Coven – The Fine Line – Minneapolis MN – November 21st 2023

By Kyle Hansen 1 year ago

Coven Live at the Fine Line – Minneapolis, November 21st, 2023

Venue: The Fine Line Music Café, Minneapolis, MN
Date: November 21st, 2023
Review by: Kyle Hansen

Lucifer, led by the captivating Johanna Sadonis, has become a cornerstone of modern heavy rock, blending doom, vintage metal, and a distinct 70s hard rock vibe with a modern twist. Their performance at The Fine Line was a testament to their powerful live presence, blending their signature retro-sounding tunes with raw, unfiltered energy. For anyone unfamiliar with Lucifer, the band’s music channels everything from the occult to vintage metal, and their live show only amplifies that signature mix of doom and melody.

Atmosphere & Stage Presence

From the moment the lights went down, there was an air of anticipation. As Johanna Sadonis took the stage, the crowd was immediately drawn in by her magnetic presence. She’s not just a vocalist—she’s a frontwoman who embodies the sultry, powerful, and otherworldly vibe that defines Lucifer’s sound. The set was sleek, with the band’s aesthetic reflecting their heavy, occult influences: muted lighting, smoke billowing into the crowd, and classic rock-inspired stage attire.

The rest of the band, including guitarist Nicke Andersson (also of The Hellacopters and Imperial State Electric), brought their own level of charisma to the stage, delivering heavy riffs and propulsive rhythms that perfectly complemented Johanna’s commanding vocal delivery.

Setlist Highlights

Lucifer’s setlist was a great mix of their discography, pulling from their more recent album “Lucifer IV” as well as older tracks that have cemented their place in heavy rock. Here’s what stood out:

  • “Ghosts” – Opening with this track was the perfect choice. With its slow build, eerie atmosphere, and undeniable groove, it set the mood immediately, with the crowd swaying to the rhythm. Johanna’s voice floated over the track, both haunting and powerful, perfectly capturing the mix of melody and doom that makes Lucifer so compelling.
  • “Lucifer” – The title track from their 2018 album was an early highlight, and it was clear that the fans were ready for this one. The heavy, riff-driven nature of the song mixed with Johanna’s evocative vocals had the crowd rocking out and chanting along, a true fan-favorite moment.
  • “Midnight Phantom” – One of the band’s catchier, more upbeat songs, “Midnight Phantom” really brought out the retro side of their sound. The audience fed off the energy as Johanna nailed those soaring high notes, with the guitar solo from Nicke taking the song to another level.
  • “Bring Me His Head” – A heavy hitter in the set, this track from Lucifer III delivered the doom and gloom the crowd craved. The low-end fuzz, eerie synths, and heady bassline created a dark, hypnotic atmosphere that had the crowd completely entranced.

Crowd Reaction

The crowd at The Fine Line  was fully immersed in the experience. Fans who have followed the band for years reveled in the heavy doom riffs, while newcomers were pulled in by the charismatic stage presence and the smooth, powerful vocals of Johanna. There was an almost ceremonial vibe at times, particularly during the slower, more atmospheric songs, where the audience swayed and seemed to fall under the band’s spell.

During the heavier songs, like “Bring Me His Head” and “Lucifer,” the crowd responded with pure excitement, headbanging and cheering, their energy feeding off the band’s intensity. There was a real sense of community, with fans singing along to every word, especially during the climactic moments of the set.

Sound & Performance

Lucifer’s sound on stage was pristine. The guitars were heavy and fuzzy, the bass resonated deep, and the drums kept the rhythm pulsing. Johanna’s voice sounded as haunting live as it does on record—smooth, powerful, and full of emotion, making it clear that she’s not just a great front woman, but one of the best voices in modern doom and hard rock.

The band played with tight precision, particularly during the more intricate instrumental sections. Guitar solos were executed perfectly, with Nicke Andersson bringing his own signature flair to the stage. The mix of retro influences with modern rock energy was alive and well throughout the night.

Final Thoughts

Lucifer’s live show at The Fine Line was an unforgettable experience. The band expertly mixed vintage heavy rock with modern doom, blending melodies with crushing riffs and haunting vocals. Their stage presence was captivating, with Johanna Sadonis leading the charge and drawing the audience into every note. The setlist was well-balanced, catering to both long-time fans and newcomers alike, and the energy was electric.

If you ever get the chance to catch them live, it’s a must-see. From their powerful riffs to their haunting atmospherics, Lucifer’s live show is an experience that cements them as one of the most exciting and dynamic acts in the modern rock and doom scene.

Coven, the legendary occult rock band, descended upon The Fine Line Music Café in Minneapolis for a spellbinding performance on December 23rd, 2023. Known for their dark, theatrical presence and occult-inspired metal, the band delivered an unforgettable night of hard-hitting riffs and eerie atmospherics that kept the audience captivated from start to finish.

Atmosphere & Stage Presence

The moment the lights dimmed and the intro music played, you could feel the energy shift in the room. The Fine Line, a cozy but intimate venue, was the perfect setting for Coven’s immersive live show. The band’s stage setup, with occult symbols, dark lighting, and their signature aesthetic, set the mood immediately. Lead singer Jinx Dawson commanded attention with her powerful stage presence, an embodiment of the occult rock royalty she’s known to be. Her voice was haunting yet powerful, effortlessly moving between the soaring vocals of “Wicked Woman” and the menacing growls of “Choke, Thirst, Die.”

The band’s theatricality shone through in every performance, making each song feel like a ritual—complete with smoke machines, haunting imagery, and an energy that built with each passing track. This wasn’t just a concert; it was an experience.

Setlist Highlights

The setlist was a well-curated mix of Coven’s classic material alongside newer songs, making it clear they are still pushing the boundaries of their sound while honoring their roots.

  • “Out of Luck” kicked off the show with heavy riffs and an ominous energy, a perfect introduction to what was to come. The crowd immediately responded to the raw power and doom-laden atmosphere.
  • A cover of Black Sabbath‘s iconic track was a powerful nod to the forefathers of heavy metal. The band did the song justice, infusing it with their unique occult flavor while still respecting the original’s darker roots. It had the crowd singing along, and it felt like a tribute to the past while bringing the Coven magic into the present.
  • “Coven in Charing Cross” was a particularly standout track, with its eerie, atmospheric build and moody instrumentation. You could hear the crowd get drawn into the song’s hypnotic rhythm. This track is one that is best appreciated live, as the intense doom vibes really come alive in that setting.
  • “Wicked Woman” was a crowd favorite, with its heavy riffs and empowering lyrics. You could feel the audience get lost in the groove of the track, its dark yet triumphant energy washing over everyone. It’s songs like this that really showcase Coven’s blend of heavy metal with occult themes, something that defines their sound.
  • “The Crematory” was another standout, with its doom-laden atmosphere and theatrical delivery. This was a song that had people swaying, and when the guitars kicked in, it felt like an epic journey into the darkness.
  • The newer tracks like “Choke, Thirst, Die” and “Black Swan” felt just as at home in the setlist as the older hits. The crowd embraced these with equal fervor, especially the brutal energy of “Choke, Thirst, Die”, which brought a dose of aggression and modernity to the show.
  • The set’s closer, “Blood on the Snow”, was an intense, cinematic finale. With its dark, poetic lyrics about death and winter, the band ended the night on a high note, leaving the audience buzzing with the eerie aftereffects of the performance.

Crowd Reaction

The crowd was absolutely into it. Fans were chanting along, swaying, and clapping throughout the entire set. Whether it was the die-hard Coven devotees or first-timers experiencing their live show, everyone was mesmerized by the band’s ability to capture the essence of doom and dark metal. The more atmospheric tracks really allowed the crowd to connect on a deeper level, while the heavier songs brought out the headbangers.

The crowd’s energy only seemed to build throughout the set, and by the time the final notes of “Blood on the Snow” rang out, there was a palpable sense of awe in the air.

Final Thoughts

Coven’s performance at the Fine Line on December 23rd was an unmissable event for fans of occult rock and metal. The band’s ability to balance their occult themes with heavy, atmospheric rock was on full display, making for a performance that was both electrifying and immersive. Whether you were there for the classic hits or to experience their newer material, Coven delivered a show that was full of intensity, mystery, and, of course, that signature dark magic.

If you ever get the chance to see them live, it’s an experience that shouldn’t be missed. Coven isn’t just a band—they’re an experience, and at the Fine Line, they truly brought the darkness to life.