April 15, 2026
Story and Photos by Javier Vicencio
Cristina Scabbia, vocalist of the Italian gothic metal band Lacuna CoilLACUNA COIL brought their signature blend of theatricality, intensity and dynamic dual-vocal power to Echo Lounge & Music Hall last Wednesday night, with Brazil’s rising metalcore act AXTY and Las Vegas post-hardcore veterans ESCAPE THE FATE opening the evening.
AXTY
Hailing from São Paulo, Brazil, AXTY opened the night with a set that was both emotionally charged and sonically punishing. Originally formed in 2016 as a solo project by vocalist Felipe Hervoso, the band has since grown into one of the more exciting names emerging from Brazil’s modern heavy music scene. Blending technical metalcore, djent, progressive metal, electronic textures and pop-driven melodies, AXTY creates a sound that feels both polished and deeply personal. Alongside guitarist Jonathas Peschiera and drummer Gabriel Vacari, Hervoso channels themes of mental health, resilience and inner struggle into the band’s music. The project itself began as an outlet for Hervoso as he dealt with anxiety and depression. Tracks such as “End This,” “Dismay,” “Flowers and Butterflies Lullaby,” “Six Feet Under” and “Relaxing Nature Sounds” highlighted the group’s stylistic range while resonating emotionally with the crowd. Their Dallas performance steadily escalated in intensity, culminating in a powerful closing stretch that fully showcased Hervoso’s remarkable vocal range. Effortlessly shifting between punishing screams, guttural growls and melodic cleans, he proved himself to be a compelling frontman.
AXTY left the stage having made a strong case for themselves as a must-watch act in the modern metalcore world.
ESCAPE THE FATE
ESCAPE THE FATE followed with a high-octane performance that immediately seized the room’s attention. Tight, aggressive and undeniably fun, the band delivered a set packed with energy, attitude and crowd-pleasing hooks. Frontman Craig Mabbitt commanded the stage from the moment he appeared, pacing the front edge and keeping the audience engaged throughout the set. Lead guitarist Matti Hoffman delivered sharp fretwork with plenty of rock-star swagger, while Erik Jensen stepped away from bass duties to handle guitar. Behind them, original member Robert Ortiz anchored the performance with thunderous drumming, complete with mirrored sunglasses and undeniable stage presence.
The set balanced nostalgic fan favorites with newer material, creating an atmosphere fueled by sing-alongs, mosh pits and an infectious feel-good rock energy. Highlights included “Ungrateful,” “Déjà Vu,” “Gorgeous Nightmare,” “Idle Wild,” “Low,” “Last Goodbye” and “Just a Memory.”
ESCAPE THE FATE delivered exactly what was needed before the headliner: a hard-hitting, crowd-hyping set that elevated the room’s momentum.
LACUNA COIL
Italian gothic metal veterans LACUNA COIL closed the evening with a polished, dramatic and commanding performance that reminded everyone why they remain one of the genre’s most respected live acts. Vocalists Cristina Scabbia and Andrea Ferro led the charge alongside guitarist Daniele Salomone, bassist Marco Coti Zelati and drummer Richard Meiz. Their trademark vocal contrast—Scabbia’s soaring, often operatic melodies paired with Ferro’s harsh, aggressive growls—continues to be one of the band’s defining strengths. What might seem like an unlikely pairing on paper becomes seamless and electrifying on stage. From the opening moments, the band’s presence was immersive and powerful. They moved confidently through the setlist, blending haunting melodies, crushing riffs and cinematic tension with veteran precision. A standout element of the performance was the visual presentation. The stage production felt deliberate and atmospheric, while the band’s striking war-paint makeup perfectly complemented their gothic aesthetic and heightened the mood of the show. Vocally and musically, LACUNA COIL delivered at the highest level. The chemistry between Scabbia and Ferro remained captivating, while the band’s tight instrumentation kept every song sounding massive and refined.The audience responded enthusiastically throughout the night, feeding off the band’s energy and returning it in full force. By the end of the set, LACUNA COIL had not only justified their headlining status—they had exceeded expectations.
LACUNA COIL Setlist
- Intro
- Layers of Time
- Hosting the Shadow
- Kill the Light
- Die & Rise
- Spellbound
- Heaven Is a Lie
- Scarecrow
- Blood, Tears and Dust
- Gravity
- Oxygen
- In Nomine Patris
- N.S.I.O.W.
- Intro / The Siege
- I Wish You Were Dead
- Swamped
- Never Dawn
