Halestorm Returns to Skyway for “Darkness Always Wins” Music Video

Originally, Halestorm planned to shoot on a scenic Nashville hillside for an authentic outdoor backdrop – but Mother Nature had other plans. A streak of unpredictable summer storms threatened the outdoor shoot, so the production pivoted to our indoor LED stage at the last minute. Studio D’s LED volume came to the rescue, allowing the crew to recreate a sprawling landscape digitally without worrying about weather. The result was stunning: with the LED projecting hyper-realistic vistas, Halestorm could perform in a controlled “outdoor” environment that looked just as epic on camera as any real location. The band and director have hinted that the LED stage solution may have surpassed the original plan – proving how virtual production technology can turn potential setbacks into creative triumphs.

On set, Halestorm’s performance was nothing short of theatrical. The video itself plays out like a mini action movie. Lzzy Hale appears chainmailed-up, wielding a huge medieval sword as a warrior in a desolate realm. Thanks to Skyway’s LED stage, Lzzy is seen wandering through a brooding, apocalyptic landscape – think misty swamps and eerie ruins – where she duels a mud-covered foe amidst lightning and smoke. Meanwhile, the rest of the band performs on the boggy, foggy battlefield beside her, with thunderous drums and solos matching the intensity of the clash. All of this dramatic scenery was generated in real time on our curved LED, wrapping the band in a digital world that blends seamlessly with practical on-set elements. The ability to place Halestorm in a cinematic fantasy setting – without leaving the studio – showcases the magic of our virtual production stage.

This high-tech wizardry didn’t replace everything – the video’s impact also comes from tactile, real-world details. The production team combined the LED visuals with practical effects on set to make the fantasy feel tangible. Atmospheric fog, dramatic lighting, and even real mud and rain elements were employed to ensure Lzzy’s battle felt gritty and real. Skyway’s expansive stage let the crew set up elaborate camera rigs to capture sweeping hero shots of the band and intense close-ups of the swordfight. The LED backdrop provided interactive light (flashes of lightning, glowing embers, etc.) that reflected off the performers in-camera, enhancing realism. In other words, our studio became an all-in-one sandbox where digital and practical effects merged into one grand vision.