After a reunion gig with the long-running hard rock outfit Sister Sin in February (2025), Liv “Sin” Jagrell returned to Borås with her later project Liv Sin, bringing an intense metal performance that thrives up close.
Instead of rocking the seats in the theatre hall, the female-fronted metal band took to Sagateatern’s bar area, turning a modest space into a loud, tightly packed show where energy, audience interaction and sheer attitude stole the night.
From Sister Sin to Liv Sin – A Welcomed Return to Borås
Liv Sin is a Swedish modern metal band fronted by singer Liv Jagrell, who was previously known for her work in the hard rock band Sister Sin. After Sister Sin ended their first run in 2015, Jagrell decided to continue with a new project under a new name. Liv Sin has since developed a heavier and more contemporary sound, with sharper guitars and a more aggressive vocal approach compared to her previous band.
Where Sister Sin leaned towards classic hard rock, Liv Sin has embraced a darker, more intense and modern style. The music is still melody-driven, but with a more distorted edge that brings a rawer expression to the foreground.
That history makes Liv Sin an exciting continuation of Jagrell’s musical journey, and the concert at Sagateatern in Borås on 28 November 2025 became a meaningful return to her hometown and a chance to experience her most recent material live.
Myspace Memories and a Missed Reunion
Like many others, my first encounter with Liv Jagrell came through Sister Sin, around the time of the album Switchblade Serenades in 2008 and the cheerful Myspace era for those of us who were around back then.
Sister Sin disbanded in 2015, but reunited for a performance in Borås during SM-veckan as recently as February this year. I was very much looking forward to that show and I even had photo permission arranged through the municipality. Unfortunately, it was a free event with first come, first served entrance, so when I got there long before the support act, the venue was already full and I was turned away by the bouncer.
Because of that disappointment, the announcement that Liv Sin would perform in Borås felt like a pleasant surprise. It was a second chance to hear Liv again, and this time with her current musicians and her newer material.
Lastly, as for Sister Sin, they are now working on new music, which is great news. With both Sister Sin and Liv Sin active in parallel, there will hopefully be more opportunities to catch both bands live in the near future.
Liv Sin Band Line-up
Liv Sin consists of Liv Jagrell (vocals), Per Bjelovuk (drums), Daniel Skoglund (bass), Sonny Larsson (lead guitar), and Ante Mäkelä (rhythm guitar)
Bar Gig Inside a Theatre
Having a heavy metal gig at Sagateatern felt a little ironic. The main hall is known for calm seated concerts. I have previously seen artists such as Marit Bergman and Lisa Miskovsky there, so it was easy to wonder how a loud metal band would work in that context.
It turned out that the concert took place in the foyer by the bar, which meant a small standing audience rather than a seated one. This made the evening feel more like a bar gig than a theatre show.
The stage was about the size of a bus stop and the most dedicated fans claimed the front long before the show started. Taking decent photos was a challenge, partly because of a large yucca palm positioned right next to the stage. It poked me in the eye more than once, and Liv Jagrell almost knocked it over when she stepped up on the small platform beside it. This was definitely not a typical rock stage.
The production was simple and without smoke or elaborate lighting. However, the band treated the audience to a handful of balloons that bounced around the stage and into the crowd towards the end. Even when the balloons kept hitting the musicians, they did not seem bothered.
Intensity Over Subtlety
The show started like a punch and never lost intensity. Both Sister Sin and Liv Sin are known for full throttle performances, and this evening was no exception.
The lack of slower moments can be both positive and negative depending on what mood one is in, but on a cheerful Friday night just after payday it worked very well indeed.
Beer, Air Guitar and Good Vibes
Despite the intensity, the concert felt surprisingly intimate. The band and the audience had a strong connection. Several headbangers and enthusiastic air guitar players formed almost an extension of the band, since there was hardly any separation between them other than a low stage edge. Liv even took the time to acknowledge a man in the audience who was celebrating his birthday.
The atmosphere was cheerful. Some people had clearly had a few drinks and spilled beer near the front, but there was never any aggression or bad mood in the room.
Loud Finale Turned the Show Into a Metal Party
A definite highlight was the closing song “Louder” off the latest album Close Your Eyes. It was easily the most catchy moment of the night.
Members of the audience were invited on stage for a sing-along, including the bassist and singer from the support act Anbaric, Kim Andrei, who joined several happy concert goers in sharing the microphone.
Final Thoughts
The concert at Sagateatern delivered exactly what I had hoped for. Liv Sin combined raw power, emotional energy and a close connection with the audience in a small and intimate space. The atmosphere remained energetic from start to finish, and the friendly mood in the crowd made the evening feel welcoming despite the heavy style of the music.
Liv Sin proved that heavy metal does not need a big stage or an elaborate production to hit hard. Sometimes a smaller room and a close audience amplify the impact even more.
Setlist – Liv Sin at Sagateatern, Borås
Check out the full setlist from the show by clicking the box below.
- Run
- Forget My Name
- Above the Line
- Let Me Out
- I Am the Storm
- Antihero
- The Process
- Hypocrite
- Blood Moon Fever
- D.E.R.
- Chapter of the Witch
- Praise the Winners
- Louder
Thanks and Shoutouts
Big thanks to the band for arranging photo access and for providing the setlist. Cheers also to the organisers, Klubb Hades, and to Sagateatern for hosting the concert.
I also photographed the support acts Anbaric and Sailor Hunter. Follow our social media channels so you will not miss when we publish photos from those shows.
This show was shot with
Camera Bodies
- Sony a7 IIIMidrange shots
- Sony a7R IIWideangle, telephoto shots
Camera Lenses
- Viltrox 20mm f2.8Wideangle Prime
- Tamron 28-75mm f2.8Midrange Zoom
- Tamron 70-180mm f2.8Telephoto Zoom
Concert Photo Gallery
