Throughout the years, we have consistently kept tabs on Solence and their ever-evolving output. With every album cycle, there is always a handful of tracks that inevitably find their way into our monthly rotations and refuse to leave. Yet, despite our long-standing digital relationship with the band, we had never actually taken the plunge to witness them in the flesh. With the release of their latest powerhouse record, ANGELS CALLING, we finally caved. We headed to a packed TivoliVredenburg in Utrecht to see if the Swedish quartet could translate that studio energy to the stage.
The band’s latest body of work has propelled Solence to new heights. Driven by the success of singles like Angels Calling and Where Were You..?, the band’s popularity has risen, and the sheer volume of fans gathered in Utrecht was a testament to that momentum. As this was our first-ever Solence show, which is a rarity for us these days, we were buzzing with anticipation to see exactly what the band brings to their live performance and if they could offer that extra “spark” beyond the recordings.
As it turns out, a Solence show is nothing short of an incredible party. The band excels at breaking down the barrier between the stage and the barrier. In-between tracks, they kept the energy high with playful banter, often asking the crowd to scream specific phrases to trigger the next instrumental explosion. Whether they were demanding full-venue moshing, synchronised dancing, or a classic sing-along, the crowd participation was relentless.
The setlist was a well-curated journey through their discography, and some of the songs we did not know. What struck us most was how consistent the quality was; one track was even catchier than the last. Even the songs we weren’t intimately familiar with stood out immediately thanks to their infectious choruses and the band’s exceptional execution.
A particularly poignant moment came before the performance of Heaven. Frontman Markus Videsäter took a breather to share the history behind the track, noting that it was the song that truly took off and gave the musicians their first real indication that they could pursue this life for a living. Seeing where they are now, it felt like a full-circle moment for both the band and the long-time fans in the room.
This was certainly a first show to remember, and we are ecstatic to have finally witnessed the Solence machine in action. Technically, the band is exceptional, and the vocal demands of their catalogue are no small feat. Markus Videsäter sounded incredible live, hitting those diverse ranges with a precision that was truly impressive to witness.
Check out the energy of the night in the gallery below, and make sure to catch Solence on the road if they happen to bring the party to a city near you!
