Concert Review: DIAMANTE Opens for I See Stars – Spin the Wheel Tour at Hawthorne Theatre (Portland, OR)

Portland’s Hawthorne Theatre was packed with energy as the I SEE STARS Spin the Wheel Tour rolled through town, delivering a stacked lineup that blended nostalgia, vulnerability, and high-octane performance.

Kicking off the night was Diamante, who hit the stage with undeniable presence. Known for her signature glam rock look and a sound that fuses hard rock with glossy, 80s-inspired metal-pop, she immediately set the tone for the night. From the first note, her vocals were crystal clear and powerful, cutting effortlessly through the room. It was the kind of performance that feels larger than the stage itself—bold, theatrical, and unapologetically fun.

You could tell it was going to be a show the moment her drummer walked out, hair blowing in front of a fan like a full-on glam metal music video come to life. It was glitz, grit, and pure rock spectacle from start to finish. Having broken out with her debut album Coming in Hot and later gaining wider recognition through collaborations and tours with major rock acts, Diamante proved exactly why she’s carved out her space in modern rock.

Next up was Until I Wake, bringing a heavier edge to the lineup. Their sound leaned into the post-hardcore and metalcore influences that defined the early 2000s, nostalgic in the best way, but still fresh. With a lineup change in recent years and a continued push forward, the band delivered a tight, aggressive set that clearly resonated with fans who grew up in that era.

Then came Mothica, who offered a shift in tone without losing intensity. A self-made artist who rose through platforms like SoundCloud, Mothica has built a loyal following through her raw honesty and genre-blending sound. Her music rooted in rock with strong emo and electronic influences felt deeply personal live.

Between songs, she spoke candidly about her past struggles with addiction and self-harm, delivering a message that was both vulnerable and empowering. It was one of the most emotionally grounded moments of the night, and it was clear the crowd connected not just with her music, but with her story.

Closing out the evening was I See Stars, the band I had personally been waiting over a decade to see. Since discovering them around the release of their debut album 3-D back in 2009, they’ve been a constant in my rotation and finally seeing them live felt long overdue.

Over the years, I See Stars have evolved from their heavier electronicore roots into a more refined, atmospheric sound, and that growth was on full display. Devin Oliver’s vocals were nothing short of chilling, effortlessly shifting from clean, soaring melodies to deep, guttural screams.

Their latest record, Spin the Wheel, translates incredibly well live. Standout tracks like “Damage Done,” “Are We 3ven?,” “Flood Lights,” and “Anomaly”, which closed out the night with both emotional weight and explosive energy.

While I typically photograph entire shows, this tour limited my photo pass to the pit during Diamante’s set, making it a bit of a different experience. Still, capturing those opening moments and then getting to fully take in the rest of the night as a fan felt special in its own way.

It’s hard to believe it took me 15 years to finally see I See Stars live, but it was absolutely worth the wait. And if this show proved anything, it’s that they’re still evolving, still connecting, and still a band I’ll show up for again and again.