Macabre Obscurum promises dark theatrics, an inclusive spirit, with heavy metal at its heart

Stuart Kristensen at The Only Cafe
Photo by: Luke Best

A magical night of metal, stunts and drag is set to take over the Gordon Best Theatre as Macabre Obscurum makes its debut to the Peterborough scene. Spearheaded by local musician Stuart Kristensen, the event promises not only intense and lively performances but also an inclusive space that challenges the current norms we’ve come to expect of macho, male dominated, metal shows.

Originally launched in 2023 as Rock of Slayges, the show began as a collaborative celebration of both drag and metal, born from Kristensen’s friendship with Nyx, likely known better by their drag name, Magnolia Knox. While that first show featured just one band, and a handful of drag performers, the night left a lasting impression. “I remember just feeling so happy and comfortable at that event,” says Kristensen, who is no stranger to the hyper-masculine spaces that often define the metal scene. “Being surrounded by queer people made me feel so much more at ease.”

Sahria The Djinn
Photo by: Heather Doughty

Now planning the event alongside his collaborator and bassist Talal Al Hamad, Kristensen is upping both the scale and the vision. Macabre Obscurum features an expanded lineup including drag performers Sahira The Djinn and Banshii Waylon, known for showcasing the darker, and more edgy side of drag; Bella Magic, whose performances have previously included: juggling, fire, and nails being inserted where they shouldn't be. Musicians for the night are Acid Rot from Ottawa, as well as local rockers, Mars Freya and Kristensen’s own band Titan Arum, who will perform alongside his good friend and classically trained vocalist Melody Thomas. Thomas’ expertise will blend with Titan Arums music to create a sort of “heavy metal opera.”

Macabre Obscurum plans to be much more than a concert — it's a reset and review on what a metal show can be. Kristensen feels the typical late-night, four-band format doesn’t work for everyone. By mixing things up and including variety acts, it becomes more accessible and engaging — especially in a world shaped by TikTok attention spans.

Titan Arum
Photo by: Yellow Shirt Photography

Inclusivity is at the heart of the event. From ensuring a gender-diverse performer lineup to creating a space that women and queer people can feel safe attending, Kristensen is intentional about breaking away from the stereotypical "bro coded metal" mold. “I’ve had female friends say they avoid certain venues or bands because they don’t feel welcome. I get it. That’s why this show matters.”

As ticket sales grow and word spreads, Kristensen hopes Macabre Obscurum can become an annual staple — one that only gets wilder with time. He says puppets and a mid show theatre performance are on the horizon. But above all, he wants the community to know: this is your space, too.

Tickets are still available for Macabre Obscurum at the Gordon Best Theatre on Sat, May 17: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/macabre-obscurum-tickets-1259827089739