Hard Rock/Metal

Dethklok and Aman Amarth put on a Spectacular Show

May 28, 2026

Dethklok Concert 2026 — Dethklok at Arizona Financial Theatre, Phoenix, AZ on April 15th, 2026

Review and Photos by Fred Kuhlman
Promoter: Live Nation (https://www.livenation.com/ )
Venue: Arizona Financial Theatre (https://www.livenation.com/venue/KovZpZAEk7lA/arizona-financial-theatre-events )
Date: April 15^th, 2026
Tour: The AmonKlok Conquest Tour: North America 2026

Sorry for the late review. This one slipped through the cracks.

A number of years ago I discovered this really bizarre show on Adult Swim, Metalocalypse. It was this heavy metal show that had a lot of adult animation that bordered on very bloody. I loved it. Later I discovered that a physical band was created called Dethklok that would perform the music of Metalocalypse live while on screens behind the band, Metalocalypse was played. I initially saw Dethklok at an outdoor event in Flagstaff and was amazed how good the show was.

Dethklok at Arizona Financial Theatre, Phoenix, AZ on April 15th, 2026

Dethklok is a melodic death metal virtual band featured in the Adult Swim animated television series Metalocalypse. When the band is on stage, only the first couple of rows or people can see the faces of the band members. They intentionally backlight the band, because the animation on the screen behind the band is the show. The band only provides musical support.

This was the first stop on the AmonKlok tour. A lot of bands like to start their tours here in Phoenix to work out any issues that might occur. Phoenix crowds are very forgiving. Well, Dethklok had an issue at the start of their performance. Their seemed to be an issue with some of the equipment on the stage. It was interesting that they had Facebone (one of the Metalocalypse characters) come on the screen and explain the short delay due to the technical issue. So eventually they restarted the concert from the beginning and all went well from there.

The Dethklok show was outstanding. I really love the different animated skits that ran on the screen. The band was also extremely good. One of my favorite parts was when Facebone came on and did his Drugs & Alcohol skit. I always love that part of the show.

Amon Amarth at Arizona Financial Theatre, Phoenix, AZ on April 15th, 2026

This concert was a dual headliner event with the other half of the headliner as Amon Amarth. Amon Amarth is a Viking Death Metal band out of Sweden. I have seen Amon Amarth a few times and I loved each show. It was really nice this time because they were indoors and we weren’t in the hot outside.

The stage setup they have is interesting with 2 extremely large Viking blowup statues on each side of the stage. Also, the drum kit is raised and behind a very large Viking Helmet. During the show 2 Vikings come out on stage with sword and shield and stand under the 2 statues.

The lead singer Johan Hegg commands the stage. He is roaming all over it and singing out to the audience. He is flanked by bassist Ted Lundström and guitarists Olavi Mikkonen and Johan Söderberg. Rounding out the group set behind the massive drum kit is Jocke Wallgren.

Seeing either Dethklok or Amon Amarth would be worth the cost of the ticket. They are both that good. But together they were spectacular. As of this posting, there are only a few shows left on this tour here in the US. If you get a chance to see them, I would very highly recommend it.

Castle Rat at Arizona Financial Theatre, Phoenix, AZ on April 15th, 2026

Joining this merry band of Death Metal bands was Castle Rat. Castle Rat is an American Doom Metal band. They utilize a number of on-stage antics including someone dressed up as a giant rat coming out on stage. Each member of the group was dressed up a some special medieval character.

The band consists of Riley Pinkerton (“The Rat Queen”) – lead vocals, rhythm guitar, Franco Vittore (“The Count”) – lead guitar, backing vocals, Charley Ruddell (“The Plague Doctor”) – bass and Joshua Strmic (“The Druid”) – drums.

The last song was a simulated fight between the lead singer, Riley and Death. I really enjoyed their music and hopefully they will continue creating some interesting albums.

Dethklok Social Media sites:
Website: https://dethkloklive.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialDethklok/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/metalocalypse/?hl=en
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@MetalocalypseDethklokMusic
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dethklokofficial