Periphery performing during the Tsunami Sea North American Tour Part II at the HEB Center in Cedar Park, Texas on November 18, 2025, with Misha Mansoor, Jake Bowen, Matt Halpern, Spencer Sotelo, and Mark Holcomb. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
Periphery is widely regarded as one of the most important architects of modern progressive metal. Emerging from the internet age as a collective of highly skilled musicians, they quickly became the standard bearers for the djent movement, a subgenre characterized by complex polyrhythms, low-slung, chugging guitar tones, and intricate song structures.
Their music is an exhilarating and often overwhelming blend of technical virtuosity, crushing heaviness, and huge, melodic hooks. At the core of the band are three guitarists, a defining feature that allows for layers of complex counterpoint and rhythmic density, all anchored by the versatile and powerful vocals of Spencer Sotelo . Periphery’s artistic mission is not just to play heavy music, but to constantly push the boundaries of what is musically possible within the metal framework.
The band’s current tour s a staggering display of musical athletics, precision, and overwhelming sonic force. Watching them perform is like witnessing a flawlessly executed, high speed orchestral event where every musician is operating at the absolute peak of their technical ability. This is a show designed for the musician and the casual fan alike, as the sheer complexity of their compositions is delivered with such smooth, unified confidence that it becomes accessible and profoundly moving. The sound is immaculate; in a genre known for muddiness, Periphery achieves a rare clarity, ensuring that every complex rhythm, every note of their signature eight string guitars, and every layer of sound is distinct and impactful.
The performance relies heavily on the dynamic interplay between the band members. The three guitarists stand side by side, executing their intricate, synchronized riffs and sudden time signature changes with robotic precision. The rhythm section is equally ferocious and disciplined, providing the massive, pulsating foundation that underpins the musical chaos. Spencer Sotelo is an extraordinary frontman who effortlessly navigates the extreme vocal demands of the material. He moves between soaring, anthemic choruses and guttural screams with seamless control, acting as the emotive center of the band’s highly technical sound. His performance ensures the music retains its powerful, human core despite the mathematical complexity of the instrumentation.
The setlist is a relentless showcase of their best work, focusing on tracks that highlight the full scope of their sound, from their early genre defining grooves to the expansive, often cinematic tracks from their most recent releases. Visually, the production is tight and focused, relying on intense, meticulously timed lighting cues and high resolution video screens to amplify the drama inherent in the music. The audience reaction is one of intense focus followed by explosive celebration, with massive head banging and moshing breaking out as the band launches into its most recognizable, crushing breakdowns. Ultimately, this Periphery tour is more than just a metal concert; it is a profound demonstration of skill and musical intelligence. They are not merely playing songs; they are performing advanced sonic architecture, and their live show remains a must see for anyone serious about the future of heavy music.
Setlist for the show at the HEB Center
- Ragnarok
- Wildfire
- Atropos
- The Way the News Goes...
- Marigold
- Blood Eagle
Periphery shared the stage with Spiritbox and Honey Revenge at the HEB Center. They continue across the United States with the last stop at the Toyota Oakdale Theatre in Wallingford, Connecticut on December 7, 2025.
Periphery
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