As fans filtered into The Fillmore, there was an immediate sense of anticipation. The stage setup was a futuristic vision, featuring massive LED screens, control panels, and atmospheric lighting. It looked like a command center straight out of a science fiction movie, setting the mood for the performance to come. The crowd, a mix of die-hard fans sporting Starset’s signature “Divisions” symbols and newcomers eager to see what the band had to offer, buzzed with excitement as the house lights dimmed.
The band opened with “Unbecoming,” immediately thrusting the audience into their elaborate, sci-fi-inspired narrative. Frontman Dustin Bates, dressed in a black spacesuit, led the charge, his powerful voice cutting through the layered electronic beats and heavy guitar riffs. The combination of live instruments and pre-programmed electronic elements created a dense, cinematic soundscape that enveloped the audience. Bates’ commanding stage presence was matched by the band’s cohesion, each member playing with a precision that added to the futuristic aesthetic of the show.
As the concert progressed, Starset delivered a setlist that spanned their entire discography, from their debut album *Transmissions* to their most recent release, *Horizons*. Songs like “Monster” and “Echos” ignited the crowd, with fans singing along to every word and moshing to the heavier breakdowns. These early hits retained their emotional intensity, but the live renditions felt even more expansive, with the band’s dynamic use of visuals and lights adding layers of depth to each track. Bates’ performance of “It Has Begun” was a standout moment, his vocal delivery packed with urgency as the screen behind him displayed otherworldly imagery of planets and stars, pulling the audience deeper into the story Starset was telling.
The immersive visuals played a crucial role in enhancing the live experience. Throughout the show, massive LED panels behind the band displayed stunning 3D animations of celestial landscapes, space battles, and abstract scientific data. These visuals weren’t just background noise—they were integral to the narrative Starset was weaving. During “Manifest,” a song driven by both electronic pulses and crushing guitar riffs, the screens displayed explosions of light and energy that synchronized perfectly with the song’s crescendos, amplifying the track’s impact. It felt less like watching a rock band and more like being part of an audiovisual spectacle designed to transport the audience to another dimension.
The set also included newer material, with songs like “Degenerate” and “Brave New World” showcasing the evolution of Starset’s sound. These tracks incorporated more polished electronic elements, but still retained the heavy, anthemic quality that has defined their work. The blend of synthetic beats with live guitars and drums was seamless, creating a sound that was both futuristic and deeply emotional. Bates took several moments between songs to connect with the crowd, speaking about the band’s journey and the themes of science, technology, and human experience that drive their music. His thoughtful, almost philosophical reflections added another layer to the performance, drawing the audience into the conceptual world Starset inhabits.
The band’s dedication to their narrative-driven approach was further exemplified by their attention to detail in production. The lighting design was sharp and carefully synchronized to match the music’s intensity, with bright flashes and pulses of color mimicking the sonic peaks and valleys of each song. This meticulous attention to both sound and visuals created an atmosphere that felt like more than just a concert—it was an experience that played on the senses in a way few other rock bands achieve.
The encore brought the night to an emotional close, with the band performing fan-favorite “TokSik.” Bates’ vocals were both haunting and hopeful as he belted out the chorus, the crowd matching his energy, their voices echoing through the venue. As the final notes faded and the lights dimmed, the screen behind the band displayed one last cosmic image: a spaceship hurtling off into the unknown, a fitting end to a show that felt like an otherworldly journey from start to finish.
Starset
