The Last in Line - Medina Entertainment Center - Medina MN - April 14th 2023

The Last in Line live at the Medina Entertainment Center in Medina Minnesota on April 14th 2023

Review and photos by Kyle Hansen

When Paralandra took the stage at their recent show, it was clear that this rising rock band has something special going for them. With their blend of hard rock, modern alternative, and a touch of the 80s-inspired melodic flair, Paralandra’s live performance proved that they are more than just an up-and-coming name in the rock scene—they’re a force to be reckoned with.

The Venue: A Perfect Stage for Paralandra’s Energy

The venue was packed with eager fans, and the energy in the room was palpable from the moment the lights went down. Whether it was an intimate club setting or a larger venue, Paralandra’s performance felt at home in the space. The atmosphere was electric, with fans of all ages eagerly anticipating the show, creating an environment where you could feel the anticipation build up as the band prepared to hit the stage.

Paralandra: A High-Energy Show with a Lot of Heart

When Paralandra hit the stage, they did so with intensity and passion. The moment Kendra “KC” Black (vocals) took the microphone, it was clear that this band was ready to bring it. KC’s voice has that rare combination of power, emotion, and clarity—reminiscent of some of rock’s greats, but with her own fresh twist. There’s a rawness to her delivery that commands your attention from the first note.

The rest of the band—Derrick W. Black (guitar), Daniel Ingram (bass), and Dustin D. Black (drums)—held down the fort with tight, precise musicianship. The band’s chemistry was undeniable, and their ability to seamlessly transition between hard-hitting, anthemic moments and softer, more introspective sections of their set showcased their versatility.

Setlist: Anthems and Introspection

The setlist was a perfect mix of tracks from their recent albums and crowd-pleasing favorites. Songs like “Breathe” and “Numb” brought the house down, with the audience singing along every chance they got. The songs offered a great balance between the heavy and melodic, which is one of the things that really sets Paralandra apart from many of their peers.

“Breathe” – The opening track kicked things off with soaring guitars and KC’s dynamic vocals. It’s a song that builds slowly into an anthem, and in the live setting, it felt even more powerful. The energy in the room was immediately felt as the crowd got into the groove.
“Numb” – This was a standout moment. The song’s emotional depth, paired with the band’s energy, created a raw, vulnerable atmosphere. KC’s voice soared through the highs, and the guitar work was haunting and beautiful, pulling you into the moment.
“Crazy” – A perfect example of Paralandra’s ability to mix classic rock influences with a modern edge. The song was a high-energy number that had the whole venue rocking, with fist-pumping moments and sing-alongs. The catchy chorus and infectious groove made it one of the crowd’s favorites.
“Breaking Through” – One of their newer tracks, this song showcased the band’s growth and the strength of their songwriting. The infectious riff and KC’s powerful vocals turned it into a show-stopping moment, one that definitely felt like a future staple in their live shows.

The Band’s Stage Presence: Engaging and Passionate

One of the highlights of the night was how much Paralandra interacted with the audience. They didn’t just play their music—they made sure the crowd felt every note. KC was a magnetic frontwoman, engaging with fans and feeding off their energy. She’s the kind of singer who has a commanding stage presence but never loses sight of the connection with her audience. Whether she was belting out high notes or sharing a quiet moment of introspection, she made sure everyone in the room was along for the ride.

The rest of the band was equally tight. Derrick W. Black’s guitar work was sharp and full of character, weaving between chunky riffs and solos that added an extra layer of grit and emotion to the set. Daniel Ingram’s bass lines were solid, giving the music both depth and movement, while Dustin D. Black’s drumming was dynamic and always on point, driving the band forward through each song.

Visuals and Production: Simple but Effective

Paralandra’s stage production was straightforward but effective. The lighting was dramatic, shifting from blues and purples during the more moody tracks to fiery reds and oranges during the high-energy rock anthems. The visuals supported the vibe of each song without overwhelming it—creating a vibe that matched the emotional journey of the performance.

Fan Interaction: Real Connection

Throughout the night, the band took time to thank the fans for their support, sharing personal stories and acknowledging the crowd’s energy. It was clear that the members of Paralandra are incredibly grateful for their growing fanbase and that connection was evident in the way they performed. There was a moment during the encore where KC invited the audience to sing along, creating a feeling of unity and shared experience. It’s always refreshing to see a band that not only puts on a great show but also takes the time to engage with their fans on a deeper level.

Encore: A Powerful Close

To wrap up the night, Paralandra came back for an encore that included their hit track “Get Back”. The final song was the perfect end to the night—fist-pumping energy, heavy riffs, and an unforgettable performance. The audience was left wanting more, with everyone buzzing as they made their way out of the venue.

Final Thoughts: Paralandra is on the Rise

Paralandra’s live show was a true testament to the band’s growth and potential. Their ability to blend hard rock with melodic sensibilities, while delivering an emotional and powerful performance, makes them a standout in the modern rock scene. With a strong frontwoman like KC, a talented band backing her, and a growing catalog of songs that strike a chord with their audience, Paralandra has all the ingredients to be a mainstay in the rock world.

If you’re a fan of modern rock with emotional depth, memorable hooks, and high energy, Paralandra is a band you need to see live. Their performance proved they’re not just a one-time buzz—they’re a group with staying power, and their future looks incredibly bright.

On a crisp evening at Medina Entertainment Center in Medina, Minnesota, fans were treated to a night of classic hard rock with The Last in Line. The band, made up of legendary musicians from the early days of Dio (including members of the Holy Diver lineup), delivered a powerful and emotional performance. Their set was packed with both Dio classics and original material, showcasing their place in the hard rock lineage while honoring the late Ronnie James Dio’s legacy. Here’s a look at the unforgettable evening:

Venue: Intimate and Energetic

Medina Entertainment Center is a great venue for live rock music. With its intimate setting and impressive sound system, it felt like a perfect place to experience the energy of a band like The Last in Line. The venue’s casual yet lively atmosphere made it easy for fans to get up close to the action, creating a sense of community and connection between the band and the audience. There was no separation between the stage and the crowd—just a shared celebration of music.

Opening Act: Building the Vibe

The opening act set the tone for the night, providing a solid warm-up for what was to come. Their style, heavy with classic rock influences, gave the crowd a taste of what they were there for—loud, unapologetic rock ‘n’ roll. They got the crowd fired up and ready for The Last in Line, and the vibe was just right as the lights dimmed and the main event began.

The Last in Line: A Sonic Journey Through Hard Rock History

When The Last in Line took the stage, it was like stepping back into a golden era of rock. Vinny Appice (drums), Vivian Campbell (guitar), Andrew Freeman (vocals), and Phil Soussan (bass) entered the stage with undeniable presence. The band wasted no time in reminding everyone why they are still at the top of their game in the world of classic hard rock.

Setlist: A Beautiful Mix of Classic and New

The setlist was a carefully crafted balance of Dio classics and tracks from their own albums, and it hit all the right notes. From the moment they launched into “Stand Up and Shout”, the crowd was immediately engaged, their energy only building with each passing song.

“Stand Up and Shout” – As the opener, this iconic Dio track was the perfect way to kick off the night. Andrew Freeman did an impressive job channeling Ronnie James Dio’s powerful voice, with the crowd belting out the lyrics in unison.
“We Rock” – Another classic from Dio’s The Last in Line album, this track had the whole room rocking, with its infectious riffs and powerful rhythm. It’s a song that truly stands the test of time, and the band’s delivery was spot on.
“The Last in Line” – Of course, they couldn’t leave this one out. The title track from The Last in Line album was a high point in the show, with its anthemic chorus and unforgettable riff. The audience sang along like it was a timeless anthem, a moment of pure rock bliss.
“Holy Diver” – A Dio classic that brought the house down. This song, one of the most iconic in rock history, had everyone from the front row to the back singing every word. Freeman’s vocal range shone through as he delivered this one with passion and precision, proving that he’s more than capable of carrying on the Dio legacy.
“Burn This Place to the Ground” – A standout moment came when the band played one of their own tracks, showing that The Last in Line isn’t just a tribute band. Their original material, like “Burn This Place to the Ground”, brought a fresh energy to the show while still staying true to their hard rock roots.

A Tribute to Ronnie James Dio

As a band formed by former members of Dio’s iconic lineup, The Last in Line doesn’t just perform Ronnie James Dio’s music—they live and breathe it. Throughout the show, there was a palpable sense of reverence for their late friend and bandmate. At various points, the band spoke about their time with Dio, sharing stories and memories of their experiences together.

Andrew Freeman, who is often compared to Dio for his vocal style, was particularly moving during these moments. He took a moment to honor Ronnie’s memory and legacy, reminding everyone in the crowd just how much Dio’s music meant to the hard rock community. It was a special moment of connection, and you could see how much it meant to both the band and the audience.

Band Chemistry and Stage Presence

There’s an undeniable chemistry between the members of The Last in Line. Vivian Campbell, as always, was incredible on guitar, his solos razor-sharp and emotionally charged. His experience with Dio and Def Leppard gave him the chops to seamlessly blend the two worlds of classic rock and modern metal. Vinny Appice on drums laid down a thunderous foundation, driving the songs with precision and power. The rhythm section, with Phil Soussan on bass, kept the groove tight and unrelenting, making sure every song hit hard.

Andrew Freeman’s vocal performance was particularly impressive. He’s a natural frontman, exuding charisma and energy. He didn’t try to be Ronnie, but instead, he paid tribute to him by capturing the spirit of Dio’s voice while adding his own personality to the performance. His ability to nail both the power and emotion of Dio’s songs was a highlight of the evening.

Crowd Energy: Rocking Out Together

The crowd at Medina was fully engaged from the get-go. Fans were on their feet, cheering, singing, and rocking out like it was a packed stadium show. There’s something special about seeing a band like The Last in Line in such an intimate venue—the connection between the band and the fans felt personal. Fans who grew up listening to Dio’s music were right there in the front row, sharing the experience with newer generations of rock fans who might have discovered Dio’s legacy through The Last in Line’s modern take on the classics.

Encore: A Triumphant Close

The band closed the night with an encore that was nothing short of triumphant. They finished strong with “Rainbow in the Dark” and “We Rock”, sending the crowd home with that sense of pure rock satisfaction. The final moments were a perfect way to wrap up an evening that paid tribute to rock history while embracing the future.

Final Thoughts: A Night of Hard Rock Glory

The Last in Line at Medina Entertainment Center was a true celebration of hard rock’s legacy and a reminder of why we still need this kind of music in the world. With a setlist that balanced classic Dio tracks and their own material, incredible musicianship, and a deep respect for their late bandmate, the band delivered a show that was both a tribute and a revival of timeless rock energy.

For fans of classic rock and Dio’s music, this was a show that shouldn’t be missed. The Last in Line continues to prove they are a force to be reckoned with, and this concert was a powerful testament to their commitment to keeping rock alive.