Maria Brink performs with In This Moment at Rock On The Range in May. Appearing for just their third time at the festival, In This Moment took the main stage by storm. Photos by Damien Dennis
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he first time I saw In This Moment was in December 2012 at the Royal Oak Music Theatre in the Detroit area. They were touring as support for Halestorm, who had just been nominated for a Grammy.
When Maria Brink and her bandmates took to the stage, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was shocked when they turned out to be the sort of metal that melts your face and leaves you wanting more. I first described Maria Brink as Lady Gaga if she went metal.
Now, I describe her as Maria Brink – Metal Goddess.
In This Moment is possibly one of the best and most charismatic acts in the metal scene today, and the ferocity of Brink adds even more to the show.
Their seven-song set was like a live theater show, as Brink and her dancers would go through various wardrobe changes while bandmates looked like gothic warriors determined to spill blood. The set featured songs like “Sick Like Me” and “Black Widow” to open the set, while favorites such as “Whore” and “Blood” wrapped things up.
During “Sex Metal Barbie,” Brink donned a disturbing plastic mask that resembled a Barbie’s face if held to a flame for the first portion of the song.
Drummer Tom Hane was was given a chance to shine, performing a drum solo between “Adrenalize” and “Whore.”
Time and time again, In This Moment has excelled beyond expectations. While some portions of their set have remained the same since my first time seeing them years ago – such as the smoke gun Brink uses during certain songs – other portions have featured new elements to tie in new songs and ideas.
If given the chance to see this band in the near future, do not pass it up. In This Moment brings a mix of heavy music and dark themes with a bit of sex appeal that will leave you wanting more, even if they’re not your favorite band.
