For fans of Heavy Metal, finding a band that authentically channels the genre’s timeless essence while delivering a fresh live performance is akin to striking gold. Night Demon, a trio hailing from Ventura, California, embodies just that. On my second encounter with them, their mastery of head-banging anthems clearly cemented my status as a devoted fan.
Night Demon doesn’t merely pay homage to classic heavy metal; they breathe new life into it, demonstrating an electric stage presence that resonates through every performance. The lead singer’s voice stands out starkly against the backdrop of contemporary metal vocals, boasting an impressive range that elevates their sound. The lead guitarist captivates audiences not just with his skill but with an infectious charisma that energizes every corner of the venue. For photographers, he’s a relentless muse, constantly on the move and crafting moments that demand to be captured. Meanwhile, the drummer delivers a powerhouse performance, anchoring the band’s sound with relentless energy.
Night Demon’s dedication to retaining the classic sound that many modern metal enthusiasts grew up with is a rare treasure in today’s music scene. They are unmistakably a must-see for anyone who appreciates the roots of heavy metal. So, if Night Demon rolls into your town, don’t miss out – they are sure to astonish with a performance dripping in heavy metal excellence.
In the pantheon of thrash metal, Overkill reigns as one of the genre’s enduring powerhouses. Emerging from New Jersey in the 1980s, these local legends deserve reverence alongside their thrash counterparts like Metallica and Slayer. At their recent show, Overkill delivered a performance that was nothing short of electrifying, proving once again why they have been a staple in the metal community for decades.
Lead singer and original member Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth is a force of nature. His ability to connect with the audience using only his vocal prowess is remarkable, leaving fans thrashing long after each track concluded. Founding member D.D. Verni on bass brought unwavering energy and visible joy, his passion flowing through every bassline he delivered. Complementing them, Jeramie Kling on drums laid down a thunderous foundation, while Derek Tailer on rhythm guitar injected an unmistakable attitude and Dave Linsk expertly commanded lead guitar, bringing riffs that thrilled the now-standing audience.
Their presence on stage was more than a performance; it was a declaration of enduring local love, thrilling both lifelong fans and newcomers alike. In a word: Unmissable.
In the world of theatrical heavy metal, few names are as revered as King Diamond. Performing at The King’s Theater on the eerily fitting evening of Halloween Eve, the show unfurled a tapestry of hauntingly evil splendor, marking a night fans won’t soon forget. This performance was made all the more special by a surprise appearance from Danish black metal vocalist Myrkur, who lent her ethereal vocals as part of the “Saint Lucifer’s Hospital Tour”. This collaboration felt like a diabolical pairing conjured from tales of old, perfectly enhancing the unique soundscapes and immersive storytelling that King Diamond is celebrated for.
King Diamond’s music is a blend of Heavy Metal’s visceral energy and theatrical narrative, evolving from his early days in the band Mercyful Fate to an iconic solo career. His sound is unmistakable, characterized by high-pitched falsettos and a chillingly charismatic deliverance that has captivated audiences since the eighties.
The stage setup for the night was nothing short of spectacular. A triple-decker stage kept the audience’s eyes constantly engaged, each level uncovering new aspects of the narrative. The lighting design defied the usual conventions of metal shows, instead crafting an ambiance more akin to theater productions. From backlit backdrops to glowing clouds of smoke, the visuals amplified the dramatic tension, transforming the venue into a realm of dark fantasy.
Brooklyn’s stunning King’s Theater really leant itself well to the theatrical aspect of King Diamond’s performance…. This was not just a metal concert; it was a full evening of evil theater. In a particularly memorable moment, King Diamond, without breaking character, ushered a young boy onto the stage. Turns out this boy was none other than Myrkur’s son, Otto, who took the stage looking like he was ready to trick or treat, with the confidence of a true metal progeny. He offered up one of the most impressive displays of heavy metal horns the New York City crowd had ever witnessed, leaving the stage with one of the loudest audience receptions of the night.
The set list was everything you would want from a Halloween Eve’s concert with the King. They started off with three from 1987 release “Abigail”… Opening the show with “Funeral”, “Arrival” then “A Mansion in Darkness.” Moving into the appropriately themed “Halloween” and “Voodoo.” Full setlist will be attached below but you can be certain The King fully delivered on Halloween Eve in NYC.
The audience’s enthusiasm was palpable, with fans expressing their adoration in myriad ways—some even donning King Diamond’s iconic corpse paint. The energy was electric, a testament to the enduring love the East Coast has for his art. Spending the night before Halloween amidst such theatrical metal grandeur was truly a treat for all in attendance. The anticipation for the King’s return is already building, promising future nights of equal, if not greater, heavy metal darkness.
King Diamond setlist (via setlist.fm):
Funeral
Arrival
A Mansion in Darkness
Halloween
Voodoo
Them
Spider Lilly (new song) new
Two Little Girls
Sleepless Nights
Out From The Asylum
Welcome Home
The Invisible Guests
The Candle
Masquerade of Madness
Eye of the Witch
Burn
Electro Therapy (new song)
Encore:
Abigail
Insanity
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WORDS AND PHOTOS BY JAMIE SHERWOOD
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