The Mighty KING DIAMOND returned to Canadian soil on Nov 2, 2024 in Montreal, Canada at MTELUS theater to a crowd of about over 2000 enthusiastic hard core fans. Last time his majesty graced our presence was in 2019 Covid (BC) as King Diamond and with MercyFul Fate in 2022
Photos and Review by Jimmy Kay The Metal Voice
Andy La Rocque guitars
The Danish Rocker whose birth name Kim Bendix Petersen at the age 68 showed no sign of aging or slowing down performance wise or in the vocal department. Known for his high falsettos and deep tones was on 11, all night. His vocal gymnastics showed no signs of decay only brilliance.
Heart and soul are the key words in regards to King Diamond production value. Spare no expense to give the fans a BIG METAL VISUAL EXPERIENCE ... In an age of reducing tour costs, inflation, trimming the fat, watch the bottom line, less is more, this is not the case for King. More is Better... KING Diamond has always been in the build it and they will come camp. And the fans in Montreal have come.
Cue, Uriah Heep song ' The Wizard' goes over the PA (Kings traditional song of choice prior to beginning) to pump up the fans. Then the curtain drops and King gradually strolls on stage with a Doll on one hand and a dagger in the other. Pauses and beneath him Abigail's Coffin. Hmm? A bit of a doll stab and the band bursts right into two Abigail classic songs "Arrival' and 'A Mansion in Darkness'.
Visually, Kings stage set-up this time around is a three story insane asylum built around the theme of Saint Lucifer’s Hospital 1920. With some massive jar on the right side? Door number 9 in the middle. Story details yet to be revealed as we have to wait for his new concept album 'The Institute' (to explain things) to be released (hopefully). However it seems King has left us some Easter egg hints portrayed by actors, props and dramatic performance on stage.
Throughout the night King Diamond's band proved to the crowd they are seasoned vets. With co-writer and right hand man Andy La Rocque on guitars, bassist Pontus Egberg, drummer Matt Thompson, and guitarist Mike Wead. Also backing vocals this tour was handled by Danish artist Myrkur. Let's be clear this is not King Diamond's backing band, this was The King Diamond Band. The band sounded excellent, crisp and did not miss a note. Bass and Drums locked in and perfect duel guitar work. And hats of to Myrkur haunting back vocals.
King Diamond and Andy La Rocque guitars
The set consisted of the classic standards like, Sleepless Nights, Welcome Home, The Invisible Guests and then some old time less played nuggets like Voodoo and Burn. As well three new songs from the upcoming studio Album 'The Institute', Masquerade of Madness, Spiders Lily and Electro Therapy. The newer material fitted in well with the classic staples and the fans ate it all up from start to finish.
Bassist Pontus Egberg
In conclusion the whole show was OVER THE TOP Horror Theater and King once again has proved he and his band are at the top of their game, both visually and musically.
A special note. Right before the last song of the evening King comes out and gives a small rant about how thousands of innocent patients have lost their lives to electrotherapy back in the day as a it was once considered a cure but really was torture. This rant sounded like an awareness prep for the upcoming album theme. Bravo King
The King is Back Bigger, Better and Bolder yeah don't want to miss
Guitarist Mike Weed
Set list
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
Eye of the Witch
Burn
Electro Therapy
Encore:
Abigail
Bassist Pontus Egberg and Andy LaRocque
Guitarist Andy LaRocque and a Ghost
Nov. 04 - The Masonic Temple - Detroit, MI
Nov. 06 - The Agora Theatre & Ballroom - Cleveland, OH
Nov. 07 - The Chicago Theatre - Chicago, IL
Nov. 08 - The Riverside Theater - Milwaukee, WI
Nov. 10 - The Fillmore - Minneapolis, MN
Nov. 11 - Vibrant Music Hall - Waukee, IA
Nov. 14 - Mission Ballroom - Denver, CO
Nov. 16 - The Complex - Salt Lake City, UT
Nov. 18 - Orpheum - Vancouver, BC
Nov. 20 - Edmonton Convention Center - Edmonton, AB
Nov. 21 - TCU Place - Saskatoon, SK
Nov. 22 - Grey Eagle Resort And Casino - Calgary, AB
Nov. 24 - Keller Auditorium - Portland, OR
Nov. 25 - Moore Theater - Seattle, WA
Nov. 27 - Fox Theater - Oakland, CA
Nov. 29 - YouTube Theater - Los Angeles, CA
Nov. 30 - The Theater At Virgin Hotels - Las Vegas, NV
Dec. 01 - Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre - San Diego, CA
Dec. 02 - The Van Buren - Phoenix, AZ
Dec. 04 - REVEL - Albuquerque, NM
Dec. 06 - The Factory In Deep Ellum - Dallas, TX
King Diamond
King and Pontus
King Diamond
Fans
KING DIAMOND's Andy LaRocque & Pontus Egberg Interview-Spider lily & Electro Therapy & Album Updates
Top 10 King Diamond (Solo Album) Songs-Fan Vote Results