Impaler - Amsterdam Bar & Hall - St. Paul MN - December 5th 2025

FIRST AVENUE AND AMSTERDAM PRESENT IMPLAER AND THE KRAMPUS CHRISTMAS SHOW

Review and photos by Kyle Hansen

Impaler delivered an absolutely unforgettable “Merry Krampus” performance that perfectly blended horror, humor, and holiday chaos. The show was a packed, high-energy spectacle from start to finish, and the band proved once again why they’re legends in the Twin Cities metal scene. With their signature theatrics enhanced by Christmas twists, the whole night felt like a warped, blood-soaked holiday party—and fans loved every second of it.

The venue was wall-to-wall with fans, creating an electric atmosphere the moment the doors opened. The crowd’s energy stayed high all night, with constant cheering, moshing, and enthusiastic responses to every stunt on stage. The unexpected appearance of multiple Krampus characters weaving through the audience added a wild, immersive element that kept everyone on edge—in the best way possible.

Impaler is known for over-the-top shock rock, and this performance elevated it even further. The stage was decorated with Christmas props, lights, ornaments, and thick clouds of smoke that gave everything a twisted winter-wonderland vibe.

Their trademark gore effects and wrestling-style stage combat were out in full force, but with a festive surprise: instead of the usual bloody entrails, the band dramatically pulled out Christmas decorations—garland, ornaments, and holiday ribbons—to the crowd’s delight. It was gory, hilarious, and perfectly on-theme.

Theatrics were bold, well-timed, and flawlessly executed, making every song feel like its own little horror vignette.

The Amsterdam Bar and Hall delivered exceptional sound for the night. The mix was tight, balanced, and surprisingly powerful for a venue of its size. Vocals were crystal clear, the guitars ripped through the room with the perfect amount of grit, and the rhythm section hit hard without muddying the rest of the band.

Everything could be heard cleanly—an ideal setup for a band whose music relies as much on atmosphere as on heavy riffs.

Impaler hit the crowd with a strong, fan-favorite set heavy on classics and energy. Highlights included:

Shock Rock
Goblin Queen
It Won’t Die
Blood Bath
King of Freaks
(and more fan-favorite tracks)

The pacing kept the crowd engaged from the first note to the final outro, with each song accompanied by its own staging cues and visual flourishes.

The band played tighter than ever, with powerful vocals, crunchy guitars, and an energetic rhythm section shaping the show’s momentum.

The biggest highlight was the gore gag reimagined for the holidays—pulling “guts” out only to reveal strings of Christmas decorations instead. It was unexpected, hilarious, and instantly became the moment everyone talked about afterward.

The roaming Krampus characters also added an immersive layer to the show, keeping fans constantly turning their heads to see what chaos might unfold next.

Opening acts.

Plague of Stars

Plague of Stars opened with a dark, moody set that warmed up the crowd effectively. Their blend of atmospheric metal and strong vocal work set a dramatic tone that complemented the night’s theme well.

VVolf Mask

VVolf Mask followed with high energy and raw intensity, delivering a punchy performance that built momentum for Impaler’s entrance. Their stage presence meshed perfectly with the night’s heavier, theatrical vibe.

Impaler’s “Merry Krampus 2025” was everything fans could hope for: loud, wild, theatrical, funny, and perfectly tuned to the holiday-horror theme. With strong support from Plague of Stars and VVolf Mask, an engaged and packed crowd, and flawless execution of both sound and theatrics, the night cemented itself as one of the standout metal events of the season.

A must-see for anyone who wants their holiday cheer served with distortion, smoke, and a little bit of gore.

PLAGUE OF STARS