It was a packed house in Salem on Sept. 1, when the nEVEREST Duality Tour rolled into town. This tour is packed with excitement for everyone, with the Finnish trio Apocalyptica, the dancing violinist star Lindsey Stirling and the rock storm that is Halestorm. 

The energy started with some classical cello infused with Metallica from Apocalyptica. Straight from Finland, these gentlemen are metal to the core. They opened with “Ride the Lightning” and included Metallica favorites like “Blackened” and “Seek and Destroy.” The talent that exploded from those strings, along with the pure excitement the band members expressed hyped up the crowd. 

That hyped up energy continued when Lindsey Stirling, appeared on stage, with a group of equally energetic dancers. Her fantasy inspired performance opened with “The Phoenix,” flowing along with every step of her dancing feet, into “Underground.” I was thrilled to see that there were a lot of little girls in the crowd, with their eyes dancing along with Stirling. With each song, Stirling’s violin wove itself deeper into the story she was performing. She ending her set with a smashing performance of Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir.” 

The high point of the night was Halestorm. Lzzy Hale came out screaming, as the band launched into “Fallen Star” and straight into “I Miss the Misery.” Making sure to play a lot of the favorites, the nearly packed house was not let down. The best highlight was saved for the encore, as Lindsey Stirling joined Lzzy for their duet, “Shatter Me.” Lzzy left no doubt that her powerhouse vocals and guitar were still some of the best of the business. 

Three fantastic shows all on one stage. That will make a great night to remember. Make sure to catch the nEVEREST Duality Tour is going to be near you. If it is, make sure you are there. You won’t regret it!

Review and photos by I’m Music Magazine Photographer/Writer Michele Hancock