The season end for Saint Louis Music Park came with a loud conclusion. The last amphitheater date for 2023 featured The BABYKLOK Tour with Dethklok and BABYMETAL, which is a unique lineup with two impressive names that do not fit the standard metal narrative.
With Dethklok, Brendon Small has created a closing chapter for the Metalocalypse saga featuring Dethalbum IV, which was released a few weeks previously to this tour stop, as well as Metalocalypse: Army Of The Doomstar. This Blu-Ray release marks the final movie and finale for the beloved animated series Metalocalypse following Nathan Explosion and company.
The Dethklok set featured many songs going back to Dethalbum from the mid-2000s ranging from “Birthday Dethday” to “Hatredcopter”. It was a full catalogue setlist leading all the way to 2023’s latest such as “Aortic Desecration”. This all happened while Crossbones gave proper concert etiquette tips to the crowd between songs.
Dethklok shows are always well organized. Instead of onstage instrument changes and downtime with banter between tracks, it was animated specials on the big screen to make sure the entertainment does not stop. I’ve always appreciated that about Brendon Small’s live shows.
My first experience with BABYMETAL also marked the first time the Japanese power metal act to the Gateway to the West. Having the opening tracks include the well-known “Gimmie Chocolate” and leading to songs off of BABYMETAL’s 2023 The Other One, it made me realize the adventurous and innovative song-writing BABYMETAL has created over the past ten years.
The show was sick. Both in the 90’s definition describing how great BABYMETAL and the Kami Band were on stage and in the photo pit where a fan leaning over the safety barricade threw up into the pit due to being ill. That was followed by several others vomiting on the floor area left of the stage. This was an odd welcome to St. Louis for sure.
One highlight was the big screen showing an overhead view of the floor crowd and circle pit at Music Park. BABYMETAL performed in front of this, while the crowd saw themselves from overhead and in turn got wilder as the track went on just to see the chaos behind the band.
This was a great way to close out the concert season at Saint Louis Music Park. So many venues have soft closings or shows that don’t end the year with a fitting show. The BABYKLOK Tour sold out the venue and made sure Music Park’s final note in 2023 was a triumphant one.
So much of metal is as serious as a funeral and no joy is allowed to be had. The BABYKLOK Tour proved that metal can be a good time where everyone is smiling and enjoying themselves. The BABYKLOK Tour continues through October 11th ending in Los Angeles including a performance from both groups at Aftershock Festival in Sacramento. The remaining tour dates are on the excellent graphic with all band faces below.
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