On a chilly October evening, fans gathered at the O2 Academy Bristol for a spectacle of sound, light, and storytelling as Columbus, Ohio’s Starset took the stage. Fresh off the release of their latest single "Brave New World," the band delivered an unforgettable night, pushing the boundaries of live rock performance and leaving their audience in awe.
From the moment the lights dimmed, the audience was catapulted into a futuristic, dystopian world—one that could have been ripped straight from the pages of a sci-fi epic. As the first notes of the show thundered through the venue, it became clear that this wasn't going to be just another rock gig. Starset brought their signature, high-concept vision to life, complete with an insane light show and a fully immersive stage setup that was as much a part of the performance as the music itself.
The band’s futuristic vibe was perfectly matched by the short film projected on a massive stage-sized screen behind them. Directed by the band themselves, the film felt like a mini-episode of Black Mirror, pulling the audience deeper into Starset's post-apocalyptic narrative. The film, a dystopian vision of a crumbling future, resonated with themes fans have come to expect from the band, echoing the lyrical intensity of "Brave New World."
What set this apart from typical concert visuals was the level of crowd interaction. At certain points, the film seemed to beckon the audience into the story itself, turning the night into more than just a rock show—it became an experience. There was an authenticity to the visuals, with minimal reliance on over-the-top CGI. Instead, it felt raw and independent, as though fans were part of a guerrilla sci-fi film shoot, with their emotions and reactions intertwined in the band’s unfolding narrative.
Their ability to blend technology with music was on full display throughout the night. Eight rotating fans positioned at the front of the stage became canvases for projected images and words, giving off an augmented reality vibe that added an entirely new dimension to the performance. It felt like standing inside a cyberpunk movie, where music, technology, and art collided.
This high-tech approach wasn’t just for show—it was a perfect complement to the band’s music. "Brave New World" was a standout moment of the night, with its crackling riffs, pummeling percussion, and haunting, dystopian lyrics ringing out across the packed venue. The sound was massive, and the crowd was clearly entranced, hanging on every beat. Their ability to move seamlessly between crushingly heavy riffs and melodic, almost ethereal refrains was a testament to their growth as musicians.
Starset is known for their meticulous attention to detail, and that was evident in every aspect of their performance. The band was incredibly tight, delivering each song with precision while maintaining a high energy level. They moved effortlessly between songs, solos, and costume changes without letting the momentum dip for a second. Notably, the band kept their stage banter to a minimum—letting the music and visuals speak for themselves, which suited the immersive vibe of the night perfectly.
For those who appreciate a high-energy performance without excessive crowd interaction, this was ideal. Starset delivered a polished, yet intense, set that left little room for distraction.
What sets Starset apart from other rock acts is their unique fusion of music and sci-fi storytelling. This was on full display at the O2 Academy, where they managed to craft a show that was as much about the experience as it was about the music. If you're a fan of rock, sci-fi, or both, you owe it to yourself to catch them live. Their ability to weave advanced technology, a cinematic narrative, and blistering live performance together is nothing short of impressive.
In a world where live shows can sometimes feel repetitive, Starset’s innovative approach keeps things fresh and exciting. With a rapidly growing global fanbase and a staggering 5 billion streams to their name, it’s clear that this is a band on the rise. And if their performance in Bristol is any indication, Starset is well on their way to becoming one of rock’s next superstar acts.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer, tonight’s show at the O2 Academy Bristol was a night to remember. The perfect blend of cinematic storytelling, high-tech stage production, and powerful music made for an experience that was equal parts rock concert and sci-fi spectacle. If "Brave New World" is a sign of things to come, then the future looks incredibly bright,-and dystopian, for Starset.
Words and Pictures by Martha Fitzpatrick
