CONCERT REVIEW: Lucifer – Coven – Early Moods Live at Le Poisson Rouge


The renowned venue Le Poisson Rouge hosted an unholy night of Heavy Metal, in the heart of New York City. A triple bill dubbed “The Satanic Panic Tour” – featured Lucifer, Coven, and Early Moods. It was the perfect environment for this tour. The bands did not disappoint, giving a modern throwback feeling of heavy metal.

The openers Early Moods, set the tone for the evening with their fresh take on Doom and Heavy Metal. They reminded  me of early Black Sabbath, just more soulful. Their sound was a perfect homage to the genre’s roots. Their performance was tight and energetic, even singer Alberto Alcaraz’s wardrobe was the essence of 1970s heavy metal with a modern twist. showcasing their skills. The highlight of their set was the standout track, “Spell of the Pentagram,” with its heavy riffs and thumping drums. 

The cornerstone band Coven’s blend of Heavy Rock and Doom Metal, coupled with their theatrically dark aesthetic, created a captivating atmosphere. Jinx Dawson’s hauntingly melodious voice and the band’s psychedelic rock elements transported the audience back to the 70s. Their set included classic hits like “Black Sabbath” and “Wicked Woman,” which were received with great enthusiasm by the fans. Combined with the band’s tight musicianship, they created an eerie, exhilarating atmosphere, full of chant-a-longs. Johanna of Lucifer also joined them for a duet for “Blood On The Snow!”

Headlining this evening was Lucifer, with their blend of Heavy Rock and Psych Rock, led by Johanna Sadonis! Her emotive vocals were the perfect conduit for their darkly poetic lyrics. Their performance brought together heavy riffs, melodic hooks, and Sadonis’ powerful vocals. They had a fill in drummer for this tour (subbing in for legend Nicke Andersson), but the band’s chemistry was undeniable. They delivered each song with precision and passion, such as tracks like “Morning Star” and “Phoenix” Their setlist covered a range across their discography, leaving the audience mesmerized by their tough, but tuneful sound. A highlight of the set was a cover of Pentagram’s song “Forever My Queen,” with Alberto from Early Moods joining in. Lucifer’s new album V is due out early in 2024.

The energy in the room was great as the bands fed off those vibes. Sure, the bands were similar but at no point did it all feel the same sounding. And that’s how it’s done. This event, a gathering of some of the most promising acts in the metal scene, as well as legends, delivered an unforgettable performance for the enthusiastic crowd. An unforgettable experience for all.

Buy Lucifer music and merch here:
https://amzn.to/3tScFwQ

Buy Coven music and merch here:
https://amzn.to/3HdTlgE

Buy Early moods music and merch here:
https://amzn.to/3ScEPvW

WORDS AND PHOTOS BY OMAR CORDY OF OJC PICS