Dayseeker Brings the “Dark Sun” Tour to Michigan

By Byron Morris

The “Dark Sun” Tour in Royal Oak caught my attention right away, especially with such a compelling lineup. Headlining the show was Dayseeker, known for their ambient metalcore sound, supported by the heavy-hitting Australian hardcore band Alpha Wolf. Also on the bill were the rising talents Catch Your Breath from Austin, Texas, and Kingdom of Giants from California.

Kingdom of Giants kicked off the night with an explosive set, blending emotional metalcore with heavier elements that perfectly complemented the tour’s vibe. Lead vocalist Dana Willax delivered an electrifying performance, and their opener, “Asphalt,” quickly became a standout track for me, earning a spot on my daily playlist. Their dynamic stage presence left me eager to catch them again next time they’re in Detroit.

Following them was Catch Your Breath, who drew a dedicated crowd, with many fans sporting their merch—a promising sign for an opening band. They launched into “Perfect World,” featuring talented rapper Ryan Oakes. Their moody take on modern metalcore added a unique flavor to the lineup, and their energy was infectious. I thoroughly enjoyed their performance and look forward to seeing more from them.

Next up was Alpha Wolf, who brought an intense, beatdown hardcore vibe that sent chills down my spine while keeping the energy high. Their modern sound, infused with nu-metal roots, resonated deeply with me, especially as I’ve recently developed an appreciation for heavier breakdowns. They were undeniably a highlight of the night, and I’m grateful to have experienced their live show.

As the headliners, Dayseeker took the stage with a captivating setup—purple ambient lighting and glitchy, cyberpunk visuals that transformed the atmosphere into a stunning backdrop for their sound. They opened with “Dreamstate,” featuring Dana Willax from Kingdom of Giants, creating a dynamic collaboration that enhanced the overall experience. The standout track for me was “Without Me” from their latest album, *Dark Sun*. It captured everything we love about Dayseeker, showcasing their signature blend of melody and heaviness.

The crowd at Royal Oak Music Theatre was electric, with fans eagerly crowd-surfing throughout the night, especially during the sets of Alpha Wolf and Dayseeker. It was a night filled with energy, and emotion—one I won’t soon forget.