Heavy Metal Karaoke Ignites St. John’s Nightlife, Defying Hurricane

In St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, a spirited gathering took place at Lucy’s Bar on a recent Friday night, where patrons participated in Heavy Metal Karaoke despite the howling winds of an incoming hurricane. Dressed as skeletons, two attendees cheered as Chris Lahey passionately belted out “From a Cloudless Sky,” a track by the thrash metal band Skeletonwitch. The event, now a staple of the local music scene, attracts a diverse crowd eager to express themselves through heavy metal.

Launched during the COVID-19 pandemic by co-organizers Susan Smith and Vicki King, Heavy Metal Karaoke offers a unique platform for metal enthusiasts. “We started it when bands couldn’t perform, but karaoke was still allowed,” Smith explained. What began as a small gathering of friends has evolved into a monthly event that fosters community among punks, metalheads, and anyone looking to unleash their inner rock star.

On Halloween night, approximately 40 adults filled the bar, many of them adorned in elaborate costumes, including horns and corpse paint. The atmosphere was electric yet relaxed, as Lahey noted, “If you consider Newfoundland as a whole, it’s a rough place to live… I like to think that thrash metal, black metal, death metal, all of those things are in sync with the more difficult ways of life that people tend to encounter out here at the edge of the world.”

The camaraderie among attendees is palpable. Mark Walsh, dressed as a Sith lord from the “Star Wars” franchise, praised the gathering as “a great amalgamation of weirdos.” Performances varied widely, with a man dressed as a Pokémon villain singing “Under the Weeping Moon” by Opeth and a medieval knight thumping his weapon in time to a rendition of “Black No. 1” by Type O Negative.

Regular participant Rodney Wall shared his experience with the challenges of singing metal. He favors “No Presents for Christmas” by Danish vocalist King Diamond and practices extensively using a projector and YouTube. “I’ll scream my head off,” he said, acknowledging the vocal complexities inherent in the genre.

Lahey, who has dedicated significant time to mastering his vocal technique, has developed a one-man black metal project called The Ram Has Touched The Wall, which draws inspiration from Newfoundland and Labrador. He credits Heavy Metal Karaoke with enhancing his confidence and skills, advising newcomers, “Just get up there and yell. Don’t be anxious.”

The event remains free of charge, encouraging broader participation. Smith, who advocates for marginalized communities through her work with a harm-reduction organization, believes it is crucial for people to have opportunities to express themselves. “There’s a lot to scream about,” she said, reflecting on the cathartic power of this unique karaoke experience.

As the evening progressed, the strong winds outside served as a backdrop to the spirited performances within, showcasing the resilience and creativity of St. John’s vibrant music scene. This report by The Canadian Press was first published on November 15, 2025.