Las Vegas already has a reputation for over-the-top spectacle, so it takes a lot to truly stand out. But Anyma’s opening night on December 27 at Sphere knocked the wind right out of me and felt like a visionary leap into what live music can become—a sprawling, brain-melting, boundary-crushing experience that was less of a concert and more like stepping into a cybernetic opera fever dream. This was the first of eight scheduled performances, and it met all the internet hype surrounding it.
Anyma, the alias of Italian American producer and DJ Matteo Milleri, has long been known in the EDM scene for his innovative approach to audio-visual experiences. His performance at Sphere not only marked the first-ever residency of its kind at the venue, but also the debut of a groundbreaking live show that fuses music with state-of-the-art tech in ways that felt straight out of science fiction. Thousands of fans—decked out in all black, silver and metallic fits—sunk into the futuristic abyss below the towering visuals.
The set unfolded in four acts: Genesys, Humana, The End of Genesys and Quantum—each one more hypnotic than the previous. With tracks like “Syren” and “Pictures Of You,” Anyma’s signature melodic techno was married with lush, cinematic soundscapes that stretched the genre’s limits. The surrounding screens came alive with digital humanoid figures, their movements syncing and reaching out along with the pulsating beats. The visuals went beyond being supplementary; they became integral to the storytelling, shifting from haunting, minimalistic imagery meant for dance breaks to freakishly trippy scenes, following the emotional arcs of the music. One of many standout moments featured two elevated self-playing cello robots. The juxtaposition truly epitomized the performance’s ability to merge the organic with the synthetic.
We were also treated to cameos by Grimes and Ellie Goulding, who appeared on the spherical screens in moments of virtual collaborations. The crowd, already transformed by their cyber-esque attire, became one with the display. Each beat was met with synchronized movement, as the thousands swayed beneath the mammoth visuals, no longer just spectators but active participants in the show. It was impossible not to feel part of the collective energy in the room. Every drop, every swell in the sound felt like we were in it together.
Anyma’s The End of Genesys was the fifth show to take the stage at Sphere, following classic acts like U2, Phish, Dead & Company and Eagles. But unlike those rock gods, Anyma isn’t playing to nostalgic memories of the past; he’s playing for the future. This is only the beginning of what’s possible at Sphere, and if the rest of Anyma’s residency follows in the footsteps of this opening night, it promises to be one for the history books.
Afterlife presents Anyma ‘The End of Genesys‘ December 30-31, January 1, 10 & 11, 9 p.m, $175+, Sphere, ticketmaster.com.
