The moment I learned that Hanabie would be performing nearby on April 8, 2026, I immediately marked the date on my calendar. Having previously caught their set at Mayhem Festival in October 2024, I was thrilled at the chance to see them return to the stage in California (their second time in San Diego), this time in a more intimate setting at the 1,500-capacity House of Blues San Diego. The experience reinforced what I already knew, which is that they are consistently electrifying and endlessly fun to watch.
For this 2026 North America tour that began in Boston on March 13 and ended in Los Angeles on April 12, Hanabie was joined by Nekrogoblikon and Enterprise Earth, forming a stacked lineup that delivered a relentless, dynamic show. The crowd was treated to a powerful evening that felt anything but typical for a Wednesday.
Enterprise Earth
First to take the stage was Enterprise Earth, a deathcore band from Spokane, WA. They delivered a heavy set, staying true to their metal roots while keeping the crowd engaged. Between songs, they made a point to reiterate mosh pit etiquette, fostering both intensity and a sense of community on the floor. The overall atmosphere was energetic and genuinely fun.
Nekrogoblikon
The second act, Southern Californian melodic death metal band Nekrogoblikon brought a theatrical edge with a dual-vocalist setup, including their unmistakable green-masked frontman whose personality added an extra layer to the performance. Their set was loud and aggressive, and they quickly elevated the energy in the room. Crowd surfers consistently made their way over the barricade, including a young fan who drew cheers from the audience. In the audience, a particularly dedicated fan stood out in full green makeup and goblin ears, mirroring the band’s onstage aesthetic.
The crowd erupted at the start of “Dressed as Goblins,” and the band kept the momentum high on stage while the goblin frequently engaged with the audience. Their last song, “This Is It,” began with everyone in the room clapping in unison, which was a strong, synchronized moment to close the set.
HANABIE.
When the headliner, HANABIE., took the stage, it was immediately clear just how strong the fans’ connection with the band has become. Collective energy filled the venue, from the floor to the balcony. Their 14-song setlist, including newly released songs “Spicy Queen” and “ICONIC” from the 2026 EP HOT TOPIC, with memorable melodies and precise riffs, was perfectly executed.
The Japanese metalcore band, consisting of Yukina (vocals), Matsuri (guitar/vocals), Hettsu (bass/backing vocals), and Chika (drums), was formed in Tokyo and has earned a reputation for having technical precision and unpredictable high-level performances that highlight their vibrant individual personalities (with each wearing bright Harajuku-style outfits) and their heavy impactful sound, making their shows captivating and wildly entertaining.
Their unmistakable onstage charisma, which contains equal parts artful energy and magnetic presence, makes them impossible to look away from. Do not hesitate to catch a show when HANABIE. comes to your area. You will quickly understand what all the hype is about.
