Fictional metal act Dethklok came to life Oct. 6 at the Big Four Building in Calgary, Alta. Mostly backlit and in front of giant screen displaying music videos and shorts from the hit cartoon series, Metalocalypse creator Brandon Small, taking on the role of frontman and guitarist, was joined on stage by bassist Bryan Beller, guitarist Mike Keneally and drummer Gene Hoglan in front of a diverse and enthusiastic crowd.

Opening the show was Oakland, Calif. three-piece High on Fire, a group that never disappoints. Fronted by guitar virtuoso Matt Pike, their energetic set was followed up by Converge of Salem, Mass. While the hardcore quartet’s performance was nothing short of visually active, the terrible acoustics at the Big Four did little for their sound, a major venue downfall that plagued all four bands.

Co-headlining the show was Mastodon, whose psychadelic video collage helped distract from their lack of stage presence and monotonous choice in set list, making it no hard task for Dethklok to steal the show.