Hard rock heavyweights Halestorm brought fire and fury to Donauinselfest’s Radio 88.6 Rock Stage on Saturday, delivering a high-voltage performance that reminded Vienna exactly why they’re one of modern rock’s most essential live acts. Fresh off their support slot on Iron Maiden’s massive “Run for Your Lives” tour, the band hit the island stage like a thunderstorm, with frontwoman Lzzy Hale commanding every note with unmatched intensity.
From blistering renditions of “Love Bites (So Do I)” to the slow burn of “Darkness Always Wins”, Halestorm’s set was a masterclass in dynamics, equal parts feral energy and haunting melody. Fans lucky enough to catch them this time won’t have to wait long for another fix: Halestorm return to Vienna this November, and if Saturday’s crowd was any indication, it’s going to be a packed house.
Shred and Shine
Hair flying, boots planted, guitar raised – the kind of shot you show someone when they ask, “What’s rock ‘n’ roll look like these days?”
The Witch and the Wizard
Cloaked in gold-stitched velvet, Lzzy trades fire with guitarist Joe Hottinger in a moment that looks equal parts Broadway and Black Sabbath.
This Axe Has Bite
Decked in sparkles and strapped with a warlock guitar, Lzzy screams into the haze, and the crowd screams right back.
Love and Thunder
In the glow of the encore, a fan forms a heart with their hands – a tender finale to a ferocious set.
Horns Up, Fangs Out
Lzzy throws up the horns with her signature gold guitar – a sea of hands answers back like a pack howling at its alpha.
Beat Drop, Drum Face
Drummer Arejay Hale locked in full beast mode, mid-fill – the kind of face that says this kit might not survive the set.
Bassman Rising
Josh Smith raises his bass like a war trophy, face soaked in sweat and spotlight. Proof that the low end never plays second fiddle.
Red Hot and Reckless
Lzzy Hale kneels center stage in a red bodysuit, gripping a mic and a glass like she’s about to baptize the front row in bourbon and reverb.
Can You Hear Me Now?
Mid-song, Lzzy leans into the crowd with a devilish grin, hand cupped to ear, baiting the noise like a seasoned ringmaster.
The Grand Opening
With cloak swirling and axe pointed to the sky, Lzzy delivers the first chord like she’s invoking a rock ‘n’ roll prophecy.
