King Diamond • Overkill • Night Demon • November 16, 2024 • The Complex
Reviewed and Photographed by Nate Bonney
King Diamond Stopped by Salt Lake City on November 16th, performing his St. Lucifer Hospital tour at the Complex. He brought along some openers, which made for a great night of metal!
Night Demon
Night Demon delivered a high-energy performance as the first opening act for King Diamond. The Ventura, California-based heavy metal trio showcased their dynamic blend of classic and modern metal, captivating the audience with their commanding stage presence and tightly executed set.
The band kicked off the night with “Outsider,” the title track from their 2023 album. Its dark, brooding atmosphere set the tone for their performance, immediately drawing the crowd into their world of mysticism and metal. Following this was the fan-favorite “Screams in the Night,” a high-octane track that demonstrated frontman Jarvis Leatherby’s powerful vocals and bassist prowess, complemented by Armand John Anthony’s razor-sharp guitar riffs.
Next came “Obsidian,” a newer track showcasing the band’s evolving sound, blending melodic elements with a heavy, driving rhythm. “The Howling Man” followed, offering a more theatrical and eerie vibe, keeping the crowd enthralled with its ominous lyrics and atmospheric guitar work.
The latter half of the set highlighted Night Demon’s connection to their roots. “Ritual” and “The Chalice” brought a classic metal edge to the performance, with galloping rhythms and anthemic choruses that had the crowd chanting along. For their finale, Night Demon surprised fans with a cover of Black Sabbath’s iconic “War Pigs.” The band’s rendition paid homage to the metal legends while infusing it with their unique energy.
Night Demon’s performance was a masterclass in pure heavy metal. Their raw energy and tight musicianship proved why they’re a rising force in the metal scene, leaving the crowd primed and eager for the night’s headliner, King Diamond.
Their set list
Outsider
Screams in the Night
Obsidian
The Howling Man
Ritual
The Chalice
War Pigs (Black Sabbath cover)
Overkill
Overkill brought their signature thrash metal energy as the second opening act for King Diamond, delivering a blistering performance that had the crowd head-banging from start to finish. The veteran band from New Jersey showcased their decades-long legacy with a powerful set that seamlessly blended old-school anthems with newer material.
They launched their set with “Scorched,” the title track from their 2023 album. The song’s ferocious riffs and relentless pace set an intense tone, proving Overkill still thrives at the forefront of thrash metal. The energy surged as they transitioned into “Rotten to the Core,” a staple from their debut album Feel the Fire. Its raw aggression and infectious chorus had longtime fans roaring along.
Next came “Bring Me the Night” and “Hello From the Gutter,” offering a mix of newer grooves and classic hooks. Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth’s distinctive snarling vocals and engaging stage presence kept the audience enthralled, while D.D. Verni’s thunderous basslines anchored the band’s heavy assault.
Midway through, “The Surgeon” delivered a haunting and surgical precision, showing Overkill’s ability to remain fresh and innovative. “Ironbound,” a modern fan favorite, followed with its intricate arrangements and relentless power, leaving the crowd in awe of the band’s technical prowess.
The set reached its climax with “Elimination,” a thrash anthem that ignited mosh pits across the venue. For their closer, Overkill unleashed their punk-infused cover of the Subhumans’ “Fuck You,” a rowdy and cathartic finish that had the entire crowd chanting the rebellious refrain.
Overkill’s performance was a fiery reminder of their enduring dominance in the thrash metal scene. Their ability to connect with the audience and deliver such a high-octane set cemented their status as a formidable live act, paving the way for King Diamond’s grand finale.
Here is their setlist:
Scorched
Rotten to the Core
Bring Me the Night
Hello From the Gutter
The Surgeon
Ironbound
Elimination
F**k You (Subhumans cover)
King Diamond
Next up, King Diamond brought theatrical metal mastery to Salt Lake City, transforming the stage into the eerie and atmospheric St. Lucifer’s Hospital. Backed by a meticulously crafted set design and flawless musicianship, King Diamond’s performance transported the audience into a nightmarish yet exhilarating world of gothic storytelling.
The show began with “Funeral” and “Arrival,” an ominous opening that set the narrative tone. The haunting intro segued into “A Mansion in Darkness,” captivating the audience with King Diamond’s soaring falsetto and intricate guitar harmonies from Andy LaRocque and Mike Wead. “Halloween” followed, providing a sinister and celebratory moment that resonated with fans of the macabre.
The set took the audience deeper into King Diamond’s lore with “Voodoo” and “‘Them’,” their dark, theatrical storytelling amplified by vivid lighting and stage props. “Spider Lilly” offered a moment of haunting beauty, while “Two Little Girls” and “Sleepless Nights” brought raw emotional intensity to the night, showcasing the band’s dynamic range.
In the second half, the haunting “Out From the Asylum” and “Welcome Home” were highlights, with a spectral Grandma character making a dramatic appearance, sending chills through the crowd. “The Invisible Guests” and “The Candle” brought high-energy riffs and operatic vocals, keeping the audience enthralled. The newer “Masquerade of Madness” and “Electro Therapy” fit seamlessly alongside the classics, proving the band’s ability to evolve while staying true to their roots.
The set reached its climax with “Eye of the Witch” and the fan-favorite “Burn,” leading into a show-stopping rendition of “Abigail.” King Diamond’s theatrical delivery and the band’s powerful performance made this tale of gothic horror unforgettable.
Breaking tradition, the band returned for a highly anticipated encore, which they had skipped on their last visit to Salt Lake City. The encore featured “Abigail (Reprise)” and “Insanity,” an intense conclusion that left the audience electrified. The encore was not only a musical highlight but also a nod to the band’s appreciation for their devoted fans.
Throughout the night, King Diamond’s presence commanded the room, his signature falsetto weaving haunting tales with precision and flair. The band’s musicianship was impeccable, with each member contributing to the immersive experience. The intricate guitar solos, thunderous drumming, and atmospheric keyboard elements created a soundscape that perfectly complemented the visual storytelling.
The performance at St. Lucifer’s Hospital was more than a concert; it was an immersive journey into King Diamond’s dark and fantastical universe. With a setlist that spanned decades and a show that brought his gothic narratives to life, King Diamond solidified his legendary status in heavy metal. Fans left the venue spellbound, knowing they had witnessed a rare and unforgettable spectacle.
Kings setlist:
Funeral
Arrival
A Mansion in Darkness
Halloween
Voodoo
“Them”
Spider Lilly
Two Little Girls
Sleepless Nights
Out From the Asylum
Welcome Home
The Invisible Guests
The Candle
Masquerade of Madness
Electro Therapy
Eye of the Witch
Burn
Abigail
Insanity