La Vista’s Astro Amphitheater was the epicenter of a sonic explosion, hosting the return of KIWR 89.7 The River’s semi-annual ROCKFEST. This year’s lineup was a metalhead’s dream and a collision with the Kiss of Death Tour Part 2 featuring performances from In This Moment, Ice Nine Kills, Avatar, TX2, and the first time Arson City have taken the stage for almost a year.
Hometown heroes Arson City kicked off the festivities with a blistering set that ignited the crowd. No pun intended. Known for their high-energy performances and powerful anthems, the Omaha natives played like they had something to prove. The energy they injected into “The Horror Show” and their cover of Journey’s Separate Ways set the tone for the night, blending hard-hitting riffs with theatrical flair. Their connection with the crowd was palpable, and their set felt like a homecoming celebration.
Colorado’s TX2 has been making waves in the underground scene with his fusion of hip-hop and punk rock. Backed by a full band, his performance was raw and intense, with a sound that balanced brutality and melody. The band’s set was short but impactful, leaving a strong impression with their precise musicianship and commanding stage presence. The crowd responded with enthusiasm, clearly recognizing that this is a band to watch.
Avatar took the stage like the ringmasters of a twisted circus, delivering a performance that was equal parts music and theater. The Swedish band, who made it very clear that they were there to murder us, has a reputation for their over-the-top live shows, and they did not disappoint.
With a setlist that spanned most of their career, including hits like “Hail the Apocalypse” and “The Eagle Has Landed,” and “Smells Like a Freakshow,” Avatar turned the Astro Amphitheater into their personal carnival of madness. The band focused on cuts from four of their albums, 2023’s Dance Devil Dance, 2016’s Feathers & Fetish, 2014’s Hail the Apocalypse, and 2012’s Black Waltz, the album that helped to introduce the band to the USA. Frontman Johannes Eckerström’s charismatic presence and the band’s tight performance raised the already high expectations of the evening and had the audience in a frenzy.
With the sun barely starting to slip below the horizon, the zombie apocalypse overtook The Astro. Ice Nine Kills brought their horror-inspired metal to the stage, turning the amphitheater into a scene straight out of a slasher film. The band is no stranger to Omaha, but the crowds get bigger each time they pass through town.
Ice Nine Kills’ ability to merge storytelling with heavy music made their set one of the most memorable of the night. Their theatrics were matched by their musicianship, with the band delivering a performance that was both brutal and cinematic. The band’s energy never waned as they sliced through fan favorite tracks like “Stabbing in the Dark” and “The American Nightmare.”
Finally, as the sun began to set, In This Moment closed out the night with a witchy performance that was nothing short of a spectacle. Except for 2020, the band has made a stop in the Omaha Metro Area at least once a year since their debut tour in 2007. Their grassroots approach has garnered them an incredible following in the Midwest and around the world.
Maria Brink, her band of merry men, and Blood Girls have mastered the art of blending heavy metal with visual artistry, and their set at ROCKFEST was a testament to their dedication to bring a unique theatrical approach to their concert experience.
With elaborate costumes, choreographed dancers, and a haunting stage setup, In This Moment delivered a performance that was both ethereal and brutal. Songs like “Sanctify Me” and “Big Bad Wolf” showcased Brink’s powerful vocals, while the crushing riffs “Blood” and “Sex Metal Barbie” kept the energy high. The crowd was captivated from the start of “The Purge” to final chords of “Whore.” In This Moment’s performance was a fitting end to a night of unforgettable music.
Overall, KIWR’s Rockfest 2024 was a triumphant return for the festival, bringing together some of the best acts in heavy metal for a night that fans won’t soon forget. Each band brought their unique flavor to the stage, creating a night that was both electrifying and unforgettable.
The Astro Amphitheater proved to be the perfect venue for Rockfest’s new home, with its atmosphere amplifying the intensity of each performance. For those in attendance, this was a night where the music, the bands, and the crowd came together in perfect harmony to celebrate all that is great about rock and metal.
Overall, KIWR’s Rockfest 2024 was a triumphant return for the festival, bringing together some of the best acts in heavy metal for a night that fans won’t soon forget. Each band brought their unique flavor to the stage, creating a night that was both electrifying and unforgettable.
The Astro Amphitheater proved to be the perfect venue for Rockfest’s new home, with its atmosphere amplifying the intensity of each performance. For those in attendance, this was a night where the music, the bands, and the crowd came together in perfect harmony to celebrate all that is great about rock and metal.
