Metalheads of all ages poured into Oakland’s Fox Theater on the night of Wednesday, Nov. 27, excited to see a legend in the heavy metal world: King Diamond. Since the early 1980s the Danish singer has been a powerhouse in the metal community, first singing with Brats then Merciful Fate before starting his solo career. His horror theatrics, corpse paint makeup and wide-ranging voice from grizzled rumbles to blaring falsetto screams have earned King Diamond a category all his own. Concept albums such as The Eye, Them and Abigail have a life of their own, weaving intricate tales of witches, demonic possession and insanity throughout melodies and riffs that rival classical music compositions.  The 2,800 capacity Fox Theater was 90% full, with seats filled from the back of the balcony to the very foot of the stage.  Opening for King Diamond was Ventura’s Night Demon and thrash originators, Overkill.  The King—in all his theatrical glory—came out at 9:15pm, opening with an intro of the song, “Funeral” off the album, Abigail, complete with coffin and a babydoll to represent the main character in the song and album, Abigail, the still born child that is later to be reborn.  The King, in all his theatrical glory, onstage at the Fox Theater in Oakland. (Photo by Kat Loe) King Diamond and his band blazed through a blistering hour-and-a-half set of 14 songs spanning his 40-year career. Fan favorites like “Halloween,” “Welcome Home,” “The Candle,” and “Eye of the Witch” were played in all their glory.  The band is currently touring to promote their upcoming album, The Institute, King Diamond’s first new album in 18 years. While he’s not giving away all the details, King Diamond has hinted it will be about a 1920s family travelling to our timeline to steal something. While in previous interviews King has said it’ll be a two-part album, he told audiences at the Fox it might even become a three-parter.  A major focus of the album will be the institute, Saint Lucifer’s Hospital. So, it was only natural for the band’s stage to look like a giant, destitute, rundown and haunted asylum. While only two new songs were played from the upcoming release—“Spider Lilly” and “Electro Therapy”—if they are examples of things to come, metal fans have some good things to look forward to.  The band was also accompanied by Danish Black Metal artist, Myrkur, who also sang and played keys.  Closing out the encore the band played their most famous song, “Abigail,” the title track from King Diamond’s second album. With his high energy, impeccable singing and elaborate stage show, King Diamond proved even at 68 years old there’s still no rest for the wicked.  Setlist: -Funeral (recording) ArrivalA Mansion in DarknessHalloweenVoodoo – Them (recording) Spider Lilly – Two Little Girls (recording) Sleepless Nights – Out From the Asylum (recording) Welcome HomeThe Invisible GuestsThe CandleMasquerade of MadnessElectro TherapyEye of the WitchBurn Encore:  Abigail – Insanity (recording outro)  More highlights from the King Diamond show at the Fox, Nov. 27. (Photos by Kat Loe)