Hanabie. – photo by Diane Webb
Neptune Theatre, April 9, 2025 – In a night of relentless energy and genre-blurring sound, Japanese metalcore phenoms Hanabie. and Australian genre-bender Kim Dracula delivered an unforgettable co-headlining show to a sold-out Seattle crowd. Joining them was Philadelphia’s emotional hardcore outfit Kaonashi, setting the tone for an evening of chaotic brilliance.
The Neptune was buzzing before the first note rang out. Kaonashi opened the show, blending vulnerability and raw aggression with a mix of older material and their latest single, “When I Say,” which officially dropped worldwide just hours after their set. In a surprise twist midway through their performance, the band briefly exited the stage, only to return donning quirky costume accessories, jokingly announcing themselves as “Hanabie.” before launching into the final few songs. The crowd lapped up the playful energy.
Kim Dracula followed, though not from where fans expected. As the lights dimmed, a voice over the PA asked the crowd to part down the middle of the floor. Suddenly, Kim Dracula emerged from the back of the house, striding through the audience like a theatrical antihero en route to the stage. Fans erupted as the set kicked off.
Known for their unpredictable fusion of metal, trap, and theatrics, Kim Dracula did not disappoint. The set included hits such as “Paparazzi,” “Seventy Thorns,” “Drown,” and a fierce cover of Pearl Jam’s “Even Flow,” a fitting nod to Seattle’s grunge legacy. The mosh pit barely took a breath, fueled by an hour of sonic assault and spectacle.
Then came Hanabie., whose contrasting aesthetic, bright, colorful visuals and hyperenergetic choreography, created a euphoric end to the night. One by one, the members took the stage to greet fans, who responded with deafening cheers. The band wasted no time, launching into “O・TA・KU Lovely Densetsu” with unstoppable momentum.
Unlike Kim Dracula’s brooding atmosphere, Hanabie. lit up the stage, literally, with brilliant lighting and infectious energy. Their setlist was packed with fan-favorites, including “Bucchigiri Tokyo,” “Reiwa Dating Apps Generation” and “Drastic Nadeshiko.” High-flying jumps, precision instrumentation and nonstop crowd engagement turned the venue into a carnival of chaos and joy.
Seattle got more than a concert, it got a full-sensory experience. With the North American leg of the tour now wrapped, fans across the country will be talking about this triple-threat performance for months. If you missed it, don’t make the same mistake twice. Catch these genre-breaking artists next time they storm a stage near you.
Hanabie. Gallery
Kim Dracula Gallery
Kaonashi Gallery
