On January 17, ARTMS brought their Grand Club Icarus Tour to Die Kantine in Cologne. Formed by former LOONA members HeeJin, HaSeul, Kim Lip, JinSoul, and Cheorry, ARTMS has carved out a distinct artistic identity rooted in ambitious concepts, emotional depth, and experimentation with genres. Their current Grand Club Icarus Tour is built around themes of transformation, resistance, and rebirth, expanding the group’s universe beyond traditional album cycles and into a broader narrative experience. This era follows their latest comeback with the mini-album <Club Icarus>, released in June 2025, which not only broke their own first-week sales record but also introduced the lead single, “Icarus.” Inspired by the mythological figure, the track centers on healing and hope for those who have been wounded, setting the conceptual foundation for a tour that invites fans to reflect, rise, and grow alongside the group.
Leaning fully into the Club Icarus concept, ARTMS treated Die Kantine less like a conventional concert venue and more like an actual club space. Taking the Grand Club theme quite literally, the evening began long before the members performed on stage, with a DJ setting the tone around thirty minutes before the official start time. Pulsing beats filled the room as attendees settled in, transforming the wait into part of the experience rather than a pause before it. This deliberate choice blurred the line between pre-show and performance, immediately pulling the audience into ARTMS’ universe and demonstrating that this night would unfold on their own carefully curated terms.
ARTMS were welcomed with thunderous cheers by their passionate fandom, OURII, many of whom embraced the Icarus theme in white outfits and wings. Riding that energy, the group opened with “Goddess” and then transitioned directly into “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,” turning the room into a vibrant mix of club atmosphere and cinematic visuals, immediately setting the atmosphere for the evening. “BURN” stood out in particular, with its tight synchronization highlighting the group’s sharp choreography and confident stage presence.
From the beginning, the members made a conscious effort to connect with the audience, maintaining an intimate atmosphere despite the packed venue. They have learned an impressive amount of German phrases, and they were not afraid to scream them throughout the venue.
Fully embracing the Club Icarus concept, several tracks were rearranged to fit the theme, giving familiar songs a refreshed edge, with “Unf/Air” feeling especially revitalised. The visual production elevated the experience further, from dynamic lighting to interlude videos that seamlessly tied the set together. Performing a cover of “The Dead Dance” by Lady Gaga added a fun element of surprise.
The solo stages allowed each member to shine individually. Cheorry set the tone with “Pressure,” delivering a performance that was equally cute and self-assured. Heejin followed with “Video Game,” pairing dreamy visuals with her effortless cool and magnetic presence. JinSoul took over next with “Ring of Chaos,” captivating the audience with a soulful yet catchy performance that highlighted her distinct voice. HaSeul then stepped into the spotlight with ODD EYE CIRCLE’s “Je ne sais quoi,” where her strong vocals truly took center stage. Kim Lip brought the solo section to a powerful close with “Can You Entertain?”, igniting the crowd with her infectious energy and leaving no doubt that she can, indeed, entertain.
Back together, the mood shifted with the performance of “Distress,” where ARTMS’ harmonies and choreography were perfectly complemented by their dancers, adding depth and movement that truly made the stage come alive. Another round of playful banter with the audience led into the unreleased track “In the black,” written specifically for this tour. Even without prior familiarity, the crowd instantly connected with the song, vibing along as the members hyped each other, turning it into one of the night’s most memorable moments. The energy from OURII was electric throughout the night, with the fans’ enthusiasm so overwhelming that ARTMS made a point to praise the crowd several times for fueling the show with their passion.
The set took a more emotional tone with “Butterfly Effect,” pairing delicate, whimsical choreography with a heartfelt impact that underlined ARTMS’s ability to bring genuine magic to the stage. The atmosphere briefly ventured into rave territory during the “Icarus” interlude, before they pulled it back with a stunning performance of the title track.
The final part introduced subtle rock influences with “Verified Beauty,” “Sparkle,” before “Virtual Angel” closed the main set on a nostalgic note with flawless choreography. At the end of the night, ARTMS treated the audience to an encore that fully embodied the rave energy and joyful chaos, pushing the atmosphere to one final high. The evening was brought to a close as the members playfully went wild on stage, armed with water bottles and infectious laughter, turning the final moments into a whirlwind of mischief and fun.
Bring the Club Icarus energy back home, just hit play on <Club Icarus> and let the night live on.
