Ville Valo brings 'NEON NOIR' to the TLA for 2 SOLD OUT Shows

April 4, 2023

Ville Valo's return to Philadelphia has been a long time coming with his two solo shows announcing over a year ago but patients fans were rewarded as the Finnish rocker brought not only the tour of the year with him but quiet possibly the album of the year as well.

'Neon Noir' marked Valo's first release post HIM and the album was met to critical appraise from nearly every outlet in the industry. Valo's voice has aged fantastically over the year and the album is a true masterpiece of musicianly as Valo not only sang but performed/wrote every instrumental on the album as well. While not sonically different than much of his previous material with HIM the album showcased new energy that still channeled that classic sound we know from Ville Valo. To paraphrase one of the reviews "listening to it felt like catching up with an old friend you hadn't seen awhile who is doing really well now." Those who have listened to the album will likely understand that take more than those who haven't.

Ville Valo hit the stage just past 9PM as a light purple LED wash of lighting was cast around him and his touring band. Behind them a giant VV illuminated the sold out Theater of Living Arts in Philadelphia that further burst to life as a full fledged heartagram came to life as the show started. To no surprise Valo started with material from his recently released solo album 'Neon Noir.' The crowd burst to life with joy as Valo strutted to the microphone standing and began belting out the haunting lyrics of "Echolocate Your Love" to start the evening off. The anticipation of the crowd reached a fever pitched in the minutes to Valo's arrival to stage and by the end of the first song it had spilled over as the crowd roared with applause - however their excitement would go even higher as Valo and his band moved quickly into the HIM mainstay "The Funeral of Hearts" before dipping back into some new material with the title track, "Neon Noir."


Through out the night Valo paced the set well as he jumped between delivering stunning renditions of classic HIM songs alongside his new solo material in a setlist that felt truly organic. All of the 'Neon Noir' material bled right into the HIM songs in a way that gave both material new life and new ways to shine. While Valo has always been praised for his artistry both on and off the stage there has never been a better era for the musician than the one we are currently experience. Valo on stage has truly never sounded better - from new songs to old songs and even some deeper cuts Valo commanded the stage with his performance. In terms of artistry his work has never been more critical than it is now, the fresh takes on "Neon Noir" cut like a fresh blade into the root of the world we are currently all trying to exist in and his older material with HIM has aged like fine wine with many of the songs possibly being more relevant artistically and lyrically today than when they were released.


Ville Valo has been an artistic force for multiple decades at this point and with each chapter he continues to surprise. 'Neon Noir' may have turned the page for the artist into a new era but that doesn't mean Valo is afraid to look back at the chapters that got him to this point. Valo remains on tour supporting 'Neon Noir' through May - though based on the response to this tour and nearly every date being sold out I'd wager a strong better we see Valo sooner than not back on stage in the state.

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.