Photos and Review by Jim LaValley
Galleries: Silver Scream Con, Avatar, Ice Nine Kills
The Silver Scream Con 3, held in Worcester, MA from September 13-15, 2024, was a thrilling weekend dedicated to horror, metal, and celebrity culture, founded by Spencer Charnas of Ice Nine Kills. Kicking off on Friday the 13th—an omen of spooky delight—the convention brought together passionate fans and an impressive lineup of guests and activities.
Lines moved efficiently, thanks to the experienced staff, allowing eager fans to dive straight into the heart of the action. The convention floor was a tapestry of memorabilia, vendors, and the unmistakable vibe of horror fandom.
Silver Scream Con
One of the standout events was the horror trivia competition, which sparked both friendly rivalry and enthusiastic participation hosted by non-other than Jose Mangin, the Metal Ambassador, from SiriusXM Octane. The competition consisted of the crowd breaking into teams of 6 people. The winning team each got a custom-made trophy that Jose has made up with a knife going through a skull.
The costume contest was also remarkable, with a significant number of attendees sporting elaborate outfits. The standout trend in cosplay this year was undoubtedly the *Terrifier* franchise, with numerous fans embodying the iconic clown. Other popular characters included Pyramid Head from *Silent Hill*, various Jasons and Michaels from *Friday the 13th* and *Halloween*, and even playful interpretations of *Killer Klowns from Outer Space* and *IT*.
Jose Mangin’s live broadcast added star power to the event, and his engaging presence resonated with fans throughout the weekend. Meanwhile, lines for celebrity meet-and-greets varied in size; some were lengthy, but they moved along efficiently for the most part.
The vendor area was a haven for collectors and fans alike. Unique art showcased wacky mashups, such as the *Terrifier* clown taking on Jason and Chucky wreaking havoc on *Toy Story* toys. The selection of Funko Pop models—both signed and unsigned—allowed fans to snag autographs from stars walking through the vendor area, adding a personal touch to their collections.
One highlight was the Ice Nine Kills Museum, which celebrated the band’s horror-themed performances. Here, fans could revisit stories from their music videos, like “An American Nightmare,” and even see props such as Spencer’s iconic hat and clawed glove.
The passion of the fans, the creativity of the cosplay, and the energy of the celebrity interactions coalesced into a fantastic atmosphere that left everyone eagerly anticipating next year’s event. Long live horror and metal!
On September 14, 2024, the Worcester Palladium was the epicenter of metal and horror fandom as it hosted the highly anticipated Silver Scream Con 3 Outdoor Concert. With a lineup that boasted Avatar, In This Moment, and Ice Nine Kills, the venue was packed to the brim with enthusiastic fans ready to witness the closing nights of each band’s respective tours.
Avatar wasted no time igniting the crowd with their stellar performance. Opening with “Dance Devil Dance,” the band’s theatrical style and heavy riffs set an electrifying tone right from the get-go. The setlist flowed seamlessly, with standout tracks like “The Eagle Has Landed” and “Valley of Disease” captivating the audience. Midway through, the dark allure of “Bloody Angel” gave way to the anthemic “For the Swarm.”
Avatar
The band’s signature blend of aggression and melody came to life in songs like “The Dirt I’m Buried In” and “Smells Like a Freakshow,” while the crowd erupted during the closer, “Hail the Apocalypse.” Each note reverberated through the packed outdoor space, signaling a triumphant end to Avatar’s tour.
In This Moment closed out their tour with an unforgettable performance at the Worcester Palladium, cementing their reputation as a powerhouse in the metal scene. The night began with the haunting introduction of “The Purge,” setting a dark and atmospheric tone that encapsulated the audience from the very first notes. Maria Brink, the band’s fascinating frontwoman, commanded the stage with a magnetic presence, embodying the essence of the song with every movement. The visuals behind the band enhanced the experience, with eerie imagery complementing the music beautifully.
Following the chilling opener, the show quickly escalated in intensity with “The In-Between.” The interplay between heavy riffs and Brink’s ethereal vocals created a mesmerizing contrast that left the crowd in awe. With each track, the band effortlessly transitioned between themes of love, pain, and empowerment, particularly evident in songs like “Blood” and “Sacrifice.”
As the set progressed, “Big Bad Wolf” with its catchy hooks ignited the crowd into a frenzy. The atmosphere was electric, as fans screamed the lyrics back at the band and the energy in the room surged. The infectious rhythm of “Adrenalize” kept the momentum rolling, serving as the perfect precursor to their penultimate song.
The night took a mesmerizing turn with “Whore,” where Brink’s duality as a fierce performer and vulnerable artist was on full display. The blend of heavy instrumentation matched with her powerful lyrics resonated deeply and confetti and smoke were pumped into the crowd, prompting an emotional response from fans who sang along with every ounce of passion they had left.
As the house lights dimmed at the Worcester Palladium Outdoors, an electric anticipation sizzled through the crowd, marking the second night of Ice Nine Kills’ highly anticipated Kiss of Death Tour. By the time the band took the stage, the audience was fully prepared for a night submerged in theatricality and horror-inspired anthems.
Ice Nine Kills
The set kicked off with “Rainy Day,” a track that set a foreboding tone with its eerie introduction. The band’s commitment to a horror-themed performance was noticeable from the start, immersing fans in an unsettling atmosphere that only intensified as they rolled into “Meat & Greet” with various murders with each song. The infectious energy coursed through the crowd, with everyone screaming along and crowd surfing, embodying the band’s unique mix of heavy metal and pop culture references.
A highlight of the night was the “Walking on Sunshine” cover that brought a different twist to the stage. The decision to cover Katrina and the Waves’ upbeat classic was bold, and Ice Nine Kills infused the track with a menacing twist that transformed the familiar tune into something delightfully sinister and upbeat. This moment exemplified the band’s ability to blend seemingly disparate genres while maintaining their distinct identity.
The introduction of “IT Is the End” was almost cinematic; just as the haunting visuals began to play, the power briefly faltered, leaving the audience in suspense. In a true testament to the band’s resilience and professionalism, they resumed just as fervently, reigniting the crowd’s enthusiasm in an adrenaline-fueled restart of the track.
The energy reached its apex during “Hip to Be Scared,” where the crowd fully embraced the parade of killer riffs and catchy hooks. Although a technical hiccup momentarily interrupted the song, the crowd seized the opportunity to chant along, effectively taking part in a communal experience that only served to amplify their connection to the band.
The inclusion of guest performer Ari Lehman, the original Jason from *Friday the 13th*, in a Jason mask for “Thank God It’s Friday” added to the show’s vibrant allure. The visual spectacle paired with the frenetic sound caught onlookers off-guard in the best possible way, further blurring the line between horror film and rock concert.
Closing with “Welcome to Horrorwood,” the night culminated in an exhilarating frenzy that left no fan unscathed. The final moments of Ice Nine Kills’ performance were a glorious sonic assault, with backing visuals showcasing the band’s dedication to their horror roots.
Ice Nine Kills delivered a relentless and thrilling performance that carried audience members through a rollercoaster of emotions—joy, fear, and euphoria. Their ability to contrast heavy themes with catchy melodies makes them not just musicians but also master storytellers. A night encapsulated by theatrics, powerful performances, and a palpable sense of community solidified this concert as a must-see for any horror metal enthusiast.
As they wrapped up their Kiss of Death Tour with a masterful mix of nostalgia and fresh energy, it’s clear that Ice Nine Kills isn’t just a band; they’re an experience that drew a monster crowd. The event lasted hours into the night and Ice Nine Kills capped off the event with pyrotechnics including a bunch of fireworks spread through the songs. Quite an impressive set!
Until next time, horror and metal fanatics wait until next year with great anticipation for where this thrilling ride will take them next.