Harakiri For The Sky: Live in Los Angeles

A post-black metal phenomena hit the states for their first ever tour on American shores.

Photograph by Ekaterina Gorbacheva

Text, Photos by Ekaterina Gorbacheva (@ekaterinagorbacheva.art) at

The Knitting Factory in Los Angeles, CA on May 5, 2023:

Following a successful release of their re-recorded first two albums, self-titled (2012) and Aokigahara (2014), via AOP Records as a celebration of their decade long trajectory, Austria's Harakiri For The Sky embarked on their first ever tour of North America, bringing a fan favorite discography on the road alongside Ghost Bath and Unreqvited. The trio of bands delivered big on their expansive, melody driven black metal and their Los Angeles tour stop at The Knitting Factory was no exception from beginning to end.

Given the occasion, Harakiri was on a high and those present were treated to a spectacle that pulled from 5 critically lauded albums, the likes of which all began with the moving Heroin Waltz. Hands were raised as the gentle opening melody commenced and a piercing J.J. scream spearheaded the night, followed shortly by songful guitar passages courtesy of M.S. and co.

Photograph by Ekaterina Gorbacheva

Funeral Dreams from III: Trauma (2016) then commenced to a roar that reflected the vibrant energy displayed by the band on stage. Shrouded amidst blue lights and shadows, J.J. commanded with an admirable vocal performance that reflected the pain felt throughout the track's lyricism.

Tracks flowed from one to the next, shifting from Lungs Filled With Water to Fire, Walk With Me and I, Pallbearer, breathing new life into selections already diverse in their composition.

Photograph by Ekaterina Gorbacheva

The band took a brief break following the standout showing, shortly returning for a momentous encore that commenced with the ethereal Sing for the Damage We've Done — a staggering number that stands tall among the band's catalog. From here they took on Placebo's signature Song to Say Goodbye, concluding the evening's festivities on a high note. As the packed Knitting Factory cleared out, the excitement and post-show vibrance was strongly present, speaking highly of the memorable occasion that was Harakiri For The Sky's very much welcomed tour stop. Until they return, enjoy a photo gallery of the performance below and experience the band's first two albums, self-titled and Aokigahara, in their reimagined fashion.

Harakiri For The Sky Photo Gallery