HANABIE. at The Ritz!

Photos & Writing by Courtney Breen

HANABIE. brought their North American tour to North Carolina at The Ritz on March 23 with support from Nekrogoblikon & Enterprise Earth! HANABIE., a Tokyo-based metalcore band that blends heavy breakdowns with colorful aesthetics, drew a diverse crowd of dedicated fans to the show. From the moment you entered the venue, you could tell that it was going to be a special night.

Enterprise Earth was first to take the stage. Enterprise Earth is a deathcore band that has been traveling the world on tour for over a decade. Their set consisted of abrasive guitars, aggressive vocals, and overall a giant sound that echoed through the room. They were the perfect band to start off the night!

During the changeover of bands, a giant goblin head emerged from center stage. If you are unfamiliar with Nekrogoblikon, this stage setup might seem odd. But as soon as the band steps on stage and you see the literal goblin that sings in the band, it all starts to make sense. Nekrogoblikon brings a fun and different energy to the room. Mixing together funny aesthetics, crude jokes, heavy breakdowns, and speedy vocals. Even if you are unfamiliar with the band, you would still enjoy watching their set!

Around 9pm the stage was set and ready for HANABIE. When the lights dimmed and the show began, each member of HANABIE. came out and had their own moment to welcome and excite the crowd. Then the first song started and the whole room erupted. Everyone in the crowd was jumping around, singing, and cheering. This seemed to be the theme the whole time that HANABIE. performed. The crowd never slowed down and neither did HANABIE. With a set packed full of heavy breakdowns, catchy choruses, & fast riffs, the band didn’t miss a single step.

HANABIE. continues their North American tour through mid-April! I would highly recommend attending one of these shows if they are close to you!