Visceral, zealous, stimulating, eccentric, ethereal, emotional- even more adjectives to add from our last review of the infamous IAMX. From the dark clutches of the mastermind Chris Corner’s deepest thoughts, this exceptional band has found their way back to Los Angeles at the notorious Regent Theater.
For the lucky fans that managed to score tickets to this theatrical extravaganza, IAMX bellowed out an extended set, featuring two encores. However, this extended concert was simultaneously bittersweet as the band announced the end of an era, and the anticipation of a significant break while new music is being concocted in the background. The last of the North American shows (for a bit of time anyways!) truly went out with a bang.
The concert opened with a billow of smoke and a steady beat that flowed into “No Maker Made Me”, with an incredible energy that made even the shyest of audience dance. IAMX is notorious for their extreme energy and truly bringing the music to life, and this concert was no exception. The set list rant through a large array of the band’s discography, from fan classics such as “Kiss & Swallow” to music off of the most recently released EP, Everything is Burning, an addendum to their last full length release, Metanoia. The two encores featured absolute crowd favorites such as “I Come with Knives”, “Oh Cruel Darkness Embrace Me”, and more, each of which included an incredible visual performance. It’s truly worth noting how well these musicians separate each song of their set with an entirely different performance per track, each melody catapults the audience into an utterly altered feeling.
Drummer Jon Siren was first to make his appearance, taking a seat behind the drum kit in anticipation for the wild show to come. Keyboardists/backup vocalists/additional musicians Sammi Doll and Janine Gezang sprung out next, donning fishnet body suits and the spunkiest of attitudes. Front man Chris Corner made his grand entrance to the stage in a large feathered headdress and fishnets, a unique androgynous look that highlights the man’s inimitable artistic perspective. Each band member brought their own personalities and eclectic nature to the night, with Jon Siren really bringing the vigor with his powerful beats, Sammi Doll rocking the keytar and constantly interacting with the audience, Janine Gezang honoring the crowd with wild bass and keeping them cool with spraying water, and of course, Chris Corner’s indescribable performance. There is a reason this band’s energy level is mentioned frequently throughout this review – IAMX has genuinely tapped into something remarkable here if you are able to make an entire room move without hesitation.
In addition to this show review, it is worth mentioning that the band’s video, “The Void”, officially premiered on October 11th, just a few days shy of this concert. From Chris’s own words, “”The Void” represents the end of an era. The completion of my own personal transformation after a 2 year battle with depression and chronic insomnia. It’s an addendum to the album Metanoia. The video is a fusion or a mashup of all the IAMX videos during this period. Some shot and directed by me, some by others.”
Come take a look at it below:
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