The final chapter of the Silver Scream Con III day 2 ended with a performance of Ice Nine Kills and friends, performing live outdoors in front of thousands of horror enthusiastic fans. The fans were lined up to get a great spot for the show.
The First band of the evening was American performing artist, composer, and actor. He is known for playing the child Jason Voorhees in the Paramount horror film Friday the 13th, becoming the first actor to portray the horror film icon. As of 2018, Lehman performs in a punk rock/heavy metal band, First Jason.
Jose Mangin metal ambassador from SiriusXM Octane came on stage to announce First Jason to the stage. Mangin was the curator of the night.
He delivered a thrilling and theatrical performance that proved horror and metal are still a match made in (hell) heaven. With a unique fusion of slasher movie themes, thrashing metal riffs, and punk energy, the band offered a one-of-a-kind experience that catered to both horror movie buffs and metalheads alike.
During his set a character dressed as Jason came on stage and pretended to use his machete and try and kill everyone.
Lehman, donning his signature machete-shaped keytar, kicked off the set with “Machete Is My Friend,” a high-octane metal anthem that had the crowd headbanging and shouting along from the very first note. Tracks like “Kill for Mother” and “Look What You Did” played up the horror themes, with Lehman channeling his iconic character. Between songs, he leaned into his slasher persona, speaking to the crowd in cryptic, Jason-esque tones, which added a layer of theatricality to the show.
The next band of the evening was TX2. TX2 is an artist who blends hip hop and punk rock. Rising out of the shadows of a small town known for music, Fort Collins; TX2 brings an unmatchable intensity in his music through the form of powerful raw lyrics and explosive performances. After struggling for so many years as an artist, Tx2 used his pain as fuel and finally found his sound.
They have created a movement known among his fans known as the “X Movement”, which is all about bringing awareness to mental health and creating a safe space for those in need to talk. The rules are simple, any member can vent and share how they are feeling- while other members are encouraged to push other members’ self-esteem up. The movement is currently growing every day, providing a platform to speak about mental health, vent, and support one another. TX2 wants everyone to know they are not alone in their struggles.
What sets TX2 apart is not just his music, but his connection with the audience. Between songs, he paused to speak directly to the crowd, delivering messages of resilience, mental health awareness, and pushing through hard times.
For those who haven’t seen TX2 live, do yourself a favor and make sure to catch him next time he’s in town. This is an artist who knows how to command a stage and leave everything out there, and this show was a clear testament to that.
Next band ready to hit the stage was Swedish heavy metal band, formed in Mölndal, Gothenburg in 2001 Avatar. The band has released nine studio albums, the most recent being Dance Devil Dance in 2023. The band has had some success on US rock radio, notably with their song “New Land”, which peaked at number 20 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Songs chart in May 2017 and “The Dirt I’m Buried In” peaking at number 1 of the same chart in August 2023, making it the song with the longest journey to number 1 in the last 20 years. In April 2024, Eckerström confirmed that Avatar has been writing new material for their tenth studio album, which they plan to release around the second half of 2025.
The moment the lights dimmed, and the opening strains of “Dance Devil Dance” filled the air, the audience knew they were in for a ride. Frontman Johannes Eckerström, dressed in his iconic ringmaster attire, emerged from a gift box with just his head emerging out of the box. He came out and was handed an orange balloon. He came out with a commanding presence, instantly captivating the crowd. His energy was magnetic, as he prowled the stage with an eerie charisma, at times barking into the microphone like a possessed carnival leader, at others, serenading the crowd with surprising tenderness.
What truly sets Avatar apart is their ability to blend darkness with humor. Eckerström’s between-song banter was sharp, witty, and filled with macabre humor. At one point, he invited the crowd to “join the circus” and “embrace the madness,” eliciting roars of approval from the audience. It was impossible not to get caught up in the theatrical spectacle of it all.
But beneath all the theatrics is a band that delivers musically. Songs like “Valley of Disease” and “Bloody Angel” highlighted their technical proficiency and emotional depth, while newer tracks like “Dance Devil Dance” proved that Avatar’s sound is continually evolving without losing its edge.
Avatar’s concert wasn’t just a performance; it was a full-scale production that blended metal, theatrics, and pure adrenaline. If there was any doubt before, this show confirmed that Avatar is one of the most unique and captivating live acts in the metal scene today. If you ever get the chance to see them live, don’t miss it—it’s a carnival you won’t forget.
The next band to hit the stage was American rock band from Los Angeles, California, formed by singer Maria Brink and guitarist Chris Howorth in 2005 In This Moment. They found drummer Jeff Fabb and started the band as Dying Star. Unhappy with their musical direction, they changed their name to In This Moment and gained two band members, guitarist Blake Bunzel and bassist Josh Newell. In 2005, bassist Newell left the band and was replaced by Jesse Landry.
On September 20, 2023, the band released their cover of Björk’s “Army of Me” on streaming music services as their third single. On August 21, 2024, a music video for the song, “Sanctify Me” was released. On the same day, the band announced a North American Tour titled, “The God Mode Tour Part 2.” The tour runs from August to December and will feature Kim Dracula, Nathan James, and Mike’s Dead.
Before they took the stage a cover of Journey “Don’t Stop Believing,” was playing through the speakers. From the moment the eerie intro of “Salvation” echoed through the venue, it was clear that this wasn’t just a concert—it was an experience. The stage was set like a gothic nightmare, complete with fog machines, towering props, and dramatic lighting, transporting the crowd into the dark, mystical world of In This Moment. When Maria Brink finally emerged, draped in flowing white robes, her presence was both ethereal and commanding.
Brink is the undeniable heart and soul of the band, and her performance was nothing short of electrifying. Her voice soared effortlessly from soft, haunting whispers to powerful, guttural screams as she led the crowd through a setlist that spanned their diverse catalog. Opening with “Purge” she immediately captured the crowd’s attention with her enigmatic stage presence, flanked by dancers dressed as ghostly figures that added to the theatrical flair.
Each song felt like its own mini-production, with Brink frequently changing costumes and incorporating props like masks, thrones. The band—guitarists Chris Howorth and Randy Weitzel, bassist Travis Johnson, and drummer Kent Diimmel—played with precision, creating a wall of sound that ranged from punishingly heavy to atmospheric and melodic. Songs like “Blood” and “Adrenalize” were given the full treatment, with Brink and her dancers playing out the themes of empowerment, pain, and transformation that define In This Moment’s music.
For the encore, the band brought the night to a close with the explosive “Whore.” As huge blown up balls rained down and the lights dimmed for the final time, the crowd was left in awe of what they had just witnessed. Brink was showcased on top of a huge podium waving her wand while wearing a gigantic dunce cap with the word “Whore” on the side. This was a performance that blurred the lines between a concert, a theatrical production, and an emotional catharsis.
The finally and most anticipated band Ice Nine Kills was ready to hit the stage. Before coming on stage there was a giant white curtain in front of the stage.
They are an American heavy metal band from Boston, Massachusetts, who are signed to Fearless Records. Best known for its horror-inspired lyrics, Ice Nine Kills formed in its earliest incarnation in 2000 by high school friends Spencer Charnas and Jeremy Schwartz. Charnas is currently the only remaining founding member.
Ice Nine Kills homecoming show at Worcester Palladium Outdoors was nothing short of a horror-fueled extravaganza. With the skies darkening over the open-air venue, the stage was set for an unforgettable night of theatrics, shredding guitars, and spine-chilling visuals. As Massachusetts natives, the band had an extra sense of pride and energy, giving the packed crowd exactly what they came for—a blend of horror, metalcore, and pure adrenaline.
The moment the curtain dropped and Ice Nine Kills took the stage, it was like stepping into a slasher film. Kicking off with “Rainy Day” frontman Spencer Charnas—dressed as a blood-soaked slasher villain—instantly commanded attention. His stage presence was magnetic, and the energy radiating from the band was palpable as they ripped through the opening track, unleashing punishing riffs and bone-rattling screams.
Visually, Ice Nine Kills brought the horror movie aesthetic to life in a way few other bands could. Throughout the set, Charnas and the band incorporated props, costume changes, and meticulously timed lighting effects to create an immersive experience. Each song felt like its own mini horror film, paying tribute to iconic slasher and horror movie classics. During “Thank God It’s Friday ” Ari Lehman came out on stage dressed in a Jason Mask and mimicked the eerie stalking of the infamous killer, much to the crowd’s delight.
The next song, was a brand new song “Walking On Sunshine,” which was a Katrina & The Waves cover, and featured all things sunshine.
The Palladium was packed with die-hard fans, many of whom were dressed in horror-themed costumes, adding to the eerie, festive vibe. The crowd’s energy was electric, with mosh pits erupting early. Musically, Ice Nine Kills were tight, with the band delivering a flawless performance. Guitarists Ricky Armellino shredded through technically demanding solos, while drummer Adam Reed kept the pace relentless, driving the band through their fast-paced, complex tracks. Songs like “Hip to Be Scared” (they had a technical system issue so they had to restart the song shortly after it started) and “The Greatest Story Ever Told” showcased the band’s ability to blend brutal breakdowns with melodic choruses, creating a dynamic sound that’s as catchy as it is heavy.
One of the highlights of the night was their performance of “American Nightmare,” where the entire venue seemed to erupt. Charnas, wielding a fake chainsaw, whipped the crowd into a frenzy, and for a moment, it felt like the boundary between performer and audience had blurred—everyone was part of the show, part of the mayhem. The special effects, including bursts of fire and timed pyrotechnics, added to the spectacle without ever overwhelming the music.
The horror theme never let up, and the band’s commitment to their cinematic vision was fully realized when they closed the show with a brutal, larger-than-life performance of “Welcome To Horrorwood,” complete with balloons and fireworks.
By the time the final note rang out, the Worcester Palladium felt like it had just survived a horror movie marathon—one filled with blood, metal, and unforgettable theatrics. Ice Nine Kills doesn’t just put on a concert; they create an experience. For fans of horror and metalcore, it’s a match made in hell.
Ice Nine Kills
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In This Moment
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Avatar
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Tx2
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