By: Michael Drukarsh
Toronto, Canada - As the 80s drew to a close, so too did my hopes of ever seeing the massive stage productions that heavy metal bands made famous. From Ozzy's Bark at the Moon full castle set to Iron Maiden's massive Somewhere in Time tour complete with inflatable spaceships hanging from the rafters, the 80s were definitely the peak of over indulgence! Thank goodness (or evilness) for bands like King Diamond, who, in 2024, keep the theatrics of heavy metal alive!
Playing at Toronto's The Great Canadian Casino Resort on his "St. Lucifer's Hospital" tour, King took over the stage with his elaborate stage productions complete with asylum backdrop and performers. Think Alice Cooper, only far more satanic. Before King took to the stage the fans were treated to two opening acts.
Taking the stage first, Night Demon, a three piece throw back to the old school heavy metal acts of yore. Delivering a total metal assault on the denim and leather clad audience, lead singer and bassist Jarvis Leatherby, guitarist Armand John Anthony, and drummer Brian Wilson tore through a short set that whipped the fans into a total frenzy.
Next up, the often overlooked but incredibly influential metal band Overkill. With a history dating back to 1980, Overkill took the energy that Night Demon brought to the stage and cranked it even higher. With the rabid audience pressed against the security gate and horns flying high, lead singer Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth, flanked by a twin guitar assault and blast beat bass and drums rhythm section, delivered a master class of old school heavy metal. From screeching vocals to head flailing guitar solos, Overkill turned the general admission floor area into a mighty mosh pit. With an album catalog dating back to 1985, Overkill had plenty of songs to choose from and based on fan reaction, they chose correctly. Fan favourites, "Scorched" and "Elimination" got the crowd riled up and set closer, a cover of the Subhumans "Fuck You" brought a sea of middle fingers from the headbanging masses.
And then the King arrived, or, rather manifested from the mist. Arising from behind a coffin placed center stage bearing the name of Abigail, the still born baby who is the catalyst and namesake for the epic tale told on King's second album. Opening with "Funeral", King made sure Abigail was laid to rest before leaving the stage and allowing his band, consisting of long time collaborator and fan favourite Andy LaRocque on guitar, Mercyful Fate guitarist Mike Wead, Pontus Egberg on bass and Matt Thompson on drums to take over the asylum.
Also present, perched at the top of the staircase was Myrkur, black metal keyboardist and vocalist who added an eerie yet powerful backing voice to King’s six octave range.
As expected, the macabre stage show helped bring King’s stories to life with visits from a voodoo zombie ("Voodoo"), a masked little girl ("Masquerade of Madness") and of course Grandma, who was warmly welcomed home ("Welcome Home").
Set List
Arrival
A Mansion in Darkness
Halloween
Voodoo
Spider Lilly
Sleepless Nights
Welcome Home
The Invisible Guests
The Candle
Masquerade of Madness
Eye of the Witch
Burn
Electro Therapy
Encore:
Abigail
King continues to be at the top of his game when it comes to his stage presence and his incredible vocals. Surrounding himself with top notch musicians and the addition of Mykur made the visit to Saint Lucifer’s Hospital 1920 a hell of a good time!
Concert Photo Gallery
show date: November 3, 2024
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