All Hail the Goblin King: Nekrogoblikon Bring Chaos to Scala

Alan Bryce
Oct 3
3 min read

The Scala, London - 29th September 2025

WORDS / IMAGES ALAN BRYCE

All Hail the Goblin King: Nekrogoblikon Bring Chaos to Scala — Alan Bryce Photo Credit

Born in the basements of Palo Alto back in 2006, Nekrogoblikon have carved out their own bizarre corner of the metal world. What started as the brainchild of Nicky Calonne and Tim Lyakhovetskiy has since mutated into one of the scene’s most unpredictable and entertaining acts—a band who mash up melodic death metal, folk metal, and symphonic power metal, all wrapped in a gloriously absurd goblin mythology.

Their breakthrough moment came in 2012 with the viral video for “No One Survives,” which introduced the world to John Goblikon—an office-bound goblin with existential dread who somehow became a cult icon. Since then, John has evolved from comic relief into a live hype man, talk show host, and, following Calonne’s exit in 2023, the band’s unlikely full-time frontman.

Across five albums—from their chaotic debut Goblin Island (2006) to the riff-heavy Stench (2011), the fan-favourite Heavy Meta (2015), the wild ride of Welcome to Bonkers (2018), and the slick, ambitious The Fundamental Slimes and Humours (2022)—Nekrogoblikon have proved themselves masters of turning ridiculous ideas into serious metal credentials.

Now, in 2025, they’re back swinging with new singles “Show Me Your Goblin” and “Fiend,” both tearing up their recent set at Scala and reminding fans exactly why goblin metal is here to stay.

The band’s Show Me Your Goblin Tour brought them to venues across the UK, with the second-to-last stop at London’s Scala. The venue was packed wall to wall with avid fans ready to indulge in the madness of Nekrogoblikon and their support acts.

Party Cannon turned the venue into a full-blown metal circus. Known for their slam death metal and outrageous stage antics, they delivered a set filled with papier-mâché props, blow-up beach balls, a giant inflatable crocodile, and even signs brandished by a hype gimp.

Allegaeon, the Colorado-based progressive death metal outfit, brought a more technical and melodic edge to the night. Their set was a masterclass in precision, balancing brutality with intricate guitar work and soaring solos—a moment of sonic clarity before goblin-fuelled chaos descended.

From the moment Nekrogoblikon hit the stage, Scala erupted. The band opened with “Darkness” before tearing through fan favourites like “Row” and “Going to Die.” The crowd—many donning goblin beanies—responded with euphoric chaos.

John Goblikon, now co-lead vocalist, prowled the stage with manic energy, interacting with fans, tossing props, and delivering vocals with theatrical flair. The set was a whirlwind of genre shifts, from symphonic flourishes to brutal breakdowns, all tied together by the band’s unmistakable goblin mythology.

Highlights included “Dressed as Goblins”—a crowd anthem that transformed Scala into a full-blown goblin rave; “Bones and Darkness”—a heavier, introspective track showing the band’s darker side; and “Show Me Your Goblin”—the new single, performed with full goblin choreography and flair.

Nekrogoblikon’s Scala show was more than just a concert—it was a theatrical metal spectacle. With support acts that each brought their own flavour of chaos, the night became a celebration of metal’s diversity and its capacity for sheer joy.

In a genre often weighed down by seriousness, Nekrogoblikon remind us that metal can be fun, weird, wildly inclusive—and still absolutely shred.