ILLUMISHADE & Ad Infinitum

We began the night with the band Voice of Ruin. They launched into their set without any warm-up, immediately delivering an intense performance. The singer’s hair whipped around as if caught in a gust, embodying the raw energy of their music. In one memorable moment, the guitarist executed a magnificent solo. As the concert progressed, all the musicians joined in with synchronized dance moves, even the drummer. Gratitude was expressed towards the Lausanne audience, creating a palpable connection.

During the track “I Confess”, the stage bathed in red light added a dramatic flair. Despite the song’s title suggesting an admission of guilt, the band’s demeanor didn’t seem to echo this sentiment. The crowd remained enthralled throughout, their cheers and applause fueling the atmosphere. The final song saw Voice of Ruin give their all, leaving the audience dancing fervently to a dual guitar solo. A full thirty minutes of relentless tempo underscored their performance.

The second act of the evening was Lyrre, a group offering a stark contrast with their blend of folk, gothic, symphonic, and electro influences. Their stage presence conjured a realm of legends and myths even before they made their entrance. Michalina opened the concert with the ethereal notes of her hurdy-gurdy, later joined by the fierce strumming of the guitarists. A fusion of modernity met tradition in the melodies, striking a chord with the audience who couldn’t resist moving to the rhythm. Another guitarist took center stage with a solo that earned thunderous clapping from the attendees. As their set drew to a close with a gothic-tinged piece, Michalina’s delicate yet rhythmic performance garnered praise from a captivated crowd.

The third band, Ad Infinitum, was among the most anticipated of the evening. Their brand of symphonic metal was nothing short of gripping. Led by Melissa Bonny, whose shout of “Bonsoir Lausanne” electrified the audience, the band unleashed an energetic onslaught. Her voice, both tender and commanding, compelled everyone to move. Melissa’s local roots only added to the communal spirit as she declared it was time to celebrate. The evening continued with quieter moments, the audience illuminating the space with mobile phone torches and lighters. Songs ranged from serene to thunderously powerful, inciting the crowd to dance.

Melissa showed her versatility beyond singing, dominating the stage with both passion and charisma. A personal highlight was ‘Live Before You Die’ from their first album, followed by ‘New Dawn’, showcasing a gentler start. Guitar solos weaved into a captivating light show, while Melissa’s vocals mixed whispers with forceful projections. The concert ended with roars of approval from the fans, a testament to the band’s impressive showmanship.

Finally, the fourth act, Illumishade, concluded the night. Fabienne Erni, alongside her talented team including Jonas Wolf, delivered a stellar performance marked with wit and musical expertise. The collaboration between Michalina and Melissa, particularly during ‘Tales of Times’, illustrated seamless teamwork within the Illumishade ensemble.

Their set consisted of fourteen tracks, each contributing to a modern and melodious interpretation of metal. The evening was a marathon of four consecutive concerts, yet each band brought their unique quality to the stage. A heartfelt thank you goes out to all performers for a memorable night at Les Docks de Lausanne, truly a successful event.

Report Writing by Nat
Translation and pictures by @csk_lens (Instagram)