Imagine Dragons: From Roseland to Rose Quarter

Vortex Music Magazine

Imagine Dragons kicked off their first U.S. arena tour in Portland with openers Halsey and Metric at the Rose Quarter's Moda Center. Photos by Paul Garcia

Imagine Dragons kicked off their 'Smoke + Mirrors' tour at Portland's Moda Center on June 3, 2015—click to see a whole gallery of photos by Paul GarciaImagine Dragons kicked off their 'Smoke + Mirrors' tour at Portland's Moda Center on June 3, 2015—click to see a whole gallery of photos by Paul Garcia

Back in 2013, Imagine Dragons wowed a Portland crowd with a sold-out gig at the Roseland Theater, only months after opening up for AWOLNATION at the same venue. (Read Vortex's review of AWOLNATION's most recent Roseland performance in late May.)

This year, the band kicked off their first-ever arena tour at Portland's own Moda Center (formerly the Rose Garden) on Wednesday, June 3 by playing a breathtaking set of songs off the new record, Smoke + Mirrors (watch the video for “Shots” below), along with well-loved tracks off their debut, Night Visions.

With a full arena to utilize, the band was able to bring along a large-scale production with moving screens, strobes and lasers, plus a confetti-filled finale.

The energetic Emily Haines of Metric—click see a whole gallery of photos by Paul GarciaThe energetic Emily Haines of Metric—click see a whole gallery of photos by Paul Garcia

Halsey opened the night with a beautiful set of pop, much to the appreciation of her many fans in the crowd. And Toronto’s Metric took their place as the night's second act, performing their new wave-style synthpop with tracks from past albums as well as the upcoming release Pagans in Vegas.

Halsey's debut album, ‘Badlands,’ will be available August 28, and Metric’s ‘Pagans in Vegas’ is due out on September 18.

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