ArtistDirect News
X-Laser Skywriter HPX Mercury Lights Power August Burns Red and The Amity Afflictions Spring Horizons Tour
When August Burns Red and The Amity Affliction rolled into North America for the Spring Horizons Tour—spanning April 10 to May 17, 2026—their lights were as intense as their music. The duo’s co‑headlining run relied on X‑Laser’s Skywriter HPX Mercury laser fixtures as the visual backbone, with New York‑based rental company Squeek Lights supplying the gear.
Lighting designer Noah Connolly, a longtime collaborator with ABR dating back to the early 2000s, oversaw the show for both acts. He programmed ABR’s laser cues and worked closely with The Amity Affliction’s production manager Nick Loosely and ABR’s own designer Zoe Spratling to create a unified aesthetic. Connolly noted that ABR’s history with laser effects—used on previous tours and large‑scale events such as the band’s Christmas Burns Red shows—made the transition smooth.
The rig featured four Skywriter HPX units: two 20‑watt M‑20 fixtures and two 10‑watt M‑10s. Arranged in an arc, the ground‑based units sat on rolling carts flanking the stage while the elevated ones perched on a crank‑stand truss above the upstage video wall. Even in the smaller venues the four lasers blended seamlessly, Connolly said, delivering a cohesive visual experience.
Connolly controlled the lasers directly from his console via X‑Laser’s Mercury system, which eliminates the need for a separate laser platform. The Mercury interface integrates with XLERATE companion software, providing pre‑visualisation, content management and safety zoning. He praised the system’s precision and ease of use, saying it allowed laser cues to sync flawlessly with ABR’s rhythmically complex set.
Laser usage was strategic: only six or seven of the band’s fourteen songs featured effects, focusing on breakdowns and high‑impact moments. A signature sequence on “Invisible Enemy” showcased synchronized laser chases and zoom pops, complementing futuristic video graphics and a dramatic blackout that introduced two new tracks from ABR’s forthcoming album.
In addition to lasers, ABR employed Magmatic Sidewinder CO₂ simulator fog machines to create atmospheric depth and mid‑air projection canopies. Connolly stated that Sidewinders are among the best fog cannons he has used and that the band “will not go without them.”
Squeek Lights handled all lighting supply for the tour, a partnership that has spanned years with ABR. Connolly highlighted the company’s customer support and competitive pricing, noting that the rental options are well suited to smaller touring acts.
The Spring Horizons Tour was reported as a success, with the shared rig working smoothly for both co‑headliners—a result that is not always guaranteed on joint tours.
The production showcases how modern laser technology can be integrated into metalcore and post‑hardcore concerts, providing a visually striking foundation that complements complex musical arrangements while remaining manageable for touring designers.
The collaboration between X‑Laser, Squeek Lights, and the two bands underscores the growing importance of laser lighting in contemporary live‑event production, especially for genres that rely on high‑energy, rhythmic performances.
Ultimately, the Spring Horizons Tour delivered a cohesive visual experience built around X‑Laser’s Skywriter HPX Mercury fixtures, reinforcing laser lighting’s status as a staple in large‑scale touring shows.
Lighting designer Noah Connolly, a longtime collaborator with ABR dating back to the early 2000s, oversaw the show for both acts. He programmed ABR’s laser cues and worked closely with The Amity Affliction’s production manager Nick Loosely and ABR’s own designer Zoe Spratling to create a unified aesthetic. Connolly noted that ABR’s history with laser effects—used on previous tours and large‑scale events such as the band’s Christmas Burns Red shows—made the transition smooth.
The rig featured four Skywriter HPX units: two 20‑watt M‑20 fixtures and two 10‑watt M‑10s. Arranged in an arc, the ground‑based units sat on rolling carts flanking the stage while the elevated ones perched on a crank‑stand truss above the upstage video wall. Even in the smaller venues the four lasers blended seamlessly, Connolly said, delivering a cohesive visual experience.
Connolly controlled the lasers directly from his console via X‑Laser’s Mercury system, which eliminates the need for a separate laser platform. The Mercury interface integrates with XLERATE companion software, providing pre‑visualisation, content management and safety zoning. He praised the system’s precision and ease of use, saying it allowed laser cues to sync flawlessly with ABR’s rhythmically complex set.
Laser usage was strategic: only six or seven of the band’s fourteen songs featured effects, focusing on breakdowns and high‑impact moments. A signature sequence on “Invisible Enemy” showcased synchronized laser chases and zoom pops, complementing futuristic video graphics and a dramatic blackout that introduced two new tracks from ABR’s forthcoming album.
In addition to lasers, ABR employed Magmatic Sidewinder CO₂ simulator fog machines to create atmospheric depth and mid‑air projection canopies. Connolly stated that Sidewinders are among the best fog cannons he has used and that the band “will not go without them.”
Squeek Lights handled all lighting supply for the tour, a partnership that has spanned years with ABR. Connolly highlighted the company’s customer support and competitive pricing, noting that the rental options are well suited to smaller touring acts.
The Spring Horizons Tour was reported as a success, with the shared rig working smoothly for both co‑headliners—a result that is not always guaranteed on joint tours.
The production showcases how modern laser technology can be integrated into metalcore and post‑hardcore concerts, providing a visually striking foundation that complements complex musical arrangements while remaining manageable for touring designers.
The collaboration between X‑Laser, Squeek Lights, and the two bands underscores the growing importance of laser lighting in contemporary live‑event production, especially for genres that rely on high‑energy, rhythmic performances.
Ultimately, the Spring Horizons Tour delivered a cohesive visual experience built around X‑Laser’s Skywriter HPX Mercury fixtures, reinforcing laser lighting’s status as a staple in large‑scale touring shows.