Well, Hunnypot readers, the Holiday season is upon us once again. Around this time, not many bands are touring as they would rather be in their homes enjoying time with their families. However, there are a handful of groups that are willing to continue the spread of autumn’s dark pleasures and metal debauchery. One of which is the unholy King Diamond. Known for putting black metal into the mainstream fold, King Diamond decided to take his band of misfits, and metastasize their wickedness before Santa Claus takes flight. Dubbed the Saint Lucifer’s Hospital 1920 tour, the head priest of Mercyful Fate joined forces with the likes of Overkill and Night Demon. Wanting to get one last ride in before we say goodbye to 2024, Rabit and I headed to the YouTube Theater in Inglewood to endure Abigail’s insanity straight out of the asylum.
Getting the night started was Ventura’s own Night Demon. It has been a while since I saw the trio, but I did enjoy hearing them play those classic metal riffs that were reminiscent to the 70s and 80s that we all loved listening to. Frontman and bassist Jarvis Leatherby was smooth & rough with his vocals, and razor-sharp on his musical weapon. Guitarist Armand John Anthony cranked out stellar licks that could rival riffs that KK Downing and Glenn Tipton created in Judas Priest. This is the first time checking out their newest drummer, Brian Wilson. I have to say I was really impressed with the way he handled those crunchy beats that his predecessor Dusty Squires created, while also showing off his own skills. On the heels of their latest album, Outsider, Night Demon performed like demons. With the crowd still coming in, they took the opportunity to give those that came early their best show LA had ever seen. From “Outsider” to “Screams in the Night,” “Dawn Rider,” “The Howling Man,” “Ritual,” “The Chalice,” and “Night Demon,” the heavy trio did their part and woke the crowd up.
More of the faithful metalheads of LA filled the floor just as Overkill took the stage. Celebrating their 20th release, Scorched, the hell raising thrash metal legends of New Jersey were just as bad as the last time I saw them in Anaheim. Starting with “Scorched,” frontman Bobby Blitz showcased his infamous guttural voice that still packs a punch that goes straight for the throat. Blitz’s partner in crime, bassist DD Verni, sparked intense bass riffs that helped Overkill’s loyalist followers get in the head-banging spirit. The guitar duo showmanship of lead player Dave Linsk and rhythm player Derek Tailer was a lethal combination of volume and fierceness. Linsk especially was a tsunami of sheer persistence that fans were yearning to hear. Each solo was terrifying, as it made Blitz’s screams even tougher. The passion they love to bring to the masses was very strong. This performance also marked the shortest we’ve ever seen from Overkill, but they still created an explosive set. With songs like “Rotten to the Core,” “Bring Me the Night,” “Hello From the Gutter,” “The Surgeon,” “Ironbound,” “Elimination,” and the Subhumans cover, “Fuck You,” Overkill overcharged our senses and helped set the mood for what was about to come our way. It is always a fun night for Overkill.
After a near 30 minutes set change, us metalheads were ready to return to the Asylum as King Diamond graced us with his presence. Beginning their set with “Arrival,” King Diamond belted out his iconic falsetto voice that was heard throughout the theater. It still amazes me how high this man’s voice can go, and you can feel the wickedness as well as the terrifying joy he brings to the masses. Helping the high priest with backing vocals as well as offering keyboard delight was special guest Amalie Bruun, aka Myrkur. Her presence on stage gave the show a dark folk feel that really helped make the mood even more sinister. Lead guitarist Mike Wead was an electrifying nightmare as he churned out ghoulish solos that gave me goosebumps that was truly what I needed that night. Along with rhythm guitarist Andy LaRocque, drummer Matt Thompson, and bassist Pontus Egberg, St. Lucifer’s hospital staff was prepped and gunning for our souls with their killer rhythmic beats. King Diamond was truly king of the YouTube Theater.
Their whole stage set up was a demented mental hospital, where grandma sat in her chair, waiting for the right moment to prop up and horrify us. King Diamond overall had an eclectic setlist, primarily with songs coming from Abigail and Others. No matter what kind of song they performed, Rabit and I were constantly riffing & headbanging to those devilishly sweet songs. There was not one moment where we were sitting down. From “A Mansion in Darkness” to “Halloween,” “Voodoo,” “Spider Lily,” “Sleepless Nights,” “The Invisible Guests,” “The Candle,” “Masquerade of Madness,” and “Eye of the Witch,” the king did not show us any mercy, for our fates were sealed. The song that did it for me though was the iconic “Welcome Home.” Of course, no King Diamond show is complete without the encore that is “Abigail.”
At the YouTube Theater, we went to the holiday side, and it was glorious. King Diamond brought last minute Halloween style yuletide excitement to LA. Overkill was a thrashing machine that showed no signs of slowing down, while Night Demon brought a classic revival sound any true metalhead would love to embrace. Five years ago, King Diamond was the first group I saw after the passing of my father. Back then, I was obviously an emotional wreck for I was in pain of losing him. So, seeing this group along with Overkill and Night Demon help provide me with nothing but good memories of him. I honored him the way he would want me to, live my life the way I know how, surrounded by my Metal brothers and sisters. I love you, Dad. As for King Diamond, I look forward to hearing their newest record next year, The Institute, and by then, grandma will know what it’s like to be on the holiday side. To King Diamond, Overkill, and Night Demon, I salute you. Horns up!!!
PHHOTOS BY MATT 'RABIT' MARTINEZ
