Hanabie. + Nekrogoblikon + Enterprise Earth Make Fireworks At Fillmore
Photos by Ashton Brown.
Seems like the weather in Minnesota decided to bring in some spring angst including a winter storm warning later, perfect April Fools joke thinking we were actually going to stay warm. Nothing can melt a Midwest music goer’s heart like good ol’ metal music in turbulent crossover seasonal times. Headed down to Inbound Brewing with my Kwik Trip chicken sandwich and spicy Doritos to enjoy an IPA before heading to Fillmore for a much needed night of high energy.
Twas an all ages show, so doors were pretty early cracking open at 5:30pm. Already a great showing, plenty of people inside chatting and checking out merch. Swung by to see the prices of shirts, $40 for tour tees. Not bad. Seems to be the lowest any shirts are being priced. Someday perhaps I will see the 3s again, there’s always a glimmer of hope.
Opening up the show was Enterprise Earth. First time seeing them live so wanted to make sure I got there right on time for their 6:30pm launch. Right off the sound was addictive. Their band had gotten many switch-ups with members, Travis Worland has been manning the helm for lead vocals since 2022. He can SING. And even better? Growl like a grizzly bear with those hardcore flourishes every one wants paired with a heavy ass riff. Showing off his abs as his belted from a small platform, which, if I also had abs, would do the same. The way he can contort his body while also holding notes is truly impressive.
The audience was somewhat unsure at first. Even with the ocean of Hanabai shirts which you would think signified a more metal audience, the crowd took a bit to warm up to Enterprise Earth. Not me. With the audience being a bit wavery, easily made my way to the rail to enjoy some good closeup action. Guitarist Gabe Mangold was a delight to watch. Fast fingers, engaging body language, and almost perfect playing. What’s not to like? Asking the crowd how many had heard of them before (band was founded in 2014,) and they got a select number of hands and cheers respond. After a few songs, the crowd was won over and melted perfectly into the groove. Must be so challenging to be an opening band, but Enterprise Earth is hard to resist.
Noticed the drummer also had popped his top off, enjoying some shirtless comradery with Worland. Though their set was short, really enjoyed every minute of their hot half hour on stage. Hope they come back soon, their blend of deathcore is not too gritty but not too melodic. Keeps you headbanging the entire time with plenty of breakdowns to rest your weary neck. They made a new fan last night.
Up next was California boys, Nekrogoblikon. Another band I’ve never seen before live but have heard endless people talk about. Having been around since 2006, know how to show you a good time and get the blood pumping. Last night at Fillmore was no different. They fricken ROCK.
With a giant blow-up Gobin head providing a lovely on-theme centerpiece, the members swirl around it making it bob slightly to the beat and movements of the members. Almost no better way to open a show than what they chose, “Show Me Your Goblin” was intensely well received. The pit also got rocking pretty fast, though a few noobs were there and didn’t really know how to navigate a circle pit. Many audience members had goblin costumes and masks on, which delighted the band and also fellow concert goers of course. A bit of camp and schtick is always welcome in metal, hoping there is always space for humor and levity. Makes the contrast that much juicier when betwixt heavy tones and relentless drum rolls.
Not often do you have a thrilling duo like John Goblikon and Dickie Allen providing amazing vocals paired with the a shiny strong comedic backbone like Nekrogoblikon has. There was dancing, many middle fingers, and Hollywood leading couple chemistry. On top of that they can play without any hiccups. The sound and lighting was also on point. Loved seeing them on a bigger stage like Fillmore vs a smaller club, they had plenty of space to dance around the stage and for each member to be able to let loose in their own respective bubble. I can see why they have such a dedicated following after a few decades. I will make sure to be at every Twin Cities show from now on, can’t believe it took me so long to see them. We even got an April Fool’s joke, John fibbing that we only had one song left, when really there were three left. “This Is It” ….or was it? It wasn’t.
The wait while bobbing along in the crowd was interesting. I was a few back from the front, so really in the thick of it. Some front row warriors were getting a bit tired after waiting a few hours with a glued grip on the rail. Been there, my friends. Dedicated fans are the lifeblood of a band, Hanabie. has a full house of those. Fillmore staff was there to hand out cute tiny bottles of water and earplugs. A pair of young gals in front of my timidly looked at each other and then the ear plugs. As an older concert attendee, tried to encourage them to take some. No dice. Too shy even with the staff member doing multiple passes by them. Hopefully the next time they will take them, it’s not cool to not be able to hear. A few more costume pieces popped up and were suddenly on right before the 8:45pm start time.
The stage was pumped full of fog and soft purple light. As the lights cut out, the crowd exploded into a thunderous wail of excitement. Each of the four members came out individually, starting with drummer, Chika. Following with bassist Hettsu and guitarist/singer Matsuri, and finally lead vocalist Yukina, the fans cheered for each of them with equal vigor and delight. “NEET GAME” was a great high energy song to launch into. I know Tokyo one of, and could be arguably, THE fashion capital of the universe. Each bandmate was expertly dressed. Delicate layers of color and just the right amount of accent to give each their own look, probably some of the best styled musicians I’ve seen in years. Maybe ever? As a makeup wearing person, flawless complexions and just the right amount of highlight to send you to the moon and back. Extra awards to them for putting the aesthetic icing on top of a sweet performance. They don’t need all those visual trappings but that attention to detail on top of their exceptional musical prowess is simply outstanding.
An exemplary show, song after song was badass. The showmanship Hanabie embodies is second to none. Touring around the world to thousands of adoring fans since 2015, can’t see them stopping anytime soon. Their name translates to "flower chill" or "chilled flowers," which describes a short cold snap that occurs while blossoms begin to bloom. Perfect namesake for this tremendous quad a talented beautiful ferocious musicians.
