Kim Dracula and Hanabie Close Out Tour in Sacramento

Kim Dracula at Ace of Spades - Photo by Lisa Holt

By Lisa Holt

April 12, 2025 - Sacramento was treated to absolute mayhem this evening as the co-headlining tour with Kim Dracula and Hanabie made its last stop on their 24-date tour across America.

This tour garnered a line around the block. I was up for this tour as I have always wanted to see Kim Dracula in all their glory. This evening didn’t disappoint.

Beginning the evening off was Philidelphia natives, Kaonashi, this metalcore, punk genre-bending mash-up of a band was a sheer delight to watch. Frontman, Peter Rono is my new favorite singer. I love discovering new bands and new talent, and this band has IT, emotionally charged and theatrical. This unique ensemble kept the audience engaged and enthralled for the whole set. Kaonashi will embark on a headlining European tour right after their  June album release “I Want To Go Home”.Make sure you catch this band on the flip side, it will be well worth it.

Next up is Kim Dracula, the Australian from Tasmania, I wouldn't dare to classify the sounds coming from this amazing band, as there is no classification of this talent Calling it "Heavy Metal" is just too pedestrian, Kim Dracula bends genres to their will, its quite an amazing spectacle to watch. Impromptu saxophone leads bust out of nowhere, jazz and show tunes are suspiciously filling my ears alongside some of the fastest fire rapping I have ever heard. The visuals are almost too much to watch the rest of the band, resembling O- Ren Ishii's Crazy 88 Assassins from Quentin Tarantino's Movie" Kill Bill".I couldn't find any information on Dracula's Band, Part of the sheer mystery surrounding Kim Dracula's persona, no doubt. The bass player was a stand-out for me, I understand Dracula is looking for a permanent touring bass player, but I am not sure why they don't keep this one, she was amazing and a delight to watch. Lots of Props and military garb, and I heard some easy, "Yacht Rock" sounds. Kim Dracula brings theatrical and experimental elements to their sound.

High energy and controlled chaos resound as songs like "SAY PLEASE" and "Killdozer" echo throughout the venue. Unexpected transitions and seamlessly blending genres are Dracula's specialty. Keeping the audience engaged at all times, I will have to agree with Dracula's assessment calling himself a "polarizing figure" he gives his all to his fans, defying any labels or genres you just can't put your finger on Kim Dracula, and to me that's a great thing. Let's all be Illogical and just enjoy the fact that young people are making experimental, fascinating music these days, and it is glorious.

Next up is Japan's Hanabie, an all-female J-pop/ metalcore band. Another interesting band, this time an all-female group that plays their instruments and sings, no lip-synching or pre-recorded tracks here these Girls turned things upside down and sideways this evening in Sacramento. Seamlessly fusing metal core nu-metalcore and j pop this band attacks the fans with musical talent. Singer Yukina delivers a stand-out vocal performance. Partnered with infectious positivity and musical talent this group stands and gives as they bust out songs like "Girls Talk" and "Warning" The venue is packed and charged with energy, I have never seen a band connect to their audience quite like Hanabie has done this evening. The crowd surfing and moshing commenced as more songs spanning their discography rolled on. Kim Dracula joins the ladies for their encore and last song of the night, and the whole tour, as It ends tonight in Sacramento, Women In The Pit 777 were fortunate enough to be invited to take the final tour photo of the bands at the end of the evening, it was quite an honor to stand side stage and watch the bands and crew all engaging in silly antics and lots of bubbles. I copped a few shots and felt very lucky to have been a part of this amazing tour's last moments. It made for a captivating and memorable evening. Sadly this was the last stop on this killer co-headlining tour, we will all have to wait again for these talented, modern throwbacks to blaze through your town again! I know I will be first in line for any of these bands when they re-appear in my hood.

Hanabie at Ace of Spades