Live Review: Gwar + Helmet + The Dwarves + Blood Vulture @ Masquerade, Atlanta - November 13, 2025

Chris Collett
Nov 14
4 min read

Updated: Nov 17

**Blöthar the Berserker - GWAR - Photo by Chris Collett**

November 13th at The Masquerade felt like stepping into a world that only GWAR could create. The scumdogs of the universe brought their The Return Of Gor Gor Tour to town and it was nothing less than a spectical. The second the house lights dropped, the room turned into a warzone of color, gore effects, and heavy riffs. Atlanta crowds always show up ready to go hard, but this one felt extra charged. You could feel the energy climbing before the first spray even hit the air. GWAR walked out in full character, weapons raised, armor shining under the lights, and the entire venue instantly erupted. Shooting this show was a challenge in the best possible way. Every second offered a new blast of light, movement, or flying fluids, and the atmosphere was pure chaos in a way only GWAR can pull off.

This show also meant a lot to me personally because it was my eighteenth time seeing GWAR. My first time was September 20th, 1990 at the original Masquerade and that night changed how I looked at live music forever. Being able to stand in the pit for this one made it even more meaningful, since it was my first time photographing them after seeing them so many times over the years. Standing there photographing one of my favorite live bands, in the same city where it all started for me, felt like everything had come full circle.

The night opened with Blood Vulture, who came out swinging with a fast and aggressive set. They kept the momentum going and had the early crowd locked in before most people even had their drinks in hand. For an opener, they hit hard and set the tone perfectly for what the rest of the night was building toward.

Blag Dahlia - The Dwarves - Photo by Chris Collett

Next up were The Dwarves, and they wasted no time turning the floor into a swirling mess of bodies. Their set moved at full speed with relentless punk energy and zero hesitation. They had the crowd bouncing immediately. Even from behind the camera, you could feel how tight and raw they sounded. They delivered the kind of set that hits you straight in the chest and leaves you wanting more.

Page Hamilton - Helmet - Photo by Chris Collett

Helmet followed with a completely different vibe, but it worked. Their sound was heavier, steadier, and more controlled. It brought a groove that pulled the crowd in and settled the room just enough before the chaos of the headliner. They delivered those thick riffs they are known for and gave everyone a moment to breathe while still keeping the energy high. It was a solid bridge between the wildness of the first two bands and the madness that was about to hit the stage next.

When GWAR finally took over, the room shifted into full theater mode. Characters stormed the stage, fake blood blasted the crowd, and every song came with some kind of visual punch. Fans in the front row were already soaked by the second song and loving every second of it. Even for someone who shoots shows almost every week, this one stands apart. You cannot treat a GWAR show like a normal concert. You have to be ready for the unexpected. The lighting changes, the props, the close range effects, and the nonstop movement make it a workout behind the lens, but the resulting photos are some of the most fun you can get.

The band itself sounded on point. Beneath all the theatrics is a group of musicians who know exactly what they are doing. The guitars were sharp, the drums were heavy, and the vocals cut right through the chaos onstage. The pacing of the set never dipped. Every song transitioned into another moment of controlled insanity. The crowd stayed loud, moving, and completely invested the entire night. Whether you were there for the music, the storylines, the gore, or the pure spectacle, it delivered.

GWAR - Tyrant King Official Video

As a photographer, this show is a highlight of the year for me. It is messy, unpredictable, challenging, and everything I enjoy about shooting live music. The Masquerade is always a great venue to work in, but seeing it transformed into a battlefield with fans cheering while covered in multiple colors of fake blood is something special. I walked out soaked, tired, and absolutely glad I was there for it.