Danzig and Behemoth
Temple Live
Cleveland, Ohio
September 13, 2023
by Andrew Latshaw
On September 13, 2023, Danzig and Behemoth brought their co-headlining tour to Temple Live in Cleveland, Ohio. The show was a sold-out affair, with fans of both bands eager to see them perform live.
Before I get into the review, I want to share how this day started off… I put in my 8hrs at the daily grind, and then it was time to make the trek to Cleveland from Canton. I get to the venue, and I was escorted in through the back by security since most of them know me from shooting previous shows. I was walked to the box office will call window to get my credentials, and on the way I saw Behemoth standing there with the fans for the VIP experience. I was overcome with excitement to have been within a few feet of Nergal!
Once I got to the window, I get my credentials, and I was standing there waiting for the doors to open, and the security guard asked me why I was standing there. I quickly and respectfully apologized and said I would go wait outside with everyone one else, and he said: You have your pass, and your ticket, go on in!
I made my way back up to the merch tables for the bands, and there was Nergal finishing his VIP time with the others. I stood back and let him have his time with those fans. Then he hit the Danzig merch table and bought some things, and then it happened… Nergal turned and saw me standing there with my cameras hanging from my shoulders on my harness. He walked up and asked me if I was shooting the show for the venue or an outlet. I told him that I was there as a freelance photographer for UnRated Magazine.
He told me that he is anxious to see the pics, and the review. He and I had a brief moment of back-and-forth conversation, and after he shook my hand and thanked me for making the trip, he walked out of my line of sight to go get ready to perform.
I have met many, many famous or near famous people in my life and travels, and most of time I am almost never star struck! These people after all, just human beings like me, like you, and I fail to see the big deal. However, on the rare occasions where I get to meet my heroes, it takes every fiber in my being not to go full on fanboy and geek the hell out!
I want to say that when I was standing there with Nergal, I want to think that I was able to keep myself composed and do my best impression of a duck! When you see a duck on a pond, they are cool as can be above water, just the poster child of calm… but under the water, they are kicking like there is no tomorrow!
Twin Temple:
Twin Temple is a satanic doo-wop band that has been gaining popularity in recent years. Their live shows are known for being high-energy and entertaining, and they always put on a good show. Their unique set where they mix the sound of yester year with their ritualistic antics for the audience.
I recently saw Twin Temple perform at Temple Live in Cleveland, and I was blown away by their performance. The band was a refreshing new take on the music scene, the vocals were spot on, and the crowd was having a great time.
Twin Temple opened their set with their song “Twin Temple,” which is a great introduction to the band’s sound. The song is catchy and upbeat, and it got the crowd singing along right away.
The band played a mix of new and old songs, including some of their most popular songs like “Satan’s a Woman,” “Ave Satana,” and “The Devil (Didn’t Make Me Do It).” The crowd was singing along to every song, and the atmosphere in the club was electric.
Overall, the Twin Temple set was an amazing experience. The band is talented and entertaining, and their live show is a must-see for fans of satanic doo-wop or just good music in general.
Behemoth:
Behemoth is one of the most popular and influential black metal bands in the world, and their live shows are legendary. I recently had the opportunity to see Behemoth perform at the House of Blues in Chicago, and it was one of the most intense and unforgettable concert experiences I’ve ever had.
The band took the stage to a thunderous ovation from the crowd, and they immediately launched into a blistering set of their heaviest songs. The band’s sound is a mix of black metal, death metal, and heavy metal, and it’s incredibly powerful and crushing live.
Behemoth’s stage show is also incredibly elaborate and visually stunning. The band uses a lot of pyrotechnics and smoke effects, and the stage is set up to look like a satanic cathedral. The band members also dress in elaborate costumes, and the lead singer, Nergal, is a particularly charismatic and imposing figure.
The crowd at the Behemoth concert was incredibly passionate and engaged. Everyone was singing along to the songs, and there were several mosh pits and circle pits going on throughout the show. The energy in the room was electric, and it was clear that everyone was having a great time.
Behemoth played a setlist that spanned their entire career, including songs from their classic albums like “Satanica” and “Thelema.6.” The band also played several songs from their latest album, “Opvs Contra Natvram,” which is one of their best albums yet.
Overall, the Behemoth concert was an incredible experience. The band is incredibly talented and entertaining, and their live show is a must-see for fans of metal music.
If you have the opportunity to see Behemoth live, I highly recommend it. It’s an experience that you’ll never forget.
Danzig:
After Behemoth’s set, Danzig took the stage to a raucous reception from the crowd. It was a tad bit disappointing to learn that I was not allowed to photograph Danzig’s set at the show. However, I did not waste time getting upset about not being able to photograph the show, instead I stood back and just enjoyed the fact I was there for the evening, I was there for this 35th Anniversary Tour!
The band kicked off their set with the classic song “Mother.” Danzig played a setlist that spanned his entire career, including songs from his time in the Misfits, Samhain, and his solo career.
Danzig’s live show is known for its theatrical elements, and the band did not disappoint in Cleveland. The stage was set up to look like a gothic cathedral, and Danzig and his bandmates wore elaborate costumes. The band also performed with a variety of props, including a giant skull and a giant crucifix.
This tour for Danzig was his 35yr Anniversary run, and if memory serves, they played the self-titled Album in its entirety.
Danzig’s vocals were as powerful as ever, and the band’s performance was energetic. The crowd sang along to every song, and the atmosphere in the venue was electric. This guy has been doing this almost as long as I have been alive, and begs the question how is he still going this strong!?! I remain envious and appreciative!
Overall
The Danzig and Behemoth concert at Temple Live Cleveland was a night to remember. Both bands put on incredible performances, and the crowd was electric. If you are a fan of metal music, then you should definitely check out both of these bands live.
Twin Temple Website | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter | Instagram |
Behemoth Website | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter | Instagram |
