Some concerts feel like you’re getting three shows in one, and that’s exactly what happened at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino when Halestorm, Lindsey Stirling, and Apocalyptica came through Cherokee, NC, with the highly anticipated Everest Duality tour. It was one of those nights where you get a symphony of cellos playing Metallica, a ballet and violin performance all in one, and a rock show all in a casino!
Apocalyptica kicked things off, and man, those guys prove every time that cellos can be just as metal as any guitar as they tour through a sleuth of Metallica songs with a trio of cellos and a drum kit. Watching them bow and shred their way through those heavy riffs felt like being caught in a thunderstorm as every note sang out. It was dark, powerful, and straight-up epic. The way they blend classical finesse with headbanging energy is something you just don’t get anywhere else.
Then came Lindsey Stirling, and the whole vibe shifted into this magical, almost dreamlike world. She didn’t just play the violin; she delivered a full ballet performance with it. Spinning across the stage, throwing herself into every note, she had the crowd absolutely mesmerized. Songs like “Crystallize” felt like watching music come alive in motion, and she brought this uplifting energy that made everyone smile.
By the time Halestorm hit the stage, the room was ready to explode. Lzzy Hale came out swinging, her voice soaring and gritty as always! From “Love Bites” to “I Miss the Misery,” she had everyone screaming the words back at her. The quartet also played a variety of new songs from their recently released album, Everest that proved their new stuff is just as great as the old. Arejay went wild on the drums; he’s always a show by himself, playing baseball with falling confetti and even playing with oversized drumsticks. The whole band felt locked in and on fire from start to finish. Cherokee could feel that raw, no-holds-barred energy that makes Halestorm such a killer live band.
What made this night so cool was how different each act was. Apocalyptica brought the heavy yet haunting sound that only cellos can deliver, Lindsey Stirling created magic on stage through violin and dance, and Halestorm closed it all out with straight-up rock excellence. Three totally different flavors, but together they just worked, and it worked big.
Walking out into the cool Cherokee night, people were still high on the energy that graced the stage, still talking about what they just saw. It was a legendary combination of acts that delivered one of the best nights of music the fall has to offer. If the Everest Duality Tour rolls through your town, do yourself a favor and see it!
