Orbit Culture Death Above Life North American Tour

Wednesday, March 11th, my day started with an early morning walk while listening to Orbit Culture’s album “Nija.” I discovered them through that album, and ever since then, I’ve been hooked. I saw them live once as an opener in 2022 at Webster Hall, and it was unbelievable how these Swedes turned NYC into something extraordinary that nig. The Gramercy Theatre in New York City hosted Orbit Culture on March 11, 2026, as part of their Death Above Life North American tour. This marked the band’s first major headlining tour to promote their new album, *Death Above Life*, which was released on October 3, 2025. Support came from Ov Sulfur and Atlas, who infused the lineup with layers of blackened deathcore along with melodic hardcore and metalcore, creating an intense atmosphere before the headliners took the stage.

Starting off the night was Atlas, a Finnish metal band inspired by Finnish myths and poetry. This five-member group skillfully mixes ancient sounds with a modern twist, creating music that’s both haunting and powerful. Their songs dive into the mysticism of the North, taking listeners through dark and emotional landscapes.Atlas combines heavy rhythms with airy melodies, showcasing their talent for blending traditional styles with modern metal. The impressive production amplifies their emotional sound, connecting the past and present. Their performance grabbed the audience’s attention and provided a memorable experience for everyone lucky enough to see it.

Ov Sulfur was next, a deathcore band from Las Vegas, Nevada, formed in 2020. The current members are vocalist Ricky Hoover, guitarist and vocalist Chase Wilson, guitarist Christian Becker, bassist Josh Bearden, and drummer Ryan “Leviathvn” Rivard. They’ve put out two studio albums, with their latest, *Endless*, released on January 16, 2026, through Century Media Records, along with one EP. The band often explores anti-religious themes in their lyrics. I was blown away by the band’s performance. The heavy guitar and bass, along with the pounding drums, created an amazing atmosphere. Their vocalist, Ricky Hoover, reminded me of Alex Terrible. His growls were impressive, sounding like two different voices—one echoing Alex and the other reminiscent of Mitch Harris from the old lineup of Napalm Death. It was a fantastic show, and I felt privileged to see them live for the first time.

The moment that we’ve all been waiting, ORBIT CULTURE, a Swedish melodic death metal band from Eksjö, formed in 2013. The band includes vocalist and rhythm guitarist Niklas Karlsson, lead guitarist Richard Hansson, bassist Fredrik Lennartsson, and drummer Christopher Wallerstedt. I’m 100% a fan of Orbit Culture, and tonight was a memorable experience—not just to see them live for the second time but also to photograph their performance. Here’s a polished version of your concert experience:

In the middle of their set, they paused to thank us New Yorkers for coming to see them live. Their vocalist, Niklas Karlsson, made a joke: “Thank you all for coming out to listen to our shitty Swedish music.” Everyone laughed, but it was all in good spirits. After that, I didn’t expect them to play “Northstar of Nija,” which wasn’t on the playlist. That song hooked me back in 2020. Overall, Orbit Culture delivered an amazing performance, making it a solid night.