OF MONSTERS AND MEN
Of Monsters and Men, The Met, Philadelphia, PA 11/4/2025
I hadn’t seen Of Monsters and Men since their Alt 104.5 surprise show at the Liacouras Center in 2019, but I knew that if this concert was anything like that one, it would be a can’t-miss event.
The night opened with Arny Margret, an Icelandic singer-songwriter whose quiet charm set the tone perfectly. Her third song was performed entirely in Icelandic and was hauntingly beautiful, and the Philly crowd responded with a huge ovation.
When Of Monsters and Men took the stage, they emerged through a thick cloud of smoke, barely visible as flashes of light silhouetted them from behind. Early in the set, the band expressed their love for Philadelphia, noting it was one of the first U.S. cities to embrace their music.
A standout moment came when all the members gathered in a circle, surrounded by a blue haze, singing away from the microphones. The layered harmonies filled the room with an almost angelic sound, leading seamlessly into “Dirty Paws,” one of their most beloved songs. The crowd sang every word, creating a powerful connection between band and audience.
After the song, the band noticed a fan holding up a sign and asked to see it. It turned out to be a picture of the couple’s dog with the words Dirty Paws on it, which they handed up for the band to keep, much to everyone’s delight.
During “Styrofoam Cathedral,” the umbrella lights lining the back of the stage lifted into the air, alternating between glowing pink and going dark one by one, a striking visual that matched the song’s ethereal tone.
When it came time for “Little Talks,” the band’s biggest hit, the audience erupted. The singing was so loud that the lead vocalist pulled out his earpiece just to take in the sound of the Philly crowd. Later, during “Ordinary Creatures,” the band encouraged the audience to keep singing through the chorus, and each repetition grew louder and more spirited.
They closed the main set with “Visitor,” with the lead singer stepping down into the pit to connect directly with fans. For the encore, Ragnar and Nanna returned to the stage alone for a tender rendition of “The End,” a song from their new album. The rest of the band then joined for the finale, “Fruit Bats.” Ragnar took to the piano while Nanna climbed onto the drum set, guitar in hand, during the song’s long instrumental break; a powerful, cinematic close to the night.
As the final notes faded, the band took a bow and thanked the ever-passionate Philadelphia faithful for another unforgettable evening.
Shot and Written by Jonah van Bemmelen
