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Zlín lived through a truly enchanting Halloween night. On October 31, three bands took the stage, each led by a charismatic frontwoman. I must confess, it was my very first visit to the Masters of Rock Café, and right from the start, the venue pleasantly surprised me. It is a cozy, tastefully designed space with excellent sound, and it certainly deserves another visit. The concert lineup there is also worth following, as the program is refreshingly diverse.

I appreciated that the club opened its doors early, allowing those who arrived ahead of time to stay warm inside rather than freezing outside. Guests could enjoy a drink, browse through merchandise from the performing bands, and prepare for the evening in comfort. The area in front of the stage opened precisely at 7:00 p.m., with a Halloween-themed music set keeping everyone entertained while waiting for the first act.

Shortly after 7:30, the American quartet TULIP stepped onto the stage, playing modern symphonic metal. Their performance felt like a play of contrasts, caught between the ambition for grandeur and a touch of visual chaos. Mannequins in black dresses surrounded the stage, creating an intriguing dark atmosphere, yet the band’s image lacked unity. The overall look simply undermined the visual impression.

It was unclear whether the issue came from the sound engineer or the instrument balance, but the singer’s voice was noticeably weaker than those of the two following bands. Her vocals were lost beneath the thick sound of guitars and drums many times. The musicians performed with full energy, yet something about the delivery felt unbalanced. There were interesting ideas, well-crafted samples, and strong moments, but the energy reached the audience with some difficulties.

After a short technical break, around 8:20, another American band, SEVEN SPIRES, took the stage. The group, which released its fourth studio album last year, has toured with several big names and impressed at Wacken Open Air this summer. They did not disappoint in Zlín either.

Watching Seven Spires perform is like witnessing an irresistible dance between joy and darkness. It was clear that the band members share a genuine friendship. They played with passion and sent waves of emotion surging toward the audience.

The heart of the group is undoubtedly Adrienne Cowan, a vocalist with an exceptional range and commanding charisma. From the very first notes, she captured the entire club, effortlessly moving through emotional shades of melancholy, anger, and tenderness. Her high notes sent chills down the spine, and when she switched to growls, the crowd held its breath. Jack’s melodic guitar solos, Peter’s technically brilliant bass work, and Dylan’s precise, imaginative drumming were the perfect complement.

Seven Spires felt natural, confident, humble, and deeply likable on stage. A charming, almost educational moment came when Adrienne encouraged the crowd to dance to a seven-eight rhythm. The set included songs from all four albums, and although I missed hymns like Portrait of Us and Almosttown, I was delighted to hear two pieces from their debut. The only flaw in their performance was that it ended too soon. For me, it was the peak of the entire evening.

The night’s finale came with AD INFINITUM, who began their set at 9:25 p.m. Richer, more vibrant lighting effects elevated the already excellent atmosphere. The band also had a few delightful surprises in store.

One of them was that Adrienne Cowan joined for guest appearances in one of their songs. The audience also celebrated the birthday of a member of the organizing team, complete with a cake and a cheerful sing-along of Happy Birthday from all three bands. At the end, Ad Infinitum added a small but charming Halloween touch, asking the birthday guest to choose a costumed fan from the crowd to receive a free band shirt.

Musically, Ad Infinitum took fans on a journey through selections from all four of their albums during their ninety-minute set, confirming their place among the elite of modern melodic metal. The sound was clear, balanced, and powerful.. Their songs carried a strong sense of atmosphere, instantly pulling the audience into a “party mode.” The charismatic Melissa Bonny masterfully balanced her innocent appearance and pop-like tone with fierce growled passages.

Ad Infinitum proved that they fully deserve their first headlining tour. The audience responded with enthusiasm and warmth, though I honestly expected a larger turnout. Personally, Seven Spires impressed me a bit more, with a performance that felt more authentic and emotionally charged.