King Diamond – Saint Lucifer’s Hospital Tour at The Riverside Theater, Milwaukee, WI (November 8th 2024)
On November 8th, 2024, Milwaukee’s Riverside Theater was transformed into a haunted asylum of metal, as King Diamond brought his highly anticipated Saint Lucifer’s Hospital tour to town. With an all-star lineup that included legendary thrashers Overkill, rising stars Night Demon, and the ethereal Myrkur as guest vocalist, this night promised to be a unique and unforgettable experience for metal fans.
Night Demon: High-Energy Heavy Metal
Night Demon, the California-based trio, kicked off the evening with a no-frills, high-energy set that showcased their unwavering commitment to classic heavy metal. Their blend of fast riffs, anthemic choruses, and infectious energy quickly warmed up the crowd. Songs like “Screams In The Night”, “Ritual” and “The Howling Man” were delivered with intensity, while bassist and vocalist Jarvis Leatherby’s charismatic stage presence had the crowd fired up right from the start. Their performance proved that they’re not just an opening act but a band ready for bigger stages, earning themselves plenty of new fans in the process.
Overkill: Thrash Titans in Full Force
Next up was Overkill, the thrash metal veterans from New Jersey who have been delivering high-speed riffing and ferocious live shows for decades. The band was as tight and relentless as ever, launching into an assault of classic thrash anthems like “Elimination,” “Ironbound,” and “Hello From the Gutter.” Blitz’s signature raspy vocals were on point, slicing through the mix with precision, while the rhythm section, driven by Christian Olde Wolbers filling in for D.D. Verni on bass guitar and Jason Bittner’s blistering drumming, laid down a furious foundation. Overkill’s set was a high-octane rush that had the crowd headbanging and pumped up. It was a perfect fit for the night, setting the stage for the theatrical madness to come.
King Diamond: A Dark, Haunting Journey
The anticipation for King Diamond was palpable as the lights dimmed, and a haunting melody filled the theater. Emerging in his iconic black-and-white face paint and ornate stage costume, King Diamond and his band took the audience on a journey into the dark recesses of Saint Lucifer’s Hospital — a terrifying concept that served as the backbone of the evening’s performance.
The setlist was a carefully crafted blend of King’s solo material, with a heavy focus on Abigail and The Eye, as well as selections from his latest Saint Lucifer’s Hospital album. The audience was treated to spine-chilling renditions of classics like “Welcome Home,” “Sleepless Nights,” and “The Eye of the Witch,” each of which was enhanced by the theatrical elements that have become synonymous with King Diamond’s live shows.
What made this particular show stand out, however, was the surprise guest vocalist: Myrkur, the Danish black metal artist known for her haunting vocal style and atmospheric presence. Her ethereal voice complemented King’s in a way that added an extra layer of drama and haunting beauty to the performance. Together, they created an eerie, otherworldly atmosphere that felt like a descent into the depths of a gothic nightmare. Myrkur’s haunting harmonies during songs like “The Candle” and “A Mansion in Darkness” elevated the experience, as her soaring soprano blended seamlessly with King Diamond’s signature falsetto.
The stage design for Lucifer’s Hospital was nothing short of a visual masterpiece. With Gothic hospital imagery, elaborate set pieces, and eerie lighting, the entire performance felt like a living, breathing horror story. Smoke, pyrotechnics, and projections added a cinematic quality to the show, making it feel less like a concert and more like a dark theatrical production. King Diamond, ever the master of his craft, played the role of the disturbed doctor with a chilling presence, weaving in and out of the action, pulling the audience deeper into the nightmarish tale.
The musicianship was impeccable, with Andy LaRocque’s signature guitar work shining through every song, while drummer Matt Thompson and bassist Pontus Egberg held down the rhythm with precision. The band’s tightness and technical prowess were on full display, providing the perfect foundation for King’s elaborate storytelling and intense vocal performance.
Conclusion: A Night to Remember
King Diamond’s Lucifer’s Hospital tour at the Riverside Theater was a night of pure metal magic. With the addition of Myrkur’s haunting vocals and the fiery performances from Overkill and Night Demon, the show was an unforgettable journey into the dark, theatrical world that King Diamond has perfected over decades. The balance of musicality, storytelling, and visual spectacle was second to none, offering a complete sensory experience that showcased why King Diamond is one of metal’s greatest live performers. Whether you came for the thrash, the atmospheric black metal, or the gothic theatrics, the night delivered in spades — a true celebration of the dark and the heavy.
For upcoming tour dates and info check out www.kingdiamondcoven.com
