Milwaukee’s Haunted Night with Ice Nine Kills

There’s a special kind of magic that happens when horror themes are intertwined with live music, creating an atmosphere that’s both electrifying and chilling. On the Silver Scream-A-Thon Tour, Ice Nine Kills brought that very magic to life at The Rave in Milwaukee. This venue, with its storied past and eerie legends, set the stage for a night filled with haunting melodies and spine-chilling performances that kept the audience on edge from start to finish.

All Photos By Aaron R. Shriver Photography

The anticipation in the air was palpable as fans, many adorned in horror-themed attire, eagerly awaited the night's lineup. The Rave's historical and ghostly reputation only added to the atmosphere, making it the perfect location for a concert centered around horror and suspense. Each band brought their own unique energy and flair, but the common thread of dark, intense, and theatrical performances ran through the entire night, connecting the acts in a seamless, eerie tapestry. The crowd’s excitement was infectious, and the bands fed off this energy, delivering performances that were both memorable and intense. It was clear that everyone present, from the musicians to the fans, was there for more than just a concert; they were there for an experience, one that combined the thrill of live music with the chills of a horror movie. From the opening notes to the final encore, the night was a rollercoaster of emotions, sounds, and sights that left an indelible mark on all who attended.

The eerie and creepy Rave in Milwaukee was the host of the Silver Scream-A-Thon. Nestled across the street from the Ambassador Hotel, known for Jeffrey Dahmer lore, The Rave was the perfect spot for the night's theme. The Eagle’s Club was designed by architect Russell Barr Williamson, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright. It was to be the home of the Milwaukee chapter (Aerie) of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Construction began in 1925 and took two years to complete. Is The Rave Haunted? Musicians reported seeing what looked like a man watching their sound checks and creeping in and out of shadows inside the venue. Another sighting was by the old basement pool and boiler room, which is always locked. The pool is believed to be haunted by an individual who drowned in its waters.

Dark Divine opened the evening, instantly connecting with the crowd by acknowledging The Rave's unsettling ambiance.

“This is the spookiest venue we have ever played.”

said the lead singer, Anthony Martinez

Their set began with "The Reaper," which immediately ignited the crowd's energy. The intensity soared with "Burn The Witch," featuring a special appearance by Lizzie Kristina of Not Enough Space. As the night continued, Dark Divine performed "Paper Crown" and "Cold," maintaining their electrifying presence. They introduced a new track, "Make Me Disappear," which was met with enthusiastic approval.

Click The Image For The Full Dark Divine Gallery

The set reached its peak with "Halloweentown," leaving an indelible impression on the audience. Their dynamic performance set the tone for the evening, ensuring that every subsequent act had a high bar to meet.

TX2 took the stage with an explosive start, launching into "Infamous" and instantly captivating the crowd with their raw energy. Evan Thomas, the lead singer, commanded the audience with an infectious enthusiasm that kept everyone on their toes. As they ripped through "Black Wedding" and "Vendetta," the crowd's excitement only grew, fueled by Thomas's call for a massive mosh pit. The band's setlist was a rollercoaster of intense emotions, featuring powerful tracks like "Hostage," "Swing At Me," and "Vampire by Rumor." Each song showcased the band's knack for blending aggression with melody, creating an atmosphere that was both chaotic and exhilarating.

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A standout moment was the performance of "Mad," a track that features a collaboration with Ice Nine Kills. Thomas encouraged the crowd to give it their all, and the response was nothing short of electric. The energy in the room was palpable, and it was clear that the band fed off this intensity. As they closed their set with "I Would Hate Me Too," the room buzzed with adrenaline. TX2's performance was a testament to their ability to connect with their audience on a visceral level, leaving an indelible mark on everyone in attendance.

As anticipation built for the headliner, Hail The Sun took the stage, bringing a unique flair to the evening. Hailing from Chico, California, this band has been perfecting its craft since 2009. Their performance began with "Tunnel Vision Alibi," followed by "Parasitic Cleanse."

Click The Image For The Full Hail The Sun Gallery

The crowd was informed of their decade-long journey, yet it was their first time gracing The Rave. Frontman Donovan Melero wowed the audience with his dual role as both singer and drummer on tracks like "Rolling Out The Red Carpet" and "Human Target Practice." They wrapped up their set with "Maladapted," leaving fans eager for more.

When the lights dimmed and the fog machines roared to life, it was clear that Ice Nine Kills were about to deliver something special. The sold-out crowd was electrified as the first notes of "Welcome To Horrorwood" echoed through the venue. Each song was a piece of a larger narrative, weaving together a tale that was both spine-chilling and exhilarating.

As the setlist unfolded, the energy in the room reached an all-time high. The audience was swept into the mosh pits during "A Rash Decision" and "Assault & Batteries," each track turning The Rave into a scene straight out of a horror movie. The theatrical elements added an extra layer of immersion, making it feel like we were not just at a concert but part of an unfolding drama.

"The Shower Scene" was a standout moment, with fans moving in unison, creating a sea of energy that resonated through the venue. Tracks like "Funeral Derangements," "Rainy Day," and "Hip to Be Scared" showcased the band's ability to blend storytelling with high-octane performance, making each song feel like a chapter in a horror anthology. The visuals were equally captivating. From the macabre set designs to the intense lighting, everything was crafted to heighten the sense of dread and excitement. The band’s theatrics were particularly striking during "The Box," "F.L.Y.," "Wurst Vacation," and "Ex-Mørtis," making it feel like we were watching scenes from iconic horror films come to life. Each track paid homage to some of the best horror movies of the past three decades, making it a night that horror fans would cherish.

A poignant moment came when Spencer Charnas dedicated "Farewell II Flesh" to the late Tony Todd, a legend in the horror community. This heartfelt tribute added a layer of emotion to the night, reminding everyone of the deep connection between the band and the horror genre. For the encore, the band returned with "The Nature Of The Beast" and "Communion Of The Cursed," both of which reignited the crowd's fervor. The night culminated with "A Work Of Art," a track featured in Terrifier 3, and the surprise appearance of Art the Clown on drums was the perfect end to an already unforgettable night.

Click The Image For The Full Ice Nine Kills Gallery

The Silver Scream-A-Thon Tour at The Rave in Milwaukee was more than just a concert; it was a full-blown horror experience that transcended the typical live music event. From the eerie ambiance of the venue to the spine-tingling performances, each element came together to create a night that was both thrilling and unforgettable. Ice Nine Kills and their supporting acts managed to tap into the audience's love for horror, delivering a show that was as much about the experience as it was about the music.

The evening began with the energetic and haunting set by Dark Divine, followed by TX2’s adrenaline-pumping performance that had the crowd in a frenzy. Hail The Sun added their unique touch, bridging the gap perfectly to the main act. But it was Ice Nine Kills who truly stole the show. Their set was a masterclass in combining theatricality with music, turning each song into a mini horror story that captivated and excited everyone in the audience.

The attention to detail was impeccable, from the visual effects to the band’s interactions with the crowd. The tribute to Tony Todd during "Farewell II Flesh" added a deep emotional layer to the night, reminding everyone of the profound connection between the band and the horror community. For fans of horror and live music, the Silver Scream-A-Thon Tour provided an experience that was as exhilarating as it was chilling. The energy, the theatrics, and the sense of community among the fans created a night that will be remembered for a long time. The fusion of music and horror storytelling offered something uniquely special, a perfect blend for those seeking an immersive and memorable event. If you ever get the chance to see Ice Nine Kills live, seize it; their performance is an extraordinary journey into the macabre that you won’t want to miss.

Catch Ice Nine Kills On The Silver Scream-A-Thon Tour

Ice Nine Kills Set List:

Welcome to Horrorwood

A Rash Decision

Assault & Batteries

The Shower Scene

Funeral Derangements

Rainy Day

Hip to Be Scared

Take Your Pick

The Box

F.L.Y.

Wurst Vacation

Ex-Mørtis

Farewell II Flesh

Encore:

The Nature of the Beast

Communion of the Cursed

A Work of Art