It's been more than a decade since MONSTA X debuted, but if their performance at Arizona Financial Theatre proved anything, it's that the group hasn't lost the energy, chemistry, or vocal talent that made them stand out in the first place.
Bringing their THE X: NEXUS World Tour to Phoenix, MONSTA X returned to the stage with five members, Shownu, Minhyuk, Kihyun, Hyungwon, and Joohoney, while I.M continues fulfilling his mandatory military service.
For me, MONSTA X has always been one of those groups that brings back memories of when I first started listening to K-pop. "Hero" was one of the first songs that introduced me to their music, and hearing how strong their vocals still are today was a reminder of why they caught my attention all those years ago.
And after seeing them live in Phoenix, it's safe to say they've still got it.
Tight Choreography and Vocals That Still Deliver
From the opening performances, MONSTA X wasted little time showing what more than ten years of experience looks like onstage.
Their formations were incredibly tight, with each member moving confidently through choreography that felt polished without looking overly rehearsed. Even with five members instead of six, the group maintained a strong presence, filling the stage with the kind of synchronization and chemistry that comes from years of performing together.
Songs like "DRAMARAMA," "Love Killa," and "Rush Hour" helped establish the energy early, bringing out the group's signature combination of aggressive choreography, smooth transitions, and commanding stage presence.
But what stood out most to me wasn't necessarily the dancing. It was the vocals.
MONSTA X has always had strong vocalists, and hearing them perform live reminded me just how talented they are. Their voices still carried the same power and character I remembered from listening to their earlier music, even as their sound has continued to evolve.
There's something impressive about watching a group perform demanding choreography while still delivering vocals that make you stop and pay attention.
Solo and Unit Stages Let Each Member Shine
One of the more interesting parts of the night came when MONSTA X stepped away from their full-group performances and gave each member an opportunity to showcase a different side of themselves.
Rather than keeping the same energy throughout the entire concert, the solo and unit stages brought variety to the show and highlighted just how different each member's musical personality can be.
Shownu and Hyungwon's unit performances, including "Breathe," introduced a smoother, more laid-back atmosphere that contrasted with the intensity of the group's earlier songs. Their chemistry gave the performance a different feel while still fitting naturally into the concert.
Kihyun's "Howling" was another opportunity for the group's vocal strength to take center stage, allowing his voice to carry the performance.
Another memorable moment came when Minhyuk appeared with a guitar for "Reaching." At first, the presentation felt almost playful and charming, but once he started singing, the performance became something else entirely.
His vocals were genuinely impressive, and the contrast between the softer introduction and his delivery made the stage stand out.
The guitar itself was a nice visual addition, although from where I was watching, it was difficult to tell how much of the instrumental was being played live. Regardless, the vocals were the real highlight of that performance.
Then came Joohoney, who brought a completely different energy.
His solo stage, including "STING," featured the kind of swagger and confidence that immediately gets a crowd moving. With its Muhammad Ali-inspired "float like a butterfly, sting like a bee" attitude, the performance was packed with personality.
It was easily one of the most energetic solo moments of the night, with Joohoney commanding the stage and getting fans jumping along.
What made these performances work was how each one offered something different. Rather than feeling like breaks between the main set, they helped show why MONSTA X works so well as a group. Each member brings a distinct strength, and together those differences create something bigger.
Five on Stage, But Still Six at Heart
Although I.M couldn't join the group for this tour due to his military service, his presence wasn't completely missing from the show.
During the solo portion of the concert, a video performance featuring I.M appeared on the screen, giving fans an opportunity to see him included in the experience despite his absence.
It was a small but meaningful touch.
For a group that has spent more than a decade building its identity together, moments like this matter. The remaining five members carried the concert confidently, but the inclusion of I.M served as a reminder that MONSTA X is still a six-member group.
"Burning Up" Turns Into a Crowd-Wide Performance
One of my favorite moments of the night came during "Burning Up," when the group shifted the attention toward the audience.
Instead of simply performing the song from beginning to end, MONSTA X encouraged fans to sing along, turning the venue into part of the performance.
The interaction became even more entertaining when the members started beatboxing and showing off their voices a cappella.
It was one of those moments that reminded me how much fun a live concert can be when artists step outside the usual choreography and backing tracks.
Hearing their voices without the full production behind them was another reminder of their vocal ability. There was no need for elaborate staging during those moments. The members' personalities, natural chemistry, and voices were enough to keep the crowd engaged.
It also gave the audience a chance to connect with the group in a way that felt more personal than simply watching another song.
Sometimes those unscripted-feeling interactions end up being the most memorable parts of a concert, and this was definitely one of them.
A Decade Later, MONSTA X Still Has It
With so many newer K-pop groups entering the industry every year, it's easy to focus on the next big debut or rising act. But watching MONSTA X in Phoenix was a reminder of what experience brings to a live performance.
Their choreography remains sharp, their vocals are still impressive, and their ability to move between intense group performances, emotional vocal stages, and playful fan interactions shows how comfortable they've become as performers.
Not every moment needed to be explosive. Some of the strongest parts of the concert came when the members slowed things down and simply let their voices do the work.
As someone who first discovered MONSTA X through "Hero," there was something satisfying about finally seeing them perform and realizing that the qualities that originally drew me to their music are still very much there.
The Phoenix stop of THE X: NEXUS wasn't just a showcase of MONSTA X's history. It was proof that more than ten years into their career, they still have plenty to offer.
And if this is what they can deliver with five members, seeing all six together again is something worth looking forward to.
