Invent Animate Headlines with "Heavener" Tour

Sunday October 1st marked the third time I’ve seen Texas metalcore band, Invent Animate in a calendar year. By far, this was my favorite show of the three. Their music holds some special meaning for me and to see a headlining tour come through was such a great surprise. The Heavener Tour rolled up to Baltimore Soundstage in Baltimore, MD (one of my favorite venues to attend shows at) October 1st 2023.

I purchased the VIP experience and arrived nice and early to the venue for it. We got a Q&A session, two acoustic songs, photo with the band and early merch access. We also received a VIP lanyard, signed poster and “Heavener” vinyl. 100000% recommend doing VIP if you are going to this show. The acoustic songs were nothing short of angelic and the vinyl alone is worth the price you pay for VIP.

Aviana

Aviana is uniquely added to this tour package as the singer of Invent Animate, Marcus, used to be in the band. Coming from Sweden, this progressive metalcore group has a bit of a Sleeptoken vibe with their look. They easily got the room moving and began the hype of the night.

Thrown

Thrown also made the trip from Sweden to be on the Heavener Tour. Aggressive and heavy, Thrown just added to the already incredible line up of metalcore for the night. Some technical difficulties with a microphone happened and vocalist Marcus handled it well and kept the crowd engaged even while trying to juggle finding a mic that worked.

Void of Vision

Bringing another band from out of the country on, direct support for this tour is Void of Vision. This was my first time seeing them and…WOW. The stage presence and show these guys put on absolutely blew me away. They truly primed the crowd for the headliner and gained a new fan here.

Invent Animate

October 16th 2022 was the first time I’d heard any of Invent Animate’s music. In the last year I’ve seen them now three times. Their sound is like nothing I’ve heard before. From ambient tones and layers, to heavy guitars, angelic falsetto vocals to the good ‘ole metalcore screamy screams. Truly they have mastered the perfect contrast of heavy and pretty.

The four piece from Texas came on to the stage all in white and began their set with “Absence Persistent” from their newest album Heavener. “Shade Astray” was next to my delight. This song in particular holds special meaning to me as it was the first song I’d ever heard from them and was an early bonding moment with my partner.

Of course the majority of the setlist was focused on the new album, they did play a few from older albums. “Luna” from the 2014 album Everchanger album is another personal favorite of mine and I was happily surprised they played it.

If this tour hasn’t hit your area yet and you have the opportunity to go, GO. And if you can get the VIP, GET THE VIP! The acoustic songs are something you won’t find anywhere else. Easily top 5 shows I’ve been to out of hundreds.