Show Review and Gallery: VAMPS at Irving Plaza in NYC on November 13, 2016

Nadia Pulgar November 28, 2016 Photography Leave a comment

New York City got the performance of a lifetime when the Japanese hard rock duo VAMPS performed at Irving Plaza on their North American tour. Citizen Zero from Detroit, Michigan and New York City’s own Echo Black were the opening acts for the night and worked the crowd up into an excited fervor. From the moment the members of VAMPS walked onto the stage they emitted an intense level of energy that didn’t cease.

Frontman HYDE’s vocal delivery and stage presence is unparalleled. He is invested in his craft and immensely entertaining to watch. His mannerisms and expressions enhance the stories conveyed by the lyrics, making it easy to get lost in his performance. Guitarist K.A.Z. maintains an unbreakable focus, captivating the audience with his musicianship. There was no dull moment on stage as bassist Ju-ken interacted with the crowd, rocking out and constantly amping up the energy. Drummer Arimatsu and keyboardist Jin held the party together all the way through until the end.

Fans knew the lyrics to every song, singing them out loudly. During ‘Bloodsuckers’, the band extended the playthrough and the audience soaked it up, loving every minute. One of the gems that stood out was ‘Sin In Justice’, a track that features a collaboration between VAMPS and the Finnish metal band Apocalyptica.

VAMPS is a band that is not afraid to interlace a multitude of elements within their music. It is refreshing and most of all, fun. If VAMPS ever comes to a venue near you, check them out you won’t regret it. At the end of the set everyone shared the common sentiment among all live music fans: Sad that it’s over but happy as hell that it happened.

Setlist