King Diamond summons Abigail again in London: Live report of the show at the Roundhouse

Did you have a night to remember? Or was it a night to feel a bit spooked? It really goes down to what you enjoy, right? It was definitely a night to remember for us! The last time King Diamond was in London was over 11 years ago, and he was performing the “Abigail” album at the amazing O2 Kentish Town. What a throwback! Hey, were you there? Absolutely, we were!

Remember how the theatrical show, the voice extension, and the crowd’s energy were just off the charts back then? It was something else! Do you think it’s going to be the same this time around? You’ll find out before you know it!

On this tour, the King will be accompanied by none other than Paradise Lost and Unto Others. Honestly, they couldn’t have chosen a better option.

So let’s enjoy the show! A huge thanks to Andy for having us!

Unto Others

1. Butterfly
2. Momma Likes the Door Closed
3. Suicide Today
4. It Doesn’t Really Matter
5. Can You Hear the Rain
6. Heroin
7. When Will God’s Work Be Done
8. Give Me to the Night

The lights dim, the smoke rises, and from the shadows, black velvet shirts emerged as the first few notes of “Butterfly” kick off their London show, setting the stage for an intriguing night ahead.

I’ve been looking forward to seeing these guys for ages, but it seems like something always comes up to mess with our plans. So here I was, checking out some of the new wave of music that’s coming up.

I’m guessing most of you are already familiar with them, but just in case you’re not, the band, which was originally called Idle Hands, is making waves in the music scene with their unique and memorable melodic post-rock sound. You know, I might be imagining things here, but what I really mean is that while their tunes and lyrics might seem pretty basic to some, there’s just something unique and captivating about them that keeps me from looking away.

Right from the first note by frontman Gabriel Franco, you’re taken to one of those melancholic spots that only a few get to experience. His baritone voice and lyrics dive into themes of mortality and identity, which really gives the band a unique gothic-metal vibe. I’ve got to mention, those sunglasses totally give off those Sisters of Mercy vibes. Loved it!

Photo: Peterson Marti

Paradise Lost

1. Enchantment
2. The Enemy
3. No Hope in Sight
4. Pity the Sadness
5. Faith Divides Us – Death Unites Us
6. The Last Time
7. Ghosts
8. Embers Fire
9. Say Just Words

After 30 years in the game, Paradise Lost definitely don’t need any introduction. It’s definitely a challenge to keep things fresh after so many years and sixteen albums, but the band still manages to impress. They march to their own beat, diving into new sounds while still holding onto those iconic guitar riffs.

I’m intrigued to see what the new album has in store for us! It’s set to be released on September 19, 2025, and you can already pre-order it. Plus, it will kick off the upcoming tour starting in October, featuring Messa, High Parasite, and Lacrimas Profundere as support acts.

A familiar face is also seen on stage as Jeff Singer, the drummer who performed from 2004 to 2008, takes Guido Montanarini’s place.

They put on a really tight and polished set that totally highlighted their musical precision and style. It was impressive! Their performance came across as really composed and professional—just like their signature style, which usually leans more towards the thoughtful side than the emotional one.

Sometimes, I really wished they could connect more with the audience, especially with the thrill of opening for King Diamond. It’s obvious they really care about what they do. Sure, there were a few vocal moments that missed the mark, but overall, the music came together really well. Not every band aims for that high-energy crowd engagement, and that’s totally fine—it’s just their style.

Photo: Peterson Marti

King Diamond

1. (tape) Funeral
2. Arrival
3. A Mansion in Darkness
4. Halloween
5. Voodoo
6. (tape) “Them”
7. Spider Lilly
8. (tape) Two Little Girls
9. Sleepless Nights
10. (tape) Out From The Asylum
11. Welcome Home
12. The Invisible Guests
13. The Candle
14. Masquerade of Madness
15. Eye of the Witch
16. Burn
17. Abigail

The iconic staircase has made a comeback! Victorian lights, coffins, dolls, barricaded windows… Am I forgetting something?

I was totally caught off guard when King Diamond‘s elegant figure appeared from the darkness and smoke. As the familiar notes of “Funeral” play, he reenacts the coffin scene where Abigail was laid to rest back in 2016. With “Arrival,” we were just getting warmed up, but with “A Mansion in Darkness,” the mosh pit really kicked off.

Each band member really makes the most of the space and the stage props, but it’s the King who steals the show as he moves up and down the staircase, almost like he’s the king of a grand palace. And for each song, there’s a specific part that he covers. It’s not only about the music and live instruments; it’s also about the acting and the connection with the talented performer Jodi Cachia, who has been with the band’s live shows since 1998. The details of each song are examined closely, almost like a well-crafted opera, complete with acts and props that come alive at just the right moments. The band moves around the stage in a way that doesn’t disrupt the flow but truly captures the essence of each song.

As King Diamond introduces each member of the band one by one, he takes a moment to highlight the backing vocals and keyboardist, Hel Pyre, who also joined Nervosa in 2023. Before her, Myrkur was the one chosen for the role. She helped out with the North American Tour but decided not to continue with the European one.

Throughout the whole set, the King has a really cool way of introducing each song with some chat to connect with the audience, breaking that opera vibe and bringing everyone back down to earth. He’s such a fun character who really connects with the crowd, whether it’s through questions or just sharing anecdotes. I really enjoyed those little moments in his all-composeness, and I bet everyone else did too!

As Andy approached the stage door, he kindly helped an intriguing old figure settle into a wheelchair. Guess what? Grandma’s back! As soon as “Welcome Home” starts playing, the crowd goes wild, and if you weren’t singing along before, there’s just no way to avoid it now. Sometimes, it felt like the voices of the singers blended right into the scene.

As we got closer to the end of the set, with “Masquerade of Madness” and “Eye of the Witch,” the crowd was so hyped that the heat in the Roundhouse didn’t bother anyone anymore.

Before the last song, King Diamond picked up the paper set list from the floor and handed over to someone in the crowd asking them what they wanted as last song…The choice was “Abigail”.

It was a show like no other, truly one of a kind.

Photo: Peterson Marti