Ice Nine Kills Review at Civic Hall, Wolverhampton

In a night where horror met heavy metal, the Civic Hall was transformed into a macabre playground for fans of the genre. The anticipation was palpable as the crowd gathered for a lineup that promised high energy, intense performances, and a unique blend of theatricality and music. This was no ordinary concert; this was a spectacle designed to thrill, frighten, and entertain.

The Hara

The Hara opened the show with boundless energy, immediately engaging the crowd through constant movement and interactive antics. Jumping into the audience, darting around the stage, and frequently calling for call-and-response chants, they successfully pumped up the room. Their more tempered musical style provided a gradual build-up to the night’s proceedings, ensuring they left a lasting impression.

Graphic Nature

Next up was Graphic Nature, delivering a relentless, no-nonsense set. Mosh pits erupted almost instantly as the band’s brutal tones reverberated through the Civic Hall. Their sheer intensity captivated the audience, leading to breakdowns that fueled even more ferocious mosh pits, culminating in a state of controlled chaos that the crowd blissfully embraced.

Ice Nine Kills

Headlining the show, Ice Nine Kills brought a blend of theatricality and heavy metal that left the audience in awe. Their performance was nothing short of a horror movie come to life, with the band members donning elaborate costumes and integrating dramatic props into their set. Inflatable sharks bounced around during ‘Rocking the Boat,’ and the theatrical murder scenes during ‘The Shower Scene’ added a spine-chilling thrill to the performance.

The crowd sang every word, especially during standout tracks like ‘Hip to Be Scared,’ where frontman Spencer Charnas embodied a maniacal Patrick Bateman. The energy peaked during ‘The American Nightmare,’ a tribute to Freddy Krueger, with fans screaming along to every lyric.

The theatrics continued with ‘Funeral Derangements,’ inspired by Stephen King’s ‘Pet Sematary,’ complete with eerie fog and unsettling visuals. The energy never waned as they closed their main set with ‘IT Is the End,’ which featured a sinister clown that had the audience both terrified and enthralled.

Returning for an encore, Ice Nine Kills delivered a powerful finish with ‘Welcome to Horrorwood,’ leaving the crowd in a state of exhilaration and awe. The night was a masterclass in blending performance with raw musical power, showcasing the unique ability of Ice Nine Kills to turn a concert into an immersive horror experience.

Photos and review: Nick Davarias

Artists: Ice Nine Kills