Ryan Murray | Co-Owner | Chief Editor | Contributor | Photographer
r.m.music94@gmail.com
Some shows feel big, and others feel like a moment in time—something powerful, unrepeatable, and absolutely electrifying. On March 23rd, NYC’s Gramercy Theater transformed into a battleground of symphonic and melodic metal, where Delain, Xandria, and Edge of Paradise delivered performances that weren’t just shows—they were declarations. With the venue just shy of a sellout, the energy inside was nothing short of electric, an unstoppable current that surged through every performance.
Opening the night with the kind of impact most headliners would envy, Edge of Paradise wasted no time electrifying the crowd. The LA-based melodic hard rockers, fresh to the Napalm Records roster, took the stage at Gramercy Theater and instantly obliterated the notion of what an opening act should be. The venue was already near capacity—fans who had attended Delain’s Meet & Greet were packed against the barricade, eagerly awaiting the first notes. From the moment Margarita Monet unleashed her first powerful note, the energy in the room ignited.
The band, consisting of Margarita Monet (vocals), Doug Weiand (session/touring guitarist), Kenny Lockwood (bass), and Jamie Moreno (drums), delivered a performance brimming with confidence, force, and undeniable chemistry. Unlike some openers who take time to warm up the crowd, Edge of Paradise owned the stage from the first song as if they were headlining. Every moment felt calculated yet spontaneous, a perfect balance of raw passion and tight musicianship.
Their setlist was nothing short of explosive. Opening with “Prophecy Unknown,” the band immediately set a cinematic tone, enveloping the audience in a whirlwind of soaring vocals, intricate riffs, and pounding rhythms. This was followed by “The Other Side of Fear” and “Hologram,” each track intensifying the energy in the room. Margarita’s vocals were simply breathtaking—both commanding and ethereal—seamlessly soaring over the band’s heavy, industrial-tinged sound.
The true standout moment of the set came when Ben V. of Ludovico Technique took the stage for “Give it to Me (Mind Assassin).” The same sinister presence he brought to the track’s official music video translated seamlessly to the live performance, adding a layer of theatrical menace. His stage presence was electrifying, as he and Margarita engaged in a back-and-forth vocal assault that sent shockwaves through the venue. It wasn’t just a performance—it was a full-scale sonic onslaught.
By the time they reached “Death Note” and “Falling Light,” it was clear the audience was fully invested. Fans weren’t just nodding along—they were actively singing, moving, and responding to the band’s every move. Margarita’s hypnotic stage presence kept all eyes locked on her, while Doug Weiand’s blistering guitar solos pushed the energy further into overdrive. The rhythm section, helmed by Kenny Lockwood and Jamie Moreno, provided the crushing backbone that made each track feel larger than life.
Closing their set with “The Unknown,” Edge of Paradise left the crowd roaring for more. Many fans who came primarily for Delain or Xandria were now instant converts, talking excitedly about the band as they exited the stage. This wasn’t just an opening set—it was a statement. Edge of Paradise isn’t here to warm up the crowd; they’re here to conquer.
If one thing was clear by the end of their performance, it was this: Edge of Paradise is a band on the rise, and anyone who isn’t paying attention now is going to regret it later. Their energy, musicality, and sheer ability to command a stage set the perfect tone for what was to come.
If Edge of Paradise set the bar high, Xandria shattered expectations with a jaw-dropping display of symphonic metal mastery. The moment the band emerged one by one during their haunting instrumental intro, a new level of excitement surged through the venue. When Ambre Vourvahis finally stepped onto the stage, the crowd erupted—and with good reason. “You Will Never Be Our God” kicked things off with earth-shaking intensity, as Ambre unleashed growls so ferocious they could only be fully appreciated in person.
Xandria’s ability to fuse majestic orchestration with raw, unrelenting power was on full display throughout their set. Flanked by Marco Heubaum (rhythm guitar), Rob Klawonn (lead guitar), and Dimitrios Gatsios (drums), Ambre led the charge with effortless confidence. Though their bassist, Tim Schwarz, was absent, the band still sounded absolutely massive, filling the venue with rich, layered soundscapes.
“Reborn” followed with spine-chilling precision, Ambre seamlessly shifting between angelic cleans and monstrous growls. The orchestral backing tracks blended flawlessly with the band’s razor-sharp execution, making each song feel cinematic. “Universal” and “Two Worlds” pushed the energy even higher, with Marco and Rob’s guitars weaving a breathtaking melodic assault.
What stood out the most was the band’s chemistry—not just with each other, but with the crowd. There was a palpable exchange of energy as Ambre frequently interacted with fans, reaching out and making sure everyone felt part of the experience. The audience, fully engaged, responded with chants, raised fists, and an overwhelming sense of unity.
By the time they reached “200 Years” and “Live the Tale,” it was clear Xandria was in complete control. Ambre’s vocals soared effortlessly over the intricate compositions, proving she’s one of the most versatile and commanding frontwomen in the genre today.
As they closed with “Nightfall,” the set reached a breathtaking climax. The crowd was left in awe, many exchanging glances as if to say, “Did we really just witness that?” Xandria didn’t just perform—they transported the audience into their epic, symphonic world.
With a set that was both mesmerizing and crushingly heavy, Xandria solidified themselves as a live force to be reckoned with. They left the stage with the audience still buzzing from the sheer spectacle they had just witnessed.
By the time Delain took the stage, the venue was a roaring inferno of anticipation. The moment the first notes of “The Cold” rang out, the crowd exploded with deafening cheers. It was immediately clear: Delain’s magic is stronger than ever.
Fronted by the stunningly talented Diana Leah, the band—featuring Ronald Landa (guitar/backing vocals), Ludovico (bass/backing/harsh vocals), Sander Zoer (drums), and founding member Martijn Westerholt (keys)—delivered a masterclass in symphonic metal energy.
Even battling laryngitis, Diana performed with jaw-dropping power, her voice soaring through tracks like “Suckerpunch” and “The Reaping” with stunning clarity and emotion. Fans hung onto every note, singing along with pure devotion.
Tracks like “Dance With the Devil” and “Burning Bridges” ignited the crowd even further, while “Creatures” showcased Delain’s signature mix of symphonic grandeur and metal intensity.
One of the most powerful moments came with the Lucidity Medley, where the band paid homage to their legacy, weaving past and present seamlessly. The Gathering brought fans to an emotional high, proving Delain’s connection with their audience is as deep as ever.
Closing with “We Are the Others,” a song that has become an anthem for unity, the entire venue erupted into one massive chorus. It was a perfect send-off, a reminder of Delain’s legacy and unstoppable future.
As the final echoes of “We Are the Others” faded into the night, the realization set in—this wasn’t just another show, but a night that would be talked about for years to come. Edge of Paradise stunned, Xandria mesmerized, and Delain triumphed. Every band brought something different, yet together they created a night that felt unstoppable. Fans left exhilarated, voices hoarse from singing, and hearts full. For it those lucky enough to be there, it wasn’t just a concert—it was a shared moment of pure magic.
Ethereal Metal 
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