QUEENSRYCHE / NIGHT DEMON - Effenaar, Eindhoven

February 9, 2025 – On a historic night for progressive metal, Queensrÿche brought their The Origins Tour to a sold-out Effenaar in Eindhoven. Coincidentally, their former frontman Geoff Tate was performing at the same time in Sneek, making this an evening where fans had to choose between two different yet equally compelling representations of Queensrÿche’s legacy.

Night Demon: A fiery opening act

Before Queensrÿche took the stage, the audience was treated to a powerful set by Night Demon. The American heavy metal trio wasted no time in igniting the crowd with their high-energy performance. Their set was a relentless barrage of classic metal riffs, thunderous drumming, and fierce vocals, reminiscent of the NWOBHM era. Tracks like Curse of the Damned and Welcome to the Night stood out, with the band displaying tight musicianship and an undeniable stage presence. The audience responded enthusiastically, headbanging and raising their fists in approval. Night Demon proved to be the perfect opener, setting the tone for an unforgettable night of metal mastery.

Queensrÿche brings metal history

From the very first notes of Queen of the Reich, it was clear that the current lineup of Queensrÿche had come to prove why they remain a force to be reckoned with. The sound was impeccable—crystal clear, perfectly balanced, and at an ideal volume that allowed every intricate guitar riff, soaring vocal line, and thunderous drumbeat to be fully appreciated. The band displayed incredible energy, delivering a performance that was both technically precise and emotionally powerful.

The setlist was a dream for longtime fans, taking them on a journey through the band’s early years. With Nightrider, Blinded, and The Lady Wore Black, the audience was treated to the raw, classic sound that first put Queensrÿche on the map. As the concert progressed, the momentum only built, with powerful renditions of Warning, En Force, and Deliverance keeping the crowd engaged and singing along. NM 156 was a standout, with its futuristic themes and complex arrangements performed flawlessly.

A major highlight of the night came with Take Hold of the Flame, where the passion in the band’s performance was met with an overwhelming response from the audience. The chemistry between the musicians was evident, with every member feeding off each other’s energy to deliver a seamless and electric show.

As the set closed with the epic Roads to Madness, the atmosphere in the venue was electrifying. But the night was far from over. The encore kicked off with Behind the Walls, followed by fan favorites Walk in the Shadows and Empire, the latter of which had the crowd singing every word in unison. The show ended on a high note with Screaming in Digital and Eyes of a Stranger, leaving no doubt that Queensrÿche remains a formidable live act.

Overall, this was a masterful performance that celebrated the origins of one of progressive metal’s most influential bands. The musicianship was outstanding, the energy undeniable, and the setlist a perfect tribute to Queensrÿche’s early years. For those who chose to experience this show in Eindhoven, it was an unforgettable night of metal history.

Setlist:
Queen of the Reich
Nightrider
Blinded
The Lady Wore Black
Warning
En Force
Deliverance
No Sanctuary
NM 156
Take Hold of the Flame
Before the Storm
Child of Fire
Roads to Madness

Encore:
Behind the Walls
Walk in the Shadows
Empire
Screaming in Digital
Eyes of a Stranger