This last week, freezing cold weather blew through New Mexico and the El Paso, TX, area, but Vampires Everywhere, Priest, and Julien-K overcame weather and tour buses breaking down, thankfully making it to El Paso’s premiere hard rock bar, The Rockhouse Dive Bar, just in time to perform with help from some locals who came to the rescue.

The night opened with two local musicians, Ness Daniels and Seventh Eve, before Vampires Everywhere proved that it is true- vampires are everywhere. 

The evening started with Ness Daniels, a synthwave electric goth musician that gets you out of your seat and on the dance floor. Each song and her lyrics are inspired by events and things that she likes. She blends notes and words that create magical themes to each of her songs. She has a huge future in front of her and I am always excited to hear what she will come up with next. Daniels does not limit herself to just performing solo. She is also the keyboardist for a Funeral Joke, a progressive metal band. 

If I were you, I would keep an eye out for more work to come from this talented artist. You can find her at the following links. 

NESS DANIELS | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | BAND CAMP

Seventh Eve has been brewing for a year now. These guys come from a solid rock scene in El Paso, all from different bands, forming a strong presence in the metalcore scene. Now, under a new management, Extreme Management, Inc, they are starting to travel and could be coming to a venue near you. The energy and strength of this band is infectious. With a mix of all original music, they have a lot going for them. They do more than entertain; they love their followers. They have t-shirts and merch for everyone. While talking to the band, I heard there is a music video in their future.  

Hitting the stage like the energizer bunny with white and black makeup, they kept the crowd moving with heavy beats and sound piercing guitar riffs. The energy was so high that you didn’t want them to stop playing. The crowd was so engaged, you can see why they are rapidly building a great fan base. I am going to look for more performances from Seventh Eve; I’m a fan now.

SEVENTH EVE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | BAND CAMP

Julien-K, an electro-industrial band from Long Beach, California, sure was out of their element, stuck in the coldest night in El Paso, as their van broke down outside of town, facing an expensive repair bill. But with all that going on, they knew how to warm up the place and create a powerful trio of entertainment by starting the night with these three guests at the Rockhouse. The stage went dark, the fog rolled in, and three figures emerged from it. For approximately 45 minutes, their performance was electrifying, featuring killer songs, synthesized beats, and lasers shooting from a megaphone.

Ryan Shuck (vocals), Amir Derakh (lead guitarist and synthesizer), and new member Galen Waling (drums) give you a good mix of sounds, taking you back to a techno rock vibe of the early 2000s. Their music has appeared on soundtracks for films like Transformers and video games like Sonic Heros, Shadow the Hedgehog, and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. Julien-K reintroduced a darker, heavier industrial sound in their last album, Harmonic Disruptor, released in 2020. They are slowly releasing new singles that could be included on a new album in the future.  

JULIEN-K | FACEBOOK | WEBSITE | YOUTUBE | INSTAGRAM

Priest, a synth band from Sweden, brings you a mysterious ’80s sci-fi gothic atmosphere as they step on stage in all-black leather outfits and hoods. The room was full of fog with blue and red lights alternating between songs. Their intensity was infectious and energetic to say the least. They draw you in and take you on a journey, questioning your humanity. This group of mysterious musicians really knows how to capture an audience. 

They just released their latest album, Dark Pulse, in 2024, and they have a documentary coming out in 2026, DECODED, that documents their journey from the start, bringing us into the innerworkings of this fabulous band. The U.S. tour is just one piece in that journey to delivering their message. I am ready to hear more from this band. 

PRIEST | WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM

Vampires Everywhere is a metalcore band originating from Los Angeles, California, with lead singer Michael Vampire at the helm. This band of vampires has the energy of the living dead. They bring to the stage amazing guitar riffs and solid lyrics that make you want more. The band has gone through a lot of changes since 2009, but it wasn’t until 2021 that a resurgence of their talent gave new meaning to the band. They have been labeled with many different hardcore metal genres, but the best description, I’d say, is a goth metalcore pop band.

They just released their newest album, Devil Made Me Do It, which has new songs, “Antichrist,” “Cry Little Sister,” and “Ghost.” They opened the concert with “Immortal Love: Resurrection,” also on their new album. They seem to push the level of dark and goth themes and have never really conformed to a norm. Their edgy, raw lyrics and music are a plus; they really have a good thing going here.  

Let’s hope they all get their buses working as the tour is almost done. I am going to make sure I make it to the next show when they are in town. From what I see, the Colder Than Hell Tour met its match in El Paso.

VAMPIRES EVERYWHERE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE