emotionally charged performances makes her a must-see artist, and this concert only solidified her status as a rising star. I’d gone in curious; I walked out a fan.
Visions of Atlantis – Masters of the Metal Seas
By the time Visions of Atlantis took the stage, anticipation had built into a slow-burn fever. The lights dimmed, ocean waves echoed through the PA, and suddenly we weren’t in a Joliet rock club anymore — we were aboard a grand ship, ready to brave mythic tides.
From the first moments of “To Those Who Choose to Fight,” Clémentine Delauney and Michele Guaitoli commanded the crowd with theatrical grace. Their vocal interplay is honestly one of the most compelling in the genre today — he brings warmth and grit, she brings fire and ethereal might. Together, they made every duet feel like a scene from a high-stakes metal opera.
The set leaned heavily on their latest album Pirates, and the crowd seemed to know every word. “Clocks,” “Legion of the Seas,” and “Melancholy Angel” were received like battle cries and brought out the die-hard fans, who could be spotted by raised arms in the shape of a heart during the ballads.
The show’s visuals were stunning. The lighting design was dynamic, shifting to match the mood of each song. From soft, ethereal glows to intense, pulsating lights, the visuals enhanced the emotional impact of the music. The use of fog machines added to the theatrical atmosphere, creating impressive visuals that complemented the band’s symphonic sound.
The band’s costumes also contributed to the overall aesthetic of the night. Delauney’s ethereal outfit and Guaitoli’s more edgy attire reflected the duality of their music — a blend of delicate beauty and raw power.
While the lighting and attire contributed, the music itself was executed with cinematic precision and energy. From Thomas Caser’s thunderous drums to the melodic guitar work of Christian Douscha, every song felt like a chapter in a story, and every transition was seamless. During a quiet interlude, Guaitoli gazed out, and the connection between the stage and audience felt truly emotional.
There are shows that entertain, and there are shows that transport. This one did both. Sacred Dawn grounded us in our roots, Seraina Telli pushed us toward fearlessness, and Visions of Atlantis took us beyond the horizon. The Forge may not be a stadium, but the passion in that room could have filled one.
For me, this wasn’t just a night out — it was a reminder of why we chase live music. It’s the shared glances between strangers mouthing the same lyrics. It’s the sore neck the next day. It’s the moment you realize you’ve fallen in love with a song you didn’t even know last week.
Visions of Atlantis aren’t just evolving as a band — they’re building an immersive world, and everyone is invited. I, for one, will gladly set sail with them again.
