The next chapter for Hozier

October 11, 2018

After what can only be called a true breakout career moment Hozier quickly became a household name in early 2015 as “Take Me to Church” off his self titled debut dominated the charts and the airwaves.

The singles to follow, “Someone New” and “Jackie and Wilson” further cemented his place within in the genre as Hozier toured heavily on the material – and then as quickly as he burst onto the scene he was gone it seemed leaving us with the burning question of when we would get more from Ireland’s finest musical export this century. The answer turned out to be 2018 as Hozier silently announced a headlining tour that quickly sold out as the new single “Nina Cried Power” began to dominate alternative radio.


By the time the full EP was released on September 6 the Philadelphia show at the Fillmore had already out – flash forward to the show day and that same eagerness could be seen as a long line of fans snaked around the venue hours before doors were set to open. In the years between Hozier’s return to Philadelphia the alternative genre had shifted greatly yet Hozier’s music remained as relevant as ever as more music listeners became more drawn to lyrical content with true depth to it.


The revival of the “blues” sound has also been a rising theme and there uis no question that Hozier embodies this iconic American sound better than anyone else trying to capture the sounds of B.B King or Booker T. Jones. As the house lights went dark and Hozier strolled onto the stage with his guitar there was an energy that captivated the crowd as he started the night slowly before diving into it full force with a riveting rendition of “Like Real People Do.” To his left and right Hozier was flanked with incredible talent that shown bright all night but every moment he opted to dig in a little deeper on a guitar part you were quickly reminded that his talent knew no bounds.

The American protest era inspired “Nina Cried Power” was just the second song Hozier performed for Philadelphia as he set his guitar down to walk around the stage as he pulled his wired microphone and it’s stand a long with him as he gave a performance that would have even given the song’s guest artist Mavis Staples chills. As the evening played out Hozier reminded his fans why they were drawn to him in the first place as he transformed numerous songs off his debut album into soul-filled masterworks that flooded the venue with sound. Every so often Hozier would step away from his towering center stage microphone as we walked around with guitar in hand to perform a solo as light cascaded around him from the stage onto the crowd.


Hozier shined as the crowd belted a sing a long on his massive hit “Take Me to Church” and as they sang softly on the slower sections of “From Eden.” However, the best parts of the set came as Hozier looked towards what is coming next whether with the new songs from his EP or the creative versatility he brought to a cover of “Say My Name” by Destiny’s Child during the encore. The set was full of emotion but no moments were stronger than when given the chance to perform the newer songs. Visually Hozier was much looser on these tracks as he dug into deep solos or even walked with guitar at his side as he took in the moment with a smile on his face.


“Nina Cried Power” was the tease, The EP became the preview and the concert became the hype man for the next chapter of Hozier. It’s going to be raw, emotional and bittersweet as it should be but most importantly it is going to likely be a contender for album of the year for the genre. No one could have predicted it would be an Irishman who would become the savior of the American blues sound and there is little question that the months ahead will further cement Hozier as one of the greatest blues singers of all time.


The next chapter is almost here.


Hozier is ready, are you?

Article Written By:

Matt Christine

Trivium and Jinjer bring the 'Ascend Above The Ashes Tour' to Lancaster

By Matt Christine • November 14, 2025
Trivium is back on the road in 2025 — and this time, they’ve brought Jinjer along for a blistering run across the U.S. on the “Ascend Above The Ashes Tour.” Over the last four years, the rock and metal world has seen a wild expansion of dream-team co-headlining and powerful support on tours, the kind fans never thought they’d see outside of wish lists. Rising metal powerhouse Jinjer has been in the international spotlight ever since they were forced to exit Slipknot’s 2022 tour to return home and support Ukraine’s war efforts. In the years since, they’ve become global ambassadors for both their country and the metal community. And even as the supporting act on this tour, the band was greeted by a massive turnout and a stage setup that matched their well-earned status in the scene. Their addition on this tour with Trivium was a match made in heaven (or hell) and a perfect compliment sonically. The band's 9 song setlist got the mosh pit moving and crowd surfers flowing ahead of the main event that evening. It may have been a Wednesday night , but you wouldn’t have known it based on the crowd’s energy leading up to Trivium’s 9:50 p.m. arrival. Pennsylvania showed once again why it has a reputation as one of the weirdest and yet strongest markets in the country for rock and metal. When the band’s massive stage slowly illuminated to reveal a dramatic backdrop, Trivium launched into their set with explosive force as strobes burst to blinding effects all around them. Trivium's 14 song set was a blistering pace of their greatest hits and new material that left little time for the band to chat with the crowd as they moved quickly from song to song. Frontman Matt Heafy nearly blended into the elaborate backdrop thanks to a jacket patterned almost identically, but he was impossible to miss as he tore across the stage from mic to mic, shredding through one technical assault after another. Much like Jinjer’s opening performance, Trivium delivered a razor-sharp, 80-minute set that pulled from across their expansive catalog. From the first crushing riff to the final crack of the snare, they gave Lancaster everything they had — and the packed pit gave it right back. Opening nights can often feel unpredictable, but Lancaster showed up ready, proving once again that this city doesn’t just attend shows — it sets the bar. If the rest of the “Ascend Above Ashes Tour” follows this lead, Trivium and Jinjer are in for one unforgettable run.

Taylor Acorn returns home to Pennsylvania at the Archer Music Hall

By Matt Christine • November 12, 2025
Taylor Acorn’s return to Pennsylvania to the Arrow at the Archer Music Hall in Allentown was a homecoming a long time coming after a massive year of touring and festival appearances. Just a few weeks after performing at the When We Were Young Festival in Las Vegas - and fresh off wrapping The Summer School Tour - Taylor Acorn returned to Pennsylvania with clear momentum behind her. Touring in support of her newly released LP, she arrived at The Arrow at the Archer in Allentown with a setlist shaped around this new chapter of her sound. The fresh material wasn’t just sprinkled into the night; it was the thread that held the entire show together. And while Acorn hasn’t forgotten her roots in the pop-punk world, it’s obvious that these newer songs give her a wider lane to move in and let her shine bright onstage. The Arrow itself proved to be an ideal setting. The room was full but comfortable, with that sweet spot where you can feel the crowd’s energy without fighting for space. Warm lighting and a clear sightline from almost anywhere in the venue helped create a sense of connection the moment Acorn stepped out. It didn’t take long for the entire place to settle into a rhythm—heads nodding, hands in the air, and plenty of voices shouting back the lines they knew. Between songs, Acorn kept the energy light and the banter genuine. She shared quick stories, poked fun at herself, and made it clear she appreciated being back in her home state. Nothing dragged, nothing felt overly rehearsed—it all stayed grounded in the good-natured vibe that filled the room. By the end of the night, The Arrow at the Archer felt less like a tour stop and more like a celebration of where Acorn is right now: an artist still rooted in the scene that raised her, but growing fast and sounding sharper than ever. The crowd felt it, the room carried it, and Acorn made sure everyone left buzzing. A strong show, a great space, and the kind of night that makes you want to catch her again before the tour moves on.

Kaleo bring the 'Mixed Emotions Tour' to from Iceland to Allentown

By Matt Christine • September 19, 2025
On September 16, 2025, Icelandic rockers KALEO brought their Mixed Emotions Tour to Allentown’s Archer Music Hall, with Quarters of Change and Júníus Meyvant on the bill.