Dethklok, Amon Amarth & Castle Rat
May 2, 2026
Bell Centre, Montreal, QC
Montreal got a dose of theatrical absurdity and full-on Viking brutality on May 2nd when the “Amonklok” tour rolled into the Bell Centre, bringing together Dethklok and Amon Amarth for a co-headlining spectacle, with openers Castle Rat setting the stage.
Castle Rat kicked off the night with a set that leaned heavily into theatrical storytelling. It felt less like a traditional opening act and more like stepping into a bizarre medieval play. A giant rat character joined the band onstage, culminating in a dramatic (and amusing) battle with a “Death Rat.” It could’ve easily come off as gimmicky, but the band’s tight musicianship grounded the performance. Between the humor, costumes, and solid playing, they turned what might have been a novelty into a genuinely entertaining start to the evening.
Then came Amon Amarth—and they absolutely leveled the place. From the first note, their set was razor-sharp and relentlessly heavy, delivered with the intensity of a sold-out arena, even if only the Bell Centre’s lower bowl was filled. They didn’t dial anything back. The band was locked in, sounding massive and precise, with a setlist that hit all the right moments.
“Put Your Back Into the Oar” was a clear highlight, with the entire crowd joining in the now-iconic rowing motion—one of those live metal moments that actually lives up to the hype. “Raise Your Horns” followed as another standout, uniting the audience in a triumphant chant. They closed with “Twilight of the Thunder God,” and it landed exactly how you’d want: epic, thunderous, and completely satisfying.
Dethklok closed the night, bringing the animated world of Metalocalypse to life. For fans of the show, this was a rare chance to see the fictional band on a real stage, led by Brendon Small with Gene Hoglan behind the kit. Musically, they delivered—tight, loud, and unmistakably Dethklok. Hoglan’s drumming in particular cut through with power, and Small’s distinctive growls sounded spot-on.
The production, however, leaned heavily on a massive screen playing Metalocalypse visuals that synced with the songs. While it was cool in concept and added context, it sometimes felt like the band itself took a backseat to the animation. It became a bit of a trade-off: you were either watching the screen or trying to catch glimpses of the musicians. For a live show, that disconnect made the set feel slightly underwhelming, especially given how dynamic it could have been.
Still, taken as a whole, the night delivered. Castle Rat entertained, Amon Amarth dominated, and Dethklok provided a unique, if slightly screen-heavy, finale. It might not have been perfect, but it was a memorable blend of humor, mythology, and sheer volume—exactly the kind of chaos a tour called “Amonklok” promises.