The co-headlining North American tour featuring Cold and Orgy made a memorable stop in Knoxville, Tennessee on May 11th! The evening kicked off with a dynamic duo of opening acts, offering a fusion of goth rave and headbangers’ delight that set the stage for an unforgettable night. Joining Cold and Orgy were the self-proclaimed “one woman army” I Ya Toyah and Michigan-based heavy rockers Horizon Theory, catering to the fervent goth underground community that has propelled the headliners to such prominence.
I Ya Toyah took the spotlight first, delivering a powerhouse performance that belied her solo status. Armed with her guitar and an electrifying synthesizer setup, she captivated the audience with her potent vocals and pulsating riffs. Transitioning seamlessly between shredding on the guitar and unleashing powerful screams, I Ya Toyah proved herself as a force to be reckoned with.
Horizon Theory followed with a genre shift, delivering heavy riffs and a mix of screams and clean vocals reminiscent of today’s metalcore giants. Lead singer Josh Harrington showcased his impressive vocal range, effortlessly navigating between octaves and maintaining an intense energy throughout their set.
Cold took the stage next, enveloping the venue in a somber ambiance that mirrored their renowned sound. Front man Scooter Ward, in top form following a year of sobriety, delivered a mesmerizing performance as the band delved into their catalog of hits, including “Stupid Girl” and “Suffocate.” With their engaging stage presence and stellar musicianship, Cold proved they’re destined to remain a fixture in the music scene for years to come.
Orgy brought the night to a thrilling close with a high-octane performance that exuded energy from start to finish. Celebrating their iconic album “Candy Ass,” the band transported the audience back to the goth scene of the late ’90s and early 2000s with their infectious enthusiasm and crowd-pleasing antics. Closing with their breakout hit “Blue Monday,” Orgy demonstrated that goth rock still holds sway and can make a resurgence given the opportunity.
The co-headlining tour served as a nostalgic trip, evoking memories of the late ’90s era of JNCOs, black nail polish, and wallet chains. Whether a veteran of the scene or a fan of the closing acts, this tour proved to be a must-see, showcasing bands at the top of their game and delivering an experience that surpassed expectations.
Cold and Orgy’s North American Tour continues through May 25th of 2024. For upcoming shows, visit https://coldarmy.com/.
Follow Cold, Orgy, Horizon Theory and I Ya Toyah on their socials below:
Cold: Instagram // Facebook
Orgy: Instagram // Facebook
Horizon Theory: Instagram // Facebook
I Ya Toyah: Instagram // Facebook
Photos and Review by Adam Colwell (@pixelsoftheimagination)