Halestorm with Lost Hearts @ Mystic Lake 8-11-23
Review & Photos by Scott Cornell
On a sultry and stormy evening at the Mystic Lake Casino Showroom, a captivating performance unfolded as Lost Hearts graced the stage to inaugurate an unforgettable Friday night double-bill. The quartet exuded an electrifying aura, their boundless energy sending them in a ceaseless dance across the stage, skillfully navigating the dynamic on-stage risers. This exhilarating display left an indelible mark on the sprawling expanse of the 2000-seat venue, captivating every corner with their musical prowess.
Hailing from the vibrant musical city of Nashville, Tennessee, Lost Hearts is an alternative rock gem that emerged when four masterful lead guitarists converged to craft compositions that would infuse their rock & roll roots with a luminous twist. The course of fate was decided by a coin toss, determining the roles of lead vocals, drums, and bass, which led to the birth of this remarkable band. Their musical creations emanate a fusion of punk rock rebelliousness and the infectious melodies of pop-rock choruses, as they ambitiously strive to ascend the ranks and become a formidable force in the realm of rock music.
The trio of untamed musicians, their long locks flowing freely, engaged in a seamless and mesmerizing interplay throughout the performance, creating an electrifying synergy that resonated with the audience. The lead guitarist commanded attention, bedecked in a shimmering ebony shirt adorned with glimmers of glitter, accentuated by an edgy skull scarf that exuded rockstar flair. In contrast, Victor Adriel, the bassist, graced the stage in a suave black button-up shirt adorned with silver stars, exuding an air of enigmatic charm. Meanwhile, the drummer extraordinaire, Mitch Arnholt, rocked a sleeveless tribute to the "Parade" era of Prince, showcasing his eclectic musical influences and a flair for fashion.
Even a momentary hiccup couldn't rattle the seamless flow of their performance, as Arnholt momentarily lost a drumstick during the rousing rendition of "Maybe I Want You," only to effortlessly reclaim his rhythm and momentum. The charismatic frontman, Max Frye, emerged resplendent in a velvety blazer, his audacious style amplified by a hot pink silk shirt adorned with daring leopard patterns, a visual embodiment of their music's vivacious spirit.
The setlist, comprised of seven meticulously curated compositions, showcased the astonishing cohesion and tightness of a band still in its nascent stages, leaving the audience awestruck by their remarkable musicianship. A stunning surprise awaited as Adriel and Arnholt seamlessly swapped instruments for a spellbinding rendition of "Night To Remember," further showcasing their versatile talents.
The band's repertoire extended beyond their original creations, delighting the crowd with captivating renditions of classics such as "Hungry Like the Wolf" and "Personal Jesus." These iconic covers not only bridged the gaps within the setlist but also ignited a palpable surge of energy that coursed through the veins of every spectator, setting the atmosphere ablaze with excitement.
As the electrifying performance neared its crescendo, Lost Hearts chose to conclude their captivating 35-minute journey with the evocative strains of "Hate Yourself," a poignant and powerful choice that left an indelible imprint on the hearts and minds of the audience, sealing the night as an extraordinary testament to the band's burgeoning legacy. The Mystic Lake Casino Showroom bore witness to an evening that seamlessly melded musical prowess, electrifying energy, and a fervent determination that firmly heralds Lost Hearts as an undeniable rising star in the tapestry of modern rock.
In the wake of a literal hail storm that lashed Minneapolis and its surroundings just hours before Halestorm's eagerly awaited performance, the heavens seemed to be in perfect alignment as the band took the stage, safe within the confines of an indoor sanctuary. Fronted by the commanding presence of Lzzy Hale, the band embarked on a musical journey that transcended the tumultuous weather that had preceded them.
Lzzy's entrance was shrouded in an enigmatic aura, stepping onto a dimly lit stage veiled in a light haze, her voice soaring in an acapella rendition of a chorus from "Raise Your Horns." As the stage illuminated, the four-piece powerhouse from Red Lion, Pennsylvania, ignited the atmosphere with an electrifying rendition of their early hits, seamlessly transitioning from the gritty intensity of "I Miss the Misery" to the searing energy of "Love Bites (So Do I)" and "I Get Off."
Bassist Josh Smith, adorned in a wide-brimmed hat and a leather jacket, seamlessly juggled keyboard responsibilities during the captivating performance of "Amen" and maintained an understated yet engaging presence throughout the 90-minute sonic spectacle. Drummer and little brother to Lzzy, Arejay’s hair vividly dyed fluorescent green to mirror his drum kit, radiated under the ultraviolet glow of the stage lights, a mesmerizing contrast to his resplendent royal blue sequined suit.
Lzzy, a consummate showwoman, held a magnetic connection with the cameras and the crowd alike. With genuine sincerity, she expressed how Halestorm's Minnesota appearances were far too infrequent and embarked on a mission to etch this show into the hearts of every attendee.
The band's virtuosity was unassailable, executing each song with a precision that bordered on perfection. Guitarist Joe Hottinger exhibited an almost effortless finesse as his fingers danced across the fingerboards, rendering intricate solos with apparent ease. Meanwhile, Lzzy, clad in all-black parachute pants and a textured long-sleeve popcorn top, unleashed her powerful, soulful vocals, pushing them to their very limits and delivering a performance that was nothing short of awe-inspiring.
The tempo took a contemplative turn as Lzzy, alone with her keyboard, unfurled a cascade of emotions with "Break In," seamlessly segueing into an acoustic rendition of "Raise Your Horns" and the poignant strains of "The Familiar Taste of Poison." A heartfelt exchange saw Hottinger presenting Lzzy with a rose, an emblem of their shared musical journey that she gracefully shared with a devoted fan in the front row.
Lzzy's voice resonated with genuine sentiment as she recounted how Minnesota held a cherished place in Halestorm's history, recalling the poignant moment they first heard their single on the local airwaves. The sentiment seemed to infuse the very air as Arejay, perched upon a four-foot drum riser, unleashed a spellbinding display of percussive prowess, complete with a mesmerizing light show. The introduction of oversized drumsticks underscored his innate musicality, revealing his passion for his craft and his fans.
A crescendo of energy surged forth as Lzzy wielded a dual guitar for "I Like It Heavy," imbuing the performance with an electrifying intensity that reverberated through the venue. Hottinger seamlessly embraced a dual guitar for "I Am the Fire," showcasing the band's versatility and their ability to navigate various musical landscapes.
The planned encore unveiled an intimate moment, as Lzzy and Hottinger delivered an acoustic rendition of their latest single, "Terrible Things." Bathed in a soft, ethereal light, they commanded the stage with an arresting tenderness, before culminating the evening with the anthemic exuberance of "Here's to Us" and the compelling cadence of "The Steeple."
Halestorm, a paragon of hard rock prowess, emanated an aura that was at once humble and compelling. Their live performance encapsulated both raw power and intricate finesse, leaving no doubt that they are a veritable powerhouse within the rock scene. Their unwavering commitment to each note, each lyric, and every interaction with their audience illuminated their dedication to their craft and their unyielding belief in the transcendental power of music.
Throughout the 16-song odyssey, the camaraderie between the band members and their genuine rapport with the crowd shone brightly, infusing the evening with an infectious sense of joy and camaraderie. Not a single note was out of place, not a single moment faltered, as Halestorm demonstrated their impeccable mastery of the stage.
For those who have yet to experience the magnetic energy of a headlining Halestorm show, or for devoted fans eager to relive the magic, this performance deserves a coveted spot at the top of your musical bucket list. As the final chords reverberated through the air, a resounding truth became evident: witnessing Halestorm live is not just a concert—it's an unforgettable journey, an encounter with boundless passion, and an affirmation of the enduring power of rock and roll. Embrace this opportunity and experience the unbridled euphoria for yourself.
