LIVE: STARSET – November 4, 2021

Venue: The Mill & Mine

City: Knoxville, TN

Date: November 4, 2021

Review and Photographs by: Rachel Craig (rachelcraigmedia.com)

Starset’s transmissions are back online. The space and technology-inspired hard rock band is currently touring again after the recent release of their album, HORIZONS. They brought The Word Alive and All Good Things with them to The Mill & Mine in Knoxville, TN on November 4, 2021. Everything kicked off with high energy thanks to All Good Things, a Los Angeles rock band with catchy, soaring choruses, The band even did a cover of “Survivor” by Destiny’s Child, which drew a massive singalong from the crowd. The Word Alive came next, a metalcore band I have experienced multiple times in smaller venues. The band has had a few changes since then, focusing mainly on newer material and adding two new members on guitar and drums.

Starset geared up to take the stage as a large curtain was pulled up in front of the audience (which a security guy hilariously called “the kabuki thing” to me). It came down to reveal a massive stage set up of multiple LED video panels, risers, CO2 jets, lasers, and a new seventh member of the touring band, Cory Juba. Vocalist Dustin Bates mentioned during the show that the band was supposed to be seven members from the beginning, and they could finally bring along one more person. Despite the fact that Starset just released a new album, the band focused on mainly older material and just played four songs from HORIZONS at the show. I was happy to hear them play several deeper cuts from Transmissions though, including “Let it Die” and “Point of No Return” (which Dustin said they have not played in about six years). The show included an intermission so the band could change out of the post-apocalyptic Divisions album stage gear and put on their classic spacesuits for the rest of the show. Since I’ve been to several Starset shows since 2017, it has been fascinating watching them evolve and grow. Not only do they sound their best live as a seven-piece, they have also created a stunning stage setup that is just as mesmerizing. Dustin also sounds the best I’ve ever heard him live, especially during the screaming breakdown in “Devolution.” Starset is one of the most interesting and unique bands in hard rock, and their focus on science and technology creates a stunning performance and leaves the audience with an inspiring message.

Setlist: The Breach – Where The Skies End – Infected – Carnivore – Let it Die – Trials – Manifest – Echo – Monster – Point of No Return – It Has Begun – Earthrise – Satellite – Devolution – For Whom The Bell Tolls – Ricochet – Die For You – My Demons

[Show as slideshow]

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Category: Live Reviews, Photo Galleries