Heidelberg’s Halle 02 turned into a storm of heavy emotion and dark elegance on May 8th, as the “Endtime Signals” tour rolled into town. Headliners DARK TRANQUILLITY were joined by the mighty MOONSPELL and rising force HIRAES, delivering a night that spanned the full spectrum of melodic death and gothic metal.
HIRAES – A Fierce Opening Blast
Opening the night, HIRAES brought undeniable intensity from the very first note. Frontwoman Britta Görtz commanded the stage with raw power and fierce vocal delivery, driving the crowd into motion. Tracks from their latest release Dormant, including “Through the Storm” and “We Owe No One,” resonated with punchy riffs and relentless energy, setting a strong tone for the night ahead.
MOONSPELL – Shadows and Majesty
Portugal’s MOONSPELL followed with a theatrical performance steeped in dark atmosphere. The set wove through fan favorites like “Opium” and “Alma Mater,” drenched in fog and lit with moody stage lighting. Vocalist Fernando Ribeiro’s deep baritone and enigmatic stage presence captivated the audience, pulling them into the band’s haunting soundscapes. It was a masterclass in gothic metal storytelling.
DARK TRANQUILLITY – Melodic Death at its Peak
Headliners Dark Tranquillity took the stage with full force, unleashing a powerful set blending fresh tracks from Endtime Signals with classics like “Monochromatic Stains” and “ThereIn.” Mikael Stanne delivered with his signature emotional range, from melodic clarity to visceral growls. The band sounded tight, energized, and entirely in command—reminding everyone why they remain one of the genre’s most respected names.
Final Thoughts
Three bands, three distinct styles, one unforgettable night. The combination of HIRAES’ modern aggression, Moonspell’s atmospheric depth, and Dark Tranquillity’s melodic mastery created a dynamic experience for fans of all shades of heavy. Heidelberg won’t forget this one anytime soon.
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Photo Credit: Martin Schmidt/Picture-Rebels.Com
