On Saturday, April 11, 2026, Sala Salamandra in L'Hospitalet (Barcelona) hosted an event that had been circled on the calendars of contemporary metal fans: "The Mutation Phase Tour." With commendable punctuality—doors opened at 6:30 PM and the show began at 7:00 PM—the evening brought together three very different acts, all sharing one common trait: they left absolutely everything they had on the stage.
Black Spikes: A dark ritual and the night’s big revelation
The evening kicked off with the Lithuanian band Black Spikes, making their live debut in Barcelona. For me, they were an incredible discovery; their performance goes far beyond simply playing instruments. They unfold a magnetic, dark theatricality that draws you in from the very first track, such as "Hipnozė."
Their stage presentation is striking and meticulously crafted: guitarist Yaga appeared in a robe and a fencing mask, joined by Mažvis; bassist Sime brought a distinct gothic aesthetic, while Titas anchored the rhythm section behind the drum kit. They were also accompanied by a dancer who heightened the show’s mystical aura. Musically, the most striking element is the versatility of frontwoman Agni, who can switch between deep, guttural growls and flawless clean vocals—sometimes within the very same passage (most notably in tracks like "Imperatorė" and "Aurea"). It was an outstanding start that set the bar very high.
Butcher Babies: Pure adrenaline, groove, and human connection
Following a quick changeover, the atmosphere shifted dramatically, and the stage was bathed in red to welcome the American band Butcher Babies. From the opening moments with tracks like “Backstreets of Tennessee,” through the sheer force of “Red Thunder” and the iconic “Monsters Ball,” the band demonstrated why they are an absolute powerhouse in a live setting.
With Heidi Shepherd at the helm, the show never let up: it combined frenetic headbanging with forays to the very edge of the barricade, allowing her to merge with the crowd during songs like “Beaver Cage.” Beyond the wall of heavy riffs from guitarist Henry Flury, the constant leaps of bassist Sean Violet, and the technical precision of drummer Devin Nickles—who delivered a solid solo—one of the most striking moments of the performance was deeply personal. Heidi momentarily dialed back the intensity to speak candidly about mental health, sharing how music and the support of her fans helped her navigate her darkest times. It was a sincere, profoundly human interlude that resonated completely with the audience at Salamandra. After a nod to the riff from Korn’s “Blind,” they rounded out their set with the emotive “Last December” and brought things to a high-energy conclusion with “Magnolia Blvd.”
Infected Rain: The Atmosphere and Journey of "The Mutation Phase"
The night concluded with the Moldovan band Infected Rain. Utilizing an array of LED screens displaying meticulously crafted visuals—centered on the theme of their “The Mutation Phase” tour—the band leaned into their progressive metal and atmospheric nu-metal sound. Lena Scissorhands appeared as an inexhaustible whirlwind of motion, leading the way with her signature vocal power and an overwhelming stage presence that provided the perfect finale to a stellar night of live music in L'Hospitalet.
