California has always been a hotbed for musicians. From massive festivals like Warped Tour and Aftershock to legendary venues scattered across the state, the scene here is almost a pilgrimage for any band. But California is huge, and the Central Valley often gets skipped over as tours travel between the larger markets. That’s why it feels like such a rare treat when bands make the stop here to play, rather than just pumping gas. This time, the Australian metalcore legends Northlane carved out a few dates between festival appearances across the U.S., bringing heavy-hitting friends Like Moths to Flames and Windwaker along for the ride.
Fresh off the release of their newest single, “Victory Lap,” the Australian metalcore, genre-bending band Windwaker opened up our night. The band has been on an absolute grind across the United States this year, and this show would actually mark the third time I’ve caught them on a completely different tour. Their unique blend of keys, techno beats, and crushing metalcore breakdowns and riffs is always a welcome addition to any tour lineup. To keep things fresh this time around, their setlist consisted of their heaviest, most hard-hitting tracks, making sure to set the vibe for the rest of the night.
On the eve of their very own full U.S. headlining tour, and fresh off a full-length run with the opening band, Like Moths to Flames came in absolutely swinging. Playing select tracks from their last three albums and EPs, Like Moths crafted a set that balanced deep-cut sing-alongs with circle-pit favorites, giving plenty of love to longtime listeners while still pulling in fresh faces (literally, a 10-year-old fought and won the setlist). A show in the heart of California’s Central Valley is especially meaningful for a band like this, since the region doesn’t often get stops from heavier acts or larger tour lineups. That made the night feel like both a warm-up and a homecoming of sorts, as they approach their headlining tour celebrating their full-length album The Cycles of Trying to Cope (2024), with big dates lined up near Los Angeles and Sacramento in the coming month.
Fresh on the road after a massive performance at Louder than Life, and making their way towards Aftershock Festival in Sacramento the very next morning, Australian powerhouse Northlane closed out the last night of their mini tour. Their setlist contained a massive array of hits ranging from their earlier albums all the way to their latest release, “Welcome to the Industry.” This set was special for me in particular, as I was also traveling the next day to see them at Day 2 of Aftershock. Experiencing the band outdoors in front of thousands of fans, and then catching them the night before in a more intimate, dimly lit theater for a full hour, felt like a special treat — it was also insane how good they sounded at both.
As someone who lives and works near a smaller market and often has to travel hours for larger tours, I am always beyond grateful when bands take the time to route through the lesser-known cities and venues of California. There are countless hidden gems — and even more hidden fans — tucked away in these corners of the state, and I am forever grateful to the bands who recognize that and choose to show up for us.
GALLERY: Northlane with Like Moths To Flames and Windwaker at Nile Theater in Bakersfield, California (October 2, 2025)
Northlane
Like Moths To Flames
Windwaker
