King Diamond opens the doors to hell at St. Lucifer's Hospital in Cleveland.

King Diamond’s recent show in Cleveland was nothing short of a heavy metal ritual, blending intense theatrics, razor-sharp musicianship, and nostalgia for a night fans won’t soon forget. Taking place at a packed Agora Theater, that was alive with excitement, this concert was a three-part spectacle that began with openers Night Demon and Overkill, leading up to King Diamond’s headlining performance. Each band brought a unique style to the stage, making it a night that covered multiple dimensions of metal, from speed and thrash to horror-infused theatrics.

Starting the night off, Night Demon proved why they’re quickly gaining traction in the metal world. The California-based trio has a classic, no-nonsense heavy metal sound, rooted in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal with a modern punch. Frontman and bassist Jarvis Leatherby commanded the stage with charisma, his voice powerful and well-suited to the band’s galloping rhythms and tight riffs. Guitarist Armand John Anthony tore through songs with blistering speed and precise solos, while drummer Brian Wilson provided thunderous beats that kept the energy high. They played fan favorites like "Screams in the Night" and "Heavy Metal Heat," delivering a tight and spirited set that got the crowd moving and set a strong tone for the night.

Night Demon’s set was relatively short but left a lasting impression on the audience, who seemed genuinely appreciative of the band’s dedication to classic heavy metal traditions. Their energy was infectious, and by the end, they had certainly won over any skeptics in the crowd.

If Night Demon got the crowd warmed up, Overkill turned the heat up to full throttle. The New Jersey thrash legends stormed the stage, reminding Cleveland why they’ve been one of thrash metal’s most enduring acts for over 40 years. From the opening notes of "Ironbound," it was clear that frontman Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth hadn’t lost any of his edge. His signature high-pitched snarls were as ferocious as ever, and his stage presence was electrifying, strutting and engaging the crowd with relentless intensity.

Overkill’s set list was a thrash metal fan’s dream, pulling from classics like "Elimination" and "Rotten to the Core," as well as newer hits that have kept their sound fresh while staying true to their roots. Guitarists Dave Linsk and Derek Tailer shredded through riffs with lightning speed, and the rhythm section, driven by bassist D.D. Verni and drummer Jason Bittner, was a pure force of nature. The mosh pit grew in intensity with every song, and the band seemed to feed off the energy, delivering a relentless assault of rapid-fire riffs and pounding rhythms. By the time they closed their set with "Fuck You," the crowd was in an absolute frenzy, primed and ready for the main event.

King Diamonds curtain hung infront of the stage as crews scrambled to open the doors to hell. Finally, the curtain dropped and a haunting atmosphere began to take shape as the crowd roared in anticipation. Then, with a wave of ominous blue lights and eerie smoke, King Diamond himself emerged, standing in-front of childs casket with the name Abigail on it, immediately captivating the audience with his iconic face paint, skull-adorned microphone, and regal, ghostly attire. The Danish metal legend, known for his theatricality and powerful falsetto, wasted no time in bringing fans into his dark, narrative-heavy universe.

Backed by a stellar band, including long-time guitarist Andy LaRocque, who dazzled with complex, melodious solos, King Diamond’s set was a journey through horror stories and haunting melodies. They kicked off with "Arrival" a classic from his ground breaking "Abigail" album setting an intense and sinister tone. The production value was outstanding, with a gothic hospital set, spectral lighting, and haunting imagery that transformed the stage into a nightmarish realm. King Diamond’s voice was in top form, effortlessly transitioning between his signature falsetto shrieks and sinister growls, sending chills down the spines of the audience.

A highlight of the set was a mini-suite from "Abigail," his 1987 masterpiece and one of the most beloved concept albums of all time. Performing "A Mansion in Darkness," "Arrival" and "Abigail" King Diamond brought the tragic story to life, aided by theatrical elements like a doll representing the ill-fated Abigail. It was an immersive experience, with King playing the dual roles of narrator and character, drawing the audience deeper into the eerie tale with every word.

Three new songs were also show cased in the show from the upcoming album "The Institute" and are without a doubt King Diamonds finest work to date. These songs got a rousing ovation from the Cleveland crowd.

The set list also included fan favorites like "Welcome Home" and "Halloween," showcasing his versatility as he moved from horror narratives to anthemic, darkly humorous tunes. LaRocque and fellow guitarist Mike Wead delivered flawlessly, playing off each other with intricate solos and melodic harmonies that are the backbone of King Diamond’s sound. Drummer Matt Thompson and bassist Pontus Egberg provided a rock-solid foundation, giving the music a weighty, thunderous feel that filled the venue.

Myrkur on backing vocals and keys gave way to haunting undertones and a nice compliment to King Diamonds vocal range.

The audience was completely enraptured throughout the entire performance, singing along with every shriek and chant. As the show came to a close, King Diamond left the stage to a thunderous ovation, proving once again why he remains a metal icon decades into his career.

This concert was a testament to the enduring power of heavy metal and the uniqueness of each band involved. Night Demon brought a youthful energy and vintage vibe; Overkill unleashed pure thrash aggression and had the crowd moshing like it was the 80s; and King Diamond, with his theatrical and haunting performance, delivered an unforgettable experience. Each band brought their own flavor to the evening, creating a diverse yet cohesive night of heavy metal that transported Cleveland fans through time, style, and atmosphere.

If there’s one thing this show made clear, it’s that King Diamond, Overkill, and Night Demon all understand and respect the metal genre while bringing their own flair to it. For fans, it was a rare chance to witness three generations of metal on one stage, and the result was an electrifying, unforgettable night in Cleveland’s metal history.