Dethklok’s Saturday, May 16 performance at the Landmark Credit Union Live in Milwaukee was abruptly terminated after the band’s heavy use of smoke and fog effects accidentally tripped the venue’s fire alarms.
The 4,500-capacity venue had previously hosted opening act Castle Rat and co-headliners Amon Amarth earlier in the evening without incident. However, Dethklok was roughly halfway through their headlining set when the smoke alarms were triggered, automatically cutting the house sound and plunging the stage into darkness as evacuation protocols took effect.
Following the abrupt ending, Dethklok mastermind Brendon Small took to social media to address the situation and assure fans that steps are being taken to remedy the shortened performance.
“Thanks for your cooperation at tonight’s show. Since the show ended early, we’re working with the venue to make this right for you. Ticket holders will receive an email with more information soon,” Brendon shared via an Instagram story.
The mishap occurred during the final week of “The Amonklok Conquest,” a highly successful co-headlining tour pairing Dethklok and Amon Amarth. The trek officially launched on April 15 in Phoenix and has spent the past month visiting major North American markets, including Houston, Brooklyn, Toronto, Detroit, and Denver. The package also featured high-profile festival appearances at both Welcome to Rockville and Sonic Temple before heading into the Midwest.
The tour is scheduled to wrap up later this week on May 21 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The 2026 tour cycle carries historical significance for Dethklok, as the project is currently celebrating its 20th anniversary. Originally created by Brendon Small and Tommy Blacha as a fictional virtual band for the Adult Swim animated series “Metalocalypse“, the group evolved into a massive real-world touring force capable of filling mid-sized arenas.
The real-life touring lineup of the band features a star-studded cast of veteran metal musicians. Fronted by Brendon Small on guitar and vocals, the live iteration is anchored by legendary extreme metal drummer Gene Hoglan, renowned for his foundational work with Death, Dark Angel, Testament, and Strapping Young Lad. The rhythm section is completed by bassist Pete Griffin, who has previously performed with Steve Vai, Paul Gilbert, and Zakk Wylde, alongside lead guitar virtuoso Nili Brosh, known for her work with Danny Elfman and her own solo instrumental releases.
Neither the venue management nor the tour promoters have announced whether the Milwaukee date will be rescheduled, but ticket holders are advised to monitor their email for incoming updates regarding partial refunds or compensation options.
Dethklok was in the middle of Black Fire Upon Us and the fire alarm went off at Landmark Credit Union Live in Milwaukee #AMONKLOK pic.twitter.com/mkFc4MtlhP
— Rich (@RichIsntMoney) May 17, 2026
