S.L.R. Magazine

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VINTERSEA FILLED THE VOID OF THEIR VORACIOUS & LOYAL FANS WITH THEIR DYNAMIC AND PROGRESSIVE PERFORMANCE AT STAGES BAR IN SANTA ANA, CA ON SUNDAY, JUNE 1, 2025, BY DON MARCELO

I first heard of VINTERSEA sometime around 2022 from another great photographer, colleague, and friend of mine named Erica Vincent (https://www.ericavincentphotos.com). I was smitten by the progressive metal riffs of the guitars and bass and the melodic sounds and screams of their lead vocalist, Avienne, and instantly became a fan of the band. Written by…

andyj76
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I first heard of VINTERSEA sometime around 2022 from another great photographer, colleague, and friend of mine named Erica Vincent (https://www.ericavincentphotos.com). I was smitten by the progressive metal riffs of the guitars and bass and the melodic sounds and screams of their lead vocalist, Avienne, and instantly became a fan of the band.

Written by Don Marcelo

Tour poster for VINTERSEA's 'Eyes of the Sea Tour 2025' featuring special guests Blighted Eye, Mythraxis, Nova Reigh, Nyctophilia, and Throne of Tyrants. Event details include date, time, venue, and age restrictions.


In 2024, however, it was reported that their lead vocalist, parted ways with the band. She was however quickly replaced by another powerful female vocalist. Two different styles of singing, one more on the melodic side of singing and screams and the other more aggressive in-your face type of singing and screaming, but same powerful and beautiful sounds of screamo vocals. Both are great. And both are talented musicians.

Fast forward to 2025, On this day at Stages, I was on assignment for my Media Outlet, S.L.R. MAGAZINE and landed the opportunity to cover and see this mighty band from The Pacific Northwest. I had a great feeling it was going to be a good day because I have been waiting and wanting to see this band perform LIVE. Little did I know (well I kinda had a feeling), that it was NOT going to be a good day, but rather it was going to be a GREAT DAY. My friend Erica Vincent happened to be there on that day too, whom I haven’t seen in over a year. We both gave each other the biggest hug ever. To top it off I got to meet the band at the same time and Erica introduced me to her good friend and bassist of VINTERSEA (an amazing Music Video Director btw) Mr. Karl Whinnery of @hotkarlproductions.

Not only was Erica there on this night but also a great guitarist whom I met a year ago at The Mint in LA was there. The front man for the band ANGELS ON THE BATTLEFIELD, Mr. JD McGibney (check out report and the article I wrote and the photo gallery of ANGELS IN THE BATTLEFIELD).

SO YES, THIS WAS A GREAT DAY INDEED!

A little about VINTERSEA…The band was born from the wet streets of Portland OR and has been around since 2015 and was put together by two friends Riley Nix and Jeremy Spencer and Avienne (the former lead singer) and Jorma Spaziano joined in after.

Currently VINTERSEA consists of the following amazing and super talented musicians:
* Riley Nix – Guitars
* Jeremy Spencer – Drums
* Jorma Spaziano – Guitars
* Karl Whinnery – Bass
* Kayla Dixon – Vocals

As written on WIKIPEDIA:

“In late 2019, after self-releasing their EP Constellations and debut album The Gravity of Fall within the prior five years, the group signed a record deal with M-Theory Audio, the same year their second album Illuminated was released. The label was introduced to the band two years earlier through a gig in Sacramento, California, brought together by a recommendation from the group Graveshadow, who was also signed to this label. After the album’s release, appearances followed with The Browning, among others. The band released their third album, Woven into Ashes, on May 5, 2023. On May 17th, 2024, Vintersea and Avienne announced through their social media channels that she was leaving the band”


On this night at STAGES BAR, As the lights finally dimmed down for the headliner, VINTERSEA, a sea full of die hard fans came to the front part of the area to watch and hear this powerful death metal/hard core progressive rock band. The fans were ready to head bang, and start moshing to their music.

As soon as the first note was played, we knew we were going to be entertained by this mighty band. Kayla was on fire all night long with the energy of an “Energizer Bunny” that just kept going on and on and on, jumping, head banging, singing, and screaming on point. She could have gone all night long and we would have been there with her supporting. It was a sight and sound that I will never forget. She is Tati of Jinjer and Yukina of Hanabie all rolled into one powerful and dynamic vocalist. Instant fan from seeing her perform on this night.

Of course the band is and was on-point as well. The heavy droning sounds of melodic prog rock coupled that with the heavy screams and energy of the vocals amplified the inside of the venue all night long. My eyes were glued on my viewfinder all throughout their set. My ears were destroyed once again by the beautiful and harsh sounds of metal core prog rock music. I’ll be deaf by the time I hit six feet under which is fine by me. Live for the moment. Pay for the consequences when I’m 80 years young.

Overall, a great time was had by everyone. This band is on another level of badassery. They were on fire all night long. The fans were respectful to the venue (no one stage dove) and a small mosh pit took place. And the band members were awesome who took the time to meet their loyal fans and talked to them and got their selfies taken.

I can’t wait for the return of this great PNW band to SoCal. Let it rain in LA and let VINTERSEA reign in LA.

FOLLOW VINTERSEA on all their social media platforms and check them out in a city near you:
https://www.facebook.com/Vintersea/
https://vintersea.bandcamp.com
https://www.instagram.com/vintersea/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz8y__CcipwCTQKLWouWIfQ

Cheers and all the best to each and everyone of you.
– Don Marcelo

Photography by Don Marcelo Photography 2025

VINTERSEA

VINTERSEA performing live on stage, featuring lead vocalist Kayla Dixon passionately singing while the band plays heavy metal music.
Two male musicians performing live on stage, playing electric guitars, with dramatic lighting highlighting their expressions and movements.
VINTERSEA performing live on stage, featuring the lead vocalist Kayla Dixon and band members playing guitar and drums, with dynamic energy and stage presence.
Two male musicians performing on stage; one plays an electric guitar and the other plays a bass guitar, both showcasing intense expressions.
Two male musicians passionately performing on stage, one playing an electric guitar and the other on bass, with dynamic expressions and stage lights in the background.
A live performance by the progressive metal band VINTERSEA, featuring members playing instruments and a dynamic lead vocalist in action on stage.
A live performance of the progressive metal band VINTERSEA, featuring a female vocalist in the foreground and musicians playing guitars and drums in the background, with stage lights and a backdrop displaying the band's name.
A guitarist passionately playing on stage with intense energy, while another musician with long hair plays in the background, illuminated by stage lights.
A dynamic performance by the band VINTERSEA with lead vocalist Kayla Dixon passionately singing into a microphone, accompanied by a guitarist and drummer in the background, all on stage with dramatic lighting.
Two musicians performing on stage, one playing a bass guitar and the other playing an electric guitar, both showcasing intense expressions while engaged in their performance.
A live performance of the band VINTERSEA, featuring five musicians on stage with guitars, drums, and vocals. The backdrop displays the band's name, and the energy of the performance is palpable.
Live performance of the band VINTERSEA featuring a dynamic female vocalist and musicians playing guitar and drums on stage.
VINTERSEA performing live on stage, with band members actively engaged in their performance, showcasing their energy and musicality.
Two musicians performing live on stage, with one playing an electric bass guitar and the other playing an electric guitar, both displaying intense energy and flowing hair, illuminated by green stage lighting.
VINTERSEA band logo displayed on a screen, with blurred foreground elements creating a sense of anticipation for the performance.
Two male musicians passionately performing on stage, one playing the bass guitar and the other on an electric guitar, with their hair flying as they rock out.
A lively performance shot of VINTERSEA, featuring band members passionately playing guitars, with their hair swirling in motion under colorful stage lights.
A live performance by the progressive metal band VINTERSEA, featuring the lead vocalist Kayla Dixon with dynamic energy, and band members playing guitars and drums on stage at Stages Bar.
A female vocalist passionately performing on stage with a microphone, while a male musician plays the guitar in the background. The venue is dimly lit with a sign reading 'Stages' visible behind them.
A live performance of VINTERSEA at Stages Bar featuring band members playing instruments and a vocalist engaging with the audience.
Two guitarists performing energetically on stage with long hair, in a vibrant rock concert setting, with a drummer visible in the background.
A dynamic performance by the band VINTERSEA on stage, showcasing their lead vocalist and musicians as they engage with the audience in a live setting.
A live performance of the band VINTERSEA on stage, with musicians energetically playing their instruments while the audience enjoys the show.

KAYLA DIXON

A female vocalist passionately performing on stage, holding a microphone and singing with intensity, illuminated by stage lights.
VINTERSEA performing live on stage with dynamic energy, featuring the band's logo displayed in the backdrop.
A female vocalist passionately performing on stage with a microphone, showcasing intense energy during a live concert.
A female vocalist with vibrant pink curly hair performing energetically on stage, captured mid-scream, showing intense emotion and movement.
A dynamic black and white photo of a female vocalist with curly hair on stage, striking a pose while raising one arm, conveying energy and passion during a live performance.
A female vocalist passionately performing on stage, holding a microphone with intense expression, in a concert setting.
A female vocalist passionately performing on stage, holding a microphone with intense expression and dynamic pose, set against a dimly lit venue backdrop.
A female vocalist with curly pink hair passionately performing on stage, holding a microphone and expressing intense emotions during a live music performance.

JEREMY SPENCER

A drummer performing energetically on stage with a green light backdrop featuring the band's name, VINTERSEA.
A drummer passionately performing on stage during a VINTERSEA concert, with a blurred motion effect creating a dynamic atmosphere.
A drummer of VINTERSEA performing live on stage, surrounded by equipment and a vibrant backdrop displaying the band's name.
A drummer performing on stage with a focused expression, wearing a black tank top, in front of a backdrop displaying the band name 'VINTERSEA'.
A drummer passionately performing on stage with VINTERSEA, featuring intense facial expressions and a dynamic posture. Behind him, the band's logo is projected on a vibrant backdrop.
A drummer performing on stage with a backdrop displaying the band name 'VINTERSEA' during a live music event.

RILEY NIX

A guitarist with a green guitar performing on stage, focusing on playing their instrument against a dark background.
A guitarist passionately performing on stage with a unique green guitar, focused and full of energy.
A guitarist performing on stage with a green electric guitar, deeply focused and engaged in playing.
A guitarist passionately playing an electric guitar on stage, captured in a dramatic lighting setting.
A guitarist passionately playing a blue-green electric guitar on stage, illuminated by dramatic lighting.
A musician passionately playing an electric guitar on stage, captured in motion with a blurred effect, emphasizing the energy of the performance.

KARL WHINNERY

A male musician with long hair playing a bass guitar on stage, wearing a black t-shirt with a red graphic design, under stage lighting.
Close-up of a male bassist with long hair and a beard, wearing a black t-shirt with a red graphic. He is playing a bass guitar on stage, with stage lights illuminating him.
A male musician playing a bass guitar on stage, wearing a black shirt with a red graphic, with long hair and visible tattoos.
A black and white image of a male bassist performing energetically on stage, captured with motion blur to convey the intensity of the live music experience.
A bassist performing on stage with long hair flying, wearing a black t-shirt with a graphic print. The background features a projection with the band's name, VINTERSEA.
A bass guitarist from the band VINTERSEA performing live on stage, with long hair flowing as he plays passionately.

JORMA SPAZIANO

A musician playing an electric guitar on stage, focused and immersed in the performance, with a dark background highlighting the scene.
A guitarist performing passionately on stage, wearing a black shirt and holding a unique striped electric guitar.
A guitarist passionately performing on stage, captured in motion with blurred effects, creating a dynamic atmosphere.
A male guitarist passionately playing his instrument on stage, with long hair and a focused expression, set against a dark backdrop.
A guitarist with long hair performing on stage, intensely focused on playing his instrument, with a blurred drum set in the background.
A guitarist passionately playing on stage, with eyes closed and head tilted back, immersed in the music, surrounded by dark lighting.

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