Dethklok is back! The Mutilation on a Spring Night tour descended upon New Mexico, unleashing a torrent of metal mayhem led by none other than the legendary Dethklok. Born from the animated series Metalocalypse, Dethklok has transcended the boundaries of fiction to become a powerhouse in the metal world, with their live performances proving to be a testament to their enduring legacy. Following their iconic return to the stage last year, the latest tour promises even more brutally.

Before the epic onslaught of Dethklok, the crowd was treated to the electrifying performance of Nekrogoblikon. Making their New Mexico debut, the band wasted no time in establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with. Fronted by the charismatic John Goblikon, whose energetic presence and hellish dance moves ignited the crowd, Nekrogoblikon delivered a set filled with ferocious intensity and infectious melodies. Who knew goblins were gods of metal?

Following Nekrogoblikon’s blistering set, the stage was set ablaze by the soaring melodies and lightning-fast guitar solos ofthe legendary DragonForce. Fresh off the release of their latest album, Warp Speed Warriors, the band brought their unique brand of power metal to the forefront, dazzling the audience with their virtuosic musicianship. DragonForce always puts on a masterclass performance, and this was no exception. Alongaide their usual shenanigans, DragonForce unleashed a cover of Taylor Swift’s “Wildest Dreams,” infusing the pop anthem with their trademark speed and intensity, inciting a frenzy of moshing and headbanging as they urged the crowd to form a circle pit, quite possibly the only circle pit set to Taylor Swift. With bright lights and video game themed music, it was quite the juxtaposition when compared to the onslaught that was about to come…

As anticipation reached its peak, the moment arrived for Dethklok to take the stage, and they did so with an unparalleled ferocity. Building upon the success of their previous Babyklok coheadliner tour with Babymetal, Dethklok unleashed a setlist comprised of fan favorites as well as their latest album, Dethalbum IV, delivering a performance that transcended mere entertainment to become a visceral experience.

With a backdrop showing scenes from the show and movie, it felt like being at an in-universe Dethklok show – minus the decimation that typically occurs to fans at said shows. The iconic animated band was brought to life by Brendon Small. With unmatched vocals, it was as if Nathan Explosion himself had crawled out of the TV à la The Ring just to give Albuquerque the most brutal show to ever be performed in New Mexico. The blistering guitars of Small and Nili Brosh were on another level, it was as if everyone was witnessing the legendary guitar duel between Skwisgaar Skwigelf and Toki Wartooth.

Between songs, fans were treated to a few surprises. Facebones popped in a few times with his very much needed concert etiquette tips. Or, as Facebones put it, “How to not act like a stupid asshole.” From wearing deodorant and showering to not overdoing it with booze and drugs, some fans needed to pay more attention to these than others. In attition, towards the end of the set, Small pulled out a few voices while bantering. With the lights dimmed and monitors off, it truly felt like Nathan, Skwisgaar, Pickles, and even Dethklok manager Charles were right on stage. It was a surreal and honesty magical experience.

Throughout their performance, Dethklok transported the audience to the depths of their dark and twisted world, unleashing a sonic onslaught that left no soul untouched. From the haunting melodies of “Duncan Hills Coffee Jingle” to the relentless fury of “Murmaider,” each song served as a visceral reminder of the band’s unparalleled mastery of their craft. As the final notes reverberated through the venue, the crowd was left in a state of euphoric disbelief, having borne witness to a performance that transcended mere mortal comprehension.

In the aftermath of the chaos, as the echoes of Dethklok’s final chords faded into the night, fans were left with a profound sense of awe and reverence for the metal titans who had graced the stage. With the Mutilation on a Spring Night tour now etched into the annals of metal history, one thing remains abundantly clear: Dethklok is back!

April 19th, 2024