Photos and Review by Chris Besaw
A Dark and Electrifying Night in Downtown Buffalo
There’s something special about live music in Buffalo — the energy, the grit, the people. The city always seems to come alive when the lights dim and the amps hum. On this brisk post–Halloween weekend, the Buffalo Electric Factory hosted a lineup that couldn’t have fit the mood any better: My Life With the Thrill Kill Kult, Devora, and Die Sexual.
The air outside was still drying from a cold rain, and the glow of orange and purple lights spilling from the venue promised a night of dark grooves and industrial chaos — exactly how I wanted to end the weekend.
Devora Brings Desert Noir and Fire
Opening the night was Arizona’s own Devora, and I was especially excited for her set. I first caught her a couple of years back in Waterloo, NY, and I’ve been a fan ever since. She’s one of those rare artists who fuses outlaw country, dark pop, and gritty hard rock in a way that feels completely her own.
From the moment she kicked off with “Not Dead Yet,” the energy was immediate. You could see people start to move and sing along right from the first chorus — myself included. Shooting from the photo pit, it was hard not to get caught up in the moment.
Her band had incredible chemistry onstage, feeding off each other’s energy and keeping the crowd hooked throughout. Highlights for me were “Body Bag,” “God Is Dead,” and “Outlaw.” Devora’s presence was magnetic, and by the end of her set, the room was buzzing. It was the perfect start to the night.
Die Sexual Invoke the Goth Clubs of Old
Next up was Die Sexual, a dark electronic duo from Los Angeles that I hadn’t seen before — and I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. But from the very first track, I was transported back to the old goth club days in Syracuse — places like Atlantis, Styleen’s, and The Phantom Club — where red lights, fog, and pounding bass ruled the night.
Consisting of Rosselinni and Anton Floriano, Die Sexual delivered a pulsing, atmospheric set that blended the best of industrial and darkwave. Their stage presence was minimalist but effective — just two figures surrounded by haze and light, commanding attention through sound alone.
Some of my favorite moments were “Bound, I Rise,” “Need to Sin,” and “House of God.” For a first-time experience, I was really impressed — the crowd clearly felt the same, dancing and singing along from start to finish. They’re one of those acts that quietly take over a room and leave you wanting more.
My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult: Industrial Legends Still Reign Supreme
Finally, it was time for the headliners — My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult. I hadn’t seen them live since the early ’90s, maybe around the time “After the Flesh” appeared on The Crow soundtrack. So, walking into this show felt a bit like stepping through a time warp.
The lights dimmed, the intro kicked in, and from the moment Groovie Mann, Buzz McCoy, and Mimi Star took the stage, the room erupted. They launched straight into “Delicate Terror” and “Kooler Than Jesus,” instantly reminding everyone why they’ve remained cult icons for nearly four decades.
The sound was tight, the visuals psychedelic, and the crowd absolutely fed off every beat. When “Sex on Wheelz” and “A Daisy Chain for Satan” hit, it was pure nostalgia mixed with raw power — exactly the kind of performance that proves why Thrill Kill Kult are still masters of their craft.
Even after all these years, they’ve lost none of their edge. The music was loud, dirty, and undeniably fun — a true celebration of everything that makes industrial rock so addictive.
Final Thoughts
As the last notes faded and the fog drifted offstage, I couldn’t help but think how perfectly this show capped off Halloween weekend. Each band brought their own unique flavor — Devora’s desert noir swagger, Die Sexual’s dark pulse, and Thrill Kill Kult’s unholy groove.
It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a lineup that balanced nostalgia and discovery so well. I walked out into the cold Buffalo night feeling wired, inspired, and honestly just grateful to have been there to experience it all.
If this tour rolls through your city, make it a point to go — this one’s for fans of the strange, the dark, and the loud.
Setlist Highlights — My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult
- Delicate Terror
- Kooler Than Jesus
- Sex on Wheelz
- A Daisy Chain for Satan
- After the Flesh
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