Visual Kei Meets Metalcore as JILUKA takes on Worcester for their very first time.
With a nearly sold out show, Imminence left fans old and new in awe during the first night of their Return of the Black tour. This isn’t the first time the Swedish metal band has left the Palladium roaring with excitement. Back in December 2023, Imminence took a bow, leaving fans hungry for more. Now, through amazing storytelling, visually engaging set design, and stunning violin solos, the nearly 18-track setlist seemed to fly by for fans who eagerly waited for them to take back the Palladium stage. But while Imminence may have been the main event, it was the openers who stole the spotlight.
LANDMVRKS, one of Imminence’s touring support bands, unfortunately couldn’t make it due to last-minute visa issues. The French fan favorite had previously played the nearly sold-out Palladium during Fit For A King’s Metalcore Dropout tour back in 2023. Their unexpected absence left some pretty big shoes to fill, but luckily, Dreamwake from New Haven, Connecticut, stepped in to do just that. This four-member group blends metalcore with synthwave, shocking listeners by balancing screaming vocals with stunning instrumentals. Putting on an absolutely memorable set full of crowd engagement and saxophone solos, this local metal band played 12 of their top songs. The crowd were even treated to the live debut of their new song “Heatwave,” which feels like a summer hit waiting for its time to shine. This last-minute addition to the night’s lineup truly proved why they should be on everyone’s radar.
However, the real showstopper of the night was the second opener, JILUKA. The Japanese metal band utilizes visual kei – a Japanese music and fashion trend that focuses on striking aesthetics through androgynous costumes, elaborate makeup, and intricate set design. JILUKA’s music, with its guttural screamo vocals and thunderous drum breakdowns, created an electrifying atmosphere within the Palladium. The four-piece band consisting of vocalist Ricko, guitarist Sena, bassist Boogie, and drummer Zyean had an indescribable stage presence that immediately drew in the crowd, keeping everyone in the palms of their leather-bound hands.
Kicking off their set with the latest addition to their discography, “KVLT,” the crowd seemed uncertain at first, questionably watching each member step onto the creaky old stage. However, within moments, Ricko was able to captivate the room. Flashing lights and deep crowd engagement pulled roars of praise from those in the pit and all the way up to the balcony. Blending EDM and hip hop with metalcore may sound impossible, but they truly have mastered the craft. They paired heavy double pedal drums and intricate guitar solos with a mix of fry screams and venue-rumbling growls. Ricko’s vocals rippled through the Palladium like a thunder wave. By their third song “KUMARI,” walls of death and circle pits formed with just a wave of Ricko’s hand. With the crowd now under JILUKA’s trance, the pit was alive with energy. A crowd favorite was their performance of “BaLa-DeDa.” Even though this was only their second tour in the US, the few diehard fans in the crowd were not afraid to make themselves seen. Screaming their hearts out and jumping around till those around them couldn’t help but chant back the lyrics, leaving Ricko grinning from ear to ear with gratitude. After playing their eight track setlist, fans were fiending for more. Ending with “VENØM,” their current most streamed song, Zyean on drums was mesmerizing to watch, leaving the chests of the crowd vibrating and ready to go for Imminence.
If you missed out this time, don’t worry: JILUKA and Imminence dropped a remix of Imminence’s song “The Black” earlier this month. Appropriately titled “THE BLVK,” the already operatic and beautiful song now has a JILUKA twist that is guaranteed to turn your headphones into a personal concert.