Omnium Gatherum, Hinayana, Æther Realm at 1720 – Live Review
Omnium Gatherum
Omnium Gatherum, Hinayana, Æther Realm, 1720, Los Angeles, CA., December 2, 2025
The almighty Omnium Gatherum made their way to the West Coast on their May The Bridges We Burn Light The Way to North America headlining tour, bringing their signature brand of melodic death metal to the infamous 1720, tucked deep in the dark heart of Downtown Los Angeles. The venue, known for hosting some of the most intense underground shows in the city, provided the perfect backdrop for a night of crushing riffs and atmospheric soundscapes.
Joining the esteemed Finns on this stacked bill were Austin-based melodic death metal force Hinayana, whose soaring melodies and thunderous rhythms set the tone early, and North Carolina’s genre-bending collective Æther Realm, delivering a dynamic performance that blended ferocity with theatrical flair. Together, the lineup promised—and delivered—an unforgettable evening of sonic intrigue and relentless headbanging.
Hinayana
Hinayana
Hinayana, proudly releasing music through Napalm Records, opened the evening with a set that was both crushing and atmospheric. Their ability to weave melodic textures into death metal riffs created a soundscape that felt simultaneously heavy and transcendent. The Austin-based band showcased tracks that highlighted their knack for balancing aggression with soaring, almost ethereal passages.
The crowd was immediately drawn into their performance, headbanging to the thunderous rhythms while being carried away by the melodic undertones. Hinayana proved themselves a rising force in the genre, delivering a performance that was polished, passionate, and a perfect prelude to the night’s chaos. Their set demonstrated not only technical mastery but also emotional resonance, leaving fans eager to explore more of their catalog and future releases.
Hinayana on Instagram
Æther Realm
Æther Realm
Æther Realm, also signed to Napalm Records, brought an entirely different but equally captivating energy to the stage. Known for their genre-bending approach, the North Carolina collective fused melodic death metal with folk-inspired flourishes, theatrical flair, and a sense of playful chaos. Their set was dynamic, shifting from ferocious blasts of speed to melodic choruses that had the audience chanting along. The band’s charisma was undeniable, with every member contributing to the infectious energy that filled the venue.
Æther Realm’s ability to balance technical precision with sheer entertainment made their performance unforgettable, leaving fans exhilarated and primed for the headliner’s arrival. Their bold creativity and fearless stage presence underscored why they’ve become one of Napalm’s most exciting acts, pushing boundaries while keeping audiences fully engaged.
Æther Realm on Instagram
Omnium Gatherum
Omnium Gatherum
When Omnium Gatherum finally took the stage, the atmosphere at 1720 reached its peak. Touring in support of their brand-new album May the Bridges We Burn Light the Way on Century Media Records, the Finnish melodic death metal veterans delivered a set that was both ferocious and deeply emotive. The new material showcased their continued evolution, blending crushing riffs with expansive melodies that felt cinematic in scope. Tracks from the album resonated with fresh intensity, while older fan favorites reminded the audience of the band’s enduring legacy.
Jukka Pelkonen’s guttural vocals provided a commanding anchor, while Markus Vanhala’s guitar work soared with technical brilliance and emotional depth. The band’s cohesion was remarkable—every transition seamless, every atmospheric passage perfectly balanced against the heavier moments. The crowd responded with unrelenting energy, moshing, chanting, and raising fists in unison. Yet amid the chaos, Omnium Gatherum carved out moments of melodic clarity that reminded everyone why they remain one of the genre’s most respected acts.
By the end of the night, it was clear this wasn’t just a performance—it was a statement. Omnium Gatherum’s new album has reinvigorated their sound, and their live show proved they are still pushing boundaries while staying true to their melodic death metal roots.
Omnium Gatherum
In Conclusion
The Los Angeles stop at 1720 was more than just another night on tour—it felt like a convergence of energy unique to the city’s underground metal scene. With Hinayana and Æther Realm igniting the crowd early, Omnium Gatherum’s headlining set elevated the evening into something unforgettable, proving why LA remains a vital destination for international acts.
The venue’s gritty atmosphere amplified the intensity, while the audience’s unrelenting enthusiasm turned the performance into a communal celebration of heavy music. For one night in Downtown LA, melodic death metal reigned supreme, leaving fans with memories as enduring as the riffs themselves.
(Review by Ken Morton – Photos by Jack Lue)
Omnium Gatherum on Instagram
