Key Highlights
- King Diamond embarks on a North American headlining tour, “Saint Lucifer’s Hospital 1920,” starting October 15, 2023.
- Tour features support acts Overkill and Night Demon, with backing vocals and organ performances by black metal artist Myrkur.
- King Diamond’s new album, “The Institute,” is expected to release in 2025 as a two-part horror concept story.
- New music video for the single “Masquerade of Madness” out now, marking the band’s first major video release since 2019.
(livesinsight.com) – King Diamond is set to mesmerize North American audiences with his uniquely eerie stagecraft and theatrical prowess as he announces the “Saint Lucifer’s Hospital 1920” tour. This much-anticipated return, King Diamond’s first major tour since 2019, will begin its spine-chilling journey on October 15th in San Antonio, Texas, and culminate in Dallas, Texas, on December 6th. The tour is set to be a sensory overload for fans, combining elaborate stage productions, haunting narratives, and the powerful presence of supporting acts Overkill and Night Demon. What makes this tour especially intriguing is the inclusion of Myrkur, who will provide additional backing vocals and organ performances, enhancing the black metal elements that fans of King Diamond’s work have come to cherish. King Diamond has always been a master storyteller, weaving complex narratives into his music and live performances. This tour promises to be no different, with a plot that revolves around “Saint Lucifer’s Hospital,” an eerie institution set in the 1920s. The story unfolds through a series of characters and unexpected events that are bound to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. As King Diamond himself puts it, “There are so many characters, and so many unexpected things along this journey. It’s a crazy family on another timeline in 1920, where I experienced some hard times, and they have to come to our time to steal from us to survive.” This narrative complexity is mirrored in the band’s upcoming album, “The Institute,” slated for release in 2025. The album will be a two-part horror concept story, with the second part arriving at a later date. This ambitious project aims to push the boundaries of traditional heavy metal and black metal, incorporating dark themes and intricate storylines that delve into the human psyche and the macabre aspects of 1920s medical practices. The recently released music video for “Masquerade of Madness” serves as a precursor to what fans can expect from both the tour and the upcoming album. Directed by David Brodsky and Allison Woest of MyGoodEye Visuals, the video captures the eerie atmosphere and complex choreography that King Diamond’s live shows are known for. The black-and-white aesthetics and haunting visuals perfectly complement the song’s dark themes, making it one of King Diamond’s most compelling videos to date. The tour’s setlist is expected to feature a mix of classic tracks and new material, ensuring that both long-time fans and newcomers will have something to look forward to. The inclusion of Overkill and Night Demon as opening acts adds another layer of excitement, as both bands are renowned for their high-energy performances and contributions to the heavy metal and black metal genres. Overkill’s thrash metal prowess and Night Demon’s traditional heavy metal style will set the stage perfectly for King Diamond’s theatrical spectacle. Tickets for the “Saint Lucifer’s Hospital 1920” tour go on sale this Friday, August 2nd, at 10:00 a.m. local time. Fans are encouraged to secure their tickets early through the official website, kingdiamondcoven.com, to avoid missing out on what promises to be an unforgettable live experience.
King Diamond’s Theatrical Legacy
King Diamond, born Kim Bendix Petersen, has always been a larger-than-life figure in the heavy metal scene. Known for his distinctive falsetto voice, elaborate stage makeup, and theatrical performances, King Diamond has carved out a unique niche in the world of metal. His solo work, as well as his contributions to the seminal band Mercyful Fate, have earned him a dedicated following and critical acclaim. The “Saint Lucifer’s Hospital 1920” tour is a testament to King Diamond’s enduring appeal and his ability to innovate within the genre of black metal and heavy metal. The tour’s thematic elements, set in a 1920s mental institution, are a natural extension of the dark, gothic themes that have always been a hallmark of his music. The storyline, which involves characters traveling through time to steal from the present in order to survive, adds a layer of complexity and intrigue that sets this tour apart from typical concert experiences. Overkill, one of the tour’s supporting acts, is a band that needs no introduction to metal fans. With a career spanning over four decades, Overkill has been a constant presence in the thrash metal scene. Their high-energy performances and relentless touring schedule have earned them a reputation as one of the hardest working bands in metal. Joining them on this tour is Night Demon, a band that has quickly made a name for themselves with their traditional heavy metal sound and electrifying live shows. The addition of Myrkur to the tour lineup is particularly noteworthy. Known for her unique blend of black metal and folk music, Myrkur’s ethereal voice and haunting organ performances will add a new dimension to King Diamond’s already rich soundscapes. Her involvement in the tour underscores the collaborative spirit that has always been a part of King Diamond’s work, as he continues to push the boundaries of what is possible within the genre. The tour’s announcement has generated significant buzz within the metal community, with fans eagerly anticipating the opportunity to see King Diamond’s elaborate stage show in person. The combination of a compelling storyline, high-caliber supporting acts, and innovative stage design promises to deliver a concert experience that is both visually and sonically stunning. For those unable to attend the tour, King Diamond’s new music video for “Masquerade of Madness” offers a glimpse into the thematic and aesthetic elements that will be featured in the live shows. The video, which was filmed during rehearsals for the band’s 2019 North American tour, captures the intensity and theatricality that fans have come to expect from King Diamond’s performances. The song itself, with its haunting melody and dark lyrical themes, serves as a fitting introduction to the world of “Saint Lucifer’s Hospital.”
The Return of Mercyful Fate
The year 2023 also marks an exciting time for fans of Mercyful Fate, the band that first brought King Diamond to prominence. Known for their pioneering role in the development of black metal and their influence on countless bands within the genre, Mercyful Fate has remained a touchstone for metal fans around the world. The band’s reunion and the announcement of new music have been met with widespread enthusiasm, further solidifying King Diamond’s legacy as a master of the macabre. Mercyful Fate’s return to the stage coincides with the “Saint Lucifer’s Hospital 1920” tour, offering fans a rare opportunity to experience the full spectrum of King Diamond’s musical career. With a setlist that spans both his solo work and his contributions to Mercyful Fate, the tour promises to be a comprehensive celebration of his legacy. Fans can expect to hear classic tracks like “Melissa,” “Curse of the Pharaohs,” and “Evil,” alongside newer material from King Diamond’s solo albums. The reunion of Mercyful Fate also serves as a reminder of the band’s enduring influence on the black metal genre. Their early albums, characterized by their dark themes, intricate compositions, and King Diamond’s signature vocal style, have had a lasting impact on the development of the genre. Bands like Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth have all cited Mercyful Fate as a major influence, and their legacy continues to resonate with new generations of metal fans. The anticipation for new Mercyful Fate material is at an all-time high, with fans eagerly awaiting the band’s next release. While details about the new album are still under wraps, King Diamond has hinted that it will stay true to the band’s roots while exploring new musical territories. This balance of tradition and innovation is a hallmark of King Diamond’s work, and it is sure to be reflected in both his solo projects and his work with Mercyful Fate. As King Diamond prepares to embark on the “Saint Lucifer’s Hospital 1920” tour, the excitement surrounding his return is palpable. With a career that spans over four decades, he has continually pushed the boundaries of what is possible within the metal genre, creating music and performances that are both timeless and forward-thinking. The tour offers fans a chance to witness this creativity firsthand, experiencing the dark, theatrical world of King Diamond in all its glory.
Tour Dates and Ticket Information
The “Saint Lucifer’s Hospital 1920” tour will cover a wide range of cities across North America, offering fans numerous opportunities to catch a show. The full list of tour dates is as follows:
- Oct. 15 – Boeing Center at Tech Port – San Antonio, TX
- Oct. 16 – Bayou Music Center – Houston, TX
- Oct. 18 – Andrew J Brady Music Center – Cincinnati, OH
- Oct. 19 – The Factory – St. Louis, MO
- Oct. 20 – The Midland Theater – Kansas City, MO
- Oct. 22 – Murat Theatre At Old National Center – Indianapolis, IN
- Oct. 23 – The Louisville Palace Theatre – Louisville, KY
- Oct. 25 – The Eastern – Atlanta, GA
- Oct. 26 – Duke Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater – St. Petersburg, FL
- Oct. 28 – The Fillmore – Silver Spring, MD
- Oct. 30 – Kings Theater – Brooklyn, NY
- Oct. 31 – Roadrunner – Boston, MA *
- Nov. 02 – MTelus – Montreal, QC
- Nov. 03 – The Theatre At Great Canadian – Mississauga, ON
- 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
Tickets for the tour go on sale this Friday, August 2nd, at 10:00 a.m. local time. Fans can purchase tickets through King Diamond’s official website, kingdiamondcoven.com. Early ticket purchases are highly recommended, as the tour is expected to attract a large number of fans eager to experience King Diamond’s unique blend of music and storytelling. The “Saint Lucifer’s Hospital 1920” tour promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for fans of King Diamond, Overkill, and Night Demon. With its intricate storyline, elaborate stage production, and high-caliber supporting acts, the tour is set to be one of the most talked-about events in the metal community this year. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to King Diamond’s music, this tour offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in his dark, theatrical world.
New Music and Future Projects
In addition to the “Saint Lucifer’s Hospital 1920” tour, fans have much to look forward to in terms of new music from King Diamond. The upcoming album “The Institute” is one of the most highly anticipated releases in the metal community, promising to deliver the dark, intricate storytelling that King Diamond is known for. This two-part horror concept album will explore themes of madness, time travel, and medical experimentation, offering a fresh take on the classic King Diamond sound. The first part of “The Institute” is slated for release in 2025, with the second part arriving at a later date. King Diamond has described the album as “absolutely gruesome,” set in a 1920s mental institution where dark experiments and eerie occurrences unfold. The album’s storyline is intricately woven, with connections between the two parts that will only become apparent as the narrative progresses. Fans can expect a blend of haunting melodies, complex compositions, and dark lyrical themes that delve into the macabre aspects of human existence. The recent release of the “Masquerade of Madness” music video offers a glimpse into the thematic and aesthetic elements that will be featured in the new album. The video, which was filmed during rehearsals for the band’s 2019 North American tour, captures the intensity and theatricality that fans have come to expect from King Diamond’s performances. The song itself, with its haunting melody and dark lyrical themes, serves as a fitting introduction to the world of “The Institute.” As King Diamond continues to innovate and push the boundaries of the metal genre, fans can look forward to a future filled with new music, elaborate stage shows, and dark, compelling narratives. The “Saint Lucifer’s Hospital 1920” tour is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting new chapter in King Diamond’s illustrious career. With a legacy that spans over four decades, he remains a master of the macabre, creating music and performances that are both timeless and forward-thinking.
Conclusion
The “Saint Lucifer’s Hospital 1920” tour is set to be a landmark event in the world of metal, offering fans a chance to experience King Diamond’s unique blend of music and storytelling in a live setting. With its intricate storyline, elaborate stage production, and high-caliber supporting acts, the tour promises to be one of the most talked-about events in the metal community this year. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to King Diamond’s music, this tour offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in his dark, theatrical world. Tickets go on sale this Friday, August 2nd, at 10:00 a.m. local time, and are available through King Diamond’s official website, kingdiamondcoven.com. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable experience.