Vana put on a phenomenal show last night in Dallas, Texas. Between the music, the aesthetic, the incredible opening acts, and the genuine energy and love between the band members, it's easy to understand why Vana continues to grow and stand out in today's metal scene. Since seeing them open up for Set It Off at South Side Music Hall last year, it's been so exciting watching their growth firsthand, including their recent signing the Sumerian Records.
Walking into a sold-out headline show at Puzzles Deep Ellum, I knew it was going to be a special night. Surprisingly, this marks Vana's first headline tour. I say "surprising" because their tour has consisted of sold out shows and packed out venues. Judging by last night's performance, they perform like a band that's been playing headliners much longer. I think that confidence and phenomenal stage presence comes from the band members' closeness with one another.
The crowd itself deserves some recognition. Fans were packed tightly shoulder-to-shoulder throughout the whole venue, but it was still such a welcoming atmosphere. The room was full of excitement and genuine smiles, and the audience was so respectful to one another with absolutely no drama throughout the night. No mosh fights, arguments or injuries--just a bunch of people rocking out to the music and making space for one another in a filled out room.
Vana opened up with "Pray," immediately pulling the audience in as voices echoed through the venue with fans singing along. The energy climbed higher with "NOXIOUS," which had everyone jumping up and down to the track's upbeat pulse. Puzzles' famously vibration-heavy stage practically became part of the performance itself. Equipment rattled and shifted with the force of the music, mic stands shifted and shrank to comedic heights, while foot pedals migrated across the front of the stage.
One of the night's most memorable moments was during "SERPENTINE." The crowd erupted when Diamond--Vana's beloved ball python friend from NTX Morphs--joined her on stage. The excitement built immediately when Vana hinted at a surprise guest, with one fan loudly shouting, "bring out Diamond!" before cheers filled the venue. The energy continued all the way through their set, with an encore that followed. Vana's fan interaction was top notch. She joked with the audience, pranked them in regards to which song came next, and threw out little free gifts. Magic packs were opened on stage, and many Pokemon card packs were tossed up to her from the crowd.
Diamond from NTX Morphs.
Another touching moment was when Vana took time to speak love and encouragement to the fans, and gave support and encouragement to the LGBTQ+ community. The loud cheers that followed proved how much that meant to the people who have shown up to their shows night after night.
Beyond the music itself, one thing that continually makes Vana special is the chemistry between the band members. Their friendships feel authentic rather than performative. Whether on stage or exchanging smiles and jokes off stage, or simply enjoying quiet moments together on the bus sharing reels, it's obvious they genuinely love being together. That connection translates directly into their live performance and feels personal rather than rehearsed.
What some people might not realize is how much work independent and growing bands take on outside of performing. Vana isn't simply stepping on stage and walking away when the lights come up. They handle their own stage set-up, breakdown, and countless behind-the-scenes responsibilities that keep a tour running. Until recently, even driving duties were part of the workload. I'm glad they have a driver for this tour so they can be safe and get some much needed rest once their night ends after the shows, which often stretch to early morning hours as late as 3AM while the rest of us are already back at home asleep.
A huge piece of that effort comes from their bassist, Harlan, whose work behind the scenes helps keep everything moving. The long hours, heavy lifting, and everyday band management falls to him, and Vana wouldn't be the same without all the behind-the-scenes work he puts in.
Harlan wins MVP.
Speaking of band members, let's give a quick shout out to the members of the band. Go follow them on social platforms and give them some support. The band consists of Vana on vocals and guitar, Niles Gibbs on guitar, Harlan Jones-Allen on bass, and Mathieux Davis on drums. These four musicians are building something that feels bigger every time they step on stage.
For a first headline tour, I can truly say they are owning it. There's only five more stops for The Lady In Red Tour, so be sure to snag a ticket if there's any left at a stop near you.
We were also able to chat with Vana and Harlan before the show, so stay tuned for a fun This or That interview coming soon!
