A Night of Horror and Harmony: Ice Nine Kills Unleashes The Silver Scream Spectacle
Fillmore, Minneapolis, MN, USA
A four-hour pilgrimage through summer construction zones and eerie ditch fires set the tone for a night steeped in theatrical horror.
Arriving at Minneapolis’s Fillmore, fans were greeted by a serpentine line stretching far beyond the venue — a testament to the cult-like devotion Ice Nine Kills (INK) commands. The crowd’s camaraderie was palpable, punctuated by playful boos directed at a passing Cybertruck, a humorous nod to the night’s anti-establishment energy. As clouds mercifully shielded attendees from the sweltering heat, the stage was set for an unforgettable evening of metal, mayhem, and cinematic flair.
The Fillmore’s spacious layout and impeccable acoustics proved ideal for INK’s grand vision. With no obstructed views and themed drinks like “The Shower Scene” (a nod to Psycho), the venue transformed into a horror lover’s playground. Fans reveled in dual nights of exclusive merch, ensuring no two evenings were alike—a clever incentive for diehards to double their dose of dread.
Opening Acts: A Trilogy of Terror
Melrose Avenue kicked off the night with unshakable resolve when their stage symbol collapsed mid-set—an incident met with shrugs and fiercer vocals. Frontman Jack Bergin’s Australian charm and soaring vocals, particularly on “Suffering,” left the crowd (and a few flushed fans) craving more.
Funeral Portrait embraced chaos with a Beetlejuice-inspired aesthetic: neon-green lighting, campy antics, and a standout performance of “Dark Thoughts.” Though hopes for a Spencer Charnas cameo during “Suffocate City” were dashed, the band’s whimsical horror punk energy held strong.
The Word Alive unleashed a sonic assault with “New Reality,” inciting mosh pits and crowd-surfers. Their blend of brutality and precision primed the audience for INK’s headlining chaos.
INK: The Silver Scream Comes Alive
As the lights dimmed, INK launched into The Silver Scream 2: Welcome to Horrorwood in its entirety, weaving a tapestry of horror cinema and metalcore. Each song was a love letter to iconic films: “A Rash Decision” (Cabin Fever) featured grotesque medical props, while “Hip to Be Scared” (American Psycho) saw Spencer Charnas wielding a blood-soaked axe in Patrick Bateman’s crisp suit.
The band’s genius lay in its meticulous theatrics. Vintage “commercial breaks” transitioned between songs, parodying infomercials for Camp Crystal Lake (Friday the 13th) or Freddy Krueger’s glove. Each track brought a costume change—Charnas morphed from Jigsaw’s puppet (Saw) to a bloodied prom king (Carrie), proving INK’s commitment to storytelling. Standouts included “Funeral Derangements” (Pet Sematary), a haunting ode to grief, and “The Shower Scene” (Psycho), complete with screeching violin samples.
INK’s concert transcended music—it was a Broadway-caliber slasher flick brought to life. Even non-metal fans could appreciate the ingenuity of its horror homages and campy scares. As attendees spilled into the night, buzzing from the spectacle, one truth crystallized: INK doesn’t just perform songs; they resurrect nightmares. For those brave enough to join the ride, the band’s blend of melody, malice, and movie magic is a must-see.
Final Rating: 10/10 Machetes—A Cut Above the Rest.