Last Friday night (November 15th), Dethklok — the real-life incarnation of the animated stars of Adult Swim cult favorite Metalocalypse — re-formed to play a beyond-highly anticipated headlining show at Los Angeles’ Adult Swim Festival. It was the group’s first live performance since 2014. The band is led by Metalocalypse co-creator and singer-guitarist-songwriter Brendon Small, and also features drummer extraordinaire Gene Hoglan (Testament, Death, Fear Factory, Strapping Young Lad). At Adult Swim fest, they were joined by new band members Nili Brosh (guitar) and Pete Griffin (bass). Jamie xx, Vince Staples, Young Thug, Captain Murphy, Tierra Whack and Lil Nas X also performed at the event.
Despite the long hiatus and the group’s new members, Dethklok’s 19-song set — which was livestreamed on Adult Swim’s website, following an all-day Metalocalypse marathon — was a smash success, complete with the premiere of some new backing animation, a new voiceover courtesy of Mark Hamill and the never-before-played-live cuts “Impeach God” and “Comet Song.” See the full set list (via setlist.fm) and fan-shot video below. No word on whether the performance signals a possible return of Metalocalypse to Adult Swim — the network cancelled the show in 2015. The show’s last hurrah was the one-hour rock opera special Metalocalypse: The Doomstar Requiem, which aired on October 27th, 2013.
Dethklok set list, Adult Swim Festival, November 15th:
Deththeme
Briefcase Full of Guts
Birthday Dethday
Awaken
Bloodlines
The Gears
Black Fire Upon Us
Dethsupport
Duncan Hills Coffee Jingle
Impeach God (Live Premiere)
Comet Song (Live Premiere)
Andromeda
I Ejaculate Fire
The Duel
Murmaider
Thunderhorse
Encore:
Castratikron
Go Into the Water
Fansong
