Celebrating 25 Years of Symphony X - with Haken and Trope

May 22

Written By Lauren Jewell/Roaming Roach Photography

Oakedokee artichokes, let’s do the thing! - I say to my cats Sharpie and Lego as I pick up the camera bag and follow my friend out the door. Getting into her car I open the bag again just to confirm I have all the pieces and the fully charged battery for probably the 10th time in a 30 minute time frame. With that, we’re off to the Majestic Theatre in Detroit for the SYMPHONY X concert featuring Haken and Trope. Oh, and I guess it may be good to mention this is my first time solo as a Shots From The Show contributor.

Our timing was awesome! We got in just in time for us to grab a beverage [I pinky promise you I got water] and get settled in to enjoy the evening.

TROPE was there to get the evening rolling. Vocalist Diana Studenberg was great to watch, her stage presence was unique and I knew as soon as the duo started that I needed to get my hands on their newest - and first - album, “Eleutheromania”. A questionable amount of listens to later and still 0 regrets. Also, their cover of Tears For Fears “Shout”? Hauntingly Dope.

Up next, HAKEN. All the way from the United Kingdom this group came to rock and they did not disappoint. They performed their newest single “Nightingale“ and many more. There was also a very festive surprise near the end of their set that I don’t want to spoil for anyone going to see the show for the first time, but let me just say this hopeless romantic was here for it.

Last but certainly not least - SYMPHONY X. Formed in 1994, they’re celebrating their 25th anniversary with a tour! What a way to celebrate. Heavy Metal Pirate, AKA lead singer Russell Allen, was so full of energy that when he started jumping it was really hard not to follow his lead. However, I don’t think Josh would appreciate it if I broke his camera he is oh so kindly letting me borrow for these shenanigans so I stopped myself. One of my other favorite parts of their set was looking at the crowd. Everyone was so into it, throwing horns, pumping fists, jumping all around and it was nice to see people enjoying life.

So, uhm, yeah. Ta da! Here are some photos, I hope you enjoy them.

Symphony X