Butcher Babies, Against the Damned, Shame in Nothing, Arkhon, Psychotic Reaction, Neanderthal Jones, Locust Grove
Diamond Ballroom, Oklahoma City, OK
October 24, 2026
Review and Gallery by Ally Arens
Fresh off the release of their latest studio album Nightbloom on October 2 (their first without former vocalist Carla Harvey) as well as an extensive run of shows supporting Mudvayne frontman Chad Gray, Butcher Babies have concluded their 2026 touring season with a small string of headlining dates, including a stop at Oklahoma City’s Diamond Ballroom for a Halloween-themed “Hella-Weekend” show that was an unforgettable and extremely fun night for all. Accompanied on the bill were several various local acts from around the area, and each brought their own unique flair to the stage.
Kicking off the night was Locust Grove from OKC, and while I was not expecting the former to be the first of the night and therefore did not make it in time to snap any photos, they put on an extremely solid hard rock set. Of those who I was able to photograph, each had their own highlights. Neanderthal Jones and Against the Damned both had the strongest stage presence, plus bonus points for fun aesthetics. The former was hard to forget as they emerged in brightly colored wrestling masks, while the latter went for a more gothic approach and channeled their inner Lorna Shore with some massively aggressive vocals. Meanwhile, Arkhon and Shame in Nothing both provided some very solid, more traditional-leaning metal, while Psychotic Reaction took a more experimental, prog-rock approach, which wasn’t completely surprising given the presence of a Primus T-shirt on one member. Between the full lineup, there was a little something for everyone.
Around 10:30, it was time for the real party to begin as the Butcher Babies crew took the stage. In the true spirit of the holiday, they all had some fun with their looks, with vocalist Heidi Shepherd channeling her inner Juggalo with some gothic clown makeup while current touring drummer Delaney Jaster took a more gore-y approach with some fake blood. Their set was a fantastic mix of old & new as they kicked things off with “Backstreets of Tennessee” and “Red Thunder” from their 2023 double album Eye For an Eye…’Til The World’s Blind before throwing it back to 2015 with “Monster’s Ball”, complete with Heidi walking along the barricade to amp everyone up even more. Nightbloom understandably got some much-deserved love as well with “Sincerity,” “Black Dove,” and “Blame It on the Wind.” To cap off the long, late night of debauchery, Heidi entered the crowd and directed a circle pit to form around her while they performed their hit “Magnolia Blvd.” from their debut album Goliath.
With this now being my third Butcher Babies show, I can confidently say that they are just as strong as ever, and I will always try to catch them when they come through. Though nothing has been announced as of yet besides an appearance at Sonic Temple in May, the group is preparing to have an even larger 2027, and I know I’m ready to see what they’re cooking.
Until then, check out Nightbloom wherever you get your music.
