King Diamond – The Fillmore – Minneapolis MN – November 10th 2024

Kind Diamond with special guests Overkill and Night Demon.

Presented by Live Nation

Night Demon is known for delivering high-energy, old-school heavy metal performances that combine elements of classic speed metal and traditional metal. If you’ve attended one of their live shows or watched footage, the band’s dynamic stage presence and tight musicianship are typically front and center. Here’s what a typical Night Demon live show would offer:

Stage Presence:

Night Demon is known for their vibrant and enthusiastic stage presence. Lead vocalist and bassist Jarvis Leatherby commands the stage with a charismatic performance, engaging with the crowd while delivering a powerful vocal performance. The guitar work of Brent Woodward (lead guitar) and Dusty Squires (drums) also contributes to the energetic atmosphere. Their performances are often marked by a sense of camaraderie, with the band members feeding off the crowd’s energy, and they’re not shy about showing appreciation for their fans.

Setlist:

Night Demon plays a mix of songs from their discography, focusing on fan favorites from their albums Night Demon (2015), Darkness Remains (2017), and Outsider (2020). Their setlists typically include high-octane tracks like “Night Demon,” “Hallowed Ground,” “Full Speed Ahead,” and “The Hellion,” among others. There’s often a balance of fast-paced tracks and more anthemic tunes that get the crowd singing along. They also sometimes throw in covers of classic metal songs, paying homage to their influences, such as the legendary bands of the NWOBHM era.

Musical Performance:

Night Demon’s live performances are characterized by tight musicianship. Guitarist Brent Woodward’s solos are precise, and the rhythm section is solid, with Dusty Squires on drums keeping the pace relentless. The band’s chemistry is evident, and they often seem like they’re genuinely enjoying themselves, which contributes to the overall excitement of the show.

They also have an ability to blend the classic with the modern, appealing to fans of traditional heavy metal as well as those who appreciate more contemporary metal styles. The combination of old-school riffage and powerful, sometimes high-pitched vocals provides a solid foundation for their live performances.

Crowd Interaction:

Night Demon is known for being down-to-earth and making a genuine connection with their audience. They tend to engage with the crowd frequently, whether it’s by encouraging singalongs or expressing gratitude for the fanbase’s support. The fans at Night Demon shows are often die-hard metalheads who revel in the chance to chant along with the band or raise their fists in unity during some of the faster, more anthemic songs.

Production & Atmosphere:

Night Demon typically opts for a straightforward yet effective stage setup, letting the music do the talking. You might see backdrops or banners with their logo, and the lighting generally favors bold colors like reds, blues, and whites, which enhance the energy of their performance. They don’t need over-the-top theatrics to command the crowd; the power of their music and the intensity of their live sound are more than enough.

Overall Impression:

If you’re a fan of traditional heavy metal or the NWOBHM movement, a Night Demon live show is a must-see. The band’s passion for the genre is evident in every song they play, and they deliver a classic metal experience with all the right elements—fist-pumping riffs, high-energy vocals, and crowd interaction. Fans of bands like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and early Metallica will likely find a lot to love in Night Demon’s live performances.

Whether they’re playing a small club or a larger festival stage, Night Demon delivers an authentic, no-frills metal experience that feels both nostalgic and fresh at the same time. The combination of their high-octane performance and respect for heavy metal’s roots makes them a band that stands out in the current scene.

Overkill is a legendary thrash metal band with an unmatched reputation for delivering blistering live performances. Known for their relentless energy, tight musicianship, and no-holds-barred approach to thrash, Overkill’s live shows are often regarded as some of the best in the thrash metal scene. If you’ve seen them live or are planning to, here’s what you can typically expect from an Overkill concert:

Stage Presence:

Overkill’s live performances are intense, explosive, and absolutely unrelenting. Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth, the band’s iconic frontman, is a force of nature on stage. His distinctive voice—a mix of raspy snarl and piercing high-pitched shouts—perfectly matches the aggressive, fast-paced thrash riffs that Overkill is known for. Blitz is an incredible performer, always engaged with the crowd, inciting mosh pits, and interacting with fans. His energy is boundless, often running around the stage, delivering his vocals with a raw, visceral intensity that makes each song feel like a battle.

Setlist:

Overkill’s setlists are a perfect mix of thrash classics and newer material, ensuring that fans get a taste of the band’s entire career. Expect an onslaught of high-speed riffs and thunderous rhythms from albums like Feel the Fire (1985), Horrorscope (1991), The Years of Decay (1989), and more recent efforts like The Grinding Wheel (2017) or Scorched (2023).

Songs like “Elimination,” “Ironbound,” “Fight to Survive,” and “Hello from the Gutter” are crowd favorites that regularly appear in their setlists. Overkill knows how to balance the older, beloved tracks with newer material that fits seamlessly into their set. The crowd is usually treated to a selection of songs that display Overkill’s evolution while still keeping the focus on what made them thrash legends in the first place: high-speed riffs, pounding rhythms, and Blitz’s unmistakable voice.

While the exact setlist can vary from night to night, fans are generally guaranteed a high-energy, fast-paced run through Overkill’s discography that leaves no room for slowing down. The band tends to favor the fast, aggressive tracks that keep the crowd moving and moshing, though there are also some moments where the tempo shifts slightly for a more groove-heavy breakdown, allowing for some breath-catching between the relentless thrashing.

Musical Performance:

Overkill’s musical performance live is razor-sharp. The band is known for its precision and tightness, which is all the more impressive considering the speed at which they play. Their thrash metal is fast, complex, and intricate, with guitar solos and riffs that can melt your face off. Dave Linsk’s solos are fast, fiery, and technical, and Jeramine Kling drumming continues to be a key part of their sound.

Despite the complexity of the songs, the band pulls off live renditions without a hitch, maintaining the raw aggression and precision of the studio versions while giving each performance a slightly different feel depending on the energy of the crowd. Overkill’s rhythm section is also rock-solid— Christian Wobblers bass lines provide a solid foundation while adding a bit of groove, and Jeramie Kling behind the drums drives the band forward with speed and power.

Crowd Interaction:

One of Overkill’s trademarks is their exceptional rapport with their audience. Blitz, in particular, is known for interacting with the crowd, rallying them up before launching into the next song. Between songs, he’s often engaging in banter with fans, sometimes sharing anecdotes or getting the crowd hyped for the next thrash attack. The connection between the band and the audience is palpable—whether they’re leading the audience in chants or encouraging moshing, the energy is always mutual.

The crowd at Overkill shows is usually packed with long-time fans, many of whom have followed the band since their early days in the 80s. The pit is often full of people thrashing around, singing every word back at Blitz. Overkill’s reputation as a live act means their shows draw loyal, dedicated metalheads, and the crowd interaction is a big part of what makes their live performances so thrilling.

Production & Atmosphere:

Overkill’s stage setup is typically fairly straightforward but effective, with dramatic lighting that complements the aggressive, thrashing sound. Expect lots of flashing lights, strobe effects, and a general no-frills, direct-to-the-point atmosphere that puts the focus on the music. There’s often a sense of camaraderie and excitement in the air, with the band and audience feeding off each other’s energy. You won’t find elaborate stage gimmicks or over-the-top theatrics—this is thrash metal at its purest, where the music takes center stage.

The venue size can vary—from small clubs where the energy feels intimate to larger arenas where the band’s presence is absolutely massive. In both environments, the vibe is electric, with the band’s tight, fast, and in-your-face performance providing the driving force of the night.

Overall Impression:

An Overkill live show is a high-octane, unrelenting assault on the senses. The band delivers every single song with ferocity, and the fans respond with even more energy, creating a feedback loop of pure thrash metal chaos. From Blitz’s charismatic frontman antics to the sheer power of the band’s musicianship, it’s clear why Overkill remains one of the greatest thrash bands to ever take the stage.

Whether you’re a long-time fan of their earlier works or a more recent convert to the thrash scene, seeing Overkill live is an experience you won’t forget. Their performances are a masterclass in the power of thrash metal, full of speed, aggression, and the kind of pure metal magic that only a band like Overkill can deliver.

A King Diamond live show is not just a concert—it’s an experience, an atmospheric journey into the dark, eerie world of the Danish metal legend. Known for his theatrical stage presence, intricate storytelling, and distinct vocal style, King Diamond delivers one of the most unique live performances in the metal scene. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer to his music, his live shows offer a blend of spooky ambience, musical complexity, and dramatic flair.

Here’s what you can expect from a King Diamond concert:

Stage Presence & Performance:

At the center of every King Diamond show is, of course, King Diamond himself—the iconic frontman with his signature face paint and high-pitched, falsetto-heavy vocals. He’s not just a performer; he’s a storyteller, using his live shows as an extension of the horror-themed tales in his lyrics. He often steps into the role of the character in the story, and it’s clear that he’s completely immersed in the performance. His eerie presence on stage is complemented by his dramatic movements and expressions, creating an almost theatrical atmosphere.

King Diamond’s stage attire—his skull-like makeup, black-and-white face paint, and sometimes elaborate costumes—sets the mood for the entire show, making every concert feel like a living horror movie. His commanding stage presence is one of the driving forces behind his live shows, as he draws the audience into the macabre world of his music.

The rest of the band, which includes incredibly talented musicians like Mike Wead (guitar), Pontus Egberg (bass), Matt Thompson (drums), and Andy LaRocque (guitar), is equally skilled. Their musical precision ensures that the complex arrangements from albums like Abigail, Them, and Conspiracy come to life perfectly, adding to the dark atmosphere of the performance. The band is tight, energetic, and supportive of King Diamond’s theatrics, often playing off his dramatic pauses and gestures.

Setlist:

King Diamond’s setlists are typically a combination of classic fan favorites and songs from his more recent solo albums. Expect to hear a lot of material from his iconic albums such as Abigail (1987), Them (1988), and Conspiracy (1990). Tracks like “Abigail,” “Halloween,” “Welcome Home,” and “Sleepless Nights” are often staples of the set, and they’re always met with thunderous applause from the audience.

The show will likely include thematic shifts based on the albums, with King narrating or acting out parts of his famous horror stories. For instance, during “Abigail,” you might witness the band being enveloped in fog and lighting effects to create an atmosphere that matches the eerie narrative. Songs from newer albums like The Institute (2019) will also make an appearance, showing King Diamond’s ability to remain relevant while still delivering that unmistakable trademark sound. However, no matter which era the songs come from, they all maintain the same level of intensity and theatricality.

King Diamond is known for keeping things exciting by changing up the setlist, so even if you’ve seen him multiple times, there’s usually something fresh for fans to enjoy.

Musical Performance:

King Diamond’s band is absolutely top-notch. Mike Wead and Andy LaRocque deliver intricate, twin-guitar harmonies with precision, as they tear through the high-pitched, melodic riffs and solos that are the hallmark of King’s music. The guitar work is technical, sharp, and expressive, capturing the progressive and often cinematic feel of the music. Pontus Egberg holds down the low end, providing the deep, resonant bass lines that help anchor the band’s atmospheric intensity. Meanwhile, Matt Thompson brings the power on drums, keeping everything precise and sharp with fast, complex beats that power through the various time changes of the music.

King Diamond himself has an incredibly powerful, unique voice. He’s known for his impressive vocal range—particularly his falsetto—and he executes every note with precision, whether it’s shrieking high-pitched melodies or performing the deep, guttural tones required for the darker parts of his stories. His vocal control is as impressive live as it is on his albums, and he can seamlessly transition between characters, vocal styles, and moods, making the show feel like a complete theatrical production.

Crowd Interaction & Atmosphere:

A King Diamond live show is a blend of metal and theater, and the crowd is often as much a part of the experience as the band itself. King Diamond interacts with the audience in character, often addressing the crowd between songs, setting up the next part of his story, or just making spooky, cryptic comments that further draw the audience into the narrative.

The crowd at a King Diamond show is typically made up of long-time fans who know the stories and songs inside and out. There’s a sense of anticipation when King Diamond starts talking or introduces the next track, as fans are eager to see how the next chapter in the tale will unfold. The audience sings along, especially during the more iconic songs, with chants of “Abigail!” or “Welcome Home!” adding to the electric atmosphere.

Though the show is highly theatrical, it never detracts from the fact that King Diamond is first and foremost a heavy metal showman, and his concerts are as much about the music as they are about the spectacle. The atmosphere is immersive, with the band often surrounded by fog, dim lighting, and set pieces that reflect the horror themes of the music. On stage, you might see props like candles, skulls, and elaborate backdrops that shift from eerie graveyards to haunted houses, depending on the story.

Lighting & Production:

One of the highlights of any King Diamond concert is the production value. The lighting and visual effects are carefully designed to create a haunting atmosphere. Expect heavy use of fog, strobe lights, and dramatic color shifts—reds and blues for tension, ghostly whites for eerie moments. The lighting is not just there to illuminate the band but to enhance the theatrical side of the show. There’s often a creepy, almost cinematic feel to the visual elements, with smoke curling around the band members as they play, and projections or stage props setting the scene for each segment of the show.

King Diamond’s stage setup typically includes grand, gothic elements—arched windows, candles, skulls, and other macabre props that give the performance a haunted house or gothic theater aesthetic. The overall production is immersive, with the visuals matching the dark, atmospheric tones of the music. It’s not just about seeing the band play, it’s about being transported into the eerie world that King Diamond conjures with his music.

Overall Impression:

A King Diamond live show is a must-see for any fan of theatrical metal, horror themes, or classic heavy metal. It’s not just a concert; it’s an experience that transports the audience into the dark, mysterious, and supernatural worlds of his albums. Between the complex, melodic music, King’s incredible vocals, the elaborate storytelling, and the dark, theatrical production, it’s a show unlike any other in metal.

Fans of horror, fantasy, and heavy metal alike will find themselves captivated by the chilling atmosphere, intense music, and King Diamond’s charismatic performance. If you get the chance to see him live, be prepared for a night of spine-chilling riffs, haunting melodies, and a truly immersive experience that will leave you in awe.