The Communion of Sirens Tour 12/18/14

or the first time being able to shoot in the Upper West Side venue of Terminal 5, I would say that the multi-tiered “maze” like super venue holds true to its reputation. Terminal 5 has eluded for five years and as I stepped foot to shoot Opeth and In Flames together in concert, I felt a certain joy as I stared upon the stage. I spent this 2nd to last show with Skullsnbones.com operator “Metal” Mark  as we had our chance to interview both bands before the show.

Due to time constraints, there is NO coverage of Red Fang, but we will go right into In Flames. I always wanted to capture this band regardless of the high challenge their lighting system has and yet, it was really freaking challenging. Low lighting gave very little opportunities to capture Anders, the bands lead singer. However, due to his rare movement and consistent singing motions, the light was only a quarter of the problem. The rest of the problems inherited unto me were as follows: one, strobe lights during red light segments. 2. background florescent lights so far back it created a green glow throughout the stage, and 3. the MASSIVE yellow/orange colors that took over towards the end of the photo set. Satisfied with my results, here they are below. Set-list is also as follows.

In Flames Set-list:

1. In Plain View
2. Everything’s Gone
3. Trigger
4. Cloud Connected
5. Delight and Angers
6. Paralyzed
7. Through Oblivion
8. Only for the Weak
9. The Chosen Pessimist
10. Where the Dead Ships Dwell
11. Rusted Nail
12. The Quiet Place
13. The Mirror’s Truth
14. Deliver Us
15. Take This Life

In Flames Photo Gallery:

Opted headlined, Opeth walked on stage, Opeth DOMINATED before they walked on stage. Opeth… is THAT kind of band. You can feel the anxiety in the room of the fans as they waited and anticipated what has been forever since this band came back to NYC. The lights were very atmospheric and me not being that much of an Opeth fan (yes everyone, time to throw your stones at me), I couldn’t help but see how important and beautiful the bands music was to the fans. Everyone came out for them and it was widely known throughout the venue. I have bands I love and bands I don’t know of, doesn’t mean I won’t cover them because that gives me the opportunity to learn. If the fans love them this much, then there should be much to love about Opeth. I’m ready to learn and discover in 2015. Check out the photos below along with the set-list from the night.

Opeth Set-list:

1. Eternal Rains Will Come
2. Cusp of Eternity
3. The Drapery Falls
4. The Moor
5. Windowpane
6. The Lotus Eater
7. Deliverance

Opeth Photo Gallery:

Even though this was on 12/19/14, I closed my year out with a massive show at a venue that escaped my grasp since I started. I owned Terminal 5, no problems what so ever. However, I can see myself going there more than once in 2015… that is of course, more amazing shows like this come about.

See you rockers in 2015!!!! Happy New Year to you all!

–Derek Soto–