I See Stars – Double Whammy: October 15, 2025 (13th Floor Concert Review)
I See Stars, American hypermetal/electronicore pioneers, lit up Double Whammy on Wednesday, October 15, with a performance that fused metalcore, EDM and a touch of balladry.
Touring Australasia following the release of their latest LP and headlining in New Zealand for the first time, the band delivered a high-energy set that was both chaotic and cathartic—a snapshot of their evolution and enduring relevance.
Elidi
Before the main event hit the stage, Christchurch band Elidi delivered a magnetic performance. Their presence was confident yet refreshingly unpretentious, and their ability to connect with the audience felt deeply authentic.
Whether it was the textured vocals, tight instrumentation, or subtle charisma, Elidi proved they were more than just an opening act. Their set left a lasting impression and set the tone perfectly for the night ahead. Their latest release, Angor Animi, is a must-listen.
I See Stars
I See Stars, formed in Warren, Michigan, in 2006 during their pre-teens, have forged a unique blend of post-hardcore and electronic music. The lineup features Devin Oliver (vocals), Andrew Oliver (keys, vocals), Brent Allen (guitar), Jeff Valentine (bass) with Dakota Sammons (drums), Their discography spans six studio albums, with THE WHEEL (2025) marking the latest chapter in their recording journey. The album was shaped by a literal wheel of chance, guiding the creative process and resulting in a non-linear, emotionally raw collection of tracks.
The venue was close to capacity as the band everyone was here to see smashed straight into their big soaring tracks, immersing the crowd in the surreal world of I See Stars. Right from the start, Devin Oliver took total control —an outstanding showman, he cajoled, demanded, and led fans in a high-energy, interactive performance that captured everything from singalongs to massive pit circles and an unlimited amount of semi-coordinated jumping.
The setlist pulled heavily from their extensive catalogue, including standout tracks like D4MAGE DONE, Calm Snow, and Eliminator—each delivered with precision and passion. Fan favorites like Filth Friends Unit, Running With Scissors, and White Lies were met with roaring approval, and showcased the band’s ability to seamlessly blend past and present. The lighting design was dynamic— pulsing in sync with the beat—while the sound mix responded well to the small space, allowing both the electronic layers and heavy breakdowns to shine. Devin Oliver’s vocals were impressive, shifting effortlessly between melodic clarity and guttural intensity.
I See Stars’ performance was an exercise in controlled chaos. Their ability to navigate genre shifts—from metal to glitchy industrial rock to heartfelt balladry—was ambitious and well executed. The audience’s engagement was strong throughout, with fans visibly moved during quieter moments and fully energized during breakdown-heavy tracks. The set-finishing Anomaly delivered a stadium-feel anthem to close out a frenetic and very much alive show.
Overall, I See Stars proved to be ultimate performers, and their Auckland show was a celebration of variety, sonic experimentation, and the enduring power of noisy bands in small venues. The huge army of followers who turned out went home buzzing.
John Hastings
Click on any image to view a photo gallery by Chris Zwaagdyk:
I See Stars:
Elidi:
