"Let The Devil In"... on January 11, 2025, Madrid bore witness to an unforgettable metal extravaganza as Dark Funeral, Fleshgod Apocalypse, Ex Deo, and Kami No Ikari converged at La Sala in the Wizink Center (well, which has recently changed its name to "Movistar Arena"). This epic lineup promised an evening that would resonate with fans of black, symphonic, and deathcore metal, and it more than delivered. Here I leave you a chronicle accompanied by reels of the live performances!
Kami No Ikari: A Fiery Opening
(6:30pm - 7:00pm, 30 min)
French deathcore outfit Kami No Ikari had the formidable task of opening the night, but they attacked it with vigor and determination. From the very first crushing riff, the band proved they weren’t here to simply warm up the crowd—they were here to leave their mark. Despite the early start time, the room quickly filled with energy as their breakdown-heavy set ignited mosh pits and headbanging. Tracks from their latest release, brimming with ferocity and precision, set the perfect tone for the chaos that would follow.
Ex Deo: A Journey Through Ancient Rome
(7:20pm - 8:00pm, 40 min)
Founded as a solo project of Maurizio Iacono in 2008 in Chicago, Illinois, Ex Deo originally began as an artistic outlet for Iacono to explore his fascination with ancient Roman history. Over time, the project evolved into a full-fledged band, incorporating other members of Kataklysm to fully realize its vision.
Their performance in Madrid was nothing short of cinematic. Dressed in Roman military garb, the band transported the audience to the epic battlefields of antiquity, bringing history to life through thunderous death metal. Their setlist spanned their storied career, featuring powerful renditions of tracks like "I Caligvla," "The Rise of Hannibal," and their iconic anthem, "Romulus."
Ex Deo’s ability to weave historical storytelling with brutal riffs and commanding stage presence was unmatched. Each song felt like a chapter in a gripping saga, with Maurizio Iacono leading the charge like a general rallying his troops. This fusion of theatricality and
Fleshgod Apocalypse: A Symphonic Assault
(8:25pm - 9:10pm, 45 min)
Italian titans Fleshgod Apocalypse followed, delivering one of the night’s most awe-inspiring performances. Known for their seamless fusion of classical elements with death metal brutality, the band created an atmosphere that was both haunting and exhilarating.
The set opened with the grandiose "Ode to Art (de' Sepolcri)" and moved through fan-favorites like "Sugar," "Monnalisa," and the unrelenting "The Violation." The combination of ferocious guitar riffs, thunderous drumming, and operatic elements painted an epic soundscape. Veronica Bordacchini’s soaring soprano vocals added an ethereal quality to the music, beautifully contrasting the relentless aggression of Francesco Paoli’s growls. Meanwhile, drummer Eugene Ryabchenko delivered a flawless performance, showcasing his technical prowess and machine-like precision on tracks that demanded nothing less than perfection.
Their live execution was nothing short of masterful, with impeccable musicianship and a stage presence that held the crowd in thrall. The interplay of orchestral backing tracks with live instrumentation elevated their set to near-operatic levels, cementing Fleshgod Apocalypse as a force of nature in the metal world.
Dark Funeral: Masters of the Black Arts
(9:40pm - 10:50pm, 70 min)
As the headliners took the stage, the venue plunged into darkness, both literally and figuratively. Sweden’s Dark Funeral unleashed their signature brand of black metal fury, enveloping the audience in an atmosphere of sinister beauty. From the first chilling notes of "Atrum Regina" to the thunderous finale, the band delivered a set that was both relentless and mesmerizing.
The haunting melodies and blast-beat-driven aggression showcased why Dark Funeral remains one of the genre’s most revered acts. Tracks like "Unchain My Soul," "The Secrets of the Black Arts," and "Where Shadows Forever Reign" were performed with surgical precision, drawing the crowd into a maelstrom of sound and shadow. Each song built on the one before it, creating a crescendo of darkness that swept through the venue like a storm.
Frontman Heljarmadr commanded the stage with a presence that was equal parts menacing and magnetic. His voice cut through the chaos like a blade, delivering growls and screams with unwavering intensity. At one point, Heljarmadr dramatically unfurled and waved a large black flag bearing the band’s iconic goat pentagram emblem. The crowd erupted in cheers, fists raised high, as the gesture symbolized an almost ceremonial dedication to the raw power of black metal. The moment was more than just theatrical—it felt like an invocation, uniting the audience under a banner of darkness.
The atmosphere was further enhanced by the stunning stage production. Dark Funeral's use of lighting and effects transformed the venue into an otherworldly realm. Blood-red and icy-blue lights flickered and pulsed in time with the music, casting long shadows that added to the sinister ambiance. The towering, smoke-shrouded set pieces and the band’s corpse paint completed the macabre aesthetic, creating an immersive experience that felt more like a ritual than a concert.
The audience, swept up in the band’s ferocious energy, responded with unbridled enthusiasm. Headbanging was near-universal, and the mosh pits grew wilder with every passing song. It was clear that the fans were not mere spectators but active participants in the unfolding spectacle.
By the time the final chords echoed through the venue, Dark Funeral had cemented their reputation as masters of the black arts. Their performance was a testament to their enduring legacy and a reminder of why they continue to reign as one of black metal’s most iconic bands. For the Madrid crowd, it was a night of unholy communion they would not soon forget.
A Sour Note: Venue Controversy
While the performances were undeniably stellar, the event wasn’t without its challenges. Dark Funeral openly criticized the Wizink Center’s policies, particularly a hefty 20% commission on merchandise sales and restrictions on what could be sold. The band’s frustration was evident, and they declared their unwillingness to return to the venue under such conditions. This controversy cast a shadow over the otherwise stellar night and raised important questions about the treatment of artists in large venues.
Final Thoughts
Despite the logistical hiccups, the January 11 concert was a triumph of extreme metal. Each band brought a distinct flavor to the stage, from Kami No Ikari’s raw energy to Ex Deo’s theatrical grandeur, Fleshgod Apocalypse’s symphonic mastery, and Dark Funeral’s unrelenting black metal assault.
On a personal note, this show held special significance for me. Not only was it the first concert I attended this year, but it was also my first professional collaboration of 2025. Just half an hour before Dark Funeral took the stage, I had the privilege of working with the band on a set of promo pictures, capturing them in their full stage regalia immediately after they had completed their makeup. The timing was remarkable—while Fleshgod Apocalypse’s set filled the venue with their symphonic ferocity, we worked quickly in the backstage environment to create images that reflected the dark essence of their music and stage persona.
This added a deeply personal connection to the evening, making it not just a powerful live music experience but also a memorable milestone in my year. I’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Decibel Touring and Cult of Chaos for making this unforgettable evening possible. The fusion of professional engagement and raw musical energy made the night truly unforgettable. For those in attendance, the concert was a celebration of metal in all its forms—an experience that transcended challenges and left every fan with lasting memories of an epic evening.
