Villian Of the Story – Skyway Theater – Minneapolis Mn – October 11th 2025

Villian Of the Story-Divide The Fall–The Wise Man’s Fear-Execution Day- Odds of an Afterthought at Skyway Theater and Studio B- Minneapolis Mn 10-11-25

Review and Photos By: Brian Underhill

Nestled in the heart of downtown Minneapolis, the Skyway Theatre is a multi-level entertainment complex that has become a cornerstone of the Twin Cities’ live music scene. Whether you’re into EDM, metal, hip-hop, or indie rock, this venue offers a dynamic experience across its various rooms — with Studio B standing out as a hidden gem. If you’re craving a sonic storm of breakdowns, melodic hooks, and raw emotion, this lineup delivers a masterclass in modern heavy music. The recent tour featuring Odd of an Afterthought, Execution Day, The Wise Man’s Fear, Divide the Fall, and Villain of The Story is a showcase of genre-blending brilliance and underground grit.

Opening the night with a punch of alternative metal and post-hardcore, ODDS Of AN AFTERTHOUGHT set the tone with tight riffs and emotionally charged vocals. Their ability to shift from soaring choruses to guttural screams keeps the crowd on edge — and engaged. Their set felt like a cathartic release, especially for fans of bands like I Prevail or Wage War.

Execution Day brought a darker, more aggressive energy. Their blend of metalcore and nu-metal influences creates a sound that’s both punishing and catchy. Tracks like “Hollow” and “Escape” hit hard, with breakdowns that had the pit swirling. Their stage presence is commanding — they don’t just perform, they confront.

A standout of the night, The Wise Man’s Fear infuses fantasy themes into their progressive metalcore sound. Think of them as the Tolkien of breakdowns — epic, layered, and cinematic. Their use of synths and ambient textures adds depth, while their dual vocal approach keeps things dynamic. Fans of ERRA and Invent Animate will find a lot to love here.

Divide The Fall straddles the line between alternative metal and radio-ready rock. Their polished sound and infectious choruses make them the most accessible act of the night — but don’t mistake that for softness. Their live energy is undeniable, and their ability to connect with the crowd is a testament to their rising star status. They will be taking some time off to rest up and get ready for next year. January and into February could be busy I was told by the band but couldn’t elaborate because it’s waiting on a confirmation and gearing up for some big news. So, stay tuned for that.

Headlining with unapologetic intensity, Villain of The Story is the culmination of everything this tour represents: passion, power, and progression. Their set was a rollercoaster of emotion, from anthemic singalongs to crushing breakdowns. Their Minnesota roots shine through in their authenticity and DIY ethos, and their evolution from local act to national force is inspiring.

This tour isn’t just a collection of bands — it’s a movement. Each act brings something unique, yet they all share a commitment to pushing the boundaries of heavy music. Whether you’re a die-hard metalcore fan or just dipping your toes into the scene, this lineup is a perfect snapshot of where the genre is headed. Minnesota is an area that is producing the newest and upcoming bands. If you get a chance, go check these bands out. Thank you to the crew at the Skyway theater and Studio B. They were very helpful in getting where I needed to be and to have them explain the show ruled as far as coverage goes.