New York City welcomed RIIZE for the first time on November 1, where they rattled the stage at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. 
As the lights began to dim in the packed theater, the stars on the screen began to rise up, cueing ominous music. This went on for what felt like an eternity, the anticipation further building among the crowd. It felt as though everyone in the room was transcending into a liminal galactic space — somewhere only RIIZE and BRIIZE, their fans, can meet. The dramatic music intensifies after Anton’s voice recites, “RIIZE Concert Tour - RIIZING LOUD,” which was followed by a cinematic VCR of the members being revealed one by one. 
The crowd erupted in waves as all six members took to the stage, split in half; they walked from opposite sides of the stage before lining up in the middle. Opening the night with a blast of energy, RIIZE further launched the crowd into orbit with an explosive performance of “Ember to Solar.” Their bold stage presence sent ripples throughout the hall. With this triumphant performance full of charisma, RIIZE made their arrival to New York City impossible to ignore. Keeping up the surge of power, a police siren signaled their second song of the night “Siren.” Like clockwork, Wonbin’s opening line “Beat, beat, beat droppin’,” sent the crowd into a frenzy. Only two songs into the show and RIIZE had shook things up.
Their next two songs “Odyssey” and “Combo” softened the momentum of their fiery flow. Standing in a row and taking their turns delivering their lines, RIIZE kept up the cosmic flow as they sang about the journey of reaching their dreams in “Odyssey.” Their smooth yet powerful vocals then charged up in “Combo,” singing all about an imperfect love that fits together. The orchestral build up along with celestial visuals in the background made for the perfect “main character” movie moment.

After changing into red and white bomber jackets, RIIZE tapped into a wave of youthful nostalgia for their next segment. Sitting down for “Midnight Mirage,” RIIZE carried on with the laid-back atmosphere. Don’t be fooled, although they had more mellow tracks on the setlist, it was soon followed by “Love 119,” “Lucky,” and “9 Days.” Their infectious charm continued to breathe life into the room as they channeled their boyband heart throb energy for “Love 119” and carefree, fun and fresh vibe with “Lucky” and “9 Days.” 
With every beat, RIIZE continued to shake up the theater with their thunderous force the rest of the night. The sextet showcased their versatility in vocals, rap, and dance through their diverse setlist. Moving from hyped songs like “Memories” and “Fly Up” which kept the high energy going, they also bewitched BRIIZE with sensual performances of “Honestly.” Starting off with dance solos that spotlighted first Sohee, then Wonbin, and back to Sohee and Eunseok in the middle before the rest of the members would have their turn. Gliding gracefully across the stage, each spotlight moment seemed to follow them, illuminating their fluid dance moves. Their cover of EXO’s “Monster” also spiced things up, surely creeping into the heartbeats of fans and casual listeners alike. 
Anton and Wonbin delivered an iconic duet to open “Get a Guitar,” with Anton on the bass and Wonbin shredding on an electric guitar. The group’s dance break in towards the end solidified the shift in tempo, transitioning the show to a more groovy rhythm. 
Closing out the show, they unwinded with “Another Life,” “One Kiss,” and “Inside My Love.” It was a special night not only for BRIIZE but for RIIZE, as it was their first concert in New York City. The entire venue welcomed Anton back home to the East Coast for this memorable occasion. After a night of blazing enthusiasm, RIIZE has made their mark in the Big Apple. 
“We made it,” Anton exclaimed. 
Photos by SM Entertainment.