Mersiv Brings the Heat (and Hail) to Red Rocks

Photos: Gerardo Federico

“Attack on Mars” Freezes and Ignites April Night

There are only two guarantees in life—death and taxes—so the saying goes. But for anyone familiar with Colorado’s springtime ritual at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, there’s a third certainty to add: severe weather at spring shows. And on Friday, April 4th, as Mersiv unleashed his “Attack on Mars” experience on a sold-out crowd, Mother Nature made sure to remind us just how unpredictable—and unforgettable—this venue can be.

What began as a mildly wet and chilly evening quickly spiraled into a full-on meteorological trial by ice. As freezing rain and hail pelted the sandstone seats, fans wrapped in plastic ponchos and brave layers huddled in the amphitheater’s natural bowl, refusing to yield an inch to the elements. One image burned into memory: a young woman, hair frozen into icicle tendrils, transfixed by the lights and sound ahead—an unintentional yet perfect emblem of the night.

The Build-Up: Layers of Sound, Weather, and Anticipation

Before Mersiv took the stage, a slate of openers prepped the crowd with a steady crescendo of vibe and volume. Sets from Seth David, Zen Selekta, Lumasi, Mr. Carmack, and the always-killer Alleycvt built a deep, kinetic rhythm that pulsed through the freezing air. Each act brought their own unique sonic footprint, but collectively they kept the crowd buoyant—even as the temperature dropped and camera lenses iced over into gauzy filters, giving everything an ethereal glow.

Mersiv Ascends: Dark, Loud, and Unrelenting

When Anderson Benoit Gallegos, aka Mersiv, emerged from the mist and strobes, the crowd roared in a burst of frozen breath and adrenaline. A Denver native, Gallegos has cultivated a sound he describes as “pretty-dark-loud bass music”—a phrase that undersells just how encompassing his live presence is. On this night, his set didn’t just fill the space between the monoliths—it commanded it.

Mersiv’s performance was a masterclass in momentum, laced with anthemic, hard-hitting drops that fused melody with muscle. His original material collided and melded with remixes—snippets of Lil Wayne, a Post Malone groove that slipped into a thumping drop—and his long mane whipped through the frozen air like a war banner.

Through it all, the crowd never relented. Whether they were bouncing to the beat to stay warm or caught in the magnetic trance of the music, the energy was constant. Gallegos flailed and stomped with abandon, a force of nature mirrored by the weather surrounding him. The whole experience felt like EDM baptism by snow.

A Brutal, Beautiful Night at The Rock

There’s something inherently spiritual about shows like this—when the audience, artist, and environment all conspire to elevate a performance beyond a typical concert. The storm turned the evening into a test of devotion, and Mersiv rewarded every shiver and soaked sock with an experience that was equal parts cosmic journey and elemental ritual.

So yes—bring your poncho, pack your gloves, and brace for whatever the sky throws at you next spring. But know this: if Mersiv’s behind the decks, the music will melt the storm—if only for a little while.